I can't say exactly how long I've been meat-free. (It's been around 5 or 6 months.) I can say that the day before I went meat free, there is no way that you could have convinced me that I would be making that decision-ever. That's why when people tell me that they could never be a vegetarian or vegan because they love meat too much ("I'm a meat and potatoes type person"), I say "So was I." I didn't know what on earth I would eat if I didn't eat meat and dairy. I grew up a very very picky eater. Anyone who knows me knows that! The only vegetables I ate were peas, corn, and raw carrots. The only fruit I ate came from a can. I thought I was a fairly healthy eater. HA!!! The point I'm trying to make is that becoming a vegetarian who wants to be a vegan has been one of the most rewarding life decisions that I have ever made. After 5-6 months, I now know that I will never turn back to eating meat. I can't. I don't care what anyone tells me about nutrition. I am receiving more nutrients now than I ever did before in my previous life. (I like to call it my previous life) I have stopped losing weight and am healthy. I do not miss the taste or texture of meat. I remember that there were things that I used to enjoy. My favorite was a a bbq pulled pork sandwich. I also loved chicken nuggets, spaghetti with a pound of hamburger in the sauce, sweet and sour chicken, steak, beef stew....I loved meat. I don't miss it. I honestly don't miss it, at all. I feel good about the food choices that I make. Not just my body feels good, but my heart feels good. I know that I am helping the environment with every meal that I eat that doesn't contain meat. I know that animals do not suffer in order for me to gnaw on flesh. The knowledge that I have gained is so huge that nothing can ever convince me to change my ways.
I can honestly say that I believe that this is something that God has called me to do. Just a week or two before I became a vegetarian who wants to be a vegan, I remember sitting in Lilly's room, waiting for her to fall asleep for her nap, praying. I knew that I wasn't being as healthy as I should be and that my kids weren't eating as healthy as they should be. I had no idea what was to come. I asked God to help me become healthier, to make wise choices with food. Soon after that, my friend Kelli introduced me to the book that changed my life. (see previous blog entry) I want all to know that I do not follow that book for my menu, although I'm sure it's very healthy. That book, however, is the tool that opened my eyes to a new world and a new way of thinking, eating, and living. I praise God for this amazing transformation in my life and in my family's life.
I wanted to mention budget. People think that being a vegetarian or vegan is too expensive. That's bull crap. I spend so much less money on trashy foods now. I don't go out to eat as much because there aren't a lot of place that have food that I can eat. Please note-this does not bother me. I do not miss eating out all the time. Also, meat is expensive!!!! Fresh produce is not expensive. Just like with a meat-eaters diet, it is your choice how elaborate you get with your meals and how much you want to spend. I know of a meat eating family who spends $40/night on homemade dinners. My food lasts longer is so cheap. Some things do cost a little more, like soy or organic milk and non-dairy buttery spreads. This has not affected our budget because of the money we save on not buying flesh and crap. We only buy soy nuggets or other imitation meat products on occasion. They are really good and the kids and I love them, but they are expensive and not necessary for every day.
The kids' daycare has been great. They feed our kids a vegetarian diet at no extra cost to us. They always provide a substitute for any meat product. We provide a carton of organic milk every week. I am so thankful for having such a supportive childcare.
I could go on and on. Being a Veg has changed my life and I feel so blessed and thankful.
More to come, I'm sure.
