Tired of Starting Over? Don’t Give Up!

If you’re tired of starting over, don’t give up.

For most of my life I struggled with severe acid reflux and mysteriously-related migraines. Doctors said I had to live with it. I took medicine that barely helped and avoided eating until 3:00 every day, because as soon as I ate, I felt terrible.

After decades of tolerating this, a friend inspired me to change my diet. I went vegan cold turkey (cold broccoli?). Chicken became tofu. Cow milk became oat milk. I added lots of vegetables, rice, and beans.

I met with a dietitian and started paying more attention to nutrition. I got more fiber, omega-3s, and magnesium. I started supplementing B-12. 

I also dropped 90% of my processed foods and snacks and replaced them with whole-food, plant-based alternatives. I didn’t worry too much about carbs or sugar, since it was still important to enjoy what I ate. Instead, I focused on quality and balanced nutrition.

After 2 months I felt better than I could remember. No more stomach meds, no more afternoon crashes, no more migraines. 

Still, those first 2 months weren’t easy.

I constantly craved everything I had given up. My body went through some kind of revolt. How could I change the lifestyle that had kept me alive (albeit in discomfort) for so long?

We’re programmed to stick with what works, even if it only barely works. When we try to change, our brains and bodies beg us to go back.

The trick was never stopping.

After 6 weeks a switch flipped. My brain and body stopped resisting, accepted this new normal, and embraced it. Almost overnight it all became easier. The cravings went away. The benefits stayed.

Junebars were designed to support this diet. They are high in fiber, low in saturated fat, delicious, and 100% whole food.

I’ve been vegan for 6 years now and I don’t ever consider going back. I love the food I eat, and my meds are in the past. 

If I had given up during those first few weeks long ago, I wouldn’t be here today.

This was my personal journey. Everyone’s will be a little different. Be sure to consult a doctor or dietitian when making sweeping changes, and listen to your body.

~ Keith McCullough, Junebar Founder