Crunchy Like Carrots: 1 of 4

Unrelated yet hilarious photo of a famous Carrot Top.

I've been blog friends with Robin for as long as I've been blogging, I think. My sister knows her sister, Sally, in real life which means I know her too because I like to borrow Paige's friends. She has excellent taste.

Robin started a spinoff blog last February. It documents her switch to a healthier lifestyle, which is based on the book Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman. The book features a plant based diet that eliminates meat and dairy, as well as the usual fats and sugars.

When I began reading about her eating plan I was totally shocked. I couldn't believe someone could make such a huge switch and I couldn't believe someone would like it and I couldn't believe that it was actually nutritious. I've always subscribed to the thought that diets that eliminate entire food groups were extreme and unhealthy. I've changed my mind.

I had to think about Robin's blog for six months before I decided to give Eat to Live a try. I have quite a few friends who have had serious health problems and they've switched to a plant based diet and they believe. Most of them do a diet called the PH diet. I read the book but I wasn't into all of the supplements it promotes.

Here's the Eat to Live initial six-week daily food plan in brief:

• One pound of raw vegetables.


• One pound of cooked vegetables.
• At least five fruits a day.


• One cup of beans.


• Half cup of whole grain.

At the end of July, I got the book and bought the produce and jumped in. I kept telling myself it was only for six weeks, and I could do anything for six weeks. I ended up liking it so much I did it for nine, with one exception for a Five Guys burger that was worth it. Then I went on vacation for ten days, where of course I ate whatever I wanted, but now I'm back. Not as strict, but definitely no meat or dairy. I'm vegan, except not weird.

Next up: What I like about my lifestyle? Sounds Prop 8ish. Diet? Bad mojo with that word. Food plan? I guess food plan works. I need something snazzier.