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Time has recently slapped me in the face and kicked me in the butt. There is a certain event going down in 2009 (one that I refuse to attend, but have used it as a point of reference nonetheless) that is fast approaching. For this event, I swore I would be in better shape. I’m not only in bad shape, but shameful shape. So, I figured this was the time to work on a goal I’ve had since I was 12. It is time to give up meat. For 30 days starting August 1, I will not consume any meat, and try to limit other animal products (what I’m calling full time vegetarian/part time vegan.) And here’s why:

• Animals. The meat industry is truly a cruel and disgusting one. That aside, I can no longer continue to eat animal flesh and consider myself a lover of animals. It feels hypocritical. Plus, I wouldn’t wear fur, and there are several types of meat I have long refused to consume, so why not treat chicken and beef like lamb and veal?
• I can grow some of my own. This year’s garden was a bust (thanks to some wacky weather and our eventual move), but next spring, we’ll be in a new place with more room for a garden. Plus, we’ll have more money to put into it, so it’ll be like 12 times more awesome than the one I had planned for this year. I’m really looking forward to being more responsible for my food! I also get giddy like that when I think about the end products of various knitting/crochet projects I have around here
• Learning a new way of cooking. That was one thing that appealed to me about the raw diet, until I realized- I don’t really like a lot of raw veggies. Already, I have visions of ice cream made with coconut milk, cakes made with tofu, and trying new fruits and vegetables. We almost got a starfruit tonight, but I wanna find out how to eat it first, or it would likely just perish in the crisper.
• And health. I’m predisposed to obesity. But wait! There’s more! My family’s gene pool also plays host to cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. Plus, I have a spinal condition that is only exacerbated by extra weight. I’m sluggish, have blah skin, and milk is not my friend. If I can make my life better just by cutting out a few foods, then why not change?

I have decided to blog my progress, and if I feel better on August 31 than I do now, then I’ll keep on. Plus, I’m really looking forward to trying new recipes and posting them here, and reviewing new food items (already, I want to say- Soy Dream chocolate ice cream…omg. That stuff is good.) I’m looking forward to changing my body and my life, just by changing the way I eat. Stay tuned!