Meatless Monday

Today I'm going to try my best to participate in Meatless Monday. A non profit initiative for better living for ourselves and the environment. It's actually pretty cool. Check Meatless Monday's website HERE. You can learn about the initiative and also, incase you were wondering, you don't have to become a vegetarian. Unless you want to, then this is a great way to get your feet wet! 

I got inspired to join in by a&o 'Discover Inspiration'. One their website you can find MM recipes, along with other great articles. They are also on Facebook. I don't consider myself a huge meat eater. Yes, I do eat meat, but how can I claim my per portions without paying attention?

Last week I wanted to try my first Meatless Monday. I failed early afternoon eating leftover pizza with sausage on it. I didn't even think about it! I had not completely committed to the idea in my mind that day or the night before so I can at least say it wasn't a moment of weakness. It was a moment of not paying attention. This event makes me happy. Yes, my Fail was an actual Win. (whoot!) Here's How: Looking back on last Monday I can think about why I want to participate in this international initiative. Also, have one way to assess my relationship with meat. 

1. It's tasty. Please forgive me staunch vegetarians and vegans but it's the truth for me. I was raised eating meat. It makes me think of the first time I told my birth mother my (now) husband was a vegetarian and she gave a little My Big Fat Greek Wedding reaction.

Bride: "He doesn't eat meat."
Mother: "What do you mean he don't eat no meat?!"
*silence*
Mother: "That's okay, I make lamb." 

I admit,it wasn't that bad at all, it just made me think of that scene. She did however raise and eyebrow like "What? What's that?" I find when you grow up eating meat, it's really hard to just let it go. It's like, why wouldn't you eat it? It's already dead and its so good. What's the harm and why waste it? I Love fish and chicken wings! There I said it. haha. Seriously, I do though. 

2. It's Filler. Thinking on why there is sausage on my pizza (besides yummy) or why I wish to avoid vegetarian meals is I feel meat is filling. I actually have this notion I can't get satiated from a meal if meat isn't in it.  I know we are not really supposed to get full, and I'm totally fine with that. It's just a part of me says I won't even get the sitting back with a small smile "Ah, that was good" feeling if it's completely veggie. 

What are my final thoughts on my first Meatless Monday? Well, first, I hope I don't mess up since the day isn't over! Also, with these two major reasons listed, and seeing the site on the benefits, I didn't see why I shouldn't participate. It's one day a week and an all around benefit for the environment and yourself. What a super two in one. I can assess how often I turn to meat and the reasons why. Comfort, laziness, fear of missing out a satisfaction in a meal. I've also found that I can turn this day into one of Gain instead of a day of Loss.

I have a tendency to shy away from the idea of something if it involves me losing something. MM can be seen as Not getting to eat meat. Less meat. I don't get to have something. What I will try to do to turn the idea around in my head for a day of gain is to perhaps give it an alternative name like More Veggies Monday. More veggies. More chances to prepare a colorful healthy meal. More vegetarian cooking experimentation (and cooking in general) for myself and my husband! 

Now, will this result in me being able to dedicate every Monday to this? Possible *gasp* vegetarianism? *chuckle* That's for another day in the distant future and a distant post. The jury is Living in the deliberation room on that one! I do know I want to try it for a least a month and to enjoy this first Meatless Monday. In celebration and getting into the spirit, I made myself a salad! (picture below) With fat free ranch which I used to swear was a sin to be made until I found one that tasted pretty good. :P

Anyone for joining me next Monday?! 

Namaste my friends,

~Chelle aka Writer Yogi 

Spinach Leaves

Cherry Tomatoes 

Cucumer

Green Pepper

Baby Carrots

Quorn Meatless and Soy-Free Southwestern Chik'N Wings