My name is Melissa and I’m an omnivore.
But next week, from Monday 2/22 through Friday 2/26, I’m going to be following a vegetarian diet.
I’ll also be sharing lots of information that I received when I attended the Boston Vegetarian Food Festival this past fall.
Jared has agreed to step up to the challenge too. For a guy who rarely eats fruit and refuses to eat peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, etc., the week may be more challenging.
We’re not ready to try to go vegan just yet so this Vegetarian Challenge only involves removing meat/fish/eggs from our diets. I really want to have fun with this and make some new recipes for 3 nights and dine out on the other 2 nights. Breakfasts are always eaten on the go and it will be easy not to eat meat cuz I never do, but I’ll try to get creative when packing lunches. Yup, look for more than just leftovers!
I’m going to enjoy honoring myVegetarianChallenge.
Plus, I’m FINALLY going to watch Food, Inc. and read Michael Pollan’s books.
*Do you know any delicious vegetarian recipes? Do you know of any Boston-area vegetarian restaurants?*
COMMENTS
23 Comments
1. KIM
February 18th, 2010 04:04 PM
I just knew this day would come. Not sure I could stand lots and lots of bean meals. Let me know if you find lots of protein elsewhere. Glad its you…best of luck Jared.
2. Becky
February 18th, 2010 04:09 PM
I’m with you on this challenge! I originally wanted to go vegetarian for Lent, but I think I’ll join you and start with a week. Look forward to following you!
3. Jenna Z.
February 18th, 2010 04:20 PM
Awesome! I have been vegetarian for over 10 years now! I commend you on your experiment, I hope you have fun! I have a few recipes on my blog (including a great tofu dish for people like me, who HATE tofu!) I’d also suggest you check out http://vegandad.blogspot.com/ even though you are not going vegan, he has a great archive of recipes that are super tasty!
4. Jenna Z.
February 18th, 2010 04:21 PM
Oh dang, I forgot to say your Corgi is adorable! We have a Corgiboy too, he is a 7 year old tri-color Pembroke named Sully!
5. Molly @thevegandorm
February 18th, 2010 05:18 PM
Good luck! It’s not as hard as you think
Two years ago I went vegetarian overnight, unsure if it would stick, and in two years, I’m vegan and gluten-free. Crazy!
6. MelissaNibbles
February 18th, 2010 05:38 PM
Good luck. It’s really not as tough as you think and there are always tons of veggie burgers and other meat replacements if you get stuck in a pinch
7. Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine
February 18th, 2010 06:36 PM
Good luck with this! I’ve been a pescatarian for awhile now, and I’m trying to easy into veganism slowly. It’s so much easier than people think! As for good recipes, definitely look into tempeh if you’ve never tried it. It’s way better than tofu!
8. Heather
February 18th, 2010 07:04 PM
I am going vegetarian for lent (even though I am not catholic).
I would recommend going to the library and checking out a cookbook – Mark Bitman’s How to Cook Everything Vegetarian is a good one.
Veggie burgers are great – maybe make bean burgers or tacos using soy crumbles…
Good luck with the challenge – maybe Jared will find some more veggies he likes!
9. Lauren @ Eater not a runner
February 18th, 2010 07:09 PM
Good luck! I can’t wait to read all about it
10. Crunches for Cupcakes » Rose Colored Glasses
February 18th, 2010 07:42 PM
[...] Thanks for the feedback for my upcoming Vegetarian Challenge! [...]
11. Betsy
February 18th, 2010 07:46 PM
Try Veggie Planet in Harvard Square, I love it there! Best of luck!
12. Betsy
February 18th, 2010 07:49 PM
And the Magnolia sandwich at Darwins (also in Cambridge) is my favorite and easy to re-create at home (Hummus, Avocado, Apple, Carrots, Tomato, Sprouts & Honey Mustard
add Cheddar). I make it for lunch all the time.
13. Crunches for Cupcakes » Vegetarian Challenge | Recipe Blog
February 18th, 2010 08:10 PM
[...] admin wrote a very interesting post today. Here’s a quick excerpt:We’re not ready to try to go vegan just yet so this Vegetarian Challenge only involves removing meat/fish/eggs from our diets. I really want to have fun with this and make some new recipes for 3 nights and dine out on the other 2 nights … [...]
14. Aileen
February 18th, 2010 08:23 PM
Agreed that it’s not as hard as you think
I had lots of qualms about transitioning to vegetarianism, but I honestly feel totally fulfilled and healthy, and I don’t miss meat and fish one bit.
Boston’s vegetarian restaurant scene isn’t terribly extensive, in my experience (though Veggie Planet is yummy and I’ve heard decent things about Red Lentil), but there are a number of restaurants that have awesome vegetarian options. Myers and Chang in the South End has a terrific vegetarian menu, and Oleana in Cambridge does an amazing veggie tasting if you’re in the mood for something a little fancier. Flour Bakery has great sandwiches as well. I’d suggest checking out places you already like and trying their vegetarian options. You might be surprised how much you like them!
15. Tiffany
February 18th, 2010 08:34 PM
Good for you! I gave up most meats for Lent(I need to keep seafood though) so I am kinda there with you.
This Sesame Tofu Stir Fry is one of my faves
http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/quick-recipes/dinner/dinner-in-20-sesame-tofu-stir-fry/
and frequent vegetariantimes.com for recipes
I also like tofu tacos or quesadillas.
That makes me sad he doesn’t like pepper, shrooms, etc.
16. Emily
February 19th, 2010 07:41 AM
Yay! I’m excited for this – I’m sure there will be great tips and new recipes for me to try! Stir fries are a staple in our house – just fresh veggies, beans or tofu and you’re good to go!
17. Ash @ Good Taste. Healthy Me
February 19th, 2010 07:48 AM
I am so an omnivore too. Mike would go crazy if I told him I was going to be a vegetarian. He LOVES meat!
18. Kelly
February 19th, 2010 09:17 AM
Yeah Eric would NEVER agree to a vegetarian life, even for a week haha. But I could definitely do it for a week I think- eating out would be the hardest part for me, and giving up fish which I eat a lot of. I think I would eat a lot of black beans haha. Can’t wait to see what you eat!
19. Amanda
February 19th, 2010 08:11 PM
Food, Inc. Rocks!
20. jenna
February 21st, 2010 12:26 PM
hey!
i just found your blog and i can’t wait to continue reading!
i would love it if you could come check out my blog and follow as well
Jenna
21. Crunches for Cupcakes » How to Go Vegetarian
February 22nd, 2010 01:03 PM
[...] that jello isn’t vegetarian either) Since I’m new at this whole meat-free thing, my challenge is only to stay away from eating meat (all types)/fish/eggs for 5 days. The goal of the challenge [...]
22. Smoking challenge draws interest |
March 2nd, 2010 12:12 PM
[...] Crunches for Cupcakes » Vegetarian Challenge [...]
23. Valeria Kelly
October 6th, 2010 02:56 PM
being vegeterian helps me a lot in toning down my body fats and staying fit:`.