Back to basics

I had fish tonight for the first time in almost six years. And it wasn't so bad.

I swore off meat in May of 2004. At first I decided I would try to go for two weeks just to see if I could do it and how I felt. It was a bit tricky at first as I mostly subsisted on cheese and peanut butter (and probably always will, to be honest). But as the months went by, and I learned more about tofu and tempeh and seitan and beans and how to prepare them, it became much easier. Restaurants were not usually too much of a problem expect for the occasional steakhouse or McDonald's. But I can almost always make it work.

I did lose about ten pounds at the time (and have stayed that way), and I felt good, but I knew I struggled to get some nutrients. My iron tends to be on the low side, and I don't always get the Omega 3's I need. I take vitamins now and add flax meal to my oatmeal.

It's not that I think eating meat is wrong necessarily. I just don't like how most animals are treated on US farms, and I don't like how animals are fed and medicated. I think it is cruel, but I also think it is bad for me and my family.

I think eating meat is the natural order of things, and I have no problem with hunting. I just think most meat-eating in the United States is distorted and unhealthy. I also think I am cheating my health somewhat by avoiding healthy protein sources.

So, I am going to add some back in. Tonight, I ventured forth with salmon. T got it at Whole Foods. It was wild caught, and while slightly expensive, definitely worth it. We had it marinated with a mango-kiwi salsa, couscous, and kale. That is just ridiculously healthy!

As I slowly add some meat back in, I will only choose organic, humane sources. And I think I will always be mostly vegetarian, but it will be enjoyable to have more choices to cook and eat.

On the menu this Sunday: scallops with chipotle-orange sauce. Mmmmm.

--MM