“You are led through your lifetime by the inner learning creature, the playful spiritual being that is your real self.
Don't turn away from possible futures before you're certain you don't have anything to learn from them.”

~ Richard Bach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull ~


Sunday, July 3, 2011

Becoming Vegetarian . . .

I've been giving it a great deal of thought over the last few months about becoming a vegetarian. This is not a decision to be made lightly as it involves quite a lifestyle change, but one that I feel at this juncture in my life I'm ready for.

This change comes about as part of my spirituality which involves Wicca and Reiki and also because my body is telling me that it's time to make a change. I've never really been a big fan of meat, especially red meat, although truth be told I have enjoyed a few good steaks in my time. But I always pay the price in the way my body reacts to red meat. It's not pretty.

In doing research about vegetarianism, I've come across some very eye-opening information regarding the meat, dairy and poultry industries. It's maddening on so many levels and just plain sad on others. I won't go into details as it's something that I believe everyone must come to in their own time - this is my time.

Part of my research involved reading a book called 'The Kind Diet' by Alicia Silverstone. Her down-to-earth approach made this book an easy read and I'm looking forward to delving into some of the suggested recipes.

So today is the first day of the rest of my life - so to speak. I'm giving up red meat, chicken, turkey, fish - if it's meat it's gone. Instead I'll be fueling up on grains, beans, and vegetables. Gone too are the processed foods and sugar.

I'll be posting here and there about my journey, the ups, the downs and the inbetweens. It's going to be an interesting ride . . .

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11 comments:

Betty said...

Good luck on your journey. I have often thought about going that way and still do. Just wished I could find a cookbook where the ingrediets would not cost and arm and a leg to go by. Will look forward to hearing how you do.

Nana Mari said...

Hi Tereza...congratulations! I know, from my own experience, you will feel so much better on a vegetarian diet. It is a bit of a life-style adjustment, but well worth the effort. If you would like some book suggestions, please let me know. I have several that offer very practical recipes, that even my meat-eating husband enjoys! Good Luck!!!

Celia said...

Good luck to you. My oldest daughter became a vegetarian when she was a young teenager(she's 23yrs old now and loves The Kind Diet book)....I tried back then to join her as support....but I didn't make it. It's hard to be a vegetarian when you don't like very many vegetables.

Jules Dolly said...

It's a lifestyle choice for sure, it feels kinder, kinder on you and kinder on them. Even one person can make a difference. I feel so much for animals that I have to abstain from eating anything with 2 eyes and a smile. Look forward to following : )

~*Gumbo Soul*~ said...

Good luck and keep us posted. I've been toying with this idea for a little while now as well so I'd be really interseted to see how it goes for you!

Winter Slytherin said...

I look forward to seeing how this will go! Many Wiccans/Pagans/Witches seem to go the vegetarian or vegan route. Though I'm not much of a meat eater myself I honestly haven't given it much thought as I'm borderline diabetic and struggling with simply eating healthy. But I'm always interested to see how it works out for those who choose to go vegetarian.

Sutter Creek Sellers said...

you go girl. i've been a vegetarian for 12+ years, and it is wonderful. before I had awful digestive upsets (my family eats A LOT of meat, and I grew up doing what they did), and a friend suggested that if i truly am an animal lover, I should give it a go. I've never looked back!!! Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Wishing you all the luck in the world! Keep us posted. This is something I ponder often as well.

Mama L said...

I have been feeling the same way. I picked up a free booklet at the health food store last time I was there, and I was reading it while I was waiting for the kids to get done with baseball. Of course here I amsupposed to paying attention to the kids and the game, reading this booklet and tears just streaming down my face. So I am am really trying to eat not eat meat. That is the first goal and then I will go from there. I have been doing ALOT of rice, pasta, fruits and veggies, oils, herbs, spices, hummus, natural whole wheat breads and such. I think if you take baby steps it can be more managable. Start small and work towards your goal. You can do it look at all the other positive changes you have implemented in your life! Blessings

Plumrose Lane said...

This is wonderful Teresa and I've considered the same decision for a very long time ~ mostly because I 'feel' so much from the animals I eat that it's painful sometimes and my heart breaks for them. Who could possibly each a chicken that's lived the kind of life so many of them do these days.
My hats off to you girl, bravo! I hope it's a fulfilling and joyful journey for you!
♥Sharon

Anonymous said...

Merrty Meet, Tereza! I just happened upon your blog (I just started mine very recently) and it seems we have a lot in common.

I too, am just embarking on a Vegetarian diet for many of the same reasons as yourself. I've had to eat a small amount of meat this week as I haven't yet been shopping for the week.

My husband and son are still eating meat and I have been eating bits of meat in my meals this week. I plan my next shopping trip for tomorrow where I will then stock up on my own vegetarian foods and my husband will then begin cooking for himself and our son.

I was vegetarian years ago and LOVED the way I felt. However at that time I was doing it for health purposes, and this time, after learning so much about eating locally/organically, I'm also doing it for animal rights because I have seen the inhumane ways the animals are treated.

Very proud of your for making the change as well! Maybe we should keep in touch for encouragement. :)