Monday, November 2, 2009

the last chicken


The last piece of meat. Chicken at Kittichai in NYC. Adios!

Traveling for work last week, I finished my magazine (I love you Vanity Fair) with a few legs of the trip still to go. Stopped in the little airport book/magazine shop to browse. I came across Skinny Bitch and flipped through... and became quickly entertained. Here's a book about becoming healthy (despite the title its not really meant to be a 'diet' book) but the information seemed to be given in a very entertaining, tough love way. Chapters such as 'Don't Be a Pussy', 'Pooping' and 'The Dead, Rotting Decomposing Flesh Diet'... I was sold.

Honestly I was expecting a light read, something to motivate me to hit the gym or stop eating candy like I'm that blue chic on Willy Wonka. Instead, I got a whole new perspective and I'm kind of pumped about it.

For the last 17 years or so, the only meat I have eaten is chicken and turkey. Never been a big fan of pork or beef. The book begins talking about a vegetarian diet and as I'm reading through information on cows and pigs I'm thinking 'yeah me for not eating those things, thats awful' ... and then comes the line "We constantly hear the snobby declaration, 'I don't eat any red meat. I just eat chicken."

Although I was next to a stranger tucked in my little window seat at this point, I'm pretty sure my face turned red. They were talking to me.

Long story short, I've decided to become a vegetarian. For my health, for the environment and for the animals. It's a personal choice, I realize its not for everyone and I'm not trying to push it.

But its been a week and so far I'm loving it.

The book actually advocates a vegan diet, which I'm intrigued by and would like to go more that way...but I'm not ready to give up my cheese. Baby steps.

Have any of you read the book? If its something you're interested in, I'd highly recommend it. Its definitely a great motivational book - but also has a lot of solid information. If you want more information feel free to email me!
Any vegetarians out there with advice?

17 comments:

Cinnamon said...

yay veggies! Just be careful to keep up on your protein and iron (vitamins) and make sure you don't just eat foods that are high in carbs and fats, that's VERY easy to do. I've been a vegetarian since I was 12 and I'm 25 now. And I've never looked back. Good luck!!

http://thebusiestbee.blogspot.com/

Sara said...

oh good luck!!

Rhianne said...

Good luck! You should have a look at Naomi's blog - she has loads of amazing recipes and has a go vegan for a week challenge (type thing...)

http://www.thegluttonousvegan.com/

The Curious Cat said...

Wow! Brave move! I love veggy food but I'm not sure I could give up the steak or the seafood...I have bouts of vegetarianism though... maybe that is the way forward right now - I'm eating so much junk...perhaps I should do a few trial weeks to see how I fair...I'd say I'd give it up until christmas but with all the parties/dinners ahead it probably wouldn't happen...still...I could try to cut back... Good luck with it all - keep us informed on how it goes - that book sounds good too! xxx

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I've always wanted to go vegetarian...but I really dig my occasional steak. Sigh. But I have heard great things about that book. My cousin is Vegan and loves it.

COCAMIA said...

I am Italian and a big meat eater!!! But I have thought of transitioning...still thinking

abigail said...

I've been a vegetarian since I was 10 and was vegan for a little while. but for the last few years I eat fish occasionally- mostly because it's easier to go out for dinner and to dinner parties and easier on my husband- which I guess makes me a pescatarian or whatever that word is.
It had a really hard time being vegan- eating at home was easy and great, but eating anywhere else was really difficult. But I have never, ever felt like I was missing anything being a vegetarian.
there are so many good cookbooks! Celia Brooks Brown wrote some of my favorites.
Good luck!

Heidi Rose said...

This sounds great. A new perspective is a wonderful thing. I'm not interesting in becoming a vegetarian, but you have my support, and I hope that you have no problems with this new diet.

Myra - twigs and honey said...

Hey Alissa!

Thank you for the great comment on my blog! I am only on day 2 of my "transformation", but so far so good. When you get the chance, thumb through Alicia's The Kind Diet book. It is a very approachable book and she writes like she talks so it is a breeze to read. She has some really convincing reasons for going vegan and talks about how to cut out other nasty foods. I've known vegans that eat horribly because they think eating a bowl full of fried noodles at every meal and a bag of chips is healthier than meat. Alicia talks about how to get all your vitamins and protein through mostly grains, veggies and other "kind" foods.
I totally feel you... the cheese is going to be the toughest. I have only had a few glasses of milk over the last decade, but I'm used to eating some form of cheese on most days. It is my biggest pitfall. Ugh! I look forward to reading more about your vegetarian adventures!!!

Aline said...

good luck to you, I think that's awesome!

Rachael, Pistachio Press said...

Hooray for you!!! I grew up in a vegetarian household and I've been vegetarian for the past 9 years. When I look at my dogs I am grateful that I don't eat meat.

The hardest part for me when I gave up eating meat was the ease of ordering. But, things have changed drastically in the past few years and it's much easier to get delicious veggie meals in restaurants, which my mom couldn't do while she was vegetarian the past four decades. Make sure you take some vitamins and don't forget about iron-rich veggies. Orangette has some incredible vegetable recipes (especially cabbage and brussel sprouts).

Jessie said...

Love those books! I have their cookbook at home (Skinny Bitch in the Kitch) and would be more than happy to let you borrow it if you want! They have great food ideas for every meal/situation - even for entertaining!

drollgirl said...

welllllllll, it is not for me, but i am glad you have found something exciting and new that will make you happy and healthy. i am eating way more veggies than i used to, so that is good for me. but i like fish, meat and cheese, and i LOATHE beans, so the vegan or vegetarian thing is not going to work for me.

Gabby said...

I've read Skinny Bitch, but it didn't make me change my ways. I'm totally like you {were}, I really don't eat too much red meat. But over the weekend, I met 2 girls who went vegetarian after reading it and they were HORRIFIED that I hadn't. So maybe I should read it again? As long as I can eat cheese!

Unlikely You said...

It looks like many last pieces..

Anonymous said...

I am just watching Food Inc and I am seriously contemplating becoming a vegetarian - because of the treatment of animals. I actually started to cry seeing how they treat the cows and chickens :(

Only problem is the husband - not sure that I will be able to sell it for him.

Courtney said...

Holla! One vegetarian for the last 14 years here! Well, actually I started occasionally eating fish/seafood again over the last few years (perhaps once a month if that.) So I suppose I am not a complete vegetarian anymore (pescatarian perhaps,) but honestly, for me, while it's never been difficult to follow, it's even easier now since you can find vegetarian options at most restaurants. And personally, I don't think there is anything wrong with caving every once in a while either-- I can't say I've ever had a huge meat craving, but one of my best friends is a vegetarian, and maybe a handful of times a year, she will crave chicken or turkey, so she indulges then.

I don't think I could ever be completely vegan though-- one of my best friends from high school is, and it seems really difficult for her to eat outside the home, or I should say at a typical restaurant. Plus-- I love cheese. But more power to you if you go that route! So, how's it been going??