I’ve been kicking around the idea of trying to eat vegetarian or vegan for a few months. I went a couple of weeks or so at the beginning of the summer just eating veggies, boiled eggs, and turkey breast. I lost about 7 pounds in those two weeks. The goal at that time was to lose weight and it worked, but I eventually gained it back. At the end of those two weeks, I ate a Fuddrucker’s burger and fries and I laid awake that night feeling like I was going to throw up. It was a horrible feeling. I really thought I had food poisoning, but I think it was just my body trying to adjust.
But since then, Phillip and I both have adopted a much healthier diet. And we are exercising several times a week. Not sixteen times a week (The Royal Tenenbaums), but still. And I’ve taken off those same 7-10 pounds again that I lost at the beginning of the summer.
But recently I watched a documentary, Forks Over Knives, that really got me thinking. You should watch it too. Maybe it’s hogwash, lies, and propaganda. That’s certainly a possibility. But regardless, I just feel less and less okay about much of the food that I’m putting in my body. So I’ve decided to do something about it.
So after a weekend of eating chicken wings, beef fajitas, fish, and chocolate, I’m starting a veganish diet starting tomorrow, really this evening. My goal is to *try* to cut out all meats, eggs, and dairy for a year. But I decided to allow myself to eat fish tacos and the fixings at La Casona and Chuy’s because…I’m only human. Maybe a year is too long. Maybe a year is too short. But anyway, a year is what I’ve decided on. I’m kind of thinking about this sort of as an experiment. I have frequent stomach issues. I’m often lethargic. I’m often moody. Those things may or may not be diet related. So I’m going to give it a year and reevaluate at that time. Also, I think it will really help me to begin thinking of food more as fuel rather than a source of pleasure or something to occupy my time.
It’s kind of scary. I’m sure I’ll fail here and there, some intentionally and some unintentionally. At this time I really don’t know a lot about what I should and shouldn’t be eating. But I’ll learn as I go, just like anything else. I’m diving into this with every intention of succeeding. And it may not be a great idea to start this right before the holidays, but my mind is made up. No point waiting. I think the foods that I’ll miss the most are chicken and various cheeses. Apparently there are soy cheeses so I need to find out about those and where they can be purchased.
A few funny conversations Jackson and I had about this whole thing…
Me: So I’m thinking about giving up meat, eggs, and dairy for a year.
Jack: So you’ll just eat like plants??
Later…
Me: No more meat as of today.
Jack: So you made a decision?
Me: Yes, I did.
Jack: You’re insane.
Later…
Me: Do you want some? (showing him brussel sprouts)
Jack: You’re just going to eat those cabbages by themselves??
Me: They’re brussel sprouts. At least I think they’re brussel sprouts.
Jack: laughing… You don’t even know what you’re eating, do you?
Me: Not really, no.
Later…
Me: Jack, do you want an eggplant and tomato sandwich?
Jack: Nope. Can’t say that I do.
He’s endless amusement.
Here’s a picture of my dinner this evening. Not too bad, really. I think I can do this.

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