Something's Missing...

"What a long strange trip it's been!"

On December 29th my father-in-law put out a New Year's Resolution challenge on Facebook for people to "Go Veg" for 30 days. At 9:37 p.m. I took the pledge to become a vegetarian for the month of January. A flood of nerves rushed through me as I clicked "Post." How will I survive without meat in my diet?! But here I am. Day 30. I'm alive!

As I entered this journey, I hoped to chronicle my day to day thoughts with regards to the challenges and revelations I encountered. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do that. I hope this global summation does the experience justice.

So Day One finally came and the challenge I pledged to undertake was staring at me right in the face. Breakfast was an egg and cheese sandwich without any meat. Lunch, a PB&J with a yogurt. Dinner was a pasta, again, without meat. I lay in bed that night thinking, "This will be pretty easy. I can just omit meat from the things I already eat." Well after about a week of that, I was ready for a little variety.

Take a step back for a moment. I am an incredibly picky eater. I mean my parents used to bring a bologna sandwich or a hamburger whenever we went over anyone's house beacuse it was more than likely that I wouldn't like what they were serving! Incredibly rude, I know.

So one night Bridget and I decided to order in some Thai food and I was feeling a little adventurous so I ordered Peanut Curry with Vegetarian Chicken. Yes, Vegetarian Chicken. The meal arrived about 45 minutes later, I opened the bag, took out my meal and placed it on the table in front of me. I proceeded to stare at the dish for about 5 minutes or so. Can I do this?! What am I looking at right now? What exactly is this imposter claiming to be chicken? I was completely confused. Being the picky eater that I am, the thought of what it would taste like and what the consistency would be had totally thrown me for a loop. I was in full panic mode. I took a deep breath, plunged my fork into the "chicken," and took a bite.

It was delicious.

This may sound silly to you but, when I think about it, this was a pivotal in my life with regards to diet. I have come to realize that meat isn't necessarily a requirement for each meal and, perhaps most importantly, I now have an open mind with regards to trying new things. But please don't call me on that one. :)

These experiences continued through the month of January with the pinnacle occuring today at 3 Brothers Pizzeria...a VEGAN pizzeria. Vegan mozzerella?! What the hell is it made out of?! Well, I had a vegan BBQ "Chicken" pizza today and it was awesome. Another recommendation, Green Melody restaurant in Jericho. I had Mango "Chicken" there and I was amazed at how similar the taste and consistency was compared to real chicken. Yummy stuff.

So now what? My initial impulse was to commit to another 30 days of going veggie. To be honest, it wasn't all that difficult, however, I don't think I was able to give it the time and focus it deserved. So with that said, over the next 30 days, I would like to really put forth some time into examining the "omnivore's dillema." I want to learn more about what I'm actually eating and take ownership for my role in the process. After I feel comfortable with my grasp on the topic, I'll move forward with possibly considering another veggie stint. I don't know that I will ever become 100% vegetarian. While I have a great reverence for life, I also have a great appreciation and respect for the role of an animal as food. I have to explore this dichotomy a little further.

Daddio, thank you for putting forth this challenge. For now, it's certainly put me in a place where I'm giving serious thought to what I am eating and why I am eating it. It's opened my mind to new experiences in food and for that I am grateful.

I've got some thinking to do.