I May Be a Vegetarian, But I Can Still Spell “Chicken”
I am consistently surprised at the reaction I receive when people discover that I am a vegetarian. To me, it is not a big deal. I simply do not eat meat. and haven’t for the past 20 years. In that time, I have witnessed vegetarianism go from fringe (I was called a sadomasochist is Italy) to mainstream (I see relevant articles and recipes weekly). But still, most folks seem shocked that I don’t eat meat.
There are three questions that usually follow my pronouncement of flesh avoidance:
1) “Oh, I could never give up meat. How do you do it?”
For me, I never liked meat. It is probably a texture issue. I remember slathering my tiny chunks of very well-cooked steak in Thousand Island just to choke them down. I know that is not the norm. I don’t ask anyone to give up meat, but I would encourage people to make it less of a focus. Try eating a vegetarian dinner once a week or making the meat the side rather than the main dish. I view vegetarianism as a continuum, with vegans (no animal products at all) on one side and bacon-loving Atkins devotees on the other. Most of us exist somewhere in the middle, with the majority of Americans leaning towards the carnivorous side. There are a myriad of benefits (health, financial, and ecological) to sliding more towards the vegetarian side. If you do not think in terms of absolutes, it is an easy shift.
2) “How do you get your protein?”
This question always makes me giggle when it is delivered in person, as I carry quite a bit on muscle on my frame. It’s not just me. Tony Gonzalez, a tight end for the NFL, proves that you can be big, strong, and fast while eating a vegan diet. I’ll be honest, I do have to put some thought into protein to make sure I get enough at each meal, but it is not difficult to obtain. My primary sources of this macronutrient are beans, nuts and seeds, tofu and tempeh, whey protein powder, Greek yogurt, and egg whites (as you can tell, I am not vegan). Even the small amounts of protein found in vegetables really add up once you start ingesting larger quantities of them. I also get asked about protein combining, as most plant foods taken alone do not contain all of the essential amino acids. Research has found, and my body seems to agree, that this is not even worth worrying about as long as the diet is varied.
3) “Is your husband/boyfriend vegetarian?”
Nope. Neither my ex-husband nor my current partner are vegetarians. It just means that I have gotten used to not looking at the plates of my dining companions and sometimes I request that the toothbrush is paid a visit before a kiss. Oh, and even though I do the grocery shopping, he has to buy his own meat.
I fully believe that what we choose to eat is a personal choice. Just as I would not want anyone to hogtie me and force me to eat a chicken wing, I am not going to push my choices on others. I do see myself in a role to help educate people about the benefits of eating a more plant-based diet and helping them overcome any barriers they perceive in shifting towards the herbaceous side of the continuum. I don’t see it as “us vs. them,” like many people on the message boards seem to. After all, I can spell “chicken,” even if I can’t cook it.
If you’re interested: a plant-based diet for beginners.
10 Things to Remind Yourself on a Daily Basis
I tend to operate with to-do lists and goal lists. These are usually posted around my desks (home and work), found on my phone, and even scribbled on notecards in my purse. I like these lists; they help to purge my monkey mind of the thoughts scurrying around and keep me motivated to keep on keeping on.
They are missing something, however. They lack an element of calm. Of acceptance. Of present. They reinforce my often held belief that my value is tied up in what I do, not just who I am. I am going to add the list below to my current lists as it fills those gaps nicely.
Exercise Makes Us Happy — It’s Science
I am so glad that this topic is getting some research-backed press. I know for me, exercise boosts my mood after a rough day, gets me ready for an intense day ahead, or helps me to enjoy a good day just a little more. I would love to see a study that examines the role of exercise in healing from trauma. In my own case, exercise seemed to help heal and reset the body and the mind after a traumatic event. Exercise may not be a panacea, but it is a huge component of any healthy living plan.
http://lessonsfromtheendofamarriage.com
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
10 Things My Vibrams Taught Me About Relationships
My minimalist barefoot-style running shoes have taught me about running and, in turn, about relationships. Here is what I have learned:
1) It’s Better to Feel What is Around You
In regular running shoes, the thick outer sole prevents any contact between your foot and the ground; you are barely even aware of the different environments underfoot. In Vibrams, the thick sole allows you to discern the difference between soil and sand, asphalt and rock. It makes for a more fulfilling run, as you connect with the earth underfoot. Likewise, allowing yourself to feel in a relationship makes the experience richer and more vibrant. Be aware of what is around you, tune in to yourself and your partner, expose the soul.
2) Shields Are an Illusion
I used to wear the shoes made to run trails that had a rigid sole and came up higher on the ankle. I reasoned that these shoes would help to protect me from the dangers that lie along the trail in the form of roots, rocks, and other objects lying in wait ti twist an ankle or stub a toe. These shoes never prevented any injuries, they simply looked impressive on the outside. I was guilty of applying the “bigger shield” mentality to my relationships; I thought if I built up a wall tough enough, it could keep the pain out. Turns out it doesn’t work.
3) If Something Makes You Uncomfortable, Try Changing Your Approach
In Vibrams, you can’t just barrel through any terrain without thought. Some surfaces hurt. A lot. After a few disastrous attempts on a particular patch of earth that is covered in sweet gum balls, I learned to take a different approach through that spot. I now view it as a mini obstacle course, bouncing on my toes through the grenade strewn landscape. I have found that this can work in relationships, too. When one approach doesn’t work, instead of giving up or persisting while frustration grows, try shifting to a new approach.
4) Go Slowly
When I first started using Vibrams, I was routinely running 6-12 miles at a stretch. Luckily, I listened to advice and started out very slowly with the new shoes, running only about a quarter mile first time out. I still had some discomfort and had to negotiate a learning curve, but I avoided the pain of too much, too soon. My partner I took a similar approach to our relationship, moving slowly, adjusting to each stage and each other. I think that approach has also helped us to avoid too many growing pains.
5) Flexibility Helps to Prevent Injuries
Minimalist shoes cause your foot to flex and bend around barriers. The more flexible you are, the fewer injuries you will sustain. In love, too, it helps to be flexible rather than rigid in one’s ways.
6) A Little Insulation Can Make a World of Difference
My Vibrams had always been my warm weather running shoes due to their utter lack of any sort of insulation. I made the mistake of taking them out on a relatively warm day last month and I couldn’t feel my toes for hours. I finally purchased a pair of socks to wear under them for winter runs,and now my toes are happy even when the mercury drops. In a relationship, the insulation comes in the form of the little things that remind you of the love, even in thr tough times: the notes, the texts, the touches. They provide the warmth on an otherwise cold day.
7) Work With Your Nature
Barefoot running has taken off partly because of the research supporting a more natural running style. It teaches you to accept the way you are, the way you move, and work with it, rather than fight against it. In any successful partnership, the character of each person should be acknowledged and celebrated for what it is rather than trying to mold it into something it is not.
8) Just Because Something is Unfamiliar, Doesn’t Mean You Won’t Love It
Those first few runs in five fingered shoes felt strange. Very strange. Stick with it, before you know it it’s the regular shoes that feel alien. A new relationship was like that for me also. It was disconcerting to be in a familiar place with an unfamiliar person. I’m glad I stuck it out through the strangeness, because now I love where I am.
9) Be Adaptable
One of my favorite aspects of Vibrams is their adaptability. They work in water, on the beach, on the road, or in a mud run. I try to be just as adaptable.
10) It’s Okay to Look Silly
Let’s face it, Vibrams are not the hottest looking shoe around. In fact, they look downright silly. And that is okay. In a relationship, it is okay (in fact, great) to let your hair down and embrace the silly. With or without the shoes.
Lessons From the End of a Marriage 