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