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As many of you know, I created a 30 before 30 list early last year.  One of the items on the list was to become a vegetarian for 30 days.  I’ve written about it a few times before here and here.

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I’m not a complete vegetarian.  I was for the first month and then I added fish back in every once in a while for a few reasons – the health benefits of including fish in your diet, Walleye is one of my favorites, having something to eat at weddings and the ease of ordering at a restaurant and having a few options instead of just a salad.  We don’t eat fish very often, but it happens once or twice a month.

I also want you all to know that Vegetarianism is NOT for everyone.  I’m sharing my journey because it has been extremely rewarding and exciting for me.

It has now been over 13 months and I’m extremely proud of some of the changes I’ve made.

I eat way more fruits & vegetables and every week, I seem to get better and better.


The first week I cut out meat, I found myself eating just cheese pizza, PB&J sandwiches and macaroni & cheese.  That was NOT the direction I wanted to head.  I worked really hard on eating vegetables every day and trying new foods.  I fell in love with the farmer’s market.  I realized that I love cucumbers, avocados, hummus, zucchini, blueberries, squash, sweet potatoes and kiwis.

I spend more time understanding food and learning about the things I’m putting in my body.


I’m a sucker for the documentaries on Netflix and the books that are out there, but I believe in arming myself with information.  Forks over Knives is one of my favorites.  I can’t believe I haven’t purchased their cookbook yet.  Also, there are some awesome books out there that I’ve read or plan to read soon.

I am helping the environment just a little bit.

DISCLAIMER: I have not watched any documentaries on why meat is good and why it helps our society.  That being said, all of the information I’ve read and watched has made the point that factory farms are a huge cause of pollution.  I won’t go into all the details, you can research yourself, plus I haven’t done intense studies and I really don’t want to debate because I’ll lose.  I just like knowing that I might be helping the world just a little bit by skipping meat.  Fair?

People around me are making different diet choices and exposing themselves and me to new foods.


My loving husband was a meat and potatoes kind of guy his whole life.  When I decided to try the whole vegetarian thing for 30 days, he was supportive, but not totally on board.  15 days in, he watched a few of those movies, had a nightmare involving our dog and hasn’t touched meat since.  Sharing recipes, learning about new foods and trying things out are all things I enjoy with my friends & family.


I am improving my health by choosing a better diet.


This is the most important for me.  My name is Steph and my family has a history of bad heart health.  I was 25 and I had to OWN that fact.  I requested a cholesterol test from my doctor.  He told me it wasn’t necessary until I was at least 30, but I said I felt that I needed it and I was right.  My cholesterol tested high at age 25.  My father has been on medication since he was 30.

My grandfather died of a heart attack in 2005. 
My uncle died in July of 2008 at age 47. 

Sometimes, genetics just suck.  I needed to take control as early as possible.  I go in Monday for a physical and it has been 3 years since my last test and I’m going to ask for another one.

All of that being said, I still love pizza rolls, cupcakes and fried food… I’m not the epitome of health.  I have some weight I’d like to lose.  It’s a journey.

If you’re interested in learning more about it, I recommend any of the material above.  Try Meatless Mondays and experiment with some new foods.  I dare you.  Also, share any of your favorite recipes, books, movies or anything related to food.

Linking up for Thursday Thoughts and Just Because.