Here's something that I can't believe I'm considering: trying vegetarianism. Not because I don't like meat or because I feel guilt for being an omnivore, but just to see if I can do it and to see if I feel different if I succeed.
Eating meat is one of my favorite parts about being human. I love the flavor and the protein rush and the gaslessness (that's right, meat keeps my tummy happy). I love everything about a ten ounce slab of medium-rare steak. I love the flavor of a grilled burger. Chicken is useful (though not my favorite) for salads and goes well with rice. Fish is a good way to change up a meal. Thanksgiving is pointless without the giant succulent bird stuffed with little squares of seasoned toast. A barbecue is pointless without ribs. Venison is a rare delicacy. Ostrich, bison, frog legs, octopus, squid, shellfish, alligator, rabbit...There's no meat that I won't try and love to pieces!!
That being said, I know many vegetarians and vegans who have things I don't have, but would like to achieve, clear skin and a nice waistline being the two big ones.
IF I decide to go meatless for a while, it will not mean that I will never touch it again. It will simply be an experiment. I'll have to do lots of research on how to get my protein and the vitamins that are available in meat. I could get protein from eggs and shakes and iron from green leafy veggies and whatever else iron comes in. Supplements for iron and calcium are out of the question unless I decide that I enjoy not pooping for weeks on end.
Veganism is not an option, as cheese is the best gift that the bovine gods have ever given us. I also love yogurt and ice cream. Maybe I can attempt to skirt as close to that as possible? I did love the vegan cupcakes I made.
This could be a healthy choice that makes life more interesting. It could also prove to be a carbohydrate overload and watching others eat what I love could be totally depressing. We shall see.
There is just a little over two months before my brother's wedding. I'd like to have my bridesmaid dress altered a few sizes smaller and not hate my skin while I wear it. This may be the way to help the process along. Hmmmm...
While I disapprove of vegetarianism on many, many, many levels it does have its time and place and doesn't have to be a nightmare. Eggplant Parm, veggie lasagna, rutabaga fries sprinkled with cheese, soups, stew, and stir fry meals, breakfast burrito's with eggs cheese and home made guacamole, curries, spiced soba noodles, so many possibilities for tasty treats lacking meats. If you haven't checked out my blog yet give it a shot. I have a few recipes that are vegatarian or even vegan safe including: 'Hangry Girl Hummus', 'Wait, Is that Beef? or Beets and Cabbage Soup', 'Face Plant Parmesan', and 'Gratuitously Granola' plus a few sauces that can really help kick up a veggie dish.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Will. I'll be looking those recipes up. I succeeded yesterday with having no meat and only a little cheese. I'm just afraid of loading up on carbs, which are deadly to my intended weight loss plan.
DeleteGood luck! I could never do it - I love steak and beef way too much. To me, life without steak isn't worth living :)
ReplyDeleteI admire anyone who has the dedication to go vegetarian!
I gave up meat when I moved to Boston nearly two years ago. It was not a complete deprivation -- I'll eat some type of meat every 4-6 months, now, but went a whole year without any. (Giving up cheeseburgers was just too hard. Also, chicken wings.) I feel amazing and don't load up on pasta & other carbs unless I'm feeling super lazy. When I do eat pasta, I enjoy the Quinoa pasta -- higher in protein and is GF, so there's not that bloated feeling after.
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