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37 DAYS PESCATARIAN :)





March 1 2017: I decided that I would try to go without meat for a while. For health reasons primarily, and to make some changes in my food choices. Since the religious Lent holiday started on the 1st, I decided 45 days would be perfect. I decided to omit beef, poultry, and pork from my diet. I don't eat other types of meat like lamb, goat, or game. The only meat I would allow is fish, which I don't really consider it to be "meat", but some beg to differ. 

 Anywhoo...I've been on this quest to try new things, make healthier choices, find some new fats etc...I will say this. The journey has been interesting so far. See I normally, do carb fasts, but since I gave up meat, I allowed myself to indulge in certain grains AND continue my dairy intake. The reason why I did that is in case I prepared something that I did not like, I would have my side of brown rice or wheat pasta on hand. Hey small steps. I joined a secret vegan challenge group on Facebook that welcomes vegetarian transitioners. The mentors of this group are so warm and inviting. They are extremely helpful with questions you may have about pretty much anything vegan. The goal is to incorporate a vegan dish into your meal plan daily, so it doesn't seem like you are going pro plant life, cold turkey. It is the friendliest, no judgement vegan group, I have seen so far. 





I have not decided yet, If I am claiming veganism going forward, or if I'm going to stick with being Lacto Ovo, Pescatarian.   I have some kinks to get out of my system,  and I would like to really weigh my options with substitution choices. 
I am not a tofu, avocado, chickpea, or quinoa lover. I also have some texture issues. To be honest my issue more than anything when it comes to food, is fighting carbs and my never ending sweet tooth. I've prepared plenty of meals without meat or dairy. I was actually able to give up meat faster than I could a Hostess Cupcake. If there's a plate of Fettuccini Alfredo on the table, I have no shame. I have some growing to do. Being vegan is definitely a moral activist lifestyle, where you have to be extremely conscious about what you eat. 




I have seen some pro vegan things that have hurt my soul. Memes and pictures against everything I was taught as a child. I come from a family of hunters that were taught to live off the land. Enough said. Damn You Grandpa! As a child, I was not aware of the plight of our animal friends. I am more conscious. Does that make me Vegan? Absolutely not! But I believe in time...my time, I will eventually get there. My family does not oppose, which is surprising. I have two 6 year olds, who are way more aware than I was about what they put into their bodies. They have school friends who are vegans or have food allergies, so they know the meaning of "gluten free"  and "dairy free".  Breakfast over dry cereal in the morning is interesting. You can hardly hear yourself think over the loud crunch of cheerios. Trying to get them to drink soy or almond milk is a nightmare, since I have gaggers. Sigh...Small steps.
My husband was raised in a Southern household, and some of the
"things"  he has claimed to have eaten... I would never have eaten, even as a meat eater. To each his own.  :(





So as my deadline approaches in less than a week, I have to make a decision. Do I return to my carnivorous ways...or continue on my Pescatarian diet? Can I give up turkey wings and Sunday greens without smoked neck bones? And Eggs? How do I make cakes and brownies without eggs? What is my Thanksgiving mac and cheese going to be like without cheddar cheese?  And July, which is right around the corner, is National Hot Dog month!!!
AND WHAT IN GOD'S NAME IS NUTRITIONAL YEAST?
  Way to much to think about. Know this...I've pretty much already made my decision based on how I've been throwing down in my kitchen this past month :) But time will tell if I go full in. My time. 

Stay Tuned! 

Steph ;)


NOTE: The Vegan Challenge Facebook Group mentioned
 above is secret. 
You have to register here to be considered. 
Not being paid or endorsed in any way. Just a courtesy. 

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