A Day in the Life - Plant-Based Weight Loss Update - What I Eat in a Day (Vegan, WFPB)

[@Sylviesworld247]

I appreciate your vulnerability Michael! Whenever I have a creative block I disconnect and spend a lot of time out in nature with my fur babies connecting with the earth and myself 🙂. This never fails me! I in turn I have more vitality, feel more creative, excited and in touch with my purpose to create and share with the world. Keep in mind, your human and having off days (as I call them) is normal. The great thing is there is always opportunity to learn from failures. Failures are our greatest teacher! 😉They show us that we're human. Try practicing conscious eating! sit instead of standing in a calm and relaxing environment where you can be in the moment of gratitude for your health and the food your eating.

[@allieb1621]

This video was great - so real and I loved the interaction between you and Ben and that you were genuinely laughing together as often you both seem so serious (not at all in a bad way but this was a change that made me for the first time notice the other was more serious)! Glad for you that you are getting your mojo back! xx

[@MonsonMadeThis]

Thanks, Allie! Ben and I have been together 6 years this month, and have been living together with dogs just about as long. If we didn't laugh together as often as we do, I don't think we would have made it this long. :)

[@allieb1621]

@@MonsonMadeThis I agree - laughing together makes most things better! :) Oh and Happy Anniversary for the actual day!

[@notmyname327]

One of the most relatable videos I've seen lately. Right now I'm struggling with maintaining my weight after losing like 20 lbs in the past five months, and I'm also lacking motivation to do the things I need to do. Anyway, nice video and I'm looking forward to more recipes!

[@MonsonMadeThis]

Thanks, Juan! The maintenance is a real struggle. We work so hard to get to a "goal", and then the reality sets in that the goal is a continually moving mark. It helps if you find a way of eating and living that not only helps you reach your goal, but also helps you keep that goal. If you hated getting there, you'll hate staying there. That said, I think I have a better understanding of what it takes to lose weight for myself now, so I don't feel scared about gaining a bit. If things creep up again, I know what I need to do to get back to where I am. I'm still *mostly eating the same way that I did during the "loss" part of the journey, so it's just a quantity thing for me. I'm also trying to be more active or exercise most days, and that's helping to compensate for some of my "indiscretions".

[@goodtogo3]

glad yr feeling better and hell yes to the milk machine. we are all sitting on the couch watching tv.

[@MonsonMadeThis]

Thanks! I like the Almond Cow for almond milk, but making oat milk has been a game changer. It's all I use anymore.

[@allieb1621]

I was glad to see you mention the dog reflection as I noticed him first @16:30 - that oven door is a great reflector! lol I've always left the lights on for my dog/s and occasionally for the human too!

[@MonsonMadeThis]

Haha. That one's actually in the dishwasher. I'm not sure if they actually watch TV, but I like to think they're learning something from PBS Kids, or at least enjoying seeing the canine representation on Clifford.

[@allieb1621]

@@MonsonMadeThis Are you really ready for home "tv schooled" dogs? :D :D :D

[@margarett_b]

24:26 Remember that creativity and productivity as to be two-sided! If you want to feel inspired to put content out, you have to consume some content too and finding a balance between these is absolutely fine! Sometimes you just need to spend some time watching yt or tv series to rewind and start with you projects!

[@MonsonMadeThis]

I agree with that. I always think in input and output. I try to make sure I have an even balance of both. I also think that productivity breeds productivity. The best way to get started on something it to just start. It's a Catch 22, but seeing progress is a great way to continue working towards a goal.

[@margarett_b]

I just wanted to say I am happy to see you back. Breaking from a no-motivation cycle is very hard and I am glad you decided to just pick up your camera and slowly get back to what used to be your passion. I really hope in the upcoming days/weeks you will find something which will make you more inspired again - maybe a book? a series? a cuisine? a game? No matter what. I just want to see you more excited about your life and work again! If you have the time and brain space for it, maybe it is worth reading the amazing book "The artist's way" - millions of people swear by its power of bringing the creativity back :D . Anyways, as always sending you all the good energy! Hope you're staying safe and having a nice day/night regardless of feeling down! . P.S. I have had some rougher days recently too, so I sympathise. We'll get through it somehow ;)

[@MonsonMadeThis]

I do need a good book. And I love Artist's Way. I used to make my "Imaginative Writing" students start out each class with a shortened version of Morning Pages. I did it with them, too, and always enjoyed it. Maybe that's what I need to start up again! I'll start again tomorrow!

[@margarett_b]

@@MonsonMadeThis If you know it has already worked for you, definitely no time to waste as this can be redone an endless amount of times!

[@nanceec.8643]

Thank you for your honesty. It really helps me see how normal I am.

[@MonsonMadeThis]

You're very welcome. Glad I could help. Thanks so much for watching!

[@jumiloves]

You look great Michael! Keep doing what you’re doing 🙌

[@MonsonMadeThis]

Thanks so much, Jumi!

[@margarett_b]

2:16 I would DIE adding so much tabasco XD My gosh, I am impressed ;P

[@MonsonMadeThis]

As I was editing, I was like, "wow. that's a ton!" It didn't seem like that much IRL. Haha.

[@margarett_b]

@@MonsonMadeThis I cannot tolerate even 3 drops so that would definitely be too much for me :D But for those who like spice, I guess it would be delicious

[@clementscott8497]

Love this video! I can relate to the creative rut. The tide always comes back in eventually 😀

[@MonsonMadeThis]

Thanks!!!! That's what keeps me going. Ebbs and flows. Always.

[@notmyname327]

LOL @ the black chickpeas giggles

[@MonsonMadeThis]

They were very real. Haha.

[@Elizerinc]

I like your casual blogs best. Your meals looked delicious, especially the brothy white beans and kale. I'll have to check out the sugarbee apple. I should also give oat milk another try. Have made it before, but didn't like it at all. Does oat milk in the almond cow turn out differently from using a vitamix? I like unsweetened soymilk in tea/coffee. That sourdough looks amazing. I can't buy any good sourdough where I'm living, but when I visit family in CA I always eat the good sourdough.

[@MonsonMadeThis]

Thanks, Elizabeth. I'm obsessed with those beans. I need them again very soon. So, (spoiler alert) the trick with the Almond Cow is that it the recipe uses whole oat groats. The AC blends AND strains, so you don't have to worry about doing any of that. Also, there are a lot of variables when blending it yourself, like the speed and the time, and the AC is like calibrated to make it perfectly without it getting slimy, or under-blended. If you didn't want to get the machine, I would definitely invest in some whole oat groats, and try using them. You might need to try a few batches to get the time and speed right, but it can be done.

[@suequinn3468]

@@MonsonMadeThis I can’t find oat groats at a decent price. Heck, just finding groats has been challenging. I think whole groats should be cheaper than processed oats.

[@suequinn3468]

I haven’t tried it myself yet; but, I’ve heard using ice in place of some of the water in a high speed blender helps avoid the slimy texture. That when you’re using a BlendTec or Vitamix the heat generated starts making oatmeal 😂

[@ynnep72]

Try using those thick skinned chick peas in falafel! So good! At my store they are called desi chick peas.

[@MonsonMadeThis]

I did buy them at an Indian market here in Vegas. Love the falafel idea! I'll have to give that a try... I made another batch yesterday.

[@vjc4502]

I hit a rut too. Fell off for 3 months. Gonna try a timer. I like that idea. I don't think covid has helped us regain our mojo! You got this monson! You got this! Give the pups their own apple so you can enjoy all of yours. I keep an apple n water by the bed so I don't find myself in front of the frig at 2am

[@MonsonMadeThis]

It happens. It's happened before, and I got through it, so I wasn't worried. It just seemed to be taking longer than usual... The timer is such a stupid trick that it works. I have to treat myself like a toddler sometimes, especially when it comes to eating. Love the apple idea!

[@charmainemrtnz]

I leave the tv on for my dog too.

[@MonsonMadeThis]

Great minds think alike!

[@barrbuff]

I’m the same way with bread. I bake my own sourdough and then slice and put into freezer. Have two pieces every morning and then no more for the day. Unless of course it’s fresh out of the oven, then gotta have a slice even if I’ve already had two that morning.

[@MonsonMadeThis]

I tried to do sourdough at the beginning of quarantine, and I just didn't love the process or the attention that it required. I love the bread, just not the process. Which is fine. I just need to find folks to make it for me so I can have it fresh. DAILY.

[@lourdesbrown8774]

It is not weird. I leave the tv on cartoons and leave the light on for my dogs

[@jaminwaite3867]

my friend in high school left on animal planet for her dog during the day lol

[@MonsonMadeThis]

Good. Glad I'm not alone!

[@MonsonMadeThis]

Perfect. If I had it, I definitely would be doing the same. For now, they get PBS Kids.

[@Fuzzy_Spork]

V8, hot sauce, vodk- okay no vodka! LOL... Seriously, I understand that feeling of no motivation. It tamps down all creativity. I spent most of 2020 trying to NOT go there, but the effort of staying positive finally buckled under me and I've been so DOWN the past few months. Anyway, I love this informal vlog style. A 'day in the life' occasionally would be very welcome!

[@MonsonMadeThis]

Haha! I think we'll all gotten to that point over the past year. Sometimes the best way to get going is to just get going. The Catch 22 of motivation... It takes motivation to get motivated, but once you're going, then you're gong! Makes sense? Haha

[@taylorjinxz]

I just want to say you are looking amazing!

[@MonsonMadeThis]

Thank you so much, Taylor.

[@BarbaraBlackwell__SanDiego]

Fresh air, puppy walk will help. I also highly recommend 16:8 intermittent fasting. It clears the deck (mind & body)

[@MonsonMadeThis]

I think you're right about the walk. The pups would love it, too. I pretty much follow that IF trend, though it's not an intentional IF. The second video of my first week of weight loss (kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH21m6KgaNSHl5Y) kinda touches on it. I've fully committed to IF in the past, and didn't care for the way that it triggered some disordered eating patterns for me. Lots of people love it. I try to eat as late in the day as possible, but I don't track the time anymore.

[@melissabridge5687]

Watching while eating the yummiest Hummus, Falafel salad from Holy Land Cafe!!!

[@MonsonMadeThis]

Now I'm hungry!

[@paulettedrinkwalter4954]

Oh monsoon you look great eat the bread lol

[@MonsonMadeThis]

Thank you. I did. It's gone. Lasted like 3 days. The whole thing. Ben didn't even have a bite. Shrugs. haha. I loved every minute of it.

[@margarett_b]

31:0 What a supportive partner :D At least it made you laugh!

[@MonsonMadeThis]

Normally he's behind the camera making the comments, and then editing them out... This time I got to give y'all a taste of what I actually go through! Haha. JK. He's very supportive. I love that he is real with me and wants me to put out good content.

[@margarett_b]

@@MonsonMadeThis Sure! It is good to have some constructive comments on what you do :D It was just funny to watch

[@fernwanderlust3866]

We leave the tv on for our fur babies too!

[@MonsonMadeThis]

Glad I'm not alone in doing that. They seem to really enjoy their PBS Kids. Haha

[@nanceec.8643]

What do you think about those Microgreens you can grow in that wood box?

[@MonsonMadeThis]

Hmm... I don't know if I know about those. I'm interested.

[@ellentevault6244]

I’m a pet sitter and a lot of my clients leave the tv 📺 on for their fur babies

[@MonsonMadeThis]

Perfect. Sound's like I've been doing it right!

[@JenniferHernandez-vh4iw]

Omg yes I get like that. It stinks

[@MonsonMadeThis]

Totally.