Vegetarianism on the Brain

So, I’m in the process of transitioning to vegetarianism. I simply don’t like how eating meat makes me feel anymore.

I gave up red meat a long time ago. As in, close to ten years ago. I didn’t like how it tasted. I didn’t like the texture. I pretty much hated everything about it. Since then, I’ve eaten chicken, turkey, pork and fish with no problem. Until recently.

Lately I’ve been feeling really sluggish every time I have a meal centered around meat. Something about the texture has been bothering me too. I’m not about to give up meat entirely just yet, but I’m slowly reducing the amount of overall meat I eat. I no longer eat turkey sandwiches for lunch. I instead have mustard, cheese and broccoli slaw wraps. I eat many more vegetables and fruit throughout the day. This morning I had carrots with hummus, for lunch I had the previously mentioned wrap, snack was an english muffin with apple and brie, and for dinner I had a simple vegetable stir fry. I just love the full feeling I get after eating a plate load of vegetables versus a plate load of meat. It’s as if something in me has just changed.

There’s no one specific aha! moment where I decided meat was repulsive or I want to save the environment or the animals. It’s just, simply put, I don’t like it anymore. I’m doing it smarter this time. I went vegetarian a little over a year ago for lent. I ended up taking in a lot of cheese and not so many nutrients. I know that being a member of a CSA has helped me to expand my horizons on the fruit/veggie front and I truly believe joining had been one of the better decisions of my life. I’m eating vegetables. I’m eating fruit. I’m eating brown rice and quinoa and things that are loaded with NUTRIENTS. That’s my big thing nowadays. Nutrients. Also, since I have been eating more fruits and vegetables, my body has actually started craving fruits and veggies.

Who knows. Maybe this will be a phase and I’ll never entirely be able to give up meat. I’m not going to freak out about eating meat or try to make everyone in the world a vegetarian. For now, I’m doing what I feel is best for me. That’s my plan and I’m sticking to it.

I love my wok.

Anyway, rant aside, dinner tonight was delicious. Stir fry! Broccoli slaw, zucchini rounds, portabello and one egg combine with brown rice and white sauce (the love of my life) to make a filling, tasty dinner.

(Also, one of the promises I made to myself when starting this blog was that I would never apologize for my lack of posting. So, I’m not sorry for my absence. I’ve been busy.)