Monday, June 13, 2011

Meatless Monday

Several weeks ago I was at a get together of women who, when they found out I was vegetarian, asked the question "Then what do you eat?"

Kind of a strange question when there are more types of fruits and vegetables out there than there are varieties of meat.

My 12 year old informed me some time back that I am actually a pescetarian: one who abstains from all meat and animal flesh with the exception of fish.

If you are what you eat, then I am Indian ...

and Japanese.

The year before I turned 40, I starting exercising, totally changed my eating habits and lost weight. I had never been much of a meat eater, so when I read this book two years ago, it made me realize that, for many reasons, I didn't want it at all anymore.

Some people worry about getting enough protein but when beans and rice are eaten together, they make a complete protein.

In fact, any of these combinations are complete proteins: nut butter on whole grain bread, pasta with beans, veggie burgers on bread, split pea soup with whole grain bread, and tortillas with refried beans.

I realize it is not for everyone, but it works for me. So, are you hungry yet?

Have a healthy, happy day! Friendship blessings, Tammy

19 comments:

Hearts Turned said...

Everything looks so delicious, Tammy! While I'm not a vegetarian, I so appreciate that you've "found" your way to wellness & health--that's what I feel I have done, as well. It's a wonderful thing when we finally learn how to eat to be healthy & happy, isn't it?! It doesn't seem to be that hard, after all...

The book looks really interesting--I'll have to go and look for it--love learning new things!

Wishing you a beautiful day, dear friend...

Julie

Angela said...

Hello Tammy.
I find myself eating less and less meat nowadays. I like the 'clean' taste of meatfree meals. All your food looks so delicious.
I'll look for the book, sounds inspiring
Hugs,
Angela.

Mariette's Back to Basics said...

Dearest Tammy,

Guess that both of us are for decades 'Indian', 'Japanese' or 'Indonesian' when it comes to food. IF we eat any meat it is chicken once in a while and for the rest we choose fish or vegetarian. For both of us it is far more healthy to keep the cholesterol down and the blood pressure. There is no other country in the world where the meat consumption is so high as in the US! When we grew up in the Netherlands we always were taught that a piece of meat the size of the palm of your hand (thickness and all!) is plenty for the ENTIRE day. Wow, most Americans have more for breakfast alone.
Thanks for bringing such a health conscious food to the attention of your many readers!

Lots of love,

Mariette

Anonymous said...

Love the photos. All looks yummy. I'd like to do the same thing you did....more veggies and fruit, less meat, more weight loss. Sounds good. Can you come and cook for me? hee hee Susan

Diane said...

I am the same as you Tammy except that I don't have the discipline you do. And I'm married to a meat and potatoes man. But in my heart I would like to abstain from eating my friends. Good for you!!! Diane

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

I love fruits and veggies but I need will power!

Unknown said...

Since my best friend went gluten-free, I've been exploring new ways of eating, too. Loved the meals featured here!

the old white house said...

We just finished our meatless monday meal too! Hannah made zucchini, yellow squash and mushroom kabobs and I made a pear, feta and almond salad. yum! I will have to check out that book Tammy, I am loving being a vegetarian and have only craved chicken once, when it was being taken off of the grill. Good thing we had portabello mushrooms to eat instead! They were delicious, we topped them with tomato,tofu and basil with olive oil and sea salt. Plus I love sushi so I guess I am whatever your son called you :)
Have a great night... xoxoox

Serena Lewis said...

I'm a pescetarian too, Tammy, although I only eat seafood once every couple of weeks. I have been pescetarian for six years now and have not once craved meat of any kind during that time. One of my sons has also gone the pescetarian route recently after watching a TV program showing the cruelty inflicted on animals in abattoirs. Btw, I have been asked that same question by meat eaters...lol

I love Indian and Thai food!

I've never read that book but have noted it down to check out.

Have a lovely day!
Serena xo

Anonymous said...

I have said this before, and i will say it again - you and I can sit down and eat together, ANY TIME!!! I am getting ready for those questions from a lot of people in Texas. You know who I am talking about... HA! I am wondering how it is going to work in Texas with everyone in the family eating meat. I will beg for fish. Your food looks amazing, a lot like what I am eating. I am laughing to know that Zack was able to put a name on "what you are" right now. Leave it to Zack.
You have told me about this book before, but knowing that i have made similar choices about food lately, I will be sure to read it this summer.
Happy eating, my friend!
Love,
Renee

Nancy said...

There's enough of a variety so that everyone can eat and enjoy what appeals to them. Exercising and eating properly is one of my personal goals, every day. But I don't always achieve it. :)

Anonymous said...

I TOO AM VEGETARIAN!
THERE ARE JUST TOO MANY 'HEALTHIER' CHOICES TO EAT THAN MEAT! RIGHT!

OH TO HAVE A LUNCH WITH YOU WOULD BE GRAND!


CIAO BELLA


CREATIVE CARMELINA

Tanna said...

Tammy, your post has certainly made me hungry for some vegetarian dishes!! Each of your photos depict a delicious meal!

Summertime and good tea at a steady pace... I could like that.

I know just what you mean about IE and blogger working well one moment and then just bogging down! I am still having that problem. Our "down time" is still limited with the new baby and busy 23 month old, so I have not tried to figure out Firefox yet. Thanks for the information. blessings ~ tanna

Celestial Charms said...

Delicious combinations. Oh, yes, rice and beans are eaten almost every meal in my house. The children and I don't eat meat, but we do eat chicken sometimes. I gave up meat in my 20's, and I've never looked back! There are so many delicious veggie dishes out there, I never run out of ideas.
Maureen

Anonymous said...

By the look of your post and wonderful depiction of being a pesetarian, you just might convert a few souls....except for me. I agree there are soooo many healthy choices if you know how to put it together. I'm just not good at it. My google is still acting funny so will be signing in again normal. Hope you have a great day.

Love, Melissa

Hayley said...

You are much healthier and a better chef than I, but I gave up all meat about 3 months ago and have been happy with my decision. It's been much harder for the people in my life to adjust the change than it has been for me for whatever reason. I don't think I've been eating more nutritiously just yet, but I feel much better mentally not eating flesh. I'll be looking to you for inspiration as I try to figure out a balanced approach to this kinder lifestyle. Enjoy your summer!

SusanLotus said...

Everything above looks yummie to me!
And yes that was a strange question. People often think that you eat just salad and tomatoes if you´re a vegetarian... So not true!
Blessings!

Rizzi said...

YUMMY, EVERYTHING LOOKS DELICIOUS. I DO EAT MEAT, BUT I PROBABLY COULD BE A VEGETARIAN, I LOVE EVERYTHING ON YOUR POST. TAKE CARE, RIZZI

La Tea Dah said...

Your food looks so delicious! YUMMY! I enjoy being a vegetarian and I think being such opens up the world to more food choices and variety than if one didn't choose this lifestyle.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...