It’s been months since I’ve updated this site and for that I apologize. There are many reasons for the delay, including but not limited to the fact that I couldn’t remember my password and trying to keep up with 4-5 blogs is ridiculous! However I am committed to keeping up with my commitment to find ways to live an earth-friendly lifestyle and to teach my kids to do the same. So in my quest I have recently done the unthinkable. I have decided to eliminate meat from my diet. I’m not going vegan (because I am not hardcore like that) and because I am not against eating meat by any means. I just don’t agree with the standards our government has for raising and slaughtering animals as well as their willingness to allow them to be injected with hormones and antibiotics. The things our government are allowing in the food industry is disheartening and the best way I know to impact those idiotic decisions is by abstaining from eating meat. I still cook meat on occasion for the family and I still cook with eggs and milk, but my family is also used to substituting almond milk and soy milk so I wouldn’t say we are heavily reliant on those things. Many of you have probably heard of Meatless Mondays. I think if any family willing and able could try going meatless at least once a week, it would be nothing but great for not only your health but also to show yourself that it’s possible to skip meat and find other ways to get protein and it has been a particularly good way for me to try new foods I never thought I would enjoy. So, if you have been thinking about going meatless, I highly recommend doing the Meatless Monday thing. It’s been fun discovering new recipes and actually getting my kids to eat them! In fact, if you ask Mazzy how much she likes peas, she’ll tell you she likes them better than candy. What a weirdo!
So here’s some inspiration if you need it:
Just a couple dishes (minus the black bean tacos) I have made with a new meatless product I discovered thanks to some friends (thanks Laurin and Mikee!) called soy curls. They are made from whole soybeans, as minimally processed as possible and made using non-GMO soybeans. They absorb whatever flavor you add to them and are stored in your freezer. I believe the name is actually Butler Soy Curls and they are made in Oregon, CA. I have fallen in love with these and so have my family! Compared to regular meat, they have so few calories and no fat or cholesterol. Amazing! They can be purchased at the Nature’s Food Market and Juice Bar located downtown at 1918 G street. I’m only telling you this because as someone who despises tofu, I am amazed at how easily I can fool my taste buds with the soy curls!
So there you have it. I’m pretty sure this new diet will be life-long for me. I am making it my mission to help my kids realize that food isn’t just crap you stuff into your face, but rather it has a purpose to nourish your mind and body. So far, they have been weened off of chicken nuggets and “fast food” is not in their daily vocabulary. In fact, sometimes I hear them argue about who is eating “healthier” and it’s the best darn feeling ever!
Hopefully my next post will be about the garden I started. I’m pretty excited about it.
