About Being Meatless....

So, I started reading this blog.  It will remain nameless - but the author is a vegan.  She makes all kind of vegan treats - baked goods, savory dishes, and juices (hence my inspiration for this juice).  Her views made me curious.  I wanted to see what would happen if I lived a mostly meat-free existence. 

The kids have been good sports - and only our evening meals for them are meat-free.  The girls still eat turkey sandwiches for lunch and Josh eats whatever it is the school cafeteria calls nourishment. 

Like any lifestyle, there are pros and cons to a vegetarian lifestyle.  First, let's start with some qualifiers : I'm eating fish, and I've only been meat-free for a week or so.  Also, I used a ham bone to make our soup last night.  Rob thinks I've gone bonkers, but really my motivations for doing this included simple curiosity and trying to pass the time [while he left on a skiing vacation for ten days]. 

Our meals - well, I'll be honest - they're nothing special.  Tuna-noodle casserole, anyone?  I still remember the first time I tasted tuna noodle casserole - it was at Emily Anderson's house in fifth grade and her mom put potato chips on top.  I remember it tasting way better when I was ten. 

Then there was this - some sort of orzo and broccoli-cauliflower mix with cheese. 

 

It was okay - it would have tasted a little better with chicken, maybe?  Here's the thing about a meat-free existence - you eat a lot of carbs. 

Last night's meal was a little better - but not any more impressive.

 

I made pizza and bean and swiss chard soup.  The soup would have tasted like nothing without the ham bone, though.  I think that's what has become evident to me.  Meat flavors things.  I know - you're saying in your head, "duh".  We went out for dinner with my parents on Friday night - I had veggie stromboli (more carbs).  It tasted like nothing.  I like vegetables as much as the next guy - but sometimes I think they need a little help. 

I'm not giving up, though - I promised you a full ten days and that's what I'll give you!  Tonight is veggie enchiladas.  I'm cautiously optimistic. 

Lest you think that there is no upside to a meat-free existence......my skin and hair look amazing.  I don't really need to wear deodorant.  Isn't that weird?  I feel more energetic.  Okay, Rob I know you're rolling your eyes right now and I don't care - you're in Vail and you had baby-back ribs last night - you stink. 

I'm not finished with my challenge yet - but I will go back to eating meat.  I don't know if I feel like I want to eat large slabs of it - but it is about the best flavoring around.  And, my family would have to somehow like beans [a lot more] to adopt this kind of lifestyle on a permanent basis.