Crystal Collins story’s
HCF: What made you decide you needed to change your life?
“Several years ago I was unhealthy and unhappy at a size 16. I felt like I couldn’t function well, lacked energy, and was dealing with depression on a regular basis. I’d deal with getting sick frequently, and I simply wasn’t happy with what I saw when I looked in the mirror.”
HCF: What steps did you take to improve your life?
“Initially I began getting more active and started eating healthy/whole foods. I eliminated almost all processed foods and reduced my meat consumption. I quickly dropped down to about a size 8, and began juicing pretty regularly. I’d do 2 juice cleanses a year, and drink juice a couple of times a week. Through this, I dropped down to a size 4. I was still fairly active, but I noticed that I still wasn’t feeling like I was operating at peak efficiency. I felt sluggish at times, and the only time I ever felt amazing was when I did juice cleansing.
So after my most recent cleanse, I decided that I wanted to go full on vegan. I had toyed with being a vegan/vegetarian for these past several years, and had always told family and friends that I was the “wannabe vegan.” But something changed in me this past January, and I was finally ready to make the plunge. It wasn’t something I feared I would fail anymore, but knew without a doubt that I was ready for it and could succeed.”
HCF: What motivates you to keep on this path?
“Since going on the high carb low-fat vegan lifestyle, I’ve dropped from that 4, down to a 2. If that’s not motivation, I don’t know what is. I had previously stayed on a plateau for the longest time, going back and forth between a 4 and a 6. To finally get past that after a month and a half of veganism is truly motivating.
But this isn’t the only factor. I feel amazing! My energy levels are better than they have ever been. I have a clear focus. I can see and sense things I never could before. It’s amazing how feeding yourself living food (fruits & vegetables) actually makes you feel more alive than ever. I don’t want to lose this aliveness.
Another motivator for me now is the animals. When I started, I was definitely concerned with animal welfare, but not as much as I am now. Being vegan for a few months now has really made me more aware than ever of our farming system practices, and how cruel it is to other living beings. And frankly, I have no desire to ever put the flesh of a decomposing being in my mouth again. The cruelty of it is appalling to me now.”
HCF: What are you most proud of going thru this journey?
“I’m most proud that I’m able to impact change and help other people by sharing my journey with them. Already I’ve had multiple people make healthier choices and begin to see better lives because of the impact of my story. I know no greater purpose in life than to make a difference like this.”
HCF: What futures goals do you have?
“My future goals personally for myself are to get more toned/fit and to soon transition my children into this lifestyle. They currently do mostly vegetarian, but as I gain in knowledge and confidence I want to transition them into veganism.
And my big goal? Change the world. I know it’s probably altruistic of me, but I sincerely believe that I have no other purpose on this planet other than to affect positive change.”
HCF: If you could share any advice or words of encouragement what would they be?
“Small changes make a difference. Too many people get discouraged and fail at lifestyle changes because they try to take on too much at once. Would I love to see everyone go vegan tomorrow? Absolutely! But I know that they’d probably all fail because it’s a journey and a process that we will have more success with if we take baby steps. I didn’t become vegan and healthy overnight. It was a process of several years. So start making simple, positive choices on a regular basis and over time they will add up.”
HC: where can people get in touch with you?
“I’d love for everyone to join me on YouTube. I believe everyone deserves to live well, eat well, and thrive, and I hope to encourage them to do so through my daily videos. Also, I share complete and utter ridiculousness over there, too, so don’t drink and watch or you might spray your computer screen. ;)”
before/after
