The End of Year One

As 2015 draws to a close I've been pondering this vegetarian journey I've been on and I have to say it's been a good thing for me - I feel better having eliminated meat products from my diet, I've lost a few pounds and I feel like I have more energy. With the exception of Dan's coconut and almond crusted tilapia (which I'll be having on New Year's Day) and the famous garlic and onion turkey burgers I haven't missed eating meat so for the most part I'll continue the vegetarian lifestyle (and blogging too). 

What I've learned along the way:

• People who don't understand your food choices can be annoyed by them and they may try to thwart your efforts, convince you that you're wrong or behave rudely. I think this is the thing that surprised me the most although it probably shouldn't. I've spent a good part of my existence not eating products derived from a cow and have encountered a broad range of responses, from deciding I was too picky, to being accused of wanting attention, to being told "A little won't hurt me"  - thanks but no thanks - please understand that it's an allergy issue not a vanity issue. 

• I don't understand why my food choices are a concern to others? I've not asked anyone to conform to my lifestyle, I'm willing to bring my own food (and often do) to events, I've not asked anyone to purchase special food for me or change their way of cooking - yet it still seems to be a point of contention; go figure.

• Many restaurants that tout themselves as "vegetarian friendly" think that means cheese (as a replacement for meat) and ice berg lettuce and sometimes even those who support you - just want you to order that salad so they can get dinner and move on. In the same way carnivores want something tasty - I want something tasty that happens to be vegetarian, not something that you've simply removed the meat from - altering a dish and truly having vegetarian options are not the same thing.

• With the exception of a very few brands, most "fake meat" products taste like fake meat and should be avoided at all costs.

• Healthy cooking takes time, plan accordingly.

• Read labels if you can't pronounce or have no clue what ingredients are in something you shouldn't eat it - put it back on the shelf

• Experimentation is fun! Try one new food each week, if you don't like it don't eat it again it's not the end of the world. When Dan and I first met he told me he didn't like brussels sprouts or squash, turns out he'd only been exposed to pureed squash and boiled brussels sprouts - no wonder he didn't like them. Say hello to the oven and roasting - he's now a huge fan of both and regularly asks me to make them.

• Tempeh over tofu - while I like and will eat both, I prefer the texture and nuttiness of tempeh.

• Take a vegetarian cooking class or two (or four). I've learned so many new recipes by taking community ed and un-cooking classes at the local raw food restaurant, many are now my go to favorites.

• Vegetarians and Vegans need protein be sure to include beans and other sources of protein on a daily basis - protein is important but it doesn't have to come from an animal.

Thanks to those of you who have supported me, followed & shared my blog, shared recipes with me and tried my veggie creations - it's been a great journey and I hope you'll continue to follow my blog.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Safe New Year - see you in 2016!