For over seven years, I didn’t eat meat. I ate a little bit of fish here and there, but no beef, pork or chicken.
My body didn’t really like it. I was anemic which was very disappointing because giving blood donations is something that I find highly rewarding, and my low iron count did not allow this. My dentist said he could tell I didn’t eat meat because of the coloring of my gums. My doctor said that I HAD to take multi-vitamins and maintain a strict diet if I chose to be a vegetarian.
Finally, I gave in. Although I still don’t eat chicken, I started to eat beef, turkey and pork. I actually lost weight and started to feel more energy. My skin got more of a glow, and I, in general, felt better.
One of the main reasons I stopped eating meat in the first place was for environmental reasons. A lot of the so-called factory farms practices are destructive to the land, air and water systems. I tried to find grass-fed and free range products, but living in the mountains of Tahoe doesn’t always offer a lot of variety.
My friends at Nevada Econet Blog started doing a weekly feature with a recipe for Meatless Mondays. I decided I would participate in an effort to reduce my carbon footprint. It’s not as drastic as going total vegetarian, but it’s good for the environment and health. I also like that it encourages me to find meatless recipes.
Someone also mentioned Tofu Thursdays somewhere, some place. So, I am picking that up as well. I love Tofu Scramble and Sloppy Joe’s with tofu, as well as some Chinese dishes, so I know there are a lot of great tofu recipes out there.
This is a great way to cut back on meat and come up with new recipes. Let me know if you are participating. Please share any recipes, and I will be sure to add them to a post. I will also share the recipes I come up with!
Here is an entire site dedicated to Meatless Monday.
Nice to see a post here concerning alternative eating habits. Even in the Heartland, we are seeing a lot of healthier choices – including adding wild game and fish (which are plentiful here in Missouri). Very insightful and honest post – nice!!!!
Thanks Will! I’m glad to hear people in Missouri are eating healthier as well. I noticed when I was visiting Georgia that a lot of new sustainable organic restaurants had popped up, so I think the movement is spreading.