A brief hiatus... but I'm back!

Hello all!

Apologies for the long hiatus. Those of you who know me well understand that HOBY season (the month of May, and surrounding weeks) takes over one's life pretty completely -- and that's exactly what happened here.

On a positive note, I've still loved being pescetarian. Life without meat leads me to delicious recipes, wonderful dishes, fresh vegetables, new sources of protein, and more. I've been reading about things like complete proteins, the source of food, and surprises in the grocery store. Now granted, I generally do not cook extensive meals -- but I have started incorporating very different snacks into my diet, like avocados, nuts and seeds, hummus, spinach and chickpeas. I feel healthier, I've lost weight, I have more energy -- it's great!

When I traveled to Ecuador in June, I knew that the families would be serving me meals -- and the fact that they have saved so much money to serve me a wonderful meal (namely, including meat). I had chicken and turkey a few days leading up to it, and ate meat only when I had to. Conclusion 1: I didn't get sick from it. Yay! Conclusion 2: I don't miss it, and I have no desire to start eating it again. Big yay! I must say, the Ecuas cook deliciously, but the whole time all I was craving was lentils and veggies. Yum :)

Also -- side note -- I've been running a lot recently! Thanks to Back On My Feet, I've found a great group of people to motivate me, which certainly has kept me on the path of a healthy lifestyle. Yay for exercise!

Hope you all have a great day!
Peace,
Beth

So I guess this whole vegetarian thing really ISN'T so bad.

Check this out: an entire SCHOOL goes vegetarian! The article quotes Dennis Walcott, New York City schools chancellor: "Whoever thought they would hear a third-grader saying that they liked tofu and Chinese noodles?" 

http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/02/health/new-york-vegetarian-school/index.html?sr=fb050213vegetarianschool9p

Speaking of tofu, used some recently to make my FAVORITE salad ever. Corn, chickpeas, spinach and tofu, with a little bit of lemon juice and olive oil. I'm seriously in Heaven. Good food, helps me feel great, protein / iron / other great things :) Paired with a veggie burger and some juice, or soup, or even on it's own, I love it!

Run a marathon... at age 91.

Mike Fremont credits his ability to run a marathon at age 91 to his diet! Read more here: http://www.runnersworld.com/races/mike-fremont-91-finishes-knoxville-half-marathon-304. I really have felt better since not eating meat (and thanks to some great veggie-burger, veggie-chick'n, veggie-sausage, etc. options, I haven't even craved it).

Many of my family, friends and co-workers are running a 5K this weekend -- the Race for Stace, https://sites.google.com/site/raceforstace/, to benefit a classmate of mine. I've had a blast training for it, and cannot wait to keep running afterwards! Thanks to all who have been great supporters during this new adventure in my life.

Have a great day!

A 98-year-old vegan... is that the secret?

Hi everyone!

Sorry for the major delays in writing. I've been loving life as a vegetarian (or rather, pescaterian -- which I still can't spell) that I've been too busy to update. That, and HOBY season is approaching, so life is a little hectic here. But it's all in a good way!

Here is a video I wanted to share -- all my vegan friends will surely appreciate it! Thanks to http://www.forksoverknives.com/ for the great discovery :)

All meat sales banned in 2050: What If?

What would happen if all meat sales were banned in 2050? BBC did an interesting video on this. What do you think life would be like?

Questions Every Vegetarian is Tired of Answering

Not sure if I've quite gotten to this point yet, because I think I still enjoy talking about my reasons for not eating meat, but here goes:

Friday Motivation from Josh Levs

What a more fitting video for a Friday than one by Josh Levs, encouraging listeners to "Shine?" Josh spoke at HOBY's World Leadership Congress last summer, definitely a truly monumental experience!

Live Below the Line.

Can you do it? Can you live below the poverty line? I recently found this challenge, and I thought it might be interesting. I haven't done it yet, but stay tuned for a Live Below the Line Challenge in the future!

Live Below the Line is an innovative awareness and fundraising campaign that's making a huge difference in the fight against extreme poverty.

Quite simply, they're building a movement of passionate people willing and able to make a meaningful difference to those who need it most.

Live Below the Line is challenging individuals and communities to see how much change you can make out of $1.50. By living off just $1.50 per day for food for 5 days, you will be bringing to life the direct experiences of the 1.4 billion people currently living in extreme poverty and helping to make real change.

Think about that figure - 1.4 BILLION - that's over 4 times the population of the United States - living every day in extreme poverty.- See more at: http://www.livebelowtheline.com.

Easter weekend with Pope Francis I

I hope everyone is geared up for a beautiful Easter weekend -- I know I am. Plans include Masses in various churches, the traditional family brunch on Sunday, and likely lots of discussion about Pope Francis I.

Inspiration doesn't even begin to describe the feeling of knowing this Pope discouraged people from traveling to Rome for his first Mass, instead urging them to donate the money to the poor. Pope Francis I has the poor close in mind and heart, seeing as how he chose the same name as Saint Francis of Assisi, a champion for the poor.

Pope Francis I is also the first South American to be Pope, and the first Jesuit! As I told many, all forms of social media in my life were out of control the day a Latino Jesuit became Pope -- so exciting for so many. A beautiful Mass at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen on Sunday, March 17 was the Archdiocese of Baltimore's way of giving thanks for Pope Francis I.

Pope Francis I's Inaugural Mass homily encourages us to be protectors:

It means respecting each of God’s creatures and respecting the environment in which we live. It means protecting people, showing loving concern for each and every person, especially children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about. It means caring for one another in our families: husbands and wives first protect one another, and then, as parents, they care for their children, and children themselves, in time, protect their parents. It means building sincere friendships in which we protect one another in trust, respect, and goodness.

How can you protect others today, just as Saint Joseph did (whose feast day was March 19, the same day as the Inaugural Mass), with tenderness, love and hope?

Still need inspiration? Check this out:

P.S. Even celebrities love this Pope.

After ever after ... for real?

Found this clip from Tracy and Aaron (thanks!) -- an interesting parody on Disney characters and how some of their kind have been treated over time. It surely makes you think, a lot, about what we can do to improve the way we treat people!

A weekend of incredible vegetarian options! - part 1

Hello friends!

Thanks for all your great support recently in my vegetarian endeavors. I'm so excited to learn so much more -- and I feel I've already learned lots! Keep passing on the wisdom, recipes and recommendations.

The past week was full of some really interesting discoveries. First off, did you know Burger King serves veggie burgers? I certainly didn't! Now, I didn't go eat there (it falls in the same category as to why I don't really eat fast food in general -- uncertainty as to where the food comes from, mass quantities made quickly, etc.) -- but I'm super proud that vegetarians are respected here!

Next excitement for the week focused on the "Happy Salad" -- a name created by Angie, which I wholeheartedly support. I've never been so happy, full, excited and energized eating a salad! The recipe includes very simple ingredients: avocado, chickpeas and spinach, and was SUPER easy to make! Go salads!

On Friday, Jeff (a fellow vegetarian, who was recently inspired by Alex's comments to possibly cut out fish entirely?! Go Alex! and yes -- I'm doing my research too, expect a blog in the future!) and I went out to eat at Great Sage, a vegan restaurant in Columbia. The servers were great, #WorldWaterDay invited some fun conversations, and the food was pretty great. Jeff got a "crab-less" crabcake, and I had a quinoa burger! Yum! We also had spinach and artichoke drip, 

I'll leave you with that food for thought (haha, no pun intended!) right now -- expect an update on the other delicious creations very soon!

Jimmy Valvano... 20 years later.

Most of the folks my age weren't really paying attention when Jimmy Valvano gave his famous ESPY speech in 1993. The theme is "Don't give up ... don't ever give up." I thought this could be a fitting motivation for today! Hope you enjoy :)

Baltimore's immigration!

Did you hear Baltimore's census increased by 1100 recently? The rise is attributed to immigrants, which is definitely huge news for Esperanza Center! Check out the Baltimore Sun article and the ABC2 News piece on immigrants, including some nice features about Esperanza Center.

Food update!

I'm really blessed. This whole meatless thing has been relatively easy so far -- and you know why? Incredible people in my life talk about healthy food options all the time. Today, I want you to visit Angie's blog, to learn about this 'hungry veganista,' who does a great job educating those around her. For Sammi, her INCREDIBLE journey to do a juice detox for a few weeks has resulted in such wonderful goals, and I couldn't be more proud of or inspired by her. And Alex, who has a blog from a few years ago, is just really awesome and passionate about also being vegan. You should likely just get to know him, he's pretty cool. Props go out to the other big supporters, like Jeff Will, Jenn Zocco, Skyler Rogers and more. Thanks again for all the support!

Not much more excitement to report -- I did have a big Trader Joe's run this weekend, which resulted in some good produce, organic Greek yogurt, and creative new meal options. Check out this one below:

Quinoa with chickpeas, and lentils, plus veggies!

Have a great Wednesday!

P.S. Both Sammi and Angie (who is doing a 15-day juice detox of her own!) really love Reboot with Joe. Check him out if you are curious!

10 things I've learned... including a surprise at the end!

Over halfway through Lent, and so much to catch up on! I think I need to make a list...

1. People like this kid, a contestant for PETA's cutest vegan kid, inspire me. Her family raised her to really value animals -- and the gift to understand that at a young age is incredible.

2. There is a difference between a juicer and a blender -- not just in functionality, but in concentration of nutrients.  Much to think about before my next juicing/smoothie concoction!

3. It's super humbling to have a dietary restriction when someone else is cooking. At #HOBYALA, mad props to Josh Shearer for the incredible care he put into those of us pescatarians, vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free eaters, etc. It was really tough, though, to realize that if I was hungry, it was likely because of a lack of protein, and I had to say something -- whether I wanted to or not.

4. On the other hand, I go to restaurants, and it's super easy to find a meal that has protein and satisfies my needs! Perhaps the fish element helps at the moment, maybe. Either way, places like One World Cafe make a meatless diet really exciting!

5. Speaking of feeling hungry or not, I'm quickly learning good foods to help me fill up. Grains and beans, nuts and seeds, protein found in eggs, etc. -- and check out the picture on the right for more solutions to cravings! Filling a craving can be done healthily, too.

6. Many dietary options exist, including the Paleo lifestyle -- which focuses a lot more on organic, healthy food. Listen to these Paleo adventurers who research grain-fed versus grass-fed beef. Regardless of the fact that I'm not eating meat right now, organic options are so important for good environmental concerns!

7. "If you want to really reduce the water footprint of your food then eating a diet where fruits, veggies and grains for the vast majority of your calories is clearly the way to go--it also happens to be healthier, cheaper and better for carbon emissions, by the way."

8. Meat production creates carbon emissions that are super bad for the environment. Global warming, anyone? Happy to be doing my part.

9. Giving up meat has made me think more about the environment as a whole. If we want to be better to ourselves and animals, why not give up paper towels, bottled water, conventional detergent, and other pollutants?

10. I don't really miss meat all that much. Surprised? Me too. I think it's because of things pictured on the here - delicious veggie burgers (including black bean burgers, veggie sausage, etc.). I can tell my body is a fan of what I put into it more; lots of pure items that give me more energy!

Conclusion: I think I'm going to try six months of eating vegetarian -- technically pescatarian, I suppose, but trying to continue not relying on fish for protein, and instead relying on healthier options: fruits and veggies, dairy products, the bean family, etc.

I realized that I'm not ready to stop researching, and I'm certainly not comfortable with stopping blogging. I wanted to eat meat just once in the 23 days I've gone meatless so far, therefore why start again?! Also, I want to delve into more recipes, more choices, more learning, more experiments. So exciting! 

Thanks especially to Jeff Will, Skyler Rogers, Ashley Perkins, Tracy Wertheimer and Sarah Mason for being great conversationalists about this adventure during #HOBYALA, and to Jenn Zocco, Angie Undercuffler, Alex LaBant, Molly Kalan, and the many more who have supported me this whole time! You all are fantastic. <3 

Grains and Beans, Nuts and Seeds?

Thanks to a wonderful co-worker Diana, I was enlightened to food combination, an article of which explained a lot about this. This article tells a LOT about different ways to combine foods for the best nutrients in our body. It even mentions one of the best grains to be quinoa, which I hear 2013 is the year of quinoa?

I still reflect a lot on the situation of the poor in these thoughts. What do they do to not eat meat? Do they look for healthy alternatives, or know about food combining? Nuts and seeds seem to be a great idea for a snack -- but are those types of foods accessible to people?

I remember learning from a co-worker at CRS, when I interned in the Radnor office in 2008, that food access is a really big issue for the poor abroad. Here, sometimes people cannot afford to buy food, but in many areas, the poor do have access to food -- there is enough to feed them. The story my co-worker shared was from Ethiopia, where she said the people worried about whether or not they would even find food that day. If the crops are bad, or the animals hide/die, the scarcity of food is a real issue.

In Burkina Faso, the agriculture trade means that weather is a huge factor in whether or not someone eats that day. What would we do if the rain didn't come, or the precipitation ruined crops?

Food for thought. Hope you are enjoying my meatless endeavors!

Stop eating meat -- and save the planet!

"This whole Lent thing is meant to transform us not just for forty days but for a lifetime" - Mary DeTurris Poust 

I suppose that's my intention with this journey -- is to learn sustainable ways to help the environment on a daily basis. It's so important to turn off the lights at work, to use less (or no!) paper towels, straws, etc. This meatless journey has proven to be very fruitful so far, making me more conscious of what I am eating, and also making others around me aware. 

One of the great articles (thanks Jenn!) I found is called 'Stop eating meat and save the planet' says United Nations. The article states shocking facts, like "80 per cent of the nitrogen and phosphorus used in fertilisers is consumed by livestock because it is used to grow the crops they eat." Great. Another argument for consuming local and organic meat, if ever consumed -- because goodness knows those fertilizers cannot be good for us!

"Americans overeat [protein] by 58 per cent - and most of it comes from meat," the article quotes. My friend Angie recently shared similar information with me. I am excited to research this more -- but even in just the first ten days, noticing that I often am full after a meal, even if the quantity of protein is not as high as I normally would eat. 

I also notice, from the nutrition labels, that my intake of protein doesn't always have to come from those protein-rich foods. It can come from an abundance of veggies (including spinach, which definitely has great amounts of protein!), from tofu, from seeds, or even from cheese! I've been experimenting with eating cheese, tofu, etc. more -- and trying not to rely on fish for an auto-substitute for meat very much at all. It's been really rewarding to discover more sources of protein, and to discover that protein isn't as crucial as we think! 

Lastly, the article notes, "While this has had huge benefits for world food and energy production, it has caused a web of water and air pollution that is damaging human health, causing toxic algal blooms, killing fish, threatening sensitive eco-systems and contributing to climate change." Okay, point taken. Cut down on meat, and save the environment. Animal rights, minimizing pollution ... I'm learning the myriad of benefits to not eating meat!

A few words on organic food.

So! Hello! Recently, I've been having quite a ball not eating meat. Who knew it could be this fun? I started with two different patties...

Friday's dinner involved a vegan pattie, along with rice and broccoli. 

Saturday, I enjoyed a garden veggie sandwich, with more veggies on the side, and some fruit juice.

Aside from the meals, I've been enjoying LOTS of healthy snacks -- veggie and fruit juices (note to self: next time, omit the carrots from the veggie concoction), yogurt, string cheese and cottage cheese, and -- my new fave -- pumpkin seeds!

I love that these seeds are organic (so is the vegan burger, celery, and perhaps some of the other foods). I found this neat website called 100 Days of Real Food. It's put together by a family that focuses on completely eliminating processed food from their diet! It is a great option -- because it encourages purchase of seafood that is caught in the wild (not farm-raised), meat that is locally raised (and eating meat in moderation), etc. That last sentence doesn't apply to my Lenten journey, of course, but it is important to look at where our food comes from! I will definitely start to notice that more in the purchases I make this Lent (and onwards).

Other than that: encouraging healthy choices is a huge privilege we have when avoiding meat. All these websites say, "Being vegetarian doesn't mean eliminating the protein source, it means replacing it with a non-meat source!" ... so what happens when a poor family cannot afford meat and isn't educated on what other inexpensive protein sources exist?

Also, humbly realizing that when people serve you food, it is often out of our control. I realized quite quickly that if I have a vegetarian meal that isn't quite healthy, the solution is not to fill up on what's available, but to find healthy snacks/sides (i.e. soup!) to complement the dish.

P.S. Still looking for fun recipes -- so please send them my way!

What are we putting into our bodies?

"The food industry is the one leading our conversation in this country about food and nutrition, educating the mass public about what to eat and what not to eat." I see the problem stated in this article -- when an individual only looks at calories, diet soda and others seem like the best options! Sadly, diet soda has a pH level of 3 -- compared to a pH level of battery acid of about 2. Super close! Water is a 7 on the pH scale of 0 to 14, so as you can imagine, diet soda cannot be good for our bodies.

The quote above comes from this article, which was a good eye-opener to remembering that this Lenten exercise isn't just about giving up meat -- it's about eating healthier (less cookies and chocolate!), researching more pure foods (organic and local, for example) and becoming aware of where my food comes from. Thank you, 100 Days of Real Food, for the motivation!

Green juice, anyone?

Day 1 (February 13, Ash Wednesday) was not challenging at all! I felt like I had great energy all day -- partially due to the fact that I didn't grab any chocolate from Val's bowl either ... I think this change is making me rethink the sugar in my diet, too! As a supplement, I wanted to start making some green juice/smoothies. I found some cool recipes (like this one) and decided to just kind of throw in a bunch of veggies or fruit and try it out!

First attempt was a delicious fruit concoction: 2 bananas, 2 apples, some water, and pineapple. Check out the results!

Next, I made a veggie concoction -- with kale, spinach, water, carrots, and an avocado. The blending of the carrots needs some work, but overall good result here as well.

Yay! One social justice thought: as I've been researching vegetarianism, learning about various recipes, I note that they keep saying to replace the meat with something else, not to just withdraw it. How many families living in poverty can afford to do that? How many malnourished children can find good nutrients in a meal without meat? We are so blessed to have the luxury to access other sources of protein, vitamins, etc. 

40 days without meat?

Yup, you read it right -- my meatless Lenten journey is the start to this blog. Hopefully, this blog (and perhaps many of my other vegetarian habits?!) will continue after Lent, to really explore some different social justice issues. I spent so much time in college delving into the injustice surrounding hunger, homelessness, HIV/AIDS, education, lack of clean water, genocide, immigration and the environment -- and I desperately crave more conversations/motivation for that again.

So here's my inspiration to giving up meat for Lent:

Zoe tells us that "Modeling a message of kindness means committing to learn about the effects of our choices and then spending our money wisely, because every dollar we spend is a vote that says 'Do it again!'"

So here goes learning. :)

Some things I'd love from you all:
-recipes (especially easy ones!) for great meals and snacks
-articles on the pros of being vegetarian (or vegan, etc.)
-conversation about the topics of injustice that surround this journey: hunger, affordability of meat, animal rights, environmental concerns, factory conditions, suffering and sacrifices, etc.
-opportunities to speak out against previously-stated (or related) injustices (calls to action for writing to government officials, etc.)

Thanks for all your support thus far (and huge kudos to the prime vegetarians/vegans who inspired this -- Jenn Zocco, Angie Undercuffler, Alex LaBant, Jeff Will, Alecia Frisby, Kate Harner, Tierney Monahan -- and of course the many more that I'm forgetting!). It will certainly be a challenge at times, but that's the whole point of Lent, right? To do something that challenges you, and to think about the actions of said challenge?

Thanks again! Keep in touch!
Love, Beth