I was suppose to write a thirty (30) day review but was in between trying to figure out whether I wanted to continue or call it quits. Well, it has been sixty (60) days with no meat, and I feel great!
I’ve been asked some of the same questions during this process, so I wanted to share (a few):
Why did you stop eating meat, was it to lose weight for the wedding?
“Yes and no. I stopped eating meat to kick off my weight loss goal. The plan was for 30 days, a way to give my organs a rest from the process of digesting meat. It was also a way to help me make better food choices. The wedding was a motivation but the idea was to make it a life altering changes.
Is your fiancé participating?
“The only participation I get is: “wow babe you did good, I’m proud of you, now can you hand me the blue cheese for my hot wings?”. He’s a meat lover, I wasn’t expecting him to join. Though he jokes around about it, he is aware of my decision and tries to help in other ways. For example, he will contact a restaurant before we go out to ensure they have adequate choices for me to choose from.
Was it easy to follow through?
“Yes, because I rarely ate red meat prior to this, I would eat poultry from time to time. However, the first 30 days was the hardest, I had meat cravings, which was crazy because I barely ate meat before. After the first 30 days I became more disciplined, I don’t have the urge to eat it when I see it.”
Do you plan to continue after the wedding?
“Well, the plan is to make it a lifestyle not a phase.”
Have you lost weight? “No, the minute I stopped eating meat the second my sweet tooth spiked up, I baked dessert every weekend during this process (smile). I’m sure if I was working out I would have noticed a difference.”
Cons from this process:
It’s expensive, have you seen the price of produce or veggie meat.
Busy schedule sometimes require fast food; fast food…umm not many choices, fries! (Not a fan of fast food but at times a 5-piece nugget went a long way until my next meal.)
Careful monitoring to ensure I get all my nutrients.
It’s expensive, just in case you missed it the first time.
Benefits from this process:
I don’t feel sluggish.
It’s easier for me to make healthier food choices.
I am more disciplined.
More conscious of what I put in my body (aside from sweets 🙂
Increased interest in fighting against animal cruelty.
Helping the environment
Increased my creativity for recipes.
Started a new his/her diet blog (cooking for a vegetarian and a meat-lover in one kitchen).
I was hoping I would be able to add clearer skin to the list above but it has been counteracted by my stress level.
I really enjoy the feeling of not being a prisoner to particular types of foods. I am currently researching more on vegetarianism and have fallen within the debate of what a vegetarian diet should consist. For now I am a Pescetarian because I eat fish from time to time (at least once a week).
There is so much more I can share but will leave for a later post (don’t want this to be a 3 page post :-). I will keep you posted on my progress and findings.
One thing is for sure, I am not quite quipped to become VEGAN! At least not now!
If you are vegetarian/vegan, how was your transition?
Saying your name alone makes me chuckle. You have seen me through many journeys and back. You kept my feet warm during those winter moments and comfy during those long walks. You have seen as many places I have and were there for me though out is all. Because of this, I want you to be part of my special day.Sadly, the Fiancé is a Nike fan and there is no way anyone would wear Nike at the wedding but I wouldn’t mind you Mr. Chucks, because your special.
The groomsmen are not wearing you but maybe I can have the little boys bring you along. As for me, I would love to but it won’t go according to plan if I use the other dress (must wait and see).
We have so many more memories but I can only fit so many.This is for you Mr. Chucks!!
Us in Dubai
In Italy
In Hong Kong
No worries Mr. Chucks, if you don’t make it on the wedding day, you sure will come for the honeymoon. I know you will like the ride and sight!!