It's Happening! I'm Getting Certified in Plant-Based Nutrition!

Over Thanksgiving, I made the decision to sign up for my Plant-Based Nutrition Certification from Cornell University! It's an entirely online course and I could not be more excited. My official start date in January 3rd.... Time to countdown! 

For those who don't know much about my history, I have been vegetarian for just about 15 years. Originally making the decision because I hated meat, it has evolved throughout the years and has been a key factor in my health, especially in the last 5. 

My husband has been following a vegetarian diet since we met and our two sons follow as well. For the last few years we've tried "vegan" diets on and off, never really sticking to it.  We were traveling a lot for work and when all you can find is Subway on the road, it made "vegan life" extremely redundant, boring, and unsatisfying. However, in July 2017, after watching "What The Health" on Netflix, we both decided to try it again. And now here we are! 

We have officially been "plant-based" for five months and it has changed our lives in many ways. I, personally, have taken charge of trying new and DELICIOUS recipes.  We do our very best to stay away from processed vegan foods like Oreos, chips, frozen meals, etc.  The entire family has enjoyed trying new things like plant-based nacho cheese, loads of avocado based dishes, and even sweet treats like these or these.

Plant-based nacho cheese recipe

There have been challenges here and there but by deciding to be "plant-based" versus "vegan" we find the challenges a little easier to avoid. (If you're curious about what I consider to be the difference between the two, let me know and I can write a post about it)

After a few months of this lifestyle I realized that I was ready to learn about it at a deeper level.  I started following vegan bloggers, influencers, and researching.  That is how I came across this Plant-Based Nutrition Certification.  When I found the  Plant-Based Nutrition by T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies I knew I wanted to seriously consider it.  I contemplated it, listed pros and cons, talked with my husband, and realized, it was a great next step for me and our family. 

Well, one thing led to another and I'm officially registered to begin in January! 

It is a 6-week program and will cover nutrition and society, diseases of affluence, and applying this lifestyle.  I'm excited to start this journey and share what I learn along the way.  Stay tuned for updates. <3

Has anyone else taken these courses?!