The Reluctant Vegetarian
I am an Oklahoma girl, raised on farm whose grandpa had a custom butchering shop. I was exposed to the slaughtering process way before it was probably appropriate for me to be, and spent lots of time packaging meat with my grandma in the shop. On the flip side, I have always had a strong, almost freaky connection with animals as if I can feel what they feel. And I have always eaten and loved meat.
As little as 2 years ago when I lived and worked in Northern California, my colleagues were staunch vegetarians, and I dismissed them as extreme. They weren’t pushy, and neither was I, but even in that environment I did not convert.
It was not until last summer, when I was having mild digestive issues (bloating, low energy, gas) and decided to do the Cleanse diet by Kathy Freston (after discussing with my doc, of course) that I actually tried vegetarianism. For 1 week I ate a diet that excluded sugar, alcohol, caffeine, gluten, and all animal products and I felt so fantastic that I just naturally moved away from meat (among other things).
I admit that because I love animals I had always thought about becoming vegetarian, but honestly their welfare and the suffering and cruelty they are exposed to was not enough to convert me. I just did my best not to think about it. But when I felt so great without meat, that, coupled with my concern for animals and a more sustainable way of life led to a natural migration.
It wasn’t a decision – I haven’t said, “I’m never eating meat again” and put a stake in the ground. I have had meat a few times since then. But overall I can sense the shift away from it, and also the absence of needing to label myself as anything. I think that held me up for years – believing that there was a line and once I crossed it there was no turning back. Instead, I have just found myself shifting, almost effortlessly, toward a new way of eating that supports sustainable pleasure and my well-being.
How about you? Have you ever tried going vegetarian? What was your experience?
Posted by Stephanie at Saturday, June 20, 2009 12:08 PM 
Categories: Quantum Wellness Cleanse, Nutrition, Weight Loss
Tags: detox diet weight loss quantum wellness nutrition vegetarian cleanse
Categories: Quantum Wellness Cleanse, Nutrition, Weight Loss
Tags: detox diet weight loss quantum wellness nutrition vegetarian cleanse
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