coming out vegan,

This story starts out about survival, and becomes a way of life...  For the last 20 + years, I have been into health and fitness, but 6 years ago got into the world of figure competition at NPC bodybuilding shows.  Being a clean, conscientious eater is a necessity when dieting down to reach a weight goal.  Including plenty of fish and chicken - essential - or so I thought. 

The relationship I was in at the time was with another weight trainer, who loved to eat... especially what I loved to cook, and the food in my refrigerator!  I would buy packages of chicken, 8-10 lbs. at a time, go to prepare my meals for the week, and see two or three puny chicken breasts remaining in the pan!  Every time I would go for my food (which was always weighed and measured), it would be mostly eaten!!  I had to do something!  So, I thought "I'll outsmart him"... so, I started buying only food I know he wouldn't eat:  Vegetables!!  And, it worked.  LOL  My food was there when I wanted it to be... but here was the bonus:  My health improved in all areas dramatically.  The better I felt, the more encouraged I was to learn about this "new" lifestyle as much as I could, and I haven't looked back since, and it has now been 2.5 years. 

To sum up this story - the relationship ended not long after that, and the veggies and I are still going strong!  In 3 weeks from today, I will be competing in a national qualifier, proudly being announced as a raw food vegan!

Thank you for your consideration