Meatout Monday

For the past three years I have seriously considered how I can prepare healthier meals for my family.  A fire was ignited after watching the film Super Size Me about a guy who ate only McDonald's for thirty days for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the effects it had on his body. I won't go into all the details about the film but you don't need me to tell you how unhealthy eating out for breakfast, lunch and dinner is. So I got on this I want to eat healthier kick. At one time I even considered becoming a vegetarian.

My middle son has a condition called Eosiniophilic Esophagitis (EE) and I have noticed that when he eats vegetarian meals he is able to digest his food easier. But truthfully I struggle with the thought of giving up some of my favorite foods like steak, hamburgers and seafood.  Not to mention changing your diet drastically when there are four other people in your home who are accustomed to the way things are will take some major planning and plain ole hard work. So what is a girl to do?  Well, the easy route is to stay in my current food box, and not rock the boat.  But if I am going to live a purposeful, intentional life I have to make some hard changes and fast. Besides, there are so many people who are living on various ends of the culinary spectrum, that I have nothing fear. I am confident that there is a place for me on the culinary spectrum, but it will take some planning and creative thinking. 

Currently, I am still eating meat but I plan on incorporating more plant based meals into my diet.  I am starting with Meatout Monday.  The idea is very simple, every Monday, I will prepare meals for my family that will be meatless.  As I mentioned before here is where the creative thinking comes in.  Today was my first  day and it went surprisingly well.  Even my husband enjoyed his meatless dinner. 

Going forward I know part of my success will be implementing a plan, that has meatless meals with bold flavors and texture.  Planning is key!  If you fail to plan then you plan to fail.  I don't know who said it first but it is so true and worth repeating.  Wish me luck!