Veggie-versary
Hi everyone! How’s your morning treating ya??
I can’t believe I forgot to recognize my actual veggie-versary, so why not celebrate it today??
On September 7th last year, the day before the pilot left on a 6-month deployment, I made the decision to become quasitarian. It was pretty random and spontaneous and I just decided to roll with it and see what happened. It’s interesting that I don’t even think about the fact that I don’t eat beef, pork or chicken anymore, it’s just how I eat. You guys know that I would never want to push eating styles upon anyone, but I will say that I’m super happy with how this decision has worked out for me and how I feel. Teaching aerobics with a belly full of meat never felt very good and I’m stoked that I still get in some animal protein via seafood and goat cheese.
I get a lot of questions about how I deal with the pilot’s carnivorous eating style and honestly, it’s not a big deal in our household. We eat most of our meals separately since he’s gone at work all day (I pack him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a meat deli-style sandwich and healthy snacks to take to work) and I’m always on the go, but for dinner I’ll do one of the following:
- Make a meaty meal for the pilot with veggies and salad for both of us
- Make a vegan meal, with meat on the side for the pilot
- Make a fishy meal and veggies/salad we can both enjoy
Usually I’ll have two skillets going or separate pans in the oven—the extra dishes are worth it.. especially since he usually does the dishes (I hate dishes) 😉 The thing is, I’ve had “weird” eating habits since I met the pilot and he’s totally used to my quirks. He probably understands my diet more than anyone else, and is 100% supportive of whatever I decide to do. His good looks are just the icing on the proverbial cake 😉
(ow ow!)
Gotta love a man in uniform.
Since I chose to stop eating meat (with the exception of fish and avoid eggs and dairy.. more info on How I Feast is here), I haven’t felt deprived one bit. Nature provides an abundance of delicious food that I’ve spent the last year happily feasting on…
Salad beasts:
Veggies in all colors of the rainbow:
Beans and greens:
Grains:
Root veggies (particularly in fry form):
Fruit:
Chocolate and wine: (mayjah props to mother nature on those two)
Here’s to another veggie-filled year!
See ya after school- YOGA TODAY! Wahoo!!
xoxo,
G
Today’s tip: If you are toying with the idea of vegetarianism or veganism, remember that the premise of these lifestyles is VEGGIES! I’ve seen way too many people get on the “vegetarian” bandwagon and get off with tighter jeans because they focus solely on carbs and nut butter. Carbs and nut butter are delicious, but anything in excess and lacking balance is going to leave you feeling icky and discouraged. Remember to ease into any type of lifestyle change, be it nutrition or fitness-oriented.
And to those of you lovely ladies who are perfectly happy eating some meat, do it! Always always do what’s best for you, not what some goofy blogger is doing 😉
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Congratulations! I always appreciate your veggie love!
And I love the way you and the Pilot just flow with your eating habits. It is very similar in our house and we just make it work!
Thanks so much for your tips and inspiration. I have gotten caught up in labels in the past and I don’t want to do that anymore. I guess I have finally realized I need to eat for me. What is good for me and not what someone else is eating!! Although, your eating looks pretty yummy to me!!
He is so handsome! I love seeing you veggie creations because I have developed a serious aversion to meat. Just not feeling the taste and texture lately. I am also not a huge fan of veggies, so I know where you come from saying that alot of ‘vegetarians’ eat cereal and fruit only! I see it all the time. I wish I loved veggies more!
I’ve eaten veggie off and on for a while now and made the permanent decision on September 10th. It has never been an issue in my household either. My husband (all meat and potatoes guy) and I eat separately most of the time or separate meals when we are eating together. It really is no big deal and totally worth it for both of us to be comfortable with what we are eating and enjoying it too. I’ve changed so much over the years that nothing I do surprises him now, though he is finding my aspirations of going vegan to be challenging right now. 😉
I like your tip today. I rely WAY too much on carbs and nut butters. My pants are a little snug today so I need to change my focus. Just looking at your pictures make me want veggies!! 🙂 Have a good day Gina.
Love this post–love the pictures, as well. I eat meat, but I seriously think I could do without chicken,turkey, ham-etc. I don’t do red meat-ick! I could totallyyyyy live off seafood and the things pictured…HMMM…new challenge for moi?!
Thanks for your inspiration and your awesome blog!
I love your open mind to all styles of eating, it’s so refreshing in a blog world that can sometimes be dominated by other ideas/thoughts! 🙂 You rock sista, and you and the Pilot have it all figured out which I think is just fabulous that you are so supportive of each other!
Congrats on your veggieversary. See, when it’s easy, you don’t even think about it. That’s how I feel about veggies too, my friends, easy, don’t think about it. I love your tip of the day too. All the other stuff is “fun” but gettin back to basics (veggies!) is where it’s gotta be if you’re gonna make this a lifestyle and not just a phase.
Although we’re raising my daughter as vegetarian, and I am vegan, and my husband is pretty much what he’s served 🙂 LOL (which he still eats white meat or fish out of my presence or I will make him some white meat here occasionally), I just don’t serve it much for him mainly b/c I dont wanna be in the kitch any extra. So I try to get our 3 people with 3 diff eating habits kinda on the same page so that it’s not 3 diff meals x 3 people every day of something totally completely different. Cuz that would be wayyy too much work! I cook kinda cook like you do for dinner and try not to get too bogged down in creating totally diff meals or anything.
Anyway congrats on your milestone!
xoxo 🙂
Awesome- congrats on the day 🙂 Josh and I modify meals in exactly the same ways and its totally worth it and never a bother. Hope you have a great one chicky
I became a quasitarian of my own on my birthday this year (August). Even though I haven’t being doing it for so long I can already tell what a difference it makes to not eat meat so much (I still eat some local meat). Thanks for being such an inspiration on this wonderful, healthy lifestyle!
Congrats on your Veggie-versary! I have about a month left until mine. It has definitely been an interesting ride.
My husband also eats meat and I find myself using a lot of your same tactics. It is becoming a tad more difficult now that we are trying to eat more meals together.
Btw…Love your blog!
“Always always do what’s best for you, not what some goofy blogger is doing” AMEN SISTAH!!!! Too many people eat things or do things because of what bloggers do… I’m nutty! Don’t follow me!
Great veggie tip there with the eating veggies thing! It’s amazing how many people forget this!
All your gorgeous eats…you make it look so super easy!
Congrats on your veggie year! 🙂
I’ve definitely been thinking about giving up meat (not fish) for a while now. I absolutely LOVE vegetables and never actually crave meat at all–I just eat because it’s there I guess. Great tip, thank you!
Happy Veggi-Versary! I’ve been enjoying your posts about school and the restaurant and all the tasty things you are making.
Vegetarianism is something I think about – have for a long time – but the whole separate meals issue does hold me back – Husband is a definite carnivore. I guess I am probably a Flexitarian – I do try to limit the amount of meat I eat, but I haven’t cut it out entirely. Maybe some day.
Wow that was a year ago? Time really flies.
Happy Veggie-versary! I wish I could remember mine. I think it’s June-something. Ha!
Hi Gina! Happy veggie-versary! 🙂 I totally feel the same way; since becoming a vegetarian three years ago, I don’t even think about what I don’t eat (chicken, meat, etc) but more on what I do eat – a variety of delicious and fresh foods! I’ve definitely found that I eat more variety since you have to be conscious of a proper balance of protein, fats, vitamins, etc. (especially being an active person). I’m very happy with my decision as well. 🙂
Hope things are going well in school!! Enjoy your last week.
Happy veggiversary! Totally agree with you that VARIETY of fruits, veggies, whole grains,seeds and nuts is KEY. As my kids’ pediatrician says,”not grilled cheese vegetarians.”
It’s been about ten months for me, and about six months for the family and we are THRIVING!!!
Thats exactly how my parents make it work too, but the other way around my dad is mostly vegetarian and my mom can’t give up her meat!
Happy veggiversary!
It’s funny how people assume that as long as they are not eating meat they are healthier. Love all your veggie meals!
i love all the yummy foods you eat gina!
jenna
i love the way you eat!! i like a lil meat though too! 🙂
HAPPY VEGGIVERSARY!! I agree 100% with your veg thoughts: just because there are vegan cookies doesn’t mean that’s all you should eat!
agreed my hubs eats differently than I do, but it doesn’t really seem to be a big deal..it just is!
http://runtothefinish.blogspot.com/2009/09/pepper-dog-salsa-giveaway.html
Happy Veggieversary!!!
Uhh the pilot is gorgeous! And I’ve thought about going “quasi” on and off… I rarely eat meat–but I’ve always convinced myself that I’ll be lacking something if I cut it out. Glad to see your diet change has worked for you!
You are FANTABULOUS! Congrats on the Veggie-versary! I really liked the note at the end. We all have to find our groove. Thanks so much for the inspiring blog! YOU ROCK!
Happy Veggie-versary! I really need to eat less meat… veggies make me feel SO much better!!
xo
K
happy veggie versary! lol
that first meal looks tasty!
-muffy
Ahh!! Happy veggie-versary! It’s a beautiful decision and you make such a phenomenal example for those looking for more veg options! It’s also a great tip to remember the real veggies! Hope your Tuesday is treating you well 🙂
I just love your site! Have you considered getting a combo RD/MBA degree? I can really see you running your own nutrition-based business. You really know how to reach people where they’re at–you’re a delight!
Happy Veggie-Versary Gina! I think I started reading your blog right after the Pilot left. Can’t believe it’s already been a year. A year of Gina in my life. So fun.
I love all your Salad Beasts as well as carbs and nut butter. 3 of my favorite things in life. I’ve been eating less and less meat these days, but I too will always love my seafood.
Hope you have a good week!
Happy Veggie-versary. You are so right. We should all do what’s best for us and for our bodies.
Aww, what a special day! Happy veggie-versary 🙂
Wow, I just realized that September marks my 9 year anniversary — I can’t believe it has been that long! One of the reasons I became a vegetarian was because all I wanted to eat were vegetables. I didn’t want to be bothered with meat!
Happy Veggie-Versary!
9 years?! wowsa my friend 😀 i’m the same way, i just love veggies so much 🙂
Congrats on your milestone!! YA. Even as a vegan I would never ever encourage pple not to eat certain dairy products and meats.. everyone is different and can make their own personal choices based on their needs. It seems as though you are extremely healthy and that is all that matters!! GO VEGGIES 🙂 lol
Whoa! I love all those pictures, and the tips about cooking for meat eaters while still being veg or vegan are great! The last tip you give about getting most of your food from veggies is spot on!! People forget how caloric nut butters can be. Even when you go vegan/veg, you still need to be a mindful eating.
Love your blog!!!
I’ve beeen considering vegetarianism for quite sometime now. Today is actually my last day of eating meat. although I don’t eat a huge amount now.A friend wanted to go vegetarian and so we will be doing so as a group.
very cool 😀 see what happens and if it doesn’t work out, no biggie. you know i’m cheering you on no matter what!