As part of my New Year’s Resolutions, I included: “* Become more aware about the food and drinks I ingest and feed to my family. – to include researching vegetarianism and veganism and learning about the impact of current farming and food production in this country on the animals and environment so that I can make informed dietary decisions.”
I admit I haven’t done much research yet, but my gut is telling me that the best thing for us is to make a gradual switch to vegetarianism. However, I’m not sure I will cut fish completely out of our diets. I need to read up on that. But I am fine with no longer eating chicken or turkey and I haven’t had beef in nearly 8 years so that’s no skin off my nose. (By the way, I don’t mean to imply that we’d be vegetarians if we continue to eat fish.)
So far I haven’t had much problem cutting meat out of our diets (Ava hardly eats it anyway), although it will be a lot easier once the meat we do have in the house (think frozen chicken and ground turkey) is gone. I’m contemplating giving it away to friends if anyone wants it. That way I know it won’t get “wasted,” but I don’t have to be the one consuming it. ;)
Tonight’s dinner was Country Lentil soup (courtesy of Fantastic) and Tribe Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with pita bread. It was very tasty and I loved hearing Ava say, “Moo-oore, hummeeess.” :)
Question for all of the vegetarians or vegans who read my blog:
Do you have any books (or websites) on the topic (especially relating to kids) that you recommend? Specifically, I’m looking for a good book that discusses nutrition and the vegetarian child. I want to make sure Ava’s nutritional needs are being met and I’d like to be “armed” with this knowledge as soon as possible because we have her 18 month check-up next week. I’m not sure what my doc’s stance is on vegetarianism. She’s pretty open-minded and has been mostly supportive of my parenting decisions in the past, but she likes to know that I’ve done my research and made informed decisions so I want to go prepared.
(By the way, I have other questions about vegetarian/vegan eating, but I will save those for another day.)
For anyone who is looking to cut some meat out of their diet, even on a very small scale, I just came across this site – Meatless Monday – that looks like a great way to get started. “Meatless Monday is a national health campaign to help Americans prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer – four of the leading causes of death in America.” It includes recipes, cooking tips, ways to eat on the go, staples for your cupboard and more. It seems to be a very helpful resource.
Thanks in advance to any book recommendations or websites you all have. :) I appreciate it!
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