The first few months of this new venture we were just desperate to stay well. After medication after medication and upon the advice of doctors, we decided to just stay away from any and all of the food that might contribute to our high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and chronic gout. Not to mention high sugar and fat and mega calories slowing us down and making us uncomfortable and fat. It went past vegetarian and all the way to vegan. That was a cold turkey effort and it started with the words: NO ________. Fill in the blank with normal things like: eggs, milk, cheese, meat, processed foods, carbonated drinks, soda pop, ice cream, etc. The list was long and one to which it was nearly impossible to adhere. But we immediately started feeling better, and losing weight. Nice rewards.
But the thing about NO __________ as your mantra is that you need replacements for all the "no" items. I set to work in my own typical fashion to research what we could eat. I bought books like mad, and appliances, and tools, and subscriptions, and I made lists. I am good at all of that. Especially lists and charts. I spent hours on the computer researching vegan websites and found vegetarian recipes that would need to be adjusted as well. I bought tofu and tvp and soy milk and lots and lots of vegetables. It's another world entirely.
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| "Making the shift to a vegetarian diet can be easier than you think." Picture Credit: www.tomcarsonknowles.com |
The second year I discovered that a mindset change is necessary. Not what we can't eat . . . but what we can. It seems the same, but there is a huge difference in the pursuit. And I had discovered that there was so much delicious food out there that we had not been eating. Lots of good choices. I turned a corner there. And we relaxed a little. Occasionally we eat meat and cheese and eggs. When we go out to dinner, which is pretty rarely, we will have an old favorite. When people invite us over, we do not make them, or expect them to adapt their meal plan to fit ours. We eat what they have prepared. Much easier. Sometimes I even bake something that has an egg in it -- like flaxseed muffins. That can't be bad!
Into our 3rd year we discussed whether or not to continue. We could certainly change at any time. Our decision to be vegetarian/vegan isn't a philosophy or value-based decision as many people's choices are. We aren't saving the earth or protecting the environment or animals. Clearly, since we are still raising cattle. We have no pretense about why we are doing it. We own our self-interest and don't wish to prove anything to anyone. Once you hit 60 I think you stop pretending you care about stuff for the acclaim. You just do what you need and want to do for yourself. We want to live longer and be healthier. And we want to enjoy our lives. That's it. It's all about ourselves.
So-- I think we are accomplishing our goals. I have lost weight and am still working hard on that goal. We both feel better. I think we are healthier. We are more active -- going hiking a bit and feeling more energetic.
We are discovering new foods, and having interesting surprises as we explore new recipes. It's easier this year. We are more relaxed and not as uptight about being vegetarian/vegan. We still eat processed foods on occasion, and stop at Wendy's for a frostee from time to time. We are not insane about the dos and don'ts. Just embracing the healthy and beneficial aspects. We certainly are not preaching it and have no interest in others becoming vegetarians or vegans. That's an individual choice. Our health forced us into it. We are better for it.
A friend of mine says she is reluctant to tell people she is vegetarian. It seems to be so much more work for everyone. She says she can always find food to eat wherever she goes. It's just the meat she shuns. Most people don't just set a pan of meat on the table. Look at all the veggies and salads, potatoes and rice and noodles, and etc. And bread. Always lots of other choices. I think it's a good idea not to tell folks. But, since you asked. . .
