Week IX: Faceless Food

Last week we pumped up our intake of water. This week we increase our fresh fruit and vegetables. For the next five days we become vegetarians. People choose the lifestyle for a variety of reasons. There's the global/political rational that the resources devoted to raising food animals would feed all the world's hungy if everyone ate plants instead of animals. Some folks decline to eat animals on moral grounds, "I never eat anything that used to have a face," and others don't eat meat for health and hygiene reasons.

Farmed animals may live and/or be slaughtered under unsanitary conditions. Medications that are used to accelerate growth or to combat disease in animals may end up on your plate. Toxins present in cows and chickens pass the poisons to their mild and eggs. Dietary cholesterol is found only in animal products.

To know the vibrancy and healthy skin of a true vegetarian, we'd have to adhere to the diet everyday until the toxins from consumed animal products dissipated from our bodies. Here we experiment with the discipline for only five days; and for that reason we will refrain not only from eating beef, but from anything that used to have a face.

Make it Real:
As these diet plans progress, we face more and more difficult challenges that require greater preparation and change in food choices. Therefore, if you are already a vegetarian, this wee become a vegan and quit all animal products altogether, including milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, butter and any baked goods that list dairy among their ingredients.

If you can foresee meals at which you are likely to slip and eat an animal, consider minimizing the compromise. Perhaps becoming a pescatarian (fish eating) this week is enough change and challenge for you.

When you find yourself giving in to temptation and eating meat, at least make sure that you also include a large quantity of vegetables in the meal.

Food for Thought:
Consider how you feel after your meatless meal. Lighter than usual? Less drowsy?

Does the grocery or restaurant bill decrease?

With regards to preparation, how do you approach this challenge? Do you ready yourself with vegetarian cookbooks and include tofu and tempeh or other alternatives when shopping? Is advanced planning lacking from other commitments in your life?