It's been way too long since I posted. I few developments:
-I'm still veg! Well, even though there is no veg police watching, I have to admit there have been a couple of accidental meat bites and one deliberate time...first, in good old MN I have come to learn that to some folks, "vegetarian" simply means you don't eat a whole piece of meat....and chunks of meat in things are not considered off limits. I joked that that was like saying you were married but it was ok to fondle someone else. Anyway, my precious Gram made eggs with ham and melted cheese over it so I couldn't see the ham. I took one bite and realized the truth (as she smiled and told me how much joy she had in making my breakfast). She is in her 80's and I couldn't bear to hurt her feelings, so I picked around but ate some...and was sick later from my tummy not being used to meat. No regrets, but I will ask and not assume people know what it means to be veg! My deliberate time was a corn dog at a festival....it was good...but honestly not that good...it more or less confirmed that I'm not missing that much....and again was sick later...this time regretting the choice. I know this is a journey, so this is part of my process.
-I've started my own private practice and love it. I am working ALOT since I need my fulltime job too, but I believe this is part of my process as well. Rediscovering who it is I want to be in this world...or maybe more so BEING who I am and being OK with it, even if there is fear involved in stepping out to do it.
-I have noticed some health changes for me as a veg and that makes me smile...I have not been a what I would consider a "healthy veg" in that I still eat junk on a weekly basis. I lost a little weight changing to veg but despite not losing much have gained some better health in other ways. This gives me hope that I am on the right path!
SO...on to NYE 2010...I'm not much of a person to make a resolution, but I do like to make some wishes and goals (I know, it's much the same! But I feel like a goal is process vs a resolution is a succeed or fail)...more on that tomorrow...
Have a safe and happy NYE!
12.31.2010
7.13.2010
And the countdown begins!
I'm on the road for a 56 day miracle (a miracle if I make it! lol). Today is day 55 until Labor Day 2010...
Yesterday went pretty well. It was very hectic but I ate fairly well. Looking back I still wish I had incorporated more fresh fruits and veggies, but calorie wise and nutrition/vitamin wise it was a stellar day (I think I hit 6 servings, I am aiming for 10)! I even made it to the gym AFTER evening grocery shopping. I spent the last 5 minutes of my cooldown in partial darkness as they started to shut down the gym...it was relaxing!
At the store I picked up some new and not used for awhile ingredients.
New: Miso, smoked tofu, rice noodles, Quorn chik patties, light coconut milk,
Long ago used: Fresh beets, radishes, silken tofu, tamari, seltzer water
I also have on my radar some coconut oil...but it just wasn't on the budget for this trip. As you can see I am getting into the Asian inspiration! I've really enjoyed dining out at Asian places because of the low to no dairy and lots of veg options...so I'd like to try my hand at creating some dishes as well. I made homemade veg egg rolls this weekend (my first attempt without chicken) and they turned out OK. I bake them instead of frying.
I've a fan of tofu, although in past years I have not cooked much with it...so I pulled out a tofu recipe book I had been given by my mom a few years ago and some recipes have inspired me...at some point this week I will trying some out!
Maybe the 8 weeks will fly if I keep being this inspired to try new things! Getting back to the gym has always been my weapon...if I exercise, I refuel better, I sleep better...I feel great...I repeat....so it is also what shakes me off he wagon if I stop going. I pray for good health (especially my back which has a herniated disc) so I can see this to the end. Lots of child pose and cobra pose after workouts to stretch that back!
And today we start it all over again! I am reminded that I feel good because I've had several people say "you look stress free!" Now, I am NOT stress free...who is? But my body and mind are more connected with each other; I feel more whole....there is less conflict within me. I'm consciously trying to work on leaving the stress to the external world while the inner world remain in more harmony. And it's lovely, its truly lovely :)
Yesterday went pretty well. It was very hectic but I ate fairly well. Looking back I still wish I had incorporated more fresh fruits and veggies, but calorie wise and nutrition/vitamin wise it was a stellar day (I think I hit 6 servings, I am aiming for 10)! I even made it to the gym AFTER evening grocery shopping. I spent the last 5 minutes of my cooldown in partial darkness as they started to shut down the gym...it was relaxing!
At the store I picked up some new and not used for awhile ingredients.
New: Miso, smoked tofu, rice noodles, Quorn chik patties, light coconut milk,
Long ago used: Fresh beets, radishes, silken tofu, tamari, seltzer water
I also have on my radar some coconut oil...but it just wasn't on the budget for this trip. As you can see I am getting into the Asian inspiration! I've really enjoyed dining out at Asian places because of the low to no dairy and lots of veg options...so I'd like to try my hand at creating some dishes as well. I made homemade veg egg rolls this weekend (my first attempt without chicken) and they turned out OK. I bake them instead of frying.
I've a fan of tofu, although in past years I have not cooked much with it...so I pulled out a tofu recipe book I had been given by my mom a few years ago and some recipes have inspired me...at some point this week I will trying some out!
Maybe the 8 weeks will fly if I keep being this inspired to try new things! Getting back to the gym has always been my weapon...if I exercise, I refuel better, I sleep better...I feel great...I repeat....so it is also what shakes me off he wagon if I stop going. I pray for good health (especially my back which has a herniated disc) so I can see this to the end. Lots of child pose and cobra pose after workouts to stretch that back!
And today we start it all over again! I am reminded that I feel good because I've had several people say "you look stress free!" Now, I am NOT stress free...who is? But my body and mind are more connected with each other; I feel more whole....there is less conflict within me. I'm consciously trying to work on leaving the stress to the external world while the inner world remain in more harmony. And it's lovely, its truly lovely :)
7.11.2010
30 days and counting!
I reached my 30 days last week! WHOOT! I am now feeling like I've accomplished or proven to myself I can do this. I talked to a coworker, the only one who is also veg, and it was so nice to her enthusiasm after 20 years of being veg. Her hubby is a meat eater but she manages to cook for everyone and introduce some alternatives as well. We are both trying to get healthier though and hit the gym. I wish we went to the same one!
So, starting tomorrow I am on to the next phase of my quest for health and wellness--exercise. I hit the gym several times this past week and it was great. For the next 8 weeks my goal is to exercise 6 times a week. I am also going to start really being conscious of cutting out processed food for 8 weeks and try to eat things closer to the earth and drink no soda (I will miss you Diet Coke!). I have to admit I baked cookies and had them with a diet coke tonight...one last kiss from both :)
I think this will be an intense 8 weeks...the next few weeks I am still off from my part time job, so that will help me time wise to get me into a good groove. After that I will be back to to 50+ hour weeks and working on getting serious about my private practice. But time or not, tired or not, I've got to do this! And I feel so energized by the last month that I know I can chip away at the damage my "American Dream" lifestyle has done (fast, greasy, cheap food and a sedentary existence). I often have trouble sleeping so I am hoping both will help encourage that as well!
So for a review of my 8 week goals...going public with this one...
1.) No meat, No soda, only rare dairy, 10+servings of fruits/veggies per day
2.) Exercise 6 days a week and try out at least one class at gym (about 225 miles for the 8 weeks)
3.) Track nutrition (aim for 1600 calories)
4.) Sleep at least 7 hours/night
I want to look as good as I am feeling :)
So, starting tomorrow I am on to the next phase of my quest for health and wellness--exercise. I hit the gym several times this past week and it was great. For the next 8 weeks my goal is to exercise 6 times a week. I am also going to start really being conscious of cutting out processed food for 8 weeks and try to eat things closer to the earth and drink no soda (I will miss you Diet Coke!). I have to admit I baked cookies and had them with a diet coke tonight...one last kiss from both :)
I think this will be an intense 8 weeks...the next few weeks I am still off from my part time job, so that will help me time wise to get me into a good groove. After that I will be back to to 50+ hour weeks and working on getting serious about my private practice. But time or not, tired or not, I've got to do this! And I feel so energized by the last month that I know I can chip away at the damage my "American Dream" lifestyle has done (fast, greasy, cheap food and a sedentary existence). I often have trouble sleeping so I am hoping both will help encourage that as well!
So for a review of my 8 week goals...going public with this one...
1.) No meat, No soda, only rare dairy, 10+servings of fruits/veggies per day
2.) Exercise 6 days a week and try out at least one class at gym (about 225 miles for the 8 weeks)
3.) Track nutrition (aim for 1600 calories)
4.) Sleep at least 7 hours/night
I want to look as good as I am feeling :)
7.05.2010
I won't be your drug dealer
This process of changing my life by the food I put into my body is opening my heart and eyes. My husband and I joked that I'm "becoming a hippy."
Yesterday was the 4th of July and we had friends and family over. We grilled and played in the sprinkler, made big bubbles, laughed. I had a total of 5 nieces/nephews here and it was great!
I did grill meat for my omnivore folks, but was proud to translate old favorite recipes for side dishes into vegetarian options. I have embraced the notion of control into I can't stop you from eating meat, but I can offer tons of other options that don't include it. Everyone had a great time and was stuffed :)
What struck me was the difference in the two sides of nieces/nephews. Let's keep in mind, neither is perfect. But for one side, they have a mom who offers lots of choices (veggies, fruits, meat, even McDonald's) and the other side, while I am not familiar what they eat, seem to be strongly drawn to junk (for lack of a better word) and until yesterday did not even know what a fresh blueberry tasted like. And, having come with their grandma, had brought with them candy bars, chips, soda, etc. None of them ate hardly anything....a little meat, no veggies or fruit....just chips, candy, and soda all day. And when theirs was gone were actively seeking more candy from us (and surprised we didn't really have much)! They were under the care of grandma so, although mortified, I left it at that.
I don't bring this up to judge anyone but myself, honestly. While I don't agree with what they consumed, this picture brought up emotions for me I wasn't expecting. I too have bought junk, fast food, candy, etc for people in my life and ate it with them. And it was my own junk addiction that made me offer it to these people so I had company consuming it. Even though I knew feeding kids I work with cupcakes was not good. Even though I knew a Happy Meal was a horrible dinner for my niece. I still used my money to buy it for these kids! And as an adult that means I also used my influence in a negative way to show them how to eat.
I cannot control anyone but me. I can't control what people eat. That's OK. I've made my choices for a long time. But this weekend I have made a new pledge to myself and the people I (reportedly) love (reportedly because in the past I have freely given out foods that are harmful...how much love was that?).
My pledge is this: I won't be your drug dealer. I will purchase, prepare, and offer healthy foods. If there are sweet or salty foods we love I will try to have a healthy alternative or version (we all love french fries, but roasted potatoes are yummy too!). I will model and support healthy choices.
If I truly love people, I want us all to be together a long time. There is enough propaganda for the opposite. I choose life.
As for meat, I see myself slowly pulling away from cooking it for others too. While grilling up some burgers and chicken didn't bother me, it didn't hold the same spiritual experience for me that I LOVE about cooking. And if people want it, that's fine...and they should do what is right for them...which to me means they should also prepare it so that they too can be connected to the food they consume.
So my lesson this week is that I can't and don't care to change people's minds....but I also won't be your drug dealer. I take control of me and my cooking...for me and also for those I love. Because I do have absolute control over that. I choose life.
Yesterday was the 4th of July and we had friends and family over. We grilled and played in the sprinkler, made big bubbles, laughed. I had a total of 5 nieces/nephews here and it was great!
I did grill meat for my omnivore folks, but was proud to translate old favorite recipes for side dishes into vegetarian options. I have embraced the notion of control into I can't stop you from eating meat, but I can offer tons of other options that don't include it. Everyone had a great time and was stuffed :)
What struck me was the difference in the two sides of nieces/nephews. Let's keep in mind, neither is perfect. But for one side, they have a mom who offers lots of choices (veggies, fruits, meat, even McDonald's) and the other side, while I am not familiar what they eat, seem to be strongly drawn to junk (for lack of a better word) and until yesterday did not even know what a fresh blueberry tasted like. And, having come with their grandma, had brought with them candy bars, chips, soda, etc. None of them ate hardly anything....a little meat, no veggies or fruit....just chips, candy, and soda all day. And when theirs was gone were actively seeking more candy from us (and surprised we didn't really have much)! They were under the care of grandma so, although mortified, I left it at that.
I don't bring this up to judge anyone but myself, honestly. While I don't agree with what they consumed, this picture brought up emotions for me I wasn't expecting. I too have bought junk, fast food, candy, etc for people in my life and ate it with them. And it was my own junk addiction that made me offer it to these people so I had company consuming it. Even though I knew feeding kids I work with cupcakes was not good. Even though I knew a Happy Meal was a horrible dinner for my niece. I still used my money to buy it for these kids! And as an adult that means I also used my influence in a negative way to show them how to eat.
I cannot control anyone but me. I can't control what people eat. That's OK. I've made my choices for a long time. But this weekend I have made a new pledge to myself and the people I (reportedly) love (reportedly because in the past I have freely given out foods that are harmful...how much love was that?).
My pledge is this: I won't be your drug dealer. I will purchase, prepare, and offer healthy foods. If there are sweet or salty foods we love I will try to have a healthy alternative or version (we all love french fries, but roasted potatoes are yummy too!). I will model and support healthy choices.
If I truly love people, I want us all to be together a long time. There is enough propaganda for the opposite. I choose life.
As for meat, I see myself slowly pulling away from cooking it for others too. While grilling up some burgers and chicken didn't bother me, it didn't hold the same spiritual experience for me that I LOVE about cooking. And if people want it, that's fine...and they should do what is right for them...which to me means they should also prepare it so that they too can be connected to the food they consume.
So my lesson this week is that I can't and don't care to change people's minds....but I also won't be your drug dealer. I take control of me and my cooking...for me and also for those I love. Because I do have absolute control over that. I choose life.
6.29.2010
Habit
Newest research suggests it only takes 14 days to make a habit...another 7 days to practice...and 30 days to break a habit.
I'm on day number 23 of my journey...it's official...it would now take me 30 days to break by new lifestyle!
Have a said I'm happy? (Sarcasm). I'm happy. Really happy. I feel more like me than I've felt in awhile....or maybe its not that, but just that I feel like a final piece to the authentic me is more in place now. Anyway, I'm happy.
I'm still perfecting the amounts and types of food to consume. I've been doing a little research on the vegetarian food pyramid and feel more confident now about the whole thing. I don't want to fight, but I also want to be in the know about nutrition so I have something to say to those that question the health aspects (you know what they say about those that protest too much...).
Not much else to say tonight other than I am continuing to experiment with cooking vegan or vegetarian. I will have to post pics soon of some of the dishes. I have 4 days off work coming up so I will be cooking up a storm...although for 4th of July that will also contain some meat for the omnivores in my life (with lots of veggie options should they care to join me!)My new recipes will take some time to perfect as well...but they are "a work of heart." (I stole that from a judge on SYTYCD, but it was too cute not to use).
Later gators...
I'm on day number 23 of my journey...it's official...it would now take me 30 days to break by new lifestyle!
Have a said I'm happy? (Sarcasm). I'm happy. Really happy. I feel more like me than I've felt in awhile....or maybe its not that, but just that I feel like a final piece to the authentic me is more in place now. Anyway, I'm happy.
I'm still perfecting the amounts and types of food to consume. I've been doing a little research on the vegetarian food pyramid and feel more confident now about the whole thing. I don't want to fight, but I also want to be in the know about nutrition so I have something to say to those that question the health aspects (you know what they say about those that protest too much...).
Not much else to say tonight other than I am continuing to experiment with cooking vegan or vegetarian. I will have to post pics soon of some of the dishes. I have 4 days off work coming up so I will be cooking up a storm...although for 4th of July that will also contain some meat for the omnivores in my life (with lots of veggie options should they care to join me!)My new recipes will take some time to perfect as well...but they are "a work of heart." (I stole that from a judge on SYTYCD, but it was too cute not to use).
Later gators...
6.26.2010
Traveling Veg
This past week I was sent to Houston to present at a conference (as requested by my boss). It was kinda a big deal because it was to 500 people and through a big foundation that funds mental health programs. It went well!
This trip was my first travel being veg. I made sure to take some snacks with me just in case. Because of limited time we ended up eating at the airport and hotel, neither of which had great options since for me I am limiting dairy as well. I did manage to get a pesto pasta with veggies that was good and another restaurant I had potatoes and green beans (which ended up being really good!). Few options, but it all worked out well. I also managed to navigate the ordering pizza with my hubby last night by getting bread sticks and marinara sauce. And that was OK with me!
I am finding the people around me seem to worry more about this than me. I have the mindset that because this is something I want to continue, each experience is just a lesson. Green beans may not seem like a great meal to others, but I enjoyed them and the company I was in. It was one meal in the rest of my life that can be enjoyed for what it is....even without meat and dairy :) Sure, dining at a place with more veg options would be great, but not every place I go will be that and I didn't feel upset about it!
I visited another new store (new for me) and was able to buy nutritional yeast. I've been seeing some interesting recipes to try with it so I am excited to have found it! I'm going to venture into the "faux cheese" world. I will post how it turns out!
This trip was my first travel being veg. I made sure to take some snacks with me just in case. Because of limited time we ended up eating at the airport and hotel, neither of which had great options since for me I am limiting dairy as well. I did manage to get a pesto pasta with veggies that was good and another restaurant I had potatoes and green beans (which ended up being really good!). Few options, but it all worked out well. I also managed to navigate the ordering pizza with my hubby last night by getting bread sticks and marinara sauce. And that was OK with me!
I am finding the people around me seem to worry more about this than me. I have the mindset that because this is something I want to continue, each experience is just a lesson. Green beans may not seem like a great meal to others, but I enjoyed them and the company I was in. It was one meal in the rest of my life that can be enjoyed for what it is....even without meat and dairy :) Sure, dining at a place with more veg options would be great, but not every place I go will be that and I didn't feel upset about it!
I visited another new store (new for me) and was able to buy nutritional yeast. I've been seeing some interesting recipes to try with it so I am excited to have found it! I'm going to venture into the "faux cheese" world. I will post how it turns out!
6.22.2010
"Where's my friend?"
The person I was dreading telling the most was a friend of mine. I had a knot in my stomach when we decided to have dinner the other day along with our spouses. As we were being waited on for drinks and the question of appetizers was brought up, I had to drop the first bomb...giving up almost all dairy...she let out a gasp...then the second bomb a few minutes later....no meat...no fish...
Let's make a long boring story short and just say half the meal was about my food choices, or in her mind my lack of food choices. She said "its so sad. are you sad?" And I said I was in a grieving process over dairy but was OK. Then she dropped the bomb...that she was sad about all the things I will never cook again for her. "What about protein?" "You'll be anemic!" etc etc etc...
Tonight, a few days later, she calls and says "where did my friend go? First the dairy, then meat, then...: She feels I have disappeared. I said "maybe you didn't know me that well then. I'm still here!" She replied she liked the person she knew. I said she didn't have to give up that idea of me even if that's not the real me. She laughed.
It's a process...but I am still doing well and feeling good. I'm tracking my nutrition carefully so I can prove to people this is truly healthy. I get enough protein and iron just fine! I do need to find supplement for B complex and D...but I was low on those eating meat too!
No APB needed...I'm here...I've been here all along...I just feel more authentic now.
Let's make a long boring story short and just say half the meal was about my food choices, or in her mind my lack of food choices. She said "its so sad. are you sad?" And I said I was in a grieving process over dairy but was OK. Then she dropped the bomb...that she was sad about all the things I will never cook again for her. "What about protein?" "You'll be anemic!" etc etc etc...
Tonight, a few days later, she calls and says "where did my friend go? First the dairy, then meat, then...: She feels I have disappeared. I said "maybe you didn't know me that well then. I'm still here!" She replied she liked the person she knew. I said she didn't have to give up that idea of me even if that's not the real me. She laughed.
It's a process...but I am still doing well and feeling good. I'm tracking my nutrition carefully so I can prove to people this is truly healthy. I get enough protein and iron just fine! I do need to find supplement for B complex and D...but I was low on those eating meat too!
No APB needed...I'm here...I've been here all along...I just feel more authentic now.
6.15.2010
On to day 10...
Tomorrow will mark my 10th day on this journey. I feel strange, but I really feel proud of me! Even though I am stressed at work, not getting enough sleep, dealing with allergies...I still feel like I have more energy. A major revelation has been the fact my body does not like dairy. After a week with little we ordered a veggie pizza with cheese...not a good idea! Talk about stomach pains. I think I realize that, maybe the last few years at least, I had just gotten used to feeling bad because I was constantly on dairy. So I have another reason why this is worth it. I'm not avoiding all dairy, but really limiting it and being aware of what products it is hidden in.
I also thought I would have terrible cravings. I admit I've had the occasional thought about meat...but mostly in thinking about soup with meat broths (veggie beef, chicken noodle). But other than that, I am pretty fiber-fied so not too much as been a temptation! I'm hoping to try a thai restaurant in my area that has a decent vegetarian menu (and I heard some vegan too) this weekend.
Other than that its been smooth sailing...I think the next hurdle will be traveling next week for work....and then after that is July 4th with family coming over. I will be grilling all sorts of things, including meat for extended family. Just hoping I can add in some nice veggie offerings that people will try and enjoy as well.
Until later...
I also thought I would have terrible cravings. I admit I've had the occasional thought about meat...but mostly in thinking about soup with meat broths (veggie beef, chicken noodle). But other than that, I am pretty fiber-fied so not too much as been a temptation! I'm hoping to try a thai restaurant in my area that has a decent vegetarian menu (and I heard some vegan too) this weekend.
Other than that its been smooth sailing...I think the next hurdle will be traveling next week for work....and then after that is July 4th with family coming over. I will be grilling all sorts of things, including meat for extended family. Just hoping I can add in some nice veggie offerings that people will try and enjoy as well.
Until later...
6.12.2010
trust the process
I just completed a 2 day retreat for reflective practice. Half of the time was discussing information about development (as human beings, children in particular) but the other half was mostly people telling their stories and making sense of it within the developmental model we were looking at. The theme always came back to this: trust the process.
Trusting the process, when I google it , is related to words about "change" "counseling" "now" "intention" "growth" "spirituality" "manifesting" and "letting go"
Although my decision to be vegetarian has many reasons, I cannot deny the presence of spiritual growth as a core factor. Will eating vegetables bring me closer to God? I don't think its what I am eating, but more so what's been eating me...not living in the present moment of who I visualize to be. I feel like not being conscious of what I eat is directly related to not being very conscious at all. I say that because I am a junk food/fast food junkie. But this week, although not without any temptation, has been relatively easy to eat well. I think this is because I am actually THINKING about and ENJOYING the food I eat.
It's not the vegetables, it's the process, the commitment to consciousness, that I seek. I have been so nervous about it but I'm going to trust the process and know that this growth will come from the many little moments of actually being present in my life. It's about throwing yourself into each moment without attaching to the potential outcome. Much to think about.
Trusting the process, when I google it , is related to words about "change" "counseling" "now" "intention" "growth" "spirituality" "manifesting" and "letting go"
Although my decision to be vegetarian has many reasons, I cannot deny the presence of spiritual growth as a core factor. Will eating vegetables bring me closer to God? I don't think its what I am eating, but more so what's been eating me...not living in the present moment of who I visualize to be. I feel like not being conscious of what I eat is directly related to not being very conscious at all. I say that because I am a junk food/fast food junkie. But this week, although not without any temptation, has been relatively easy to eat well. I think this is because I am actually THINKING about and ENJOYING the food I eat.
It's not the vegetables, it's the process, the commitment to consciousness, that I seek. I have been so nervous about it but I'm going to trust the process and know that this growth will come from the many little moments of actually being present in my life. It's about throwing yourself into each moment without attaching to the potential outcome. Much to think about.
6.10.2010
Day 4
Today’s surprises:
1.) Vegetarian options are present at a lot of restaurants, but you pay a premium to get them…and in the future I may just need to order a meat sandwich sans the meat!
2.) People may be curious about why I’m trying to make this change, but I’m OK with that.
3.) I feel good. I don’t feel as bloated and I wasn’t as tired this afternoon as I usually am. I am feeling really full because of all the fiber I’m eating!
4.) There are some great vegetarian/vegan restaurants in the metroplex I’d like to try
Yesterday I was feeling some grief over the loss of meat culture. Today I am feeling good. I’ve had some yummy food and have continued to read and learn about what I’m getting myself into. Overall I've been sticking to a veg diet but 75% of my food/meals are dairy/egg free as well. I found some eggplant veggie burgers that are more moist than regular soy burgers (brand is Dominex). I mentioned on my FB page that I had bought the eggplant burgers which opened the conversation about turning veg. It felt good to at least have some folks know.
Alright, I've been sleeping well too and am ready to hit the hay....more later...
1.) Vegetarian options are present at a lot of restaurants, but you pay a premium to get them…and in the future I may just need to order a meat sandwich sans the meat!
2.) People may be curious about why I’m trying to make this change, but I’m OK with that.
3.) I feel good. I don’t feel as bloated and I wasn’t as tired this afternoon as I usually am. I am feeling really full because of all the fiber I’m eating!
4.) There are some great vegetarian/vegan restaurants in the metroplex I’d like to try
Yesterday I was feeling some grief over the loss of meat culture. Today I am feeling good. I’ve had some yummy food and have continued to read and learn about what I’m getting myself into. Overall I've been sticking to a veg diet but 75% of my food/meals are dairy/egg free as well. I found some eggplant veggie burgers that are more moist than regular soy burgers (brand is Dominex). I mentioned on my FB page that I had bought the eggplant burgers which opened the conversation about turning veg. It felt good to at least have some folks know.
Alright, I've been sleeping well too and am ready to hit the hay....more later...
6.09.2010
Greener Pastures
Where do you start a journey that changes everything?
Thinking about being a vegetarian has never been far from my mind in the past few years. One summer in college I went vegetarian just to try it and see if I could. It was no problem and I didn’t even really miss meat. But when fall classes resumed, I went back to meat. For me, a Midwestern girl who was raised on a dairy farm, meat is the show stopper at every supper, church event, summer festival, funeral, wedding…it is the way of life. It’s my culture.
I’ve recently been reading and watching documentaries on the meat industry. Some of the information is not new for me. I’ve just been ignoring the reality of it. I like meat. I have fond memories of meat. I can hear, taste, smell, and feel the preparation of my mom’s homemade chicken soup I’ve made so many times, a roast, hamburgers on the grill, fish freshly caught and fried by my grandparents. So many memories are tied up in the meat I have eaten. And I haven’t, in all honesty, been troubled by the thought of where it came from.
Although I live in a metroplex now, I’m no city slicker. I helped butcher rabbits I raised as a child. I helped feed and care for the steer that went to the local butcher shop. I milked cows, harvested vegetables from the garden, watched my mom bake homemade bread. I’ve grown up around “the circle of life” and although some may think of as a hardening of heart lifestyle, to be able to take the life of an animal, for me and my family, it was an appreciation of sorts. Disagree as some may, we cared for, respected, and loved the animals. We watched them be born and grow (we even popped popcorn to watch the birth of a calf and squealed with happiness to see the baby born). In eating them, we realized the sacrifice paid for our dinner and nothing was wasted when they were slaughtered. We traded beef for pork from the neighbor, bought local eggs from the farmer down the road. We used the manure to fertilize and create life that was then fed to animals, free of antibiotics, hormones. Our animals were out in the pasture chewing cud as we played in the field and loved on them. We were organic before it was cool.
This is the place I go, the frame of thought, when I eat meat. My happy place. But I know that the processing and even raising of most animals now, especially the ones I purchase from large discount grocers, do not come from this place of reference that I hold dear. But I think, like most people, I’d rather not think about it. I’d rather not think about the system at all or the toxins I am probably ingesting. In the past month there has been a stirring in me. Then I watched “Food, Inc.” and was able to pinpoint what that stirring was and what I needed to do. I told my husband and sister “I think I want to be a vegetarian” and added “at least most of the time.”
So here goes nothing (or something). I am excited, conflicted, and nervous about my move away from meat. Those memories I attach to food are so vivid and warm. How will people respond? Do I tell them? Can I be “undercover” for awhile until I figure out where/how I fit into this new reality? I can already hear the questions and comments and see the careful eye ready to point out missteps along my way. I’m not sure I am against eating meat, is that OK? Good lord, I live in Texas. I could face an onslaught of angry stares...and I’m just thinking about the people that know and love me!
But this is where I am. I’ve been meat free for 3 days. I am at a cross roads of sorts because I know that for me, the idea that I cannot control the way an animal is raised, handled, respected (and the toxins I may be ingesting), means I can’t stomach the politics of meat anymore. But I wonder, how will fit in with this new meat free existence in my meat filled culture? How I will navigate the world of social events, dining out, and even cooking for my husband, who is supportive and will “try it” but still eat meat? Will I be accepted by the new culture? I have a few people in my life that are vegetarian that I may need to reach out to, but will that put added pressure on me as well? I’m just not sure.
So, where do I start a journey that may change everything? I guess right here. Today. Wish me luck.
Thinking about being a vegetarian has never been far from my mind in the past few years. One summer in college I went vegetarian just to try it and see if I could. It was no problem and I didn’t even really miss meat. But when fall classes resumed, I went back to meat. For me, a Midwestern girl who was raised on a dairy farm, meat is the show stopper at every supper, church event, summer festival, funeral, wedding…it is the way of life. It’s my culture.
I’ve recently been reading and watching documentaries on the meat industry. Some of the information is not new for me. I’ve just been ignoring the reality of it. I like meat. I have fond memories of meat. I can hear, taste, smell, and feel the preparation of my mom’s homemade chicken soup I’ve made so many times, a roast, hamburgers on the grill, fish freshly caught and fried by my grandparents. So many memories are tied up in the meat I have eaten. And I haven’t, in all honesty, been troubled by the thought of where it came from.
Although I live in a metroplex now, I’m no city slicker. I helped butcher rabbits I raised as a child. I helped feed and care for the steer that went to the local butcher shop. I milked cows, harvested vegetables from the garden, watched my mom bake homemade bread. I’ve grown up around “the circle of life” and although some may think of as a hardening of heart lifestyle, to be able to take the life of an animal, for me and my family, it was an appreciation of sorts. Disagree as some may, we cared for, respected, and loved the animals. We watched them be born and grow (we even popped popcorn to watch the birth of a calf and squealed with happiness to see the baby born). In eating them, we realized the sacrifice paid for our dinner and nothing was wasted when they were slaughtered. We traded beef for pork from the neighbor, bought local eggs from the farmer down the road. We used the manure to fertilize and create life that was then fed to animals, free of antibiotics, hormones. Our animals were out in the pasture chewing cud as we played in the field and loved on them. We were organic before it was cool.
This is the place I go, the frame of thought, when I eat meat. My happy place. But I know that the processing and even raising of most animals now, especially the ones I purchase from large discount grocers, do not come from this place of reference that I hold dear. But I think, like most people, I’d rather not think about it. I’d rather not think about the system at all or the toxins I am probably ingesting. In the past month there has been a stirring in me. Then I watched “Food, Inc.” and was able to pinpoint what that stirring was and what I needed to do. I told my husband and sister “I think I want to be a vegetarian” and added “at least most of the time.”
So here goes nothing (or something). I am excited, conflicted, and nervous about my move away from meat. Those memories I attach to food are so vivid and warm. How will people respond? Do I tell them? Can I be “undercover” for awhile until I figure out where/how I fit into this new reality? I can already hear the questions and comments and see the careful eye ready to point out missteps along my way. I’m not sure I am against eating meat, is that OK? Good lord, I live in Texas. I could face an onslaught of angry stares...and I’m just thinking about the people that know and love me!
But this is where I am. I’ve been meat free for 3 days. I am at a cross roads of sorts because I know that for me, the idea that I cannot control the way an animal is raised, handled, respected (and the toxins I may be ingesting), means I can’t stomach the politics of meat anymore. But I wonder, how will fit in with this new meat free existence in my meat filled culture? How I will navigate the world of social events, dining out, and even cooking for my husband, who is supportive and will “try it” but still eat meat? Will I be accepted by the new culture? I have a few people in my life that are vegetarian that I may need to reach out to, but will that put added pressure on me as well? I’m just not sure.
So, where do I start a journey that may change everything? I guess right here. Today. Wish me luck.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
