Hi Guys! Happy Saturday morning!!! I hope everyone is using this time to relax a little and have some much needed down-time!
Okay…so that brings me to another little announcement I have to make….
As you all know, I am dedicated to eating healthy foods that fuel the body and energize the mind and spirit. I believe food can be used as a medicine and is a very powerful thing. If you fill your body with crap—you will feel like crap. Same way with if you eat natural, good-for-you foods that prevent disease and sustain life. Okay..you guys probably are like, “what is she getting at now?” I guess I tend to make a lot of “announcements” on here…but everything is always changing in life and I am just trying to do the best I can! Two weeks ago I was having a ham sandwich for lunch. It was a ham and gruyere and, while it was tasty, after I finished the sandwich I had a disgusting gagging feeling that wouldn’t go away. I felt the same a couple weeks ago after I went to Ruth’s Chris with Ryan and ordered a steak for dinner. I was up all night that night with a stomachache and a gross bloated feeling. So….over the past weeks I have thought and thought of what is “wrong” with my diet. I eat healthy food but I still don’t feel my best sometimes….and I have been up all night for the past week thinking about this!
I have decided to become a vegetarian once again. I lived this lifestyle for quite a while throughout high school and college, and quite frankly, realize that is what is needed for me to feel my best not only physically but mentally as well. Bottom line: I just feel a ton better eating a plant based diet. I could never kill another being for my food myself and don’t want another person to do the task for me. There are so many benefits of eating vegetarian and I think a lot of you are already vegetarians so I won’t spend this time lecturing you. I still plan to eat seafood (not tuna right now because of the high mercury levels)—so I guess you vegan purists might think I’m a little “fake”. Haha 🙂 I just plan to cut poultry, beef, ham, lamb…ect out of my diet. It won’t be too much of a change since I already eat mostly plant foods anyways!!
Okay….you guys are probably falling back to sleep right now as you read this long statement of my new eating habits. Sorry! It just had to be said. I’ve wanted to tell y’all for awhile, but kept it on the down low until I did a bunch of “homework” on it and talked to a few people. I just wanted to make sure this what was best! I hope you all will continue reading my blog, of course, and get tons of veggie-inspired meals! I never really cooked with a lot of meat anyways so I don’t think you will find too much of a difference!! I need your support in my beginning days of this because, really, none of my friends are vegetarians and Ryan certainly isn’t one either!! Good thing I have found such a good, supportive man to be with! (to an extent, haha!)
OKAY~~thank being said and done with, let’s get on with it! I have a little confession to make! Last night when Ryan got here around 10:00, we decided that instead of watching a movie (like we always do), we wanted to go out for a mojito!!!!! So we did!!! We went to a cuban restaurant a couple miles away and we each had a really yummy, minty, delicious mojito with a big stalk of sugar cane in it. MMM…my favorite!!! Ryan was starving because he had played in a golf tournament all day yesterday (he WON, which is why we were celebrating!) and hadn’t gotten anything to eat! The options for appetizers weren’t the healthiest and I really didn’t want anything, so Ryan ordered his favorite—spinach, cheese and crab dip. Typical guy. 🙂 I totally would not have eaten that slice of cake last night if I would have known we were going out……..but oh well. I had a couple chips with cheese dip even though I don’t necessarily like cheese dips. It was just sitting right in front of me!!!! ahh!!! So yes, a bit of a splurge. We had fun though.
This morning I was super excited to try out my new hempmilk that I got last night at W.F. Let me just tell you—–it ROCKED! I loved the taste…nutty, a little sweet, creamy…….it went perfect with my oats! I had cooked the oats earlier last night and just reheated them this morning with a little bit of the hempmilk as well as a banana and what was left of the blueberries. When it was hot, I stirred in some pb and 2 tbsp of ground flax. Mmmm, MMMMmm,MMMMMM! I have a new favorite! It was so good—I think the hempmilk made the oats creamier than usual and it all worked together in a perfect harmony. I’m such a dork 😉
This is becoming a marathon post!!! I hope you all don’t mind!! Ryan is still asleep right now (of course!) but when he gets up I plan to make him a smoothie with frozen banana, yogurt and ground flax. He always adds wheat germ to his smoothies at home and I’d like to get him on the flax bandwagon!! I know I could NEVER convert him to a vegetarian, so I do what I can! 🙂 I don’t know what our plans are today….we are going out to lunch somewhere….I might take him downtown if its nice to walk around and eat outside. Then, I have to be at work tonight! Blah! Oh well…another short but sweet weekend.
Kath
February 9, 2008 at 1:30 pmSo happy for you about your big announcement!! I totally agree that my body feels best eating plant foods (eat food…mostly plants 🙂 ) Meat weighs me down (in more ways than one!). I really don’t eat red meat much at all, and I try to plan 2 dinners per week that are meat-free (and keep the others to fish/poultry. I look forward to see you get creative with veg. recipes!
Mel H
February 9, 2008 at 1:31 pmHappy Saturday Jenna! You are too cute. I support your decision (even though I still like turkey and chicken!haha) and totally understand why you made it! You are amazing and I love making some vegetarian meals!. I hope you and ryan have a great day!! I’m getting ready to go to a breakfast/fashion show with my mom for her work! I’m excited bc I only see my parents about every other week! Take care jenna!
Kristin
February 9, 2008 at 1:37 pmJenna,
I fully agree with every part of your new commitment to living off of a plant based diet with a bit of fish. That’s the same way I’ve been eating for the past two years, and I have never felt better, or healthier! I feel my body WANTS the most pure, natural foods to keep it fueled, and although I do sometimes get flak for eating fish, I feel as though fish is one of those foods that fuels my body well. As I have studied the composition of fish, it has a very different composition than animal flesh, one my body savors instead of rejects! So, I keep it in my diet and have it a couple times a week, and I’ve been doing great that way! Of course I also LOVE tofu and veggie burgers, and they’re staples in my diet as well =)
Kudos on the announcement, best of luck and I look forward to more of your healthy, vegetarian recipes I can try!
Kris
P.S. I tried your Quinoa with Taleggio and Spicy Sauteed Mushrooms. Absolutely my new favorite dish, and my family devoured it as well! Thank you for such a fabulous recipe!
Nadia
February 9, 2008 at 1:56 pmI’ve been a vegetarian for so long I don’t remember what meat tastes like! Glad you made the decision to do what feels right for your body and ofcourse looking forward to more vegetarian meals on the blog that I can try…have fun today!
Megs
February 9, 2008 at 2:00 pmVeggie girl,
I saw in another comment that you had posted recommendations on WHole Foods buys….but I cant find 🙁 Do you know what day you posted it? Or can you give me some ideas?
P.S your website is SO cute…really want to try you cookie, cupcake, muffin treat
Melissa
February 9, 2008 at 2:14 pmHi Jenna!
I am so excited for you, and for that fact that your blog will be even more useful to me know–who could have imagined?
I have been a vegetarian for about 3 years. I learned about what the consumption of meat does to the planet, and of course, the treatment of animals in the meat industry while working at a raw food restaurant, Pure Food and Wine, and I haven’t gone back. For a while I was leaner, glowing, lighter and more energetic than ever.
But I have transitioned into something of a junk food vegetarian (I still eat TONS of fruits and veggies, but too much refined flour/sugar)but I have actually gained about 10lbs. over the last 6 months–and can’t seem to shake them.
So I am really excited to see how you keep your diet healthy as a vegetarian. I have recently realized that I do need to add more protein for satiety. I try to avoid too many soy products and fake vegetarian products that seem to be way too processed. I mean a soy burger shouldn’t have as many ingredients as a hostess product!
So anyways, good luck! If you have any tips on how I can fit “back” into my jeans, I would love to hear them.
Brianne
February 9, 2008 at 2:18 pmYay for vegetarianism! I knew this was coming! haha. I have actually been reading up on it as well, veganism too. it makes a lot of sense to me… I don’t know that I am ready to call myself a ‘vegan” because if I do slip I will feel like i failed. I will just try and eat as plant based as I can for awhile before I make any offical decisions! I told Darren I was thinking about cutting out all animal products and he was so supportive! Thanks goodness we have wonderful boyfriends! I’m so excited for you!
Vegandancer
February 9, 2008 at 2:27 pmyou’re an inspiration to us all, Jenna.
🙂
emily w.
February 9, 2008 at 2:36 pmHey! It sounds like a great idea! I cut out all red meat from my diet about 2 years ago and it feels great (chicken & fish are still on the menu though!). I have 2 questions:
1. Have you ever made the beet gnocchi from Apples for Jam? I made them the other night and they took like an hour and a half and they tasted like dough……YUCK! I followed the directions to a T, so I just don’t understand? Are gnocchi supposed to taste like dough?! (I dontthink so but dont really know!) Either way, they just did not taste good, which suprised me because I really like that cookbook!
2. I made your cinnamon maple cornbread last night and it made the house smell sinful! haha It smelled like a cake, but tasted like a YUMMY cornbread! Thanks for the recipe! My question is…it only rose to about half the bread loaf pan. It was like a squatty loaf and I saw yours and it looked like a normal loaf of bread? The only substitute I made was:
*The equivalent amount of egg beaters for 1 egg
It also looked a bit denser than your loaf. Are you sure all of the posted ingredients are correct? (It didnt seem like I used much flour?) Maybe I just did something wrong?! Has anyone else made this bread? Any thoughts? (It was still delicious!) Thanks!
Emily
Anna
February 9, 2008 at 2:38 pmJenna,
I have been a vegetarian my entire life – born and raised! So I completely support your decision to take on this lifestyle again. Let me know if you need any advice. Good luck!
mason
February 9, 2008 at 2:42 pmHey! I just recently started reading your blog and I wanted to tell you how supportive I am of your wonderful blog! I enjoy your approach so much! I absolutely agree with tuning into your natural born instinct in selecting what kinds of foods fuel and satisfy your body best. I too am a vegetarian who eats seafood (but no dairy) since my teens (I am 30), and I feel very well-balanced, healthy and strong. My husband however, is a bonafide carnivore, and I support his diet and truly believe that everyone is different, and people require different kinds of foods according to their body’s personal design and genetic makeup. I am a massage therapist and have the extrordinary opportunity to witness how specifically different all people are, physically, energetically,spirtually etc. I believe food and life force are so intimately connected and I applaud you for your wonderful approach. Your blog is appealing because of your optimism and your fun attitude and your openess to share your experience and I think you are helping other people pay attention to a great way to approach food and take care of themselves without being too strict or too rigid, etc. Thank you for your insight and looking forward to watching your days unfold with continued energy and passion, again Thank you for sharing yourself!!!
Lisa
February 9, 2008 at 2:43 pmI feel a little left out! I don’t think I could ever become a vegeterain! It’s not that I HAVE to have meat/poultry (well I do love chicken!) but it just seems to retrictive and I’d have to be more aware of what I put in my body than I already do. My husband loves meat and feels that if there is not meat in a dish its not going to be filling enough. I know he wrongs but that’s just how men think sometimes! lol I am tempted, however, to eat more vegetarian meals by reading your blog! So this will be a great cooking experience for me to jump out of my shell and try some other new healthy dishes! I’m very excited!
PS…Do you vegetarians and vegans look down upon the meat eaters? 🙁
teachergirl
February 9, 2008 at 2:45 pmHi Jenna,
I don’t like regular milk, and I am lactose intolerant. I have recently begun using “light” almond milk in my oatmeal. Have you ever had this? I was wondering how hemp milk compares to this. Have a good day!
Bev
February 9, 2008 at 2:46 pmI could actually tell by your resent trip to WF which direction your were going. Wise choice. You are very educated ( with all the help from the vegetarian bloggers ) You will feel fabulous. I’m watching Jamie Oliver on Food Network now and he has great root veggie recipes. Have a great short weekend 🙂
Anne
February 9, 2008 at 2:55 pmHa, I knew it, too! From the grocery trip purchases, and from the meals the past week or so. Anyway, congrats! I hardly ever eat red meat except on special occasions, but I do like seafood and poultry. I do however try to balance vegetarian meals with non-vegetarian meals to get more of a variety. I’m interested to see what you come up with! And Lisa, my boyfriend is a TOTAL meat lover, so I hear ya! Every time I eat with him it’s definitely more meat-intensive 🙂
Betsy
February 9, 2008 at 2:58 pmSo soon after your first roast chicken! It didn’t get you hooked??
Kristin
February 9, 2008 at 2:59 pmThis is going to sound stupid, but I cannot find a recipes page anywhere on this site. I even typed it into the search box. It just does not seem to exist. I am DYING to make the olive oil cake. Can anyone help me???
arimcg
February 9, 2008 at 3:00 pmThat is exactly how I eat! Could never give up shrimp or fish, but not a fan of chicken, pork, beef, etc. I’m so excited now because all of your recipes will probably be perfect for me 🙂
Emma
February 9, 2008 at 3:01 pmHey Jenna,
I have been reading this blog for a long time now, but I’m pretty sure this is one of my first times commenting! Anyways, I just wanted to say first of all- thanks for putting so much effort into your blog and consistently always keeping up with your posts throughout the day. Blogs like yours and kath’s are really such a delight, and I think many of us can agree- they keep us going through out the day, give us something to look forward to, and also provide us with a sense of belonging- to a health-conscious and food-loving community!
It’s so funny how you talk about how your an early riser, and Ryan always sleeps in. That is EXACTLY like me. I’ve never had a boyfriend that was a morning person, so I’m always up on my computer by 7 or (at the very very latest) 8am! Otherwise I’m just so bored- I can’t keep myself in bed awake!
I was just thinking the other day, how recently it seems like a lot of my friends are going veg. One of them claimed how different it made him feel- cleaner, fresher, etc. Though I am not a vegetarian or vegan, I have grown up eating soy- and seeing your tofu recipes is always a treat! Just an interesting observation- that for some reason- LATELY so many people seem to be cutting back on the meat. Maybe it’s just a coincidence with the people in my life…has anybody else noticed this?
K! I didnt mean to write a novel.
Take care everyone, and thanks again Jenna for your timely and detailed posts!
P.S. Could you take a picture of them
Hempmilk nutrition facts?
Kay
February 9, 2008 at 3:05 pmWill you continue eating dairy products like cheese, yogurt, etc.?
I heard the term “flexitarian” and thought it sounded like me! I could go weeks without eating any meat (without really thinking about avoiding it, I just don’t care for it too much) but occasionally I would have a bite of my husband’s steak or something if we go out. I do love fish and seafood 🙂 love sashimi!!
Lisa: about your PS comment, I was wondering the same thing! I have leather bags and shoes too…..
Amy
February 9, 2008 at 3:37 pmMegs,
Did you say you are from N. Carolina?
Vegandancer
February 9, 2008 at 3:38 pmLisa, Kay: I am vegan, and I would NEVER be so presumptuous as to look down on anyone for adhering to a diet that feels right for them, whether their eating habits include meat, dairy or seafood. To each their own.
=)
VeggieGirl
February 9, 2008 at 3:50 pmYES, YES, YES, YES!!!!! This is a FABULOUS announcement, indeed!!! Hooray for taking the step to do what’s right for your body, Jenna – especially since you feel much better, healthier, with a plant-based diet (no surprises there, haha).
**Megs:
What types of foods were you interested in? If you give me a specific “food group” or type that you’re looking for/interested in purchasing at Whole Foods, then I can give you recommendations specific to your needs. Let me know!! :0)
Kel Lee Leee
February 9, 2008 at 3:51 pmKristin the recipes are on the top right hand corner of the page..
Jenna I am SO excited! I can’t wait to get more meal ideas!
BethT
February 9, 2008 at 3:52 pmYou know, it’s funny how our body tells us what it needs (or DOESN’T need!). I was meat free for about 2 years and one day, I had this burning desire for a hamburger. It was all I could think about….so I ate one, and since then, that craving is totally gone. It may be 2 more years before I eat any other meat -who knows? I’m a firm believer in the whole “flexitarian” idea, where you eat a variety of foods depending on your tastes and needs and don’t have meat at every meal.
VeggieGirl
February 9, 2008 at 3:53 pm**Lisa:
I’m the only vegan in my family (no one is even a vegetarian), and I would NEVER look down upon them – ESPECIALLY since they are 100% supportive and (if you read my blog) try every single food that I cook/bake. I would never alienate my loving family (a.k.a. my support-system) just because they are omnivores. Not all vegans/vegetarians are like the stereotypical protesters that are out there. The compassionate ones exist!! :0)
alex
February 9, 2008 at 3:57 pmHi.
I am a freshman in College, and I used to be a vegetarian too. But because I did not have much guidance I lost far to much weight, and was always to sleepy because I didn’t have much protein in my diet. So do the whole “flexitarian” idea… I do not eat red meat, and I will only have like a turkey sandwich at lunch… and then salad for dinner or some non meat item.
Anyways, do you suggest to go on Iron supplements? Are you on them?
Thanks for everything,
Alex
Mom
February 9, 2008 at 4:02 pmYou are such a wise child Jenna!!! If you come home next weekend, I will make your favorite Salmon entree. The Maple glazed one. Maybe even a lemon on-a-cloud pie. We will get ice cream for Ryan! Have fun at the farmers market today!
Margo
February 9, 2008 at 4:43 pmHi Jenna–
I read your blog, my first time to comment. I completely support you! Listen, there are just some people who don’t tolerate meat very well! I have Crohn’s, and while I’m lucky because my symptoms are mild compared to most people, my doctor and I have discovered that when I eat ANY meat (more than 2 oz), it flares up! He doesn’t know why exactly, as not a lot is really known about the disease, and rather than submit me to unpleasant and invasive procedures, last month he proposed such a mostly vegetarian diet– AND I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER! I cannot tell you the difference it has made….
Anyway you have my support!
Casey
February 9, 2008 at 5:09 pmveggiegirl- whats your blog?
Ashley
February 9, 2008 at 5:17 pmCongrats Jenna i think its so great when people are able to look at their lives and find out what reallly works for them. I have considered going veg many times but i’m still not maybe one day. I hope you feel much better!
martha ann
February 9, 2008 at 5:39 pmSO excited for you. I’m actually really looking forward to seeing the meals you have as a vegetarian. I tend to shy away from meat (except for fish!) just because I don’t have much of a taste for it. Especially red meat. But I have a hard time figuring how to stay balanced without meat. I very much look forward to reading about your changing lifestyle. I think it’s awesome.
Have fun with Ryan!
LisaM
February 9, 2008 at 5:40 pmHi Jenna!
My name is Lisa and I have been reading your blog for a while but have never posted. I am a vegetarian too and I wanted to say welcome back! I also believe a plant based is the best for the body and I look forward to all the new meal ideas to come!
VeggieGirl
February 9, 2008 at 6:00 pm**Casey:
my blog URL is http://veggiegirlvegan.blogspot.com – you can just click on my name, though, since it’s a link :0)
jennifer
February 9, 2008 at 6:01 pmhey, jenna. from the time i wake up in the morning, to about 7 or 8 at night, I am gone ALL day. would you mind posting a healthy, vegetarian “meal-on-go” i could take with me that would last me through the afternoon? I do a lot of peanut butter & banana sandwiches (holds me over and is SO delish!) with carrots & celery… but i would like to expand my horizons. my new favorite site thanks!
jennifer
February 9, 2008 at 6:02 pmaah *this is my new fav site*
Mandee Lei
February 9, 2008 at 6:23 pmI have been reading your blog for a while now it is one of my favorites along with Kath’s and Kristen’s. I love all three of y’alls blogs but I find it sometimes hard to relate to everything because I am a vegetarian. I am so excited to finally see a vegetarian food blog. I always am inspired and get ideas from your meals but I do have trouble finding new and unique ways to get in my protein. I usually stick with MorningStar products, occasionally some Boca products, Amy’s Kitchen, Worthington, and etc.. all premade meats and also the obvious others like beans, nuts, eggs, etc. But I have never ventured into cooking my own tofu or seitan. I have never even had Seitan in my life! So basically to sum it up I am extremely happy!! I know this will make a difference in how you feel, I was having the same issues before I switched over about 5 years ago. Congrats and can’t wait for more veggie friendly posts :]
Heather(II)
February 9, 2008 at 6:53 pmThis is really exciting news. I eat chicken maybe once a week or so, and am always looking for more plant based meal options. Like many have said, I just feel better when I do not eat meat. More clean, maybe. It’s similar to the feeling I get after a great yoga class – strong, clean and healthy! Go Jenna!
Katie
February 9, 2008 at 7:11 pmYAYAYYAYAYY!!!!!!!! AWESOME ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!! I am a vegetarian too, and I am SO excited I can get tons of vegetarian meal ideas off this blog now!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Megs
February 9, 2008 at 7:13 pmAmy – Nope, I am from Philly. Although I love NC.
Veggiegirl – veggie burgers, quick meals, tofu, snacks, bars, etc. Does that even narrow it down at all? Desserts? I like to eat low fat/lower cal…….
Thank you so so much!
Mel H
February 9, 2008 at 7:18 pmHey Lisa! I feel the same way as you do! while I am very very supportive of the vegetarian lifestyle, meat works for me. while I don’t eat any red meat,I love fish, chicken, turkey and will continue to eat them bc they are good for me and bc I want to. I do love my veggies though! haha! don’t worry, to each her own! MY bf would DIE without meat at every meal so i know how you feel!! take care
Mel H
VeggieGirl
February 9, 2008 at 8:47 pm**Megs:
Here’s some lower fat/lower cal brands that I recommend:
veggie burgers = Amy’s; Wildwood
quick meals = Amy’s; Seeds of Change; Soy Boy ravioli; Rising Moon Organics vegan ravioli (not all of their raviolis are vegan, so you have to be careful with labeling)
tofu: Nasoya; Soy Boy
bars: Larabar (not considered low-cal/low-fat, but it’s the most wholesome bar out there); Clif Nectar bar (lower-cal/lower-fat alternative to Larabar); Luna bar; Clif z-bar
Does this help?? Let me know if you need any more suggestions!!
karla
February 9, 2008 at 9:08 pmhey!
i have been reading your blog for a while and I love it!
You are a chef AND eat healthy,…some of those things look sooo yummy,..excited for more of them to be veggie.
My sister eats only fish and veggies so i think its great.
So please please dont take this the wrong way, im a vegetarian and i get asked all the time, “oh but you eat fish right?”
BUT i hate gettting asked that question.
so thats why the term pescetarian exists, in case you wanted to know!! = )…..i think its fantastic you are following this route, you will be even healthier,…and props to you!
I look forward to seeing more yummy recipes,….good luck!!!
Beth
February 9, 2008 at 9:37 pmDoes anybody know of a good blog similar to this one that focuses on healthy hair and skin??
Lisa
February 9, 2008 at 9:41 pmOh everyone is so great! While I will still continue to eat my chicken its awesome to know how great all you vegetarians are and we all understand everyone’s diet is different! I can’t tell you enough how excited I am to see some new veg. recipes! I am pumped to expand normal diet with someother great healthy dishes!!
Stefanie
February 9, 2008 at 10:36 pmHi Jenna,
As someone who’s also the only vegetarian among my friends and family (well, mostly vegetarian, I still eat fish), I can totally empathize with the need for support! It’s hard to make such a big life change without it. My mom, especially, was against me doing the whole vegetarian thing at the beginning. Now, almost a year later, she buys me veggie cookbooks and makes separate meatless meals for me when I visit. So even if the people around you seem resistant now, give it time! They’ll come around. And until then know there’s a whole group of people here who do support you. 🙂
Sydnie
February 9, 2008 at 11:21 pmThat is great news and so ironic!! A couple of months ago, I had a bad experience with beef and decided to cut out beef, lamb, and pork. Last night I was telling my husband that I am going to start to cut out poultry too and only eat some seafood. Perfect timing! I am so excited for this blog and the turn it has taken! 🙂
Ruby Red Vegan
February 10, 2008 at 1:28 amYay, I’m so happy for you! What a great announcement. I’m like you – my body is just so much happier on a plant-based diet.
Amy C.
February 10, 2008 at 2:56 amJenna, I’m so excited about your announcement. I am actually going through the same thing right now. I had been a vegetarian for a while in high school then went back to eating meat at some point in college. I graduated a couple of years ago and have started eating a lot more tofu, veggie substitutes, etc. since that time. I don’t feel as good if I eat chicken or other meats. I do like fish and it seems to agree with my stomach so I’ve slowly been switching to semi-vegetarianism as well. I guess that means your blog will be just that much more useful! 🙂 Good luck with it! I’m excited to see what new meals you come up with!
Clarissa
February 10, 2008 at 3:59 amI love this idea- but soy and tofu give me really bad flatulence (sorry, TMI!!!) and I can’t digest them well.. so it would be hard for me to get adequate protein on a veggie lifestyle, although I’d love to test it out. Any suggestions on how to do this type of lifestyle while omitting soy/tofu based foods?
Kali
February 10, 2008 at 6:45 amHi Jenna! I’ve been reading you’re blog for a while now, but have never commented before. I wanted to let you know that I FULLY support your decision to go veggie!
I have been veggie for almost 19 years now ~ on and off vegan for several years at a time through that period. I started eating fish again this year, and I feel a LOT healthier now – my body was craving it! to each his own…
Im happy for you – I hope you feel upful and vibrant!
Emily #2(haha)
February 11, 2008 at 6:27 pmI don’t have anything against being vegetarian. I think we should all tailor our body based on our beliefs and needs etc. I have been called a vegeterian because I don’t eat red meat and I don’t make eating meat a priority. I feel that if you’re eating a well balanced and healthy diet you end up eating less meat, esp red meat. I don’t really understand the point, if not for personal beliefs, to give up chicken, fish, and turkey. I don’t think lean cuts would weigh you down and they’re such good and convient sources of protein and nutirients. I’m just curious as to why these are being taken out completely?
jenna
February 11, 2008 at 6:37 pmEmily,
It actually stems from a personal choice…I’ve been a back and forth vegetarian for my whole life just because I simply don’t feel we need to kill other living beings when we can so easily eat a plant based diet and be fed fine! I could never go and kill a cow myself so I dont want someone else to do it for me…and the health benefits, of course are there as well! You can def. eat lean cuts of meat and be super healthy……my decision was based on ethics (i just feel like a better person inside and out) and health. When I go meat-free, I have more energy, more life, and just feel all around happier and a more compassionate human being.
jade
February 11, 2008 at 10:29 pmI think a lot of you are already vegetarians so I won’t spend this time lecturing you.
YEAH RIGHT!
if i was so worried about killing or hurting another being for your pleasure, i would have to basically stop doing everything i do in my life, because many things kill or hurt OTHER PEOPLE (unless you consider other people unimportant). this includes voting, because the govermental players you elect MIGHT start a war which will precipitate the killing of other human beings.
do you see how absurd my example is?
this is just as absurd as the arguement that you are going to stop the killing or hurting of animals by not eating meat.
i can see how the book “Skinny Bitch” has influenced you. it’s a truly idiotic book.
Ashliqua
February 11, 2008 at 11:54 pmJenna, this is my first time commenting though I have been reading your blog for a while now. I am really happy for you that you’ve come to a decision you feel comfortable with. I am the only vegetarian and certainly the only vegan of my friends and family–it was hard at first but I couldn’t believe how open everyone was to my decision. It is amazing how many vegetarian readers you have, and I think you will find all the support you need from us! Best of luck.
Also–well said, Vegandancer! I am also a vegan and would never look down on others for what they eat. I believe eating is such a personal choice and that each person has different needs.