Soy... No-no??

So, over the past few years, I've transitioned into a primarily vegan diet. While my fruit and vegetable intake has risen slightly [it was hefty to begin with], my protein intake has decreased slightly. The easiest way for me to supplement this deficiency is with soy products. When I eat soy, it is primarily in its whole form - the soy bean. Sure, I love soy dogs and soy veggie burgers, but I have kept those as a minimal part of my diet. Soy is everywhere and it is often one of the most common way many veggies seem to get protein.

But, the weight has piled on over the years and at a rate I find to be slightly unhealthy. A few years ago, after losing 30 pounds in a few months on a high protein, plenty of vegetable diet, I found that most of my protein was coming from dairy, primarily cow's milk & cheese. And, I was a naughty girl... I admit I ate the occasional bit of chicken. I did feel incredibly guilty every time I did, though. Once I cut out the chicken and the regular consumption of dairy, the weight slowly crept back on. Then, I went through a period of bad employment, leading to 3 months of unemployment. That made a dent in my self-esteem. I stopped exercising as much. I found that I was eating more potatoes than I needed to. You know, the usual slump. This lead to putting on the 30 pounds I lost... And recently, 10 more.

Now that I have had a full time job for a month and making it to the gym at least twice a week, I have the potential to be in a happier place. But, I'm not. I'm disappointed. I am trying very hard to shed this excess weight. But, it's not budging. In fact, it seems to be multiplying.

There are plenty of reasons why this is happening. And, I've come to the conclusion it is primarily hormonal. Sure, my metabolism is slowing as I am nearing 30, but it shouldn't be this slow. I have always had issues with my menstrual cycle, which is explained by a mild case of PCOS [hello stubborn weight]. I was also a varsity cross country and track runner in high school, which did a number on my hormones. And, now I am a vegetarian who uses soy as her primary protein source.

After reading plenty of articles and doing a bit of research, I have found that soy is possibly linked to hypothyroidism - the under activity of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism runs in the family on my maternal side [my mother had her thyroid gland removed, due to hypothyroidism].

This sparked a light bulb:
I should go soy free for a month!!!

Of course, that might not do anything. But, it's worth a shot, right?? So, starting today, August 13th, I am going to spend the next 30 days avoiding soy in any form. No soy lattes from Starbucks. No veggie burgers at friendly bbqs. No edamame with vinager and pepper. The latter leaves me feeling very heartbroken, as it is one of my favorite snacks.

From now on, my protein is coming from lentils, black beans, almonds, sunflower seeds, quinoa, dense vegetables, and flaxseed. Sounds entirely boring really, but as I have been in an adventurous mood lately, I am sure I can figure out a way to make my meals exciting.

I also plan on writing down everything I eat as a way to monitor my calories and learn more about my body. On top of that, I will do my best to exercise every day, even if it is just a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood.

Right now, I am going to finish my rice protein almond milk smoothie, eat half a cup of lentils I just cooked, and follow all that with a nice, juicy tangelo.

Wish me luck!!