Meatless New Year

At various times in our lives, John and I have been vegetarians…if you count deluding oneself that fish is not a meat.  One of our new year’s resolutions is to return to vegetarianism and not kid ourselves about fish.

John originally turned away from meat when he left Michigan for California and decided to leave much of his past behind, which included the killing and hunting of animals. He went so far as to not buy or wear the skins of animals. He’s always maintained that it was during this period that he had the greatest sense of health and well being.

Perhaps, it is our age and our increasing awareness that much of our health depends on us, that much of poor health doesn’t come suddenly and surprisingly from some outside source. Since I’ve been in the United States and been made to realize that not taking care of myself is going to be expensive, I’ve decided to become very proactive in keeping myself healthy. I believe that eating a vegetarian diet is an intelligent way to do that.

We have no interest in being vegans. Eating organic eggs from happy little hens who are running about and aren’t slaughtered for their eggs,  seems ok to me. Eating organic yogourt, goat cheese and the such from local and living animals who are well cared for doesn’t pose a problem for me. I like cream in my coffee.

We thought having people over for dinner, or going out for dinner at friends’ homes would create huge hassles. Some of our friends are dreadful eaters. A couple we see regularly don’t like vegetables. Most eat meat and tons of starches. I don’t have a woman friend who doesn’t need to lose 15 pounds and take out a gym membership. However, our friends will eat what we eat when they come to our house, and, after telling them that we don’t eat meat, we’ll eat what we can from their table.

So there you have it! We feel great; we have lots of energy; I can now stay up to eleven o’clock playing scrabble; I can exercise everyday with enthusiasm, and my bowels move regularly. Gotta love vegetarian fiber!

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