I'm coming out...

One month ago I became a vegetarian. More specifically a lacto-ovo-vegetarian since I have decided to continue to eat eggs and dairy products. I decided to write this post not only for my own journal sake but to also explain why I've gone down this path. I don't think I need to justify this lifestyle to anyone, but I think it is useful information for family and friends who wonder how or why I decided this. If you read this blog you may remember I set a goal at the beginning of this year to only buy meat that was grass-fed, free-range, organic etc. I think pursuing that goal has really opened my eyes and pushed me in this direction. So far it hasn't been a difficult transition as I haven't been eating very much meat anyway. I am not writing this post to change anyone's mind about eating animals! I simply want others to see the perspective I have gained that caused me to make a lifestyle change.

I do believe animals, just like anything created on the earth, was created for our use. However I also believe in only using what you NEED. The definition of need is to "require (something) because it is essential or very important." Is eating animal flesh essential or important to me or to my health? No. Are there times in history and even in other cultures today that need to use animals for food and other resources? Absolutely. I would kill and eat an animal if I needed to. However in the society I live in, it is completely unnecessary as there is an abundance of food available at every grocery store.

In addition to it being an unnecessary food source, I also believe meat to be an inferior source of nutrition compared to plants. Animal meat is thought to be the best source for protein (which is simply chains of amino acids). While meat does contain all 20 of the different amino acids, human genetics do not require us to eat all 20 at one single meal nor does it require an over abundance of this nutrient. Eating a variety of fruit, vegetables, grains and legumes will give the body all the protein (aka amino acids) it needs. It makes sense when you look at other species of mammals, such as the elephant or rhinoceros, who do not require animal protein to sustain cell growth either. Meat is also not digested as easily as plants and in the long run can have severe consequences on the liver and digestive system.

All animals have a purpose on this earth. If you study an ecosystem you can see how each species keeps the other species of plants and animals in balance. The sole purpose of animals on this earth is not to be a food source for humans. Especially if keeping them as a food source means these animals are required to suffer their entire life before sending them to a violent death. Also known as factory farming, this method of raising animals for food has grown into a multibillion dollar industry where the animals have no rights and brutally suffer and die on a very large scale. The secrecy of this industry is proof that they do not want the public to know how these animals are dealt with. That secrecy is also protected by laws so that to even set foot on one of these remote properties without authorization can be prosecuted like an act of terrorism. As a consumer I should have every right to look into any factory and see how a product is being made. It's not just the animals that suffer from this practice but also the quality of meat as a result of poor unnatural diet, routine antibiotics, steroids, and cramped unsanitary living conditions, all of which ends up in the meat for human consumption. Even companies label grass-fed, organic, and free range, have loop holes protected by law.  Mass production of animals is also an inefficient use of resources. For example it takes more than 2,400 gallons of water to produce one pound of meat, compared to growing 1 pound of wheat which only takes 25 gallons. That means a person could save more water by not eating a pound of meat than they could by not showering for 6 months! The amount of water and feed it takes to grow the animals could be used to feed the entire world twice over. The abuse to the animals and to our planet is across the board, and for what? Not because it is the only way to raise animals for food or because it produces the best quality food, but so the large corporations can maximize profits.

After knowing what I know, I simply could not continue to support this industry for the sake of social acceptance. Humans are not the only species who feel love, compassion, pain, pleasure, fear, and happiness. I choose to no longer discriminate between species who I would love and protect (like a family pet) and those who I eat. They are the same to me and both deserve to live a life free from unnecessary suffering and pain.

As you can imagine, this all came as a HUGE shock to my husband who is an avid meat enthusiast. Definitely in his top 3 favorite things to eat (it may even be #1). When I came out to him, I asked him to watch one video about the subject because I thought it would make it easier for him to accept these changes if he could really understand my perspective, even if he didn't want to change or stop eating meat. I had to ask him three different nights and he finally agreed just so I would stop asking him! The video did change his perspective. Not enough to stop eating meat, but enough to fully support me in my decision. For those interested you can watch that same video HERE.

DIY Deodorant

I came across a really easy and cheap recipe for deodorant a couple months ago and have been using it ever since! If you are fussy about how smoothly your deodorant goes on, this might not be for you. However if you are more concerned with the chemicals and/or metals that might be lurking in your traditional store bought deodorant then this is the prefect homemade solution for you! My sister and I have a running theme lately when we talk about new makeup or products that we find and we always ask "could you eat it"? Basically if you wouldn't eat it, you probably shouldn't put it on your skin. Skin is the barrier protecting the rest of our organs but it also happens to be pretty absorbent and while our skin does its best to keep the majority of substances and microscopic particles out of the body, it is impossible to keep all toxins out. Over time a build-up of toxins can cause other health problems, including cancer which in recent studies has shown a correlation between deodorant and breast cancer. This easy to make alternative has 3 ingredients that you probably have in your house right now....cornstarch, coconut oil and baking soda. I also added a couple drops of lemon essential oil for fragrance. Like I said it doesn't roll on like normal deodorant, you have to rub it in with your fingers but so far it has worked fantastic for me and I won't be going back to the store-bought stuff anytime soon!

To get the recipe click HERE

(BONUS! This is one of my favorite blogs. It's basically a family blog written about their everyday life,  but the author has the most hilarious wit and is able to see the humor in everyday situations)

Summer Salad

Prepping a few lunches the other day and decided I better blog this yummy salad. Its kind of a rip off of a Paradise Bakery salad and is one of my favorites this summer!

Summer Salad

Spring Mix Lettuce

Alfalfa Sprouts

Avocado

Apple

Blueberries

Feta

Walnuts

Poppy Seed Dressing

1/4 Cup Extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Tbsp Honey

1 Tsp Poppy Seeds

Pour dressing ingredients into a jar and shake until combined. You can play around with the ratio of ingredients if you like it sweeter etc. I put the measurements here as a reference but rarely do I measure out ingredients for a dressing. I rather use the taste and adjust method! Also this recipe only makes enough for about 3 or 4 salads so you might want to increase the ratios to make more and then store it. I am always changing my dressing and I really like it best when its fresh so I only make a little at a time. Drizzle over Summer Salad and enjoy!

Mediterranean Spaghetti Squash

Mediterranean Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients:

1 small to medium spaghetti squash

Dried Italian Herbs

extra virgin olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

3-4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 zucchini, diced

1 Cup Kale (torn into bite size pieces)

1 can artichokes in water, cut into quarters
1/2 Cup marinated sundried tomatoes, roughly chopped

Pepitas

Feta cheese

Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut Squash in half length ways and remove seeds. Place on a baking tray cut side up, spray with non-stick cooking spray and then sprinkle with italian herbs, salt and pepper. Bake 45 min-1 hour until soft. While the squash cools down prepare the rest of the ingredients. In a large pan sauté onions, garlic and zucchini in olive oil on medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes. Turn heat down to low and add kale, artichokes and sundries tomatoes. Now shred the spaghetti squash by combing through it with a fork and add to the pan with the other ingredients. Stir another 4-5 minutes until everything is well mixed and heated through. To serve top with feta cheese and pepitas. Delish!!

First Detox of the Year

Last week I finished my first detox as I have a goal to do at least 3 over the entire year. Since coming home from our Australia vacation in January, I haven't been eating the best or exercising! Its been hard trying to motivate myself and get back into that whole routine. I did find a workout routine that I've been pretty consisted with for about a month, now I just need to get my diet back on track. So for this detox I decided to do 2 days juice detox and 2 days fruit and veg fast. In the past I have been really good about being strict while on a detox, however this time I was a little more relaxed. So the first 2 days I actually drank raw fresh juice the entire day and then at night allowed myself to have dinner with the family which was still a really healthy dinner of chicken and vegetables. Same thing on the second day as well. Then the third and fourth day during the fruit and veg fast I also ate a healthy dinner those nights (with meat) and on one of the days even had a peanut butter sandwich at lunch time. So like I said, it wasn't the most super strict detox but was still above and beyond how I had been eating before! It really helped me to refocus my eating pattern and reprogram my impulse to grab fruit and vegetables before other unhealthy snacks. Detoxing doesn't have to be a strict vegetable juice only diet for 7 days straight! Even incorporating vegetables into one meal a day can start a good habit that will build over time. I highly recommend a fruit and vegetable fast for anyone thinking about doing a detox because you can have unlimited amounts and can prepare it anyway you want so you end up feeling pretty satisfied throughout the day. Any of the 5 people who read this blog interested in doing a detox? I'm thinking about starting up a support group for the next one I do so we can all do it together!

Kale Salad

Kale is my new leaf of choice for salads. I love the taste, I love the texture and I love the nutrition! Kale works especially well for making meals ahead of time because you can dress the leaves and let it sit in the fridge for a day or two and it won't go completely soggy.  I am obsessing over this salad I made the other day and had to share.

Kale and Butternut Squash salad with Feta and Caramelized Onions

1 Bunch Kale - washed and torn into bite size pieces

1 Butternut Squash - peeled, seeds removed, and cut into large chunks

1 Yellow Onion, sliced

Feta Cheese

Sliced Almonds

Dressing:

1/2 lemon

1TBS Honey

Drizzle Olive Oil (maybe 1-2 TBS)

Preheat oven to 400F and place the onions and squash in a large baking pan. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper then place in the oven for 45min-1hour (or until the onions are nice and caramelized and the squash is soft). Meanwhile place the Kale in a large bowl, drizzle with the dressing ingredients, and massage together until evenly coated. Don't just toss it but really work those leaves with your hands! Kale is very sturdy so this trick helps it to relax a bit and makes it taste amazing! Once the squash and onions are done, cool slightly before plating - Kale, squash/onions, then sprinkled with feta cheese and sliced almonds. Serves 4. 

Free-Range Eggs

I made the best discovery yesterday that I am so excited about....a local lady who sells free-range eggs! This is fantastic for me considering I have a goal to eat organic/free-range meat this year and especially because we eat so many eggs at our house! Its actually one of the most ethical forms of protein since there is no killing of the animal and yet they are so rich in protein and nutrients. I have seen signs for these "fresh" eggs on a road that I frequently drive near my house, but never really thought to investigate it. Then I saw a good recommendation for her on a community Facebook page that I am apart of, so I thought it can't hurt to just check it out and see how much she charges.  For anyone who has never seen backyard eggs before you probably think what is wrong with those hens?!...

You can see I have a whole range of colors here, blue, green, brown and white, something you most definitely would not see in the grocery store. It simply has to do with the genetics of the bird. If you are interested in a more in-depth look at how eggs get their color check out this ARTICLE. 

Not only is her price very affordable ($3 a dozen) but the color and taste of these eggs speak for themselves. The yolk is a rich dark orange and very thick and creamy, compared to commercial eggs that are a pale orange or yellow and no where near the same texture. Besides the obvious nutritional difference in these eggs, the thing I like most about them is the integrity of where they came from as well as supporting a local farmer. Yes you can buy free range eggs at the grocery store, however there is always a little skepticism in the back of my mind as to just how "free" the hens are and without visiting the farm myself I could never be sure. These hens are super happy! They are kept in a large pen with tons of room to run around but she even lets them out a few times a week so they get to scratch around the yard for a bit. Contrary to many of the industrial egg farms who still use wire battery cages with 3-4 hens per cage, among other abuse. The hens are barely able to stand up let alone flap their wings, build a nest, perch, and perform other activities that are in their nature to do. There is no watchdog for these places. The only information that even comes out is from undercover animal rights activists. The worst part about it is that for all that suffering the eggs are not as good quality. It's all about the company maximizing their resources to make a bigger profit.

I am not against the consumption of animals and I do believe animals were put on this earth for man to use, but I also believe there is a right way and a wrong way to treat every species on this earth, no matter how simple or powerless they may seem. A large part of my organic meat goal is about opening my eyes to how the industry really is instead of ignoring it for the sake of convenience and price and realizing that I do not need to contribute to the problem. One day I would love to have my own chickens, but until then thank you local egg lady!