Last night’s sunset. It was so gorgeous that I felt compelled to get off my tush and go out to the porch to capture its beauty. “Even while cuddling with one’s husband, one sometimes has to make the decision to break away in order to do the right thing”- Claudia’s wise words for the day.
Wild strawberries in the side garden. That’s ground cover that I planted in the background. Will an actual strawberry show itself? Stay tuned.
These little flowers pop up every year in the garden bed that’s right next to the porch – the one with the older hostas. Long ago, I discovered its name, but I don’t remember it any longer. It’s such a sweet little plant and was here when we moved in. It lives under one of the hostas.
Many of you have asked me to share more about my vegetarian lifestyle and the recipes we use, as well as what food we buy. I hesitate to talk about it for two reasons. The first is that Don does most of the cooking and his meals are usually something he whips up from various things he finds in the cupboards and refrigerator and there is no official recipe involved. He likes cooking that way and he’s very good at it. At some point, I can share a list of things we tend to regularly buy at the market if you would like. I’ve been a vegetarian for 30 years and believe me, there is SO much more available than there was when I first made that choice. It’s very easy to live this lifestyle and get the protein you need. In fact, I never worry about it.
The second reason is that my choice to be a vegetarian is very personal and is based on a moral imperative that I feel deep within my heart. And that moral imperative is not to eat any animal, be it fish, foul, cow, lamb – anything. I don’t believe in killing animals for food, especially in our modern society where there are so many possibilities for food, so many plant-based choices that allow us to eat humanely.
Whenever I share this with readers, I run the risk of offending them. I tend to avoid the preachy, knowing that the only thing that matters is that I’m living my life in a way that matches my heartfelt beliefs. This is my choice. My husband often eats vegetarian meals, but he still eats meat occasionally. That is his choice.
That being said, let me explain my beliefs. I don’t understand, nor will I ever understand, how people can admire the beauty of a cow or a lamb or a chicken and then turn around and eat one. I am unable to separate the beauty of those animals, the fact that they feel pain, that they think and live and breathe, from the act of killing them. None of what I believe is a misinterpretation of ‘having dominion’ for me. What makes me think I am superior? Because I have opposable thumbs?
Don’t get me started on hunting or the abundance of trophy deer heads I see on decorating blogs.
But again, this is what I believe. And I believe it deeply, strongly and passionately – with every fiber of my being.
I’m not perfect. I wrestle with the choice to wear leather shoes, for example, or use a leather bag. I do my best to learn and grow on this journey.
So there you go. I started this journey when I was in graduate school. I had already started eliminating red meat from my diet when my elder brother was diagnosed with cancer – he had lymphoma. He made the decision to fight it with diet instead of chemo. He became macrobiotic. I was intrigued by macrobiotics and I embraced that lifestyle, as did my mother. I ate very healthily but eventually the demands of my teaching position in Boston with its long, unpredictable hours made it impossible to follow that specific diet, so it morphed into a sort of vegetarian diet. But I still ate chicken and fish. Eventually, my feelings about eating any animal became so strong that I eliminated all meat. And I haven’t looked back.
Paul McCartney says he never eats anything with a face. I couldn’t say it better.
What makes eating a dog (which we understandably find appalling and disgusting) different than eating a cow or a pig or a chicken? How and where do we draw a line? How do we compartmentalize those decisions?
I simply can’t.
And now I sound preachy.
You see now why I don’t speak of this very often. It’s private and yet not private. If I could convert everyone, I would, because I would be saving animals. It is a major part of who I am today. But I speak of it quietly, behind the scenes. That’s the way I roll.
I still have further to go. And more changes to make.
That’s probably the last I’ll speak of it.
If, after all this, you’re still interested in a list of things we tend to use in our cooking, I’ll start to put one together and I’ll share it with you.
Happy Thursday.
We are all different. Most of us try to live a good life. To be of service to others, to raise a family, to give our life in defending freedom. We all have choices. Aren’t we lucky? I am so happy to have made the choices I have made and so humbled to see the choices others have made. Life is so worth the journey.
Yes, indeed, Tana! It surely is.
Thanks for posting on this. I have been a vegetarian for many years and plant based for 2 now. Dairy products are on our no list now that we have found out how dairy cows are treated to produce milk and what happens to male calves as they are useless to the dairy industry. But as you say…dont get me started on that. Yes I eat nothing with a face or that had a mother.
It works for my husband and I and it helps to keep us healthy and strong.
My favorite question I get is where do you get your protein???My answer is always the same place you do which is from plants but we just cut out the middle man which is the animal.
Cindy
Love your response, Cindy – about cutting out the middle man. Perfect. I get that question all the time and I try to be patient with it, but surely people realize that protein isn’t just animal protein? That there are other sources of protein? But, obviously they don’t.
I believe your little flowers are called Star of Bethlehem. They have a little bulb. They can be a nuisance, but are a cheerful little one in spring.
Sue, you’re right! Thank you. I remember that name now. They are only in one place in the bed so they haven’t become a nuisance.
It’s your blog if you want to be preachy you are allowed.
I am not vegetarian for the simple reason that I don’t like the other sources of protein. Plus, I like meat. I get my meat from a farmer so I know that nothing artificial was added to it’s food or to the animal itself. And another reason I am not a vegetarian is because I have pernicious anemia.
Having said all of that I applaud your choice, and by sticking to it.
It is all about choices.
Thanks, Trudy!
I’m a pescatarian, Claudia. When one daughter made the decision not to eat mammals and birds as a high school student, I decided to support her. My other daughter still eats meat, and I will still cook meat for her. However, most of the time, she eats the non-meat dishes I cook. My niece is vegan during the weekdays, and eats a little meat during the weekend. I’m very glad to say that my family is very accepting and non-judgmental. The rest of my family are omnivores, but when we have dinner at any of their homes, they always make sure there are vegetarian dishes for us. Enjoying the photos from your garden.
Mine is too, Wendy. My sister eats no sugar and very little meat, I eat no meat, and somehow everyone’s needs are taken care of!
To be honest I don’t know a lot about being a Vegetarian. I am learning. Living here near my 30 something kids and their friends I find lots of vegetarian dishes at get together’s. I can see where you are coming from and think I would like to in learn more about plant based proteins. I admire your beliefs and respect your choices.
Hugs,
Linda
I imagine that living in a college town as you do, there are more vegetarian choices available. There are in our neighboring town, as well, Linda.
There are many vegetarian restaurants and I’ve been to a few and enjoyed them. Sara and family do eat meat but they eat many many vegetarian meals also.
I don’t think you sound preachy at all…you are simply stating your opionions, and stating them well. I do eat meat and enjoy it, but I love Paul McCartney’s comment about not consuming anything with a face (I work with someone who says the same thing). We do eat vegetarian — usually a couple of times a week, and for a long time our son was vegan. I do think it’s wonderful that there are so many more options these days. I remember being primarily vegetarian in college because I couldn’t afford meat – lol.
Thank goodness there are more options, Vera. Thank you.
It’s your blog, and frankly you do get to say what you want on it, if they don’t agree, then maybe they should click away from the post. I’ve seen a real lack of discretion, and respect in comments lately…[I’m not talking about this post though]. One commenter starts a wisp, and everyone else jumps in and adds to it. It never used to be like that at all.
I like the idea of being a vegetarian, and as I’m aging I find that it’s harder to eat meat, knowing where and what it went through to get onto our plates.
But eating organic, free range is a luxury not everyone can afford.
We have to find what works for each of us, and good for you for being brave enough to share your beliefs.
Jen
I’m glad to say my readers are pretty classy and well-mannered. There is debate, but it’s respectful. If it wasn’t, I would have to delete the comment!
By the way, I don’t always eat organic. It’s nice when I can afford it, but I often eat garden variety vegetables.
Your little flowers on the ground look like Sweet Woodruff.
I don’t think you sound preachy at all. I eat very little meat and when I do, I’m careful about where I buy from and I eat mainly chicken and fish. I am always interested in trying out new vegetarian recipes.
Thank you, Debbie!
You aren’t being preachy at all…you just have an impassioned opinion, and we’d all benefit from a little enlightenment on the subject! Passion is always a good thing! ;)
Thank you, Donnamae!
I admire you for speaking about what you believe in..you should be able to do this anytime without the worry of what other people will think..I think 30 years pretty much tells us you are committed to this..I have sometimes wondered what the two of you have on holidays when such traditional meals are made..What a pretty little flower that is among your Hostas..
We like the side dishes anyway, Nancy – let’s be honest, they’re the best part!
Is Scout a non meat eater also?
Scout has to be on a special diet because she gets crystals in her bladder. It has meat in it.
Claudia, you aren’t being preachy at all. Our blogs are our blogs and we can say whatever we wish to on them. I think social media has really made some people a little, (or a lot), rude. Being faceless, it’s easy to be mean. It’s unfortunate, but a trend I’ve been seeing grow worse and worse, especially on facebook. I’m a blessed to have wonderful comments on my blog and very loyal readers whom I’ve grown to care about.
Blessings,
Betsy
Yes, you can find an example of that kind of comment about two comments down from yours. Unfortunately, some people don’t know how to have a respectful discussion.
Never mind! I deleted it.
I really want to go vegetarian. I’ve seen the documentaries and the animal mistreatment is so horrifying. I eat very little meat but I’m still having a hard time giving up cheese and eggs. I’d love to find a local source to buy fresh eggs from someone who raises chickens but (so Far) my community doesn’t allow chickens. If you decide to do a post about what you eat I’d be one to really appreciate it! I have so much respect for people who actually live what their hearts tell them is right.
Thanks, Tracy. I still eat eggs and cheese too, but I’m trying to cut back and to eat eggs from free range chickens that are humanely raised.
I would love to see a list of foods/ingredients you typically cook with or eat, Claudia. I also commend your longtime commitment to eat vegetarian. I’m not there yet, but maybe some day. Enjoy your weekend. Bess
Thank you, Bess.
Claudia,
You’re a classy lady and well-mannered! I love how you share your heart and things you are passionate about… I mean I love HOW, you do it. You are never preachy, you are frank, and open. You also don’t seem to mind the fact, that though your readers are all different– as long as they too are respectful and well-mannered, they can disagree with you. ;)
Yes, you know me…
raising my own chickens and on occasion serving venison. It is a part of who we are; just as your choice is part of who you are. We are all still learning, aren’t we?
I for one appreciate your willingness so stand by your decision and your willingness to share it… with class. ;)
Oh, thank you Pat. I believe we have to treat each other with respect and not judge. It isn’t always easy, is it? But that’s my goal and something I’m working on all the time. Thank you for reading my words and sharing your thoughts.
I’d love to read more about what you eat. I was one of your readers asking you to tell us more and from the comments it looks like I’m not alone. I’d like to at least start eating vegetarian a few days a week eventually going meat free. Please share your knowledge and let us read about those meals Don mixes up.
Even the Docs tell us a plant-based diet is the key to better health. We do not do much meat, but I can’t give up the dairy. My kids are vegan, so I have learned a lot over the years. They do sometimes “cheat” w/ pizza and REAL cheese, or a dessert made w/ eggs, etc. but they never do meat/ poultry/ fish. Can’t imagine anyone arguing w/ you doing what you want in your own home!! Living near Madison, vegetarian and vegan options are available nearly everywhere. But, it IS the Dairy State,,,,, so cheese does rule! :-)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and practices of eating. I have tried this off and on for several years, but still haven’t perfected it for myself. And wrestle with the moral aspects…leather or not? Fish or any meat at all? It becomes easier and easier, but I still have not gotten the balance of it all ironed out. It is wonderful that information about this and food options are everywhere. When I lived in California for a brief time many years ago little to no one talked about this let alone tried to live this way. Now it is world wide.
By the way, the little white flower you were wondering about looks very much like Star of Bethlehem. They are delightful and bloom fairly early here.
Thanks for a thought provoking and interesting post.
I enjoyed hearing about why you’re a vegetarian, Claudia. Very well-stated. I’ve thought about it myself – often – and actually eat very little meat at home. I do indulge when eating out though – probably because chefs & short order cooks alike are MUCH better at cooking meat than I am. Thank goodness I don’t eat out much these days. I took a nutrition course during my freshman year in college in the mid 70s when it started becoming clear that most of the food substances we should avoid – fat, cholesterol etc – were mainly found in the animal foods [meat & dairy] and the nutrients our bodies needed/protected us against disease etc were found in plant foods [fruits, vegetables & grains]. You are so right too. As a nation we have come a LONG way since the 60s and 70s when vegans had very limited options. All the new cuisines we have now, and all the food options, are great. I could do vegan easily as long as I could still have eggs, canned albacore tuna and my favorite plain Greek yogurt. Do you eat fish, dairy, eggs? PS – I wish I knew who started saying “vee-gan.” Doesn’t make sense, does it? We don’t say “eat your veege-tables…” LOL.
Hi Claudia,
I am a vegan and my journey started when I was 18 and helped my Dad catch a chicken at my grandmother’s farm. I watched him kill the chicken and clean it up for lunch. I could never eat that bird or any other animal since then. I give up dairy too in 2009 after realizing that the animals used in dairy farming have much worse lives than the ones slaughtered.
I have never found it hard to follow my lifestyle contrary to many people’s belief’s.
Anyways I am glad you shared your story frankly and in a non-judgemental manner. For me the hardest part is when I am asked for my reason for going vegan.
Usha
I’m not a vegetarian, but I eat very little meat (and mostly it’s chicken). I could probably do it, but only by continuing to eat dairy. I would find it much more difficult to give up the (embarrassingly) large amounts of processed foods that I eat! I’d love it if you’d share what foods you and Don eat. And you are NEVER preachy about anything … you have a wonderful way of sharing your thoughts, opinions and beliefs without offending.
At least people are more enlightened these days, and are voting (with their wallets) for more humane treatment of animals.
That’s one of the positive aspects of the Internet, in my opinion: it’s getting harder and harder for the food industry to keep their practices secret.
You stated so eloquently how I feel about this. So glad to know that so many of your readers
share this belief
jane-in-tx
Thanks for sharing your beliefs Claudia. I rarely eat red meat but I do eat chicken, pork, and fish. I am trying to move toward a vegetarian way of eating for health reasons. I would love to learn more about what foods you buy and what you eat. I feel kind of stuck in the meat, starch, vegetable mindset of what a meal should be. I hope you will share more about your meal choices.
I would find it very valuable for you to do a post talking about what you eat…specifics, and a typical menu at home for 3 squares, breakfast/lunch/dinner. I’m already low in the D vitamin category and I’m very curious how you keep up your B vitamins. And your tried & true sources of protein; what are your meat replacements for protein? Do you eat a lot of soy product? I’ve tried to be a vegetarian for 45 years and I find it challenging. I must have 50 books on the subject. Are you vegan? Do you eat dairy? Eggs?