Well, hello there! Today is a busy day. After work, I’m heading to an open mic night with my Dad. Papa Kale’s birthday was yesterday and the only thing he wants is to see his little girl sing and play piano. How sweet is he? So, after work, we’re going to do just that. 
Let’s back up to this morning first! I tackled the same chest workout as last week and envision a fairly sore upper body tomorrow. Winner! Post-workout was a slice of watermelon, chocolate-peanut butter protein pudding oats, and black coffee.
Soooo divine. I use the same protein pudding oats recipe and had 2 (heaping!) tablespoons of powdered peanut butter to the mix. It’s life-changing, I’m telling you. In other news, I worked through the morning and had an early afternoon Skype chat with dearest Katelyn and then it was 1:30 p.m. …and I hadn’t eaten lunch. Who am I?!
Lunch
Salad on my bed.
That’s much better.
I had a late morning snack today, so I didn’t get hungry for lunch until a later-than-usual time. Today’s afternoon meal was sort of thrown together, as most salad lunches are around here. Nothing fancy – just kale, carrots, broccoli, avocado, and tempeh topped with Whole Foods’ Sesame-Ginger dressing. It was massive – massively delicious, that is.
Becoming Vegan Book Feature
A little over a month ago, I received an email from Brenda Davis, RD. She is an acclaimed author of many books surrounding plant-based nutrition and has a very impressive resume, to boot! I clearly remember, over four years ago, when I first wrestled with the idea of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle. One of the first books that I researched was Becoming Vegan, co-written by Brenda herself. I thumbed through the pages and smiled as a wave of excitement washed over me. At that moment, I knew this was the lifestyle for me.
When I saw Brenda’s name in my inbox, my heart dropped. “Why was she emailing me?” I wondered. I clicked on the email and my eyes welled up with tears as I read the words that Brenda had so eloquently typed. She told me that she is currently in the process of a “huge update” on Becoming Vegan, including an eating disorders chapter. Brenda was in the early stages of editing the eating disorders chapter and wanted to forward it along to me, in hopes that I could help her edit the chapter and/or add an inspirational quote, based on my past personal experience with my eating disorder.
Seriously?! … After an over-zealous response to Brenda, I told my parents and we just cried together. The three of us spent six years battling my eating disorder together and, now, to see so much good coming out of such an evil disease was mind-blowing to me.
Now, after a month of corresponding, Brenda has graciously decided to place one of my personal quotes in the eating disorders chapter, and will also include my name in the acknowledgments section of the book. She even took some of my suggestions! The writer in me is elated to have my name in print and the nutritionist in me is honored that a prominent voice in the professional nutrition world would think to ask me for my input.
So, why am I telling you this? No, not to toot my own horn, despite what you may think. 
I want to show you that everything truly does have a purpose. I don’t believe things like this are just happenstance…they’re like another extra piece to our own personal puzzle. Our experiences, while difficult to understand sometimes, often produce an answer in the end. If I hadn’t gone through six years of hell, I wouldn’t have started this blog; I wouldn’t have found my passion; and I certainly wouldn’t have been featured in the new edition of Becoming Vegan. I really hope you’ll feel more inclined to fight your own battles – fight hard, believe in the power of you, and do it with honesty and true passion.
I’ll leave you with the quote that Brenda will be including in the new, fabulous eating disorders chapter of Becoming Vegan. I hope you’ll consider purchasing the book! I’ll keep you posted as time goes on and the release date draws near!
“The beauty in your heart is permanent and pure. The exterior is temporary and fleeting. Beauty shines from a light in your heart.”
Stay lovely,
Heather
Oh Heather, I am so excited for you! Your passion for health, being a vegan, and overcoming such a difficult time in your life is pouring through this post! You are so strong, and your story is inspiring and helping so many people already. I admire your enthusiasm for life and your determination to never give up; what beautiful qualities you have. Its truly an honor to be featured in “Becoming Vegan” I can’t wait to read it! Thanks for being you.
Ashley! Wow, your comment is leaving me speechless. I literally don’t know what else to say but THANK YOU SO MUCH! Your love and support is amazing – you are so beautiful in every sense of the word. Hugs, babe! <3
CONGRATS, baby doll! Life is yours. TAKE IT. <3
Thank you, love boat! I’mma take it all. the. way.
So stinking happy for you. Love how there is good coming out of the bad. Beautiful positive view
Thanks so much, Liz. That really does mean a lot to me.
That is so so amazing! You must be so happy! What an honor
I am super happy, Bethany! Thank you so so so much! P.S. – I checked out your blog and love it! You’re stunning inside and out.
Congrats hun!! That is SO amazing!! I am so proud of you and to be able to share your thoughts in this chapter is incredible. I just may pick the book up myself
Oh and I wanted to let you know that I am now adding peanut butter to my chocolate pudding oats.. OMG Uh-MAZING hahaa Love you!
Kristen! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your friendship has been pretty amazeballs the past few years – we couldn’t have survived Biochem without each other! I love you so much. <3
Oh my god that’s amazing! I have to get my hands of a copy of the new book once it’s published!!!
Thank you, Michelle! I think you are really going to enjoy the book. Can’t wait for it to come out.
Wow! What exciting news! I’ve read this book, cover to cover. I’m not vegan, but I eat a mostly plant based diet. This book is an excellent nutrition resource, even if you aren’t vegan or have no plans to even try to be vegan. It’s a really great book.
Ah! Kristy, I’m so happy to hear that you read and loved Becoming Vegan! Brenda is such an amazing person. I couldn’t agree with you more! xo
Yay!!! So proud of you and happy for you!!! I think this is a great example that good things come to those who deserve it! You deserve this X10 and I couldn’t be happier for you! I’m sure you are going to help a lot of people through this book! Congratulations!
Oh goodness, Danielle, you’re so freakin’ sweet. Thank you so much! Your comments are always so special. <3
I’m still so excited about your news, BB. You deserve it! I’m so happy that you were contacted and received this confirmation that your blog is projecting the image and message you want it to. Dreams do come true
Tell your wonderful padre happy birthday for me and enjoy the open mic! Will you be singing?!
I think it’s been awhile since I’ve commented so this might take a bit…
First, congratulations on the book feature! That is so exciting and completely deserved. I hope you buy more than one copy to show your grandkids your first printed feature.
Also, yay for first bikram class! Bikram yoga is my workout of choice most days of the week. I’m in love/obsessed/everything about it. In my dream life you would come to California and we’d go to yoga together. (hope that’s not creepy haha, I mean it in the best way)
ALSO! I found your blog in February and you really turned me on to weight lifting and showed that it’s not just a manly man thing. I just wanted to say thank you! and that I’m seeing results, especially lately, and I only have you to thank for that. My new-found buffness has even helped with my yoga inversions which is awesome.
Have a great day and thank you for being an inspiration. I love your blog so much. :]
Wow!! This is so awesome, Heather! Congrats!!! <3
Heather, my sister, I am in tears too!!!!!!!!! Can you feel me hugging you right now love!?!? Oh Heather you said so many words that I feel so strongly about – everything DOES happen for a reason, no matter the battle we had to go through! It is ALL for a reason! Everything! I am so proud of you and you totally deserve this! Wow wow wow wow
Heather! This is AMAZING!! I’m so happy for you, proud of you, honored to know you, in love with you… oops… did I say that last one out loud? #sorryimnotsorry. Listen girl, no one deserves this more than you do. You’re a beacon of light and positive energy, it was only a matter of time before that light was shined back on you.
Hahahaha. Oh, Jenny. You KNOW I’m in love with you too. We nevah have to apologize about that one.
You’re incredible in every sense of the word. I love you to the moon and back!
Way to go Heather! What an honor!
Congrats! That’s fantastic news!
I have always thought that I am going through this because I will be able o elp others in the future x
I couldn’t agree with you more, Lisa. You’re absolutely going to help others based on your personal struggles. You’re a rock star, girl! Never forget it.
Hi Heather!
Congratulations on being featured in “Becoming Vegan”! Your personal story and blog is so inspiring and is why I visit on a daily basis! Reading your blog has also been an inspiration for me to start my own blog! Your positive energy shines through your blog and I’m so happy that through this book you will be able to reach others with your story.
-Anjali
Wow this is great, actually gonna try on my own.thanks!
Wow Heather that is so exciting!! Do you happen to know when that book will be released? I just bought my Just Great Stuff from Amazon and it should be here next week. Can’t wait to try it in my protein oats
You’re the best at creating the most amazing recipes.
Hi Mary! I’m not sure when it will be released but I’ll definitely keep you updated. You’re going to LOVE Just Great Stuff.
That is unbelievable! Congratulations, Heather! You deserve it. You have inspired SO many people and I know that you’ll continue to do so. Everything happens for a reason, even if we don’t see it at first. (:
“Becoming Vegan” was a life-changing book for me so I can’t wait to read the updated version!
Emily, you’re the sweetest! Thank you so, so much.
I watched your vlog and the video series sounds amazing. I can’t wait to follow it, girl!
Hi Heather! I’ve been following your blog for a few months now but this is my first comment!! Congratulations with the book mention – it is a definite staple in the Vegan community and it will be so amazing to see someone of our online community featured in it. I also am anxious to read this chapter addition! An excellent addition.
Questiiiiiiion for you! Why powdered peanut butter and not the reg. stuff? Surely the regular has full fat and more calories (which from your Nutritionist standpoint, must be better overall, yes?) so why the low-cal-low-fat stuff?
Love your blog and your beautiful outlook on daily life! I just graduated University and this blog is so in sync with my life. Thanks for your shining posts
Sarah, thank you for commenting! Glad to see someone new come out of the wood works.
I choose to use powdered peanut butter because it simply mixes better in recipes and I actually prefer the taste of it! Nut butters and I don’t always get along digestion-wise, either, and I’ve found this to be a bit easier on my tummy. Nothing to do with calories or anything!
WOW! What an amazing accomplishment, so so so so so great!!! Can’t wait to read the book
Have fun tonight with your dad!
Oh girl talk away abou that accomplishment!! That is absolutely huge and positive news! I am so incredibly happy and excited for this opportunity for you!! Its amazing what a huge blessing came out of the evil eating disorder. They say everything happens for a reason and look at what a positive thing came out of this disorder and your helping tons of people along the way!! Just awesome!
Did she just happen to come across your blog? That is super neat!!
Love you longgg time!xox
Yes! She stumbled across my blog and shot me an email that way. Amazing, huh? Thanks for making me feel so special, babe. HUGS!!!
Congrats! And I must say that quote is beautiful
So awesome!
That’s awesome mama! You totally deserve every ounce of awesomeness that comes your way!
What a wonderful turn of events!! A dedicated reader, I am SO proud of you and inspired by you!
And Becoming Vegan is such a great resource. I devoured it the first time I read it and I’ve been known to pull it off the shelf from time to time! And now it’s going to be even better?! Can’t wait.
Thank you so much, Jami! I’m so glad to see you’re so excited! YOU inspire me.
Hi
ive been following your blog for months now, im totally in love with it. Being vegan myselt, while struggeling with a obsessive relationship with food, it is sooooo helpful to see you ; a happy healthy FREE vegan – my goal! Thank you for being you! And congrats with the book- awesome!
Big hug from Norway
Hi Ragnhild, Thank you so much for your comment. It made my day! Keep working hard – you’ve got this! xo
This is amazing!! I’m so happy for you! Its so inspiring to be reminded that recovery is totally worth it, and that God finds away to turn something awful into an amazing blessing. That chickpea thai dish looks DIVINE too! Thanks for posting
Aww, Sloane you’re the best! Thanks so much.
You’re so sweet.
I am just catching up on my reader. CONGRATS, LOVE!!!! You deserve it so, so much. I’m so happy for you
Thank you, Brittany! LOVE YOU.
Congratulations! It’s awful that you had to suffer through so many years with an eating disorder, but it’s truly amazing the recovery you’ve made. What you’ve accomplished is incredibly inspiring! Suck it eating disorders!
I can totally relate to this!! If it were not for my ED I would not be the person, or be in the place that I am today! It was drastically life changing, I have no idea where I would be at if it wasn’t for it! Good things always come out of the bad if we look hard enough
So true, Kim. We’re very lucky ladies.