Veggies are for Lovers

Maybe you're here because you love animals. Maybe you really, really like vegetables. Or maybe you're here not because you love animals, but because you really hate plants.

Whatever your reason, I'm happy to have you! Welcome to my new space, this one entirely dedicated to the vegetarian way of life (because, hey, as much as vegetarians love eating our veggies, we know it's about more than just our diets).

If you follow my other blog, Ip & Aud (which I hope you do! I love you!), then you already know that I'm a freelance writer and cover eco-friendly fashion. To me, that includes clothing and accessories that are cruelty-free; my vegetarianism informs not only what I put into my body, but what I put on it! (Yes, I know my faux leather handbags and ballet flats are eco-sins, but helping save the planet by NOT eating meat is my repentance!)

I'm still in my first year as a full-fledged vegetarian, which is hard for me to believe at times-- I feel like, in my heart, I've always been one. As a little girl, I always craved fresh fruits and vegetables; I never cared for meat, or even eggs or milk. When I was ten, I declared at the dinner table that I would not eat anything with a face. Sadly, I was too young to sustain a vegetarian diet (though I did pretty darn well for half of fourth grade!). Throughout my teens and college years, I'd go months at a time without eating any meat. The transition was easy at first, especially when I found out that avoiding red meat and dairy products helps combat asthma symptoms, a health issue I've had since childhood. I'd cut everything out overnight, but inevitably the same thing happened over and over: I'd become anemic, pass out somewhere, and have doctors insist that I simply had to eat meat. Vegetarianism wasn't for me.

It was frustrating, because going back to eating meat made me feel worse every time I did so. I felt so helpless, like my diet wasn't even something that I could control. Doctors were telling me vegetarianism was some faulty, ineffective diet that doesn't work for everyone, but now I've learned that isn't true. The problem wasn't the diet; I was simply lacking the proper tools.

So this January, I did what millions do around the world and made a New Year's resolution-- mine was No more meat. Ever. But this time was different than my past pledges. This time I would do it right.

I bought a few beginner vegetarian books, including cookbooks, and, most importantly, met with a nutritionist. For two weeks I kept a food journal so that, together, the nutritionist and I could formulate a diet that would best meet my needs. She helped me make a more gradual transition than I had in the past. That meant, during a bout with bronchitis in March, I slurped some chicken broth and even ate chicken once or twice, though I was loathe to do it. My body was just so weak, and a few years ago my bronchitis turned into pneumonia-- I didn't want history to repeat itself. Now that I've been a vegetarian all these months, I feel equipped enough to tackle sickness like that without turning to meat for protein the next time around. Thankfully, I haven't been that sick since!

Eventually, I plan to go vegan, but for now I'm still on the gradual plan. So I avoid all flesh: red meat, poultry and, yes, fish. I also steer clear of meat-derived broths and products containing gelatin. I don't eat eggs often but am trying to cut out dairy products first. That's pretty easy for me since milk makes me sooo sick anyway. Blech. I've completely embraced soy, rice and almond milks, but my vice is non-dairy creamer in my coffee! So I'm not worried about cutting out dairy and eggs in my transition to veganism. I know it's hard to avoid these items in baked goods and processed food, but I don't like to eat much of that stuff, anyway. I'm blessed to have been born without a sweet tooth, and salivate over sautéed veggies in olive oil than chocolate cake any day! Go ahead, say it: I'm a freak.

As a vegan, however, I know I will miss honey. It's a simple thing, but such a lovely way to perk up a cup of tea or peanut butter sandwich. And eating local honey is a good way to build up immunities to pollen and other allergens in your area. I still need to research and find out what makes honey such a no-no to hardcore vegans. If anyone has some insight, please share!

In sum, this is a blog for veggie lovers everywhere. My high school boyfriend once teased me for my frequent use of the term "veggies," saying, "People who actually like to eat vegetables don't refer to them with a cutsey term like 'veggies.'" But I say "veggies" isn't diminishing to these wonderful plants-- it's more like a loving nickname! It goes without saying, but the world would be at quite a loss without vegetables; we all depend on them! So let's lavish them with all the love they deserve.

And plenty of hot sauce. Mmm...

;)