Sautee spiralized zucchini noodles a bit and drain off the liquid. Top with spaghetti sauce and veggie meatballs.
I’ve learned not to declare my diet publicly. If you say you’re gluten free then the gluten police come out of the woodwork. But I do try different things with my diet to see what works for me.
Back around July 5 I decided to take meat (I normally eat chicken and fish about once or twice a week) and excess sugar out of my diet. It’s been about 6 weeks now and here is what happened.
1 – I lost 5 pounds, of course. I attribute that mainly to the decrease in sugar. I find that I don’t require or even like things to be as sweet as I once did so I don’t consume nearly as much sugar.
2 – My sense of smell is now bionic. It’s been sensitive for years, but now I cannot stand the smell of any cooked animal. Last week I got in the car and was repulsed by an oder that I described as old seafood and dead cats. No one else in the car could smell it. I could not believe it when my husband told me it was my long time favorite, catfish, that was transported home in the car the night before. I remember when he brought the food in the house that night I thought it smelled pretty rank. My one time favorite. Heartbreaking.
3 – I SLEEP SOOOOO GOOD NOW! I used to wake up during the night. I know that it’s best to eat protein early in the day to allow it to digest and not wake you up in the middle of the night, but going this long without meat has allowed me to eat what I want, when I want, without disturbing my rest. I’m enjoying consistent deep peaceful rest.
4 – I’m more sensitive to animals. I just don’t want to eat them. It seems kind of weird to me now.
5 – I believe my sense of taste is heightened as well. Being a plant based chef, that’s a good thing. The better my palate, the better my food.
6 – My creativity in the kitchen has increased. Normally I would have gone back to chicken and fish by now just for lack of knowing what to cook. This time I find that I’m more excited about trying different meatless options.
7 – Ya’ll sit down and hold onto your wigs for this one… My husband actually let these words come out of his mouth – “I’m trying to eat less meat these days”. O.M.G. Is the world coming to an end??? I’m telling you ladies, just do you and the rest will follow.
So what now? Well, I will certainly not increase my sugar intake. As for the fish and chicken I used to enjoy, I’m not ready to bring them back into my diet. I don’t see the point. I don’t miss them at all, and lives are being spared, so why bother? I’m not saying I’m vegan. I still consume cheese and butter occasionally. I’m just enjoying an even more plant based diet these days. Absolutely no harm in that. Plus I don’t need the vegan police acting a fool if I post a pic of me eating sushi one day.
Have you wanted to try more meatless meals but can’t figure out how to get your family on board? Or maybe you don’t like the taste of some meatless dishes you’ve had? Maybe you need to lower your cholesterol, weight, or risk of fibroids? Whatever the reason, don’t give up. I’m working on an online plant based cooking program for you ladies. So give me some feedback and let me know why you want to follow a more plant based diet, and what you would like for the program to include. Until then, happy meatless Monday!
