It was an adventure and an educational journey that revealed much about myself and how I relate to food. The most surprising revelation is that I am not a true Vegan. Rather, I’m a vegetarian who limits fat to 10 gms per day and I eat nonfat dairy products which eliminates eggs. Adding dairy takes me out of the strict Vegan diet.
There are two main reasons why I don’t eat meat. I truly dislike the way animals are raised and slaughtered by the large producers and after eating nothing but vegetables, grains and fruit, even the smell of meat bothers me. I’ve never noticed before that each animal tastes like it smells. Beef has a bloody, manure taste, chicken tastes like the henhouse and goat, well I’ve not had goat meat, but I can’t get some of the cheese past my nose nor the milk.
The physical results of the Vegetarian adventure have been encouraging. I’ve lost 15 pounds and one dress size; my total cholesterol is lower ( I’m also taking a statin) and I have more energy. My knee pain is gone but I have to credit that to a Kenalog shot and also I know exactly what foods cause me to develop a migraine. When I began the adventure I didn’t have a clue as to what triggered the headaches.
So the adventure was well worth the time and effort. I will continue with the low-fat vegetarian diet. Low fat because genetic testing recommended it and it works for me. I’ve also learned not to worry about what other people think or say. My family is accepting and they are enjoying the new recipes, one of which will end this article. The excitement of doing something new is over but I have confidence that this is a diet that I will be able to maintain over the rest of my life. To all of you who have followed my blog you have my heart-felt thanks. Reader response made a huge difference for me. I will close this chapter with a new recipe, and keep checking the blog, I’m on to bigger and better things!
Stir Fried Green Beans
Five handfuls of whole Green Beans, frozen are fine
1 tblsp of Olive Oil
1 tblsp of Tamari
1/2 tsp of Garlic powder
Wok for frying
Heat the Wok and add the oil. When the oil is fragrant but not smoking add the green beans and sprinkle the garlic powder over them. Stir fry the beans for 5 to 7 minutes then add the Tamari and continue to stir until the liquid is absorbed. Serve immediately, beans should be slightly crunchy. Serves 4
Healthchat 