Рецепт No One Said Being a Vegetarian Would Be Easy
I am thankful that I never made the mistake of saying that
being a vegetarian for Lent would be easy. It’s certainly not easy! I knew I was
never made to be a vegetarian. I knew that I loved hamburgers… I just didn’t know
how much!
Since I started this meat free diet three weeks ago I have
lost about 5.5lbs. I haven’t starved or even gone hungry. I have eaten what I
wanted to and the amount I wanted to …just not meat. Although I should have
been working out I have not been so I can’t attribute any weight loss to
exercise. I can only attribute it to the missing meat. Hummm what should this
tell me about my weight gain?
So far it really hasn’t been hard going without meat. In truth
I don’t miss it except on occasion when I crave a cheeseburger. Those moments
are hard to get through because normally it would have been nothing for me to
just run out and buy one from Whataburger.
What I am finding to be difficult is being creative with
cooking. It seems the majority of vegetarian meals are soup, and I hate soup,
OK not hate, but I am not a huge fan. Plus in Texas it’s already warming up so
soup is only a sometimes meal here! I am trying to think outside of the box and
look at other cultures for ideas and so far I am finding that to be my best
solution.
I have learned a few lessons from going meatless (some
obvious, but humor me….)
I was way too dependent on fast food.
I would find excuses not to cook.
Meat is a side dish not a main course
Meat is expensive
I am stronger than I thought I was
With God anything is possible…
I was more dependent on eating out than I even realized. When
I was feeling lazy or uninspired to cook we would eat out. When I was craving
fast food I would eat it no matter what. If I wanted it I was going to have it…
hell bent! I would look for reasons not to cook and now I don’t have a choice
but to cook. Eating meat free is a lot less accessible than one might think
when you are talking about eating out. I went to Taco Bell a week or so ago and
ending up throwing $6 worth of food away and doing without lunch because I thought
what I ordered was meatless, and I didn’t bother to ask. It all went into the
trash. That was a total bummer. What was even worse … That Taco Bell location
burnt down the next day… the very next day! I was heartbroken thinking of the
nice people that helped me who are now looking for new jobs. God be with them!
Two weeks ago I went out for Mexican food with my Mom
thinking we could have cheese enchiladas only to find out I couldn’t find
anything in their regular plate section that was 100% meatless. We ended up ordering
appetizers we split a plate of nachos and a large bowl of guacamole. It was delicious
and completely out of character for both of us. We loved it. Who would have
guessed… I guess stepping out of your comfort zone can be rewarding at times.
I have realized that I don’t need meat as a main dish. As a
matter of fact we may end up removing meat from our diet 5 out of 7 days a week
after Lent. I never saw that coming. I am a Texan through and through and in
Texas we are bred to be carnivores. Meat is in our blood and in our nature. Maybe
that’s why Houston is one of the fattest cities in the United States… something
to think about? I never thought I could go a day without it, now it’s been three
weeks. Who knew that was possible?
I am actually enjoying this life. It’s been three weeks so I
can safely say that I have given this a fair try and I am actually feeling
better. I have more energy and oh yes I am almost 6 pounds down… who knew? I feel
great and I am proud of myself. I see why people become vegetarians.
It hasn’t been as much of a test as I thought it would and I
feel the next three weeks will be successful too. I prayed before I started
this journey asked for help and sought advance in prayer. I had my prayers
answered because I am making it so far and I feel great. I never thought I would
feel so good, mentally and physically. Does meat impact our lives and the
health of our body that much?
- Meat is expensive! In my area I can get 90/10 ground beef at
- Sam’s Club for $3.50 a pound and chicken breast for $1.77 veggies on the other
- hand I can get for sometimes under $1 a pound. I haven’t engaged in the frozen
meat free options like Boca or Morning Star. Veggies are where it’s at right
now... fresh or frozen it doesn’t matter to me.
I am looking forward to moving on with the next few weeks of
my meat free journey. I have learned a lot about food, nutrition, vegetarianism
and me. I have learned that I have been conditioned to believe so many things
that are not true, and I am breaking out of those barriers.
Have you taken any type of journey in your life that was
unexpected that you feel made you a better person, in one form or fashion, when you can out on
the other side?
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