One of the best things since I started this blog happened the other day. I got this email from Megan, who writes The Runner’s Kitchen:
Hi Matt,I think I’m going to announce this on my blog in a day or so, but starting tomorrow I am going to go vegetarian for at least 30 days (maybe longer). I think that grass-fed, local meat can be a good option, but unfortunately that’s not always available or within my budget. Also, I know how bad factory-farmed meat is for the environment AND my health and unfortunately I think that’s what I’m getting at most restaurants/grocery stores. I hope my 30 day challenge will inspire me to get more creative in the kitchen and be more thoughtful about my food choices. I’ve also been feeling blah health-wise and think I could use a positive change. You were an inspiration for this decision, so I just wanted to let you know
Best, Megan
How freaking cool is that? I mean, I’ve had some friends and family tell me that they eat less meat sometimes, and I sense that a few people are running a little bit more because of my blog. But for someone who I didn’t know before I started this blog to decide to completely stop eating meat for a while is really neat for me.
I think Megan’s decision to try it for 30 days is really smart; it’s enough to figure out how it works for your body and your lifestyle, but not so long that it feels like some major sacrifice for the rest of your life. I also love that Megan has a lot of reasons for giving up meat. When I first tried, way before I started this blog, it was about not wanting to eat animals because I loved my dogs so much. And that didn’t last, so obviously it wasn’t enough leverage for me. When I finally became convinced (brainwashed, perhaps) by Tony Robbins that being vegetarian is such a healthier way of life, for both the body and the planet, I was able to make it stick. I suppose I just needed enough good reasons to do it.
I’m not going to lie, for the first few days it was hard because I love cooking so much and I had to change the way I thought about food. But I think it goes without saying that I’m extremely pleased with the outcome of the decision.
So congratulations to Megan, check out her big announcement about it. And if YOU find yourself tempted, do it! And make me really happy by letting me know.
More Linkie Love
I also want to mention Natalie from Lil Runner, whose blog I just discovered the other day. Natalie ran the Boston Marathon only 10 months weeks after having a baby. (That’s what postpartum means, right?) Natalie wrote a series of articles for the Philadelphia Running Examiner about running throughout pregnancy, something that Erin has found really helpful because she’s been getting a lot of conflicting information about this. Preggos, check these out! Of course, you want to look out for the baby’s health above all else and make sure that a doctor approves of whatever exercise you’re doing while pregnant.
And since it would be a shame to leave you with no food pictures today, here’s what we’ve had the past two nights. I know we just had them last week, but Alison’s black bean burgers were so good and easy that we made them again! Only this time I used buffalo sauce as the binder, to the delight/dismay of my taste buds. Served outside with a salad from the garden and grilled asparagus, does it get any better? (Meat eaters, keep your snide remarks to yourselves.)
And last night, I attempted to recreate what used to be the only dish I cooked, something I called Legendary Pasta. Legendary Pasta was always served with ground beef sauce, and was good but probably not all that legendary. But it was easy and I was fond of exaggerating. Anyway, Erin told me she was craving it, so I made a lentil version, inspired by Sarah’s tacos that we made a few nights ago.
Not bad at all, but still not legendary. That’s basil on top, by the way.
And with that, I’m off to leftover land to eat some more. Have a great Thursday!
How awesome that you are inspiring others to cut back on meat!
.-= Angie´s last blog ..September Play-list =-.
YAHOO for black bean burgers! I swear they are my quick, go to meal when I’m strapped for time. So glad you are digging them.
Way to inspire dude! You inspired me to read Thrive and I am over the moon about it! So thanks for that.
.-= Alison´s last blog ..Thrive Inspired =-.
that’s awesome! those bean burgers look so good and crispy!
.-= brandi´s last blog ..Freebies Galore! =-.
Very exciting that you are making such a difference in so many peoples lives!! Like I said, I def feel inspired by you to RUN and I am thinking about picking up Thrive. Great looking din dins! I ordered my t’s yesterday (one for me, one for my sister in law) and can’t wait to get them!!)
.-= Erica´s last blog ..Birthday Goodies =-.
Yay for Megan! I am doing a 30 day vegan challenge this month (mostly for health reasons) so I support her challenge fully!
I’m really glad I’ve recently discovered your blog, it’s quite awesome.
.-= Lindsey (Mrs. LC)´s last blog ..Craving Healthy Foods =-.
YAY for Megan!! I really think thats the best way to decide if vegetarianism is the best for you, you have to try it before you deny it!
.-= Lizzy´s last blog ..time is a tickin =-.
I tried quitting meat for a month and haven’t looked back. A one month no-meat challenge combined with reading The China Study has really changed my outlook on what I put into my body.
.-= Natalie´s last blog ..Channa Masala (Indian Chickpea Curry) =-.
That’s one of the best emails ever!
I’m definitely cooking MORE right now as a vegan than I was before. Nutrition challenges are fantastic for exploring creativity in cooking.
.-= Sagan´s last blog ..Day Three of the Vegan Challenge =-.
Posted a response on my blog, but posting here too just in case you don’t see it.
“Not sure the nibs would work, but I can tell you, there is a lot you can do with the cacao powder. Sometimes I just throw it in a smoothie with bananas and spinach only and it’s great. Way better than the chocolate Amazing Grass in my opinion. Thanks, I would love it if you let your readers know
I already have next Tuesday’s smoothie almost ready to go, photos done, just need to write the recipe.”
The link I posted to buy it on Amazon is a pretty good price, but I get it for about the same price locally, sans shipping, so you may want to check a whole foods store. Here is another one of my favorite things to make with the cacao powder http://kristensraw.blogspot.com/2008/09/chocolate-chia-crackers-and-amazing.html – YUM!
.-= Caleb´s last blog ..Smoothie Tuesday – Raw Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie =-.
That’s wonderful! You may not realize it but you inspire more people than you think. I for one stick to my running and veggie eating ways due to all the info I read here and on other blogs/sites.
Like this weekend, I’m going to cook with lentils for the first time. That’s you and Sarah’s influence. Amazing how this blog world works.
Love basil on everything. Yum!
.-= Mia {runs and rests}´s last blog ..Th3 Summ3r In Numb3rs =-.
Well, I do eat meat, but I can honestly say that “No, it doesn’t get better then that.” The bean burgers look like the perfect meal, for sure.
=-.
.-= Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)´s last blog ..What day is it, again?
It feels so good to know you’ve made a difference and inspired someone, and you’ve inspired more people than you know!
.-= meatlessmama´s last blog ..How To Save Heirloom Seeds =-.