Becoming Vegetarian

Never in a million years would I have ever thought that I would be writing a post like this. It's not me. I'm quite sure I have always prided myself on my love of meat. When I set out on this new journey to health, I was trying to choose healthier options. I'm not sure I thought those healthier options would end up meaning no meat for me...but that is the course it has taken, the path on which I have turned. A month and a half ago, I said that I would just eat more veggies, swear off sugary drinks and food, and eat meat sparingly. I didn't actually think I could go without meat itself. But, I learned I can. I'm to the point now that almost any meat, or poultry for that matter, just does not look good to me. That, to me, is stranger than just saying I'm a vegetarian...which I still don't quite feel comfortable saying. At what point can I officially and unequivocally say that I am, in fact, a vegetarian? Let's be real, I've had turkey on my subs at Subway (loaded down with veggies of course) and I had chicken in my mom's buffalo chicken dip she made for Gabe's party. Other than that though, I haven't had it. And meat/poultry has not entered my body in over a week.

Friday night, hubby and I decided to go out for a late V-Day (with Gabe too of course). We decided on Outback because we haven't been there in a loooong while and I wanted to try some place different. Ever since I started my health journey, I've had fun challenging myself at some of my favorite places to find healthier options. I figured it would be a grand challenge to go to a "Steakhouse" and find healthy veggie options there. It was more difficult but I finally settled on a salad with spinach, walnuts, feta cheese, and green apples tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette. It did come with grilled chicken which I did not touch (gave to hubby-it did not go to waste). The salad was delicious, although I was sick later that night. Maybe too much feta? Yesterday, my mother-in-law made spaghetti in a meat sauce. I found myself actually picking out the chunks of meat. This is where a low radar goes off in my brain that something has gone awry. I used to gaze strangely at people who did that sort of thing, staring at them like they had 4 heads and 8 eyeballs. What sort of person picks out the meat from their spaghetti with meat sauce?

A vegetarian...that's who. I cannot fathom how I could possibly become a vegetarian. It does not make sense for this chicken chowing, pepperoni pizza loving, bacon eating, picky eater to choose veggies over meat. The only possible explanation is an alien invasion absolute miracle of God. He has completely shifted my food desires and twisted my taste buds. Even my husband doesn't recognize my food choices. I'm eating things I would ordinarily turn my nose up at. I'm sure my faithful readers will soon say, "Enough of the health posts already," but I am still constantly amazed at the fact that I am still eating healthy and not feeling burnt out. Surely by now, I should have said, "Screw it! Order a pizza!" But I haven't. Usually I would have baked myself a pan of brownies or a tin of Jiffy "blueberry" muffins to ease the feeling of failing at another "diet." That's just it though. This isn't a diet. This is a true lifestyle change. I will never go back to eating the junk I used to eat.

Without much exercise at all, I am down 15 pounds and I fit into a pair of jeans yesterday that I have not fit into since before pregnancy. I'm not updating the weight loss as a "look at me!" sort of thing. I'm doing it so that those who may be struggling right now will say, "Well, goodness! If SHE can do it, I can do it." Because trust me if I, of all people, can, you can. You don't have to become a vegetarian. I'm not going to judge you for eating meat. I may give a disgusted look as I did with hubby's burger last week at Beef O Brady's  while I munched on my veggie wrap but it's just facial reflexes. It's not you.

I know that the craving for sweets is strong for some and I am feeling rather blessed that God has decided to take that desire away from me but if you're craving sweets and don't want to go off track, try the healthy desserts from one of my favorite blogs: www.chocolatecoveredkatie.com She has amazingly wonderful HEALTHY desserts. I've tried a few and been very thrilled, as has hubby. Some of her ingredients sound crazy, but trust me! She is my go-to blog for healthy sweet treats.

With all this said, I don't feel like I can justly call myself a full vegetarian yet. As the title suggests: I am becoming a vegetarian. I am certain there is a minimum amount of time that meat has to not enter your body before you can truly say you are a vegetarian. Any vegetarians out there want to help me on that matter? I mean, it makes sense.

Anyway, I'm sorry if you're tired of the "healthy journey" update posts but I forewarn you: there will be more to come. If you aren't interested in reading my chronicle of health, don't read. I mean, the former me would be over reading these by now so I'm not judging you if you're tired of them...just giving you fair warning that they are going to keep coming. As I fast from facebook and dig more into God's Word, I feel like He is making my will stronger in the food area, an area I have struggled with my ENTIRE life and I want to share that journey with my readers.

Thanks for always being encouraging.

Another post may come today regarding today's YouVersion "Verse of the Day" 1 Peter 3:15. It reminded me of something I heard on the radio the other day and I'd like to share. So be on the look out! A non health related blog is on the way, friends!

My new food pyramid!!! Trying to eat this way daily!