Food is Not a Religion

"Are you a vegetarian?"

Seems like I get that question a lot. It's interesting that when you talk about eating healthy, many people assume you don't eat meat. The funny thing is I want to say that I am a vegetarian. But I'm not. In fact, I'd love to say I'm a vegan or a raw foodie. Although I eat a mainly raw and vegan diet, I'm not fully committed to either of those either. 

Yet, for so many reasons, the aspiration to be meat-free is there. Honestly. Certainly my mind is willing but ... well you know the rest. The thing is, transitioning to vegan eating isn't even a new thing for me. Back in 1977, I was living in Los Angeles when a childhood friend came to visit during college summer break. I was so impressed by her new vegan lifestyle that I adopted it overnight, literally, for 6 years. Thinking back, that summer was full of many firsts ... 

• First trip to a health food market
• First time eating eggplant sandwiches
• First time seeing and using a VitaMix
• First time realizing that my body thrived without meat
• First time making a commitment to eat a plant, nut, seed, and grain-based diet

So why am I wavering now? Perhaps my ancestral meat-eater blood type is holding me hostage? Maybe it's a winter thing? Or am I just feeling insecure about change? Hmm. Even though I set a goal to be 100% vegan in 2010, I don't really believe in New Year's resolutions, so I've already succumbed once (today!) to broiled olive chicken. Don't get me wrong, it was delicious (thanks Shafia!). Yet as soon as I ate it, I knew I could have skipped it and been satisfied with the very tasty offerings of raw kale salad, brown rice, eggplant, pineapples and dates.

It's alright though. The beauty of living is that each day is another opportunity to step back onto your path. Since I've decided that being a vegan is an important goal for me, I'm committed to empower myself through radical self care, including daily self-directed coaching, positive affirmations, Reiki, yoga, walking, focused breathing, drinking water, essential oils, and the support of a holistic health counselor.

In the meantime, what do I say to the 'vegetarian' question? Usually, "No. I'm a vegan who eats meat on rare occasions". LOL!

Hey, as one of my teachers, Joshua Rosenthal, says, "food is not a religion". Thank God!

Comments

[daday]

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[karen]

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[Legend]

I remember the day my son became a vegetarian. I am happy to say that we all supported him and his change has greatly impacted us in a very positive way.

Although I am not a vegetarian, I find my diet is ever so slowly moving further and further away from meat.

Ada, Legend of a Healer
http://www.adaslegend.com

[Qiy]

Ada, how wonderful for your son to be supported in such an important decision. He is very fortunate.