missemma

Hello my name's Emma, and I'm from Melbourne, Australia. I'm new to using a forum so please be patient with me if I mess up with poor forum etiquette! I'm also new to the idea of veganism and have started reading up on it and cutting out all animal products in the last month, I guess you could say I'm in a transition period, as I don't feel internally like I've made a real, unshakeable commitment to it, yet... though I would like to -for health reasons and ethical reasons. Some of the material I've read about the treatment of animals in food production has made me physically ill and cry, I was going to say I had no idea it was that bad, but if I'm honest with myself, I had heard of cruelty but I see that I chose to ignore it and avoid reading anything about it so that I could stay comfortable and ignorant. I'm also just coming out of about an 18 month period of intense life changes and upheaval which have worn out me out emotionally, mentally and physically, nearly to the point of complete nervous breakdown. Two months ago I knew if I was going to survive - something had to change - I had to strengthen my body and my will. I started a basic weights program at a local gym and absolutely fell in love with it and running too. It has helped me so much in the past two months along with dietary changes that I feel like I'm a completely different person. I am amazed at how developing the strength of the body is connected to the development of the strength of your mind, will and integrity and am fascinated to explore this connection. I was about 10 kilos (22 pounds) overweight and my skin was terrible with ing pimple breakouts which were from stress and not usual for me. So far I've lost about 3 kilos (6.6 pounds) of fat and gained 1 kilo (2.2pounds) of muscle and my skin has cleared up completely. I'm far from being the lean green athlete I would like to become but can see that with organisation and determination it is definitely achievable. This site has inspired me so much. You guys look beautiful! One thinks of greek sculptures and heroes from antiquity. It has definitly given me the push to revolutionise my health, my body and my inner strength and determination. I'm at the stage of trying to figure out what my goals should be and time frames etc and am playing around with different training schedule ideas and nutrition ideas. There is sooo much information to digest but I'm looking forward to enjoying the journey with you all! Warm regards, Emma