Transformation of the Day: Ashley Amanda lost 49 pounds. She was a Vegetarian who still ate eggs and dairy for over 10 years. Being overweight and facing medical issues, like ulcers and fibroids, stoked her desire to go completely Vegan. When she did, she found that it was a perfect fit. Check out her story.

I lived as a Vegetarian for over 10 years. Living as a Vegetarian, I did not eat meat but still ate cheese, dairy and eggs. I was overweight, stressed, and suffering from ulcers and fibroids. In my heart, I knew I always wanted to go Vegan but I could not let go of my addiction to cheese and eggs. Finally, one day I just told myself I was done eating foods that no longer agreed with my individual, unique body. Everyone is different, but I knew my body was meant to be Vegan. It was just in my soul.
One day, I decided I was going to stop thinking about it and just do it. I went to my local farmers market stocked up on veggies, nuts, fruit, olive oil, avocado oil, spices, quinoa, and beans. In one day, I made the change cold turkey and never looked back. I have always loved to cook and was good with putting meals together so I created my own plant-based meals and would write the ones down that I loved.
I did not set a goal number in terms of weight. Instead, I told myself that I wanted to get to my natural weight. I am 5’5″ and when I started my journey I was floating between 184 pounds and 178 pounds. In 4 months, I was at 140 pounds. Currently, I weigh 135 pounds, wear a size 4 and have been that way for almost 3 years without calorie counting.
My weight-loss occurred by eating plant-based meals and doing moderate exercise; including yoga, running, spin class and playing outside with my son. I also drank plenty of water and herbal tea. Today, ulcers and fibroids don’t affect my life anymore and I have more energy than ever. I also have mental clarity and I feel that I am in direct vibration with the universe. I live a lifestyle that I can maintain forever.
The best way to lose weight is to mentally lose weight first then the physical weight loss will come easier. After my own journey and achieving success, I found out that my calling was to share the beauty of Veganism and all of the fabulous benefits that come with the lifestyle. Our bodies where designed to feel so good and what we feed our temples will determine the outcome of well-being. In 2013, I founded Crazy Urban Vegan, a brand based on my 13 years as Vegetarian turned Vegan. I have a practical yet fun approach in showing people how to transition to a plant-based diet. Hundreds of people have found success with my 14-Day Crazy Vegan Challenge, Crazy Urban Vegan E-Cookbook and my motivational social media and blog sites. Health is my life. It is my pleasure to share it everyday.
Instagram: @crazyurbanvegan
Egg Muffins are awesome for breakfast! If you are focused on Keto, Paleo, Grain-free, Clean or Low Carb eating, you definitely want to try making these. They can be made pretty cheaply with a variety of ingredients. Left over protein or veggies from yesterday’s dinner or lunch are perfect for egg muffins. I love using spinach, mozzarella, herbs, mushrooms, onion, broccoli, low sodium sliced turkey, bacon, chicken breast and turkey sausage. My family loves them. Whip up your own recipes and make them to fit your taste. Alter the calories by using lean meat, egg whites and lots of veggies. Add fresh herbs, dried herbs/spices, salt, etc for more flavor. (Full recipe at the end of this post)
The aluminum cups worked OK…but I think I’ll keep looking for a better solution. The muffins stuck to the inner paper liner, so it was only a little bit better. However, the foil helped the mixture to cook very well, especially the bacon. That was a plus. If you have silicone baking cups, I’m pretty sure they would work very well. I’m going to try porcelain ramekins next.




