Update 7-29-13

It’s been a while since I’ve posted an update, so I thought why not post today? I can report that

I’ve been doing pretty well on my vegetarian journey—for the most part. I have to admit that I have not done much exercising, unless you include tons of house work, remodeling and yard work. I will be taking August 1^st – August 31^st off for some much needed “me-time.” During this time, I plan on starting a vigorous exercise regimen—something I can stick to.

I’m so proud of myself. A couple of weeks ago, I hosted a meeting/BBQ for one of my Toastmasters group. When we originally planned it, we were going to just throw something on the grill. But when I tell you these members came with food, they came with food. I mean there was chicken, burgers, bratwurst, potato salad, sweet potatoes, coleslaw, salad, dips, chips and all sorts of other goodies. I had my veggie burgers so none of it bothered me—except for those bratwursts. I absolutely love bratwursts. The person that made

them made sure she told me how she made them; sautéing them in beer and raspberries. The constant “mmms” and “oh this is so good” comments didn’t help. I really thought about jacking a few people for those bratwursts. However, I held strong and although they barely made it out the door, I made it without eating one. But I’d have to say, that was a close call.

I’ve pretty much done well for myself . . . that was until this weekend. Hubby and I ordered our normal Chinese food. I had the fried rice and he had his usual. However, this time, he ordered chicken wings. And if you’ve ever had fried chicken wings from China Garden, you know it’s the best chicken wing ever cooked (with the exception of the lemon-pepper wings from Wing Stop in Dallas, Texas). As soon as hubby took them out of the bag, the smell hit my nose and at that point, there was no way he was making it out of the

kitchen without giving me one. I took the first bite and I just wanted to melt. After I devoured the first one in thirty-seconds flat, he offered me a second. Oh, Em, Gee. Those wings were so good! I know, I know. I had a moment of weakness. I’ll just make sure it won’t happen again. *wink*

Besides the chicken wing fiasco, I’ve been doing pretty good. Although I’m not eating meat, I’ve been doing a little dairy. I absolutely have to have creamer in my coffee. I tried the soy creamer, but it just doesn’t taste the same, so I do have a tablespoon of flavored creamer. I also eat a cup of yogurt a day for digestive reasons. Right now, it seems to be the best way to receive probiotics (I think that’s the word) and maintain a decent digestive system. I love cheese a whole lot, but I have been doing good and have not had any since I started my journey.

One of the issues that I am running to is that I had to have everything I ate, that wasn’t sweet, spicy. But I’m finding now, I can’t take it as much and I get heartburn a lot.

I’m still new to this. It’s been a little over a month and it gets easier and easier. Did I mention how expensive it is? I now live in Earth Fare and Whole Foods, and I have found tons of uses for tofu. I also now buy vegetables from various gardeners. As soon as I get the time, I am going to start my own raised garden out back and start growing my own vegetables. Now wouldn’t be a good time anyway, not with all the rain we’ve been having.

I’ve started a vegetarian board on Pinterest if you’re interested. If you have any ideas, tips or tricks for this baby vegetarian, I’d love your input.  http://pinterest.com/ymjauthor/boards/ 

Until next time, Eat all your vegetables.

PS: Did I mention that my new best friends are hummus and sweet potato chips? Yum, Yum!