Blog Intro

Hey, everyone! Welcome to this blog. It's just a little one for my friends who've decided to learn more about a vegetarian lifestyle. I'm not an expert, but I am a vegetarian. So I want to share with you some of the information I've gleaned about this way of eating & ultimately, way of life.

Here's the thing: it's not easy at first. There's only so many times you can eat pasta (no meat sauce!), right? True. But what I've discovered is since turning to this lifestyle, it has opened up a whole new world of foods & flavors that I may not have ever considered before when I was noshing on pizza, burgers, sandwiches, mac-n-cheese, & a myriad of other animal product dishes. I actually really enjoy cooking now! It's a lot of fun to be creative in the kitchen.

I'd also like to put this out there: this is your CHOICE. You can be as strict or unstrict as you'd like. There are many different degrees of vegetarianism - from the flexitarian to the raw vegan. If you'd like to learn more about them, check this out. It breaks down some definitions. I identify myself as a pescetarian, but "'round herr in dese parts" people look at me funny. So normally I'll say I'm a vegetarian who occasionally eats fish (as long as it's wild-caught, NOT farm-raised). And they still look at me funny because in small-town southern Ohio, there aren't a lot of vegetarians to be found! :) There isn't a right or wrong way; nothing is absolute. It's your body & I firmly believe it's your choice what you put into it.

If you're thinking of transitioning into a vegetarian life, ask yourself some questions. I've come up with 6 questions to help you get started. I'm calling them the WhoWhatWhenWhereWhyHow of Vegetarianism. I thought for about a week before deciding to commit to a meatless lifestyle, though I was already eating a mostly meat-free diet.
Who will this affect?
What/which food(s) can I absolutely NOT give up?
When will I be a vegetarian? Am I willing to ask questions at parties, events, & restaurants?
Where am I committed to buying food? Certain restaurants & grocery stores are more vegetarian-friendly!
Why do I want to be a vegetarian? Health? Money? (It is cheaper!) Animal rights? All three?
How strict will I want to be?

I'll address all of these questions from my viewpoint in the next blog. Until then, I welcome your comments & suggestions. Happy meat-free eating!