Confessions of a New Vegetarian

In this blog I will share what I ate, how I felt/how I'm feeling, challenges, failures, milestones, etc. so here is a little introduction.

My husband [A] has been living a vegetarian lifestyle for just a little over a month. Our friend [D] has been vegetarian since about January/February I believe. He told [A] about the cause: vegetarianism helps with earth's sustainability which includes saving animals. After hearing about all the benefits, [A] became a vegetarian to improve his health and help the cause.

I noticed the changes in A's life and I thought it was very cool he was following through with it successfully, getting creative in the kitchen, and really enjoying it with his friends at school, [D] and [J]. I found it a little difficult, maybe a little stressful, to go out to eat with him because I didn't want him to just settle for side dishes, food he didn't want, etc. because of lack of vegetarian options. I've never really been a big fan of red meat or a lot of meat at a time so I thought I'd give vegetarianism a try. 

Here are the specific reasons why I have decided to attempt a vegetarian lifestyle: 

1. Me. I noticed the health benefits [A] has had success with and I know I need it. I do remember trying to donate blood sometime during autumn or winter and they told me I had a low hemoglobin count. So, this is something I keep forgetting to follow up with, but I need to, especially now that I will have an even lower meat intake. 
2. Supporting my husband. I know how hard anything can be without any support. Although [A] has support at school, I feel it is important to support him at home. I hope that by both of us being vegetarian, we can somewhat have a better time transitioning into the lifestyle. 
3. Earth's sustainability. To be honest, I don't know a lot of information to speak on this. I know that by not eating animals, we ultimately have an impact. This is because lands are used for grazing animals, a lot of water is used to sustain them before sending them off, species are diminishing i.e. tuna, saving animals, etc. I still have a lot to learn though. I just know this is the right path. 

Challenges I anticipate: 

1. I've never really had to give up any type of food (I'm not a practicing catholic so I've never given up anything for lent, good Friday, etc.) so I'm just a little worried about my will power and discipline. Especially with my mom's delicious food. 
2. We told my parents about [A] becoming vegetarian and they were a little worried. They wanted to know about where he would get protein, possible health issues, etc. My mom asked if it was for a little while or a forever. When [A] said hopefully forever, she looked surprised. I'm just not sure I can pass up eating meat when I'm with my parents. Will power and discipline again. 

Definition of vegetarianism to me (at least for now): 

1. Not eating meat. 
2. I'm still not sure if I will not eat meals that were cooked with meat or if I will just take it out. For example, chicken broth or removing pepperoni off of pizza, etc. I still have a lot more research to do. 

- C.