Hey earth muffins! I hope everyone had an amazing weekend – I am now 75% done with my CPA tests. 🎉 I took my third exam yesterday; my boyfriend and I also got the keys to our new apartment! I will officially be moving all my stuff on the 25th, so I still have a lot of packing to do. If you have been following Life of an Earth Muffin for some time, you might know that I started a meat-less diet last July… It has now been a whole year being vegetarian, so I thought I should write a post about it. So let’s jump right in!
Why Did I Go Vegetarian?
For starters, it is no surprise that refusing to eat meat is way more sustainable. The meat industry has an enormous negative impact on the planet, so I figured I shouldn’t continue to support something I don’t agree with. I also definitely do not agree with the terrible treatment of the animals raised to be slaughtered; my boyfriend and I came across a chicken farm last summer and it absolutely scarred me. 😣 It was so sad to see the animals like that. I also wanted to see if eating a plant based diet would improve my health and the appearance of my skin. I am blessed to be healthy overall, but my skin will often flare up with hormones and stress. So, I wanted to see if being a vegetarian would help with that!
It is also important to note that I should really be saying I was a “pescatarian” for this past year, as I did eat seafood. I have had the problem of being underweight my whole life, so I didn’t want my body to take a huge hit by going off many sources of protein. But, now that my body is adjusted to alternative sources of protein, I may try to stop eating seafood as well (as fishing also poses a huge sustainable issue!). 😊
What Have I Noticed Being Vegetarian?
1. My grocery bill got smaller. As I mentioned in my grad student budget post, I averaged about $53 for groceries each month. It should be noted that I didn’t really try out many “meatless”/vegetarian “meat” products, which would probably cost a lot more. But, I still think being a vegetarian has saved me money this year!
2. My body feels great! It never necessarily felt bad when I was eating meat, but I feel like I am more lean and healthy now. While I do get a bit more gassy than I used to (thanks to eating a lot more beans haha), I have never felt better! On the flip side, I didn’t really see any difference in my skin. This wasn’t a huge shock, but it is nice to know that it really is just hormones and stress that break me out. 🤷♀️
3. People judge you and often act like it is super hard to cater to a vegetarian. While I was lucky my roommate was also a vegetarian and my family was (decently) okay with it, other people like to judge. “I don’t know what to cook for you” is a common thread I heard… But it isn’t actually a big deal to cook for someone who doesn’t eat meat. Just make what you were going to make and they will avoid what they can’t eat!
What Were Some Benefits?
1. I definitely tried more new recipes being vegetarian. I have always shopped once a week to ensure my fridge is stocked with fresh, whole foods. But, incorporating new vegetables, sources of protein, etc. this year allowed me to try some awesome recipes! I absolutely love to cook and am excited to continue exploring in my new, larger kitchen!
2. I learned what restaurants are veggie friendly. Some restaurants have great veggie options; others do not. It was fun going to my favorite establishments to see if they have good meatless options… Even some fast food establishments like Taco Bell have a whole vegetarian section of their menu! While fast food isn’t the most sustainable options, there are ways to reduce your waste. But, sit down restaurants are much better in terms of sustainability; they often have many more veggie options as well!
Should You Consider Being Vegetarian?
I will 10000% be staying a vegetarian. It wasn’t as challenging as I thought it was going to be. And, I have loved the benefits I have seen so far. If you have ever been interested in becoming a vegetarian, the best time to try is NOW! 😍 By not eating meat on one day each week you can reduce your impact; try for a meatless Monday! It is such a great way to reduce your impact on the planet. What are your thoughts on being a vegetarian?
Love,
Jenna ♥
This was such an interesting read! Growing up, I always wanted to be a vegetarian because I just didn’t like eating meat (the idea of it or the taste) but my family wouldn’t allow it. Now that I’m an adult, it is still something I consider every now and then but I haven’t taken the plunge yet.
Amazing! Congrats to you for going through the year!! <3
It must've been a great experience. Recently I watched Vox's video on 'the future of meat' which made me rethink about our meat problem too. I stumble upon this at such a perfect time because I was pescatarian for a few months last year too but when Christmas rolled around I didn't follow through.
The sustainability and ethical reason is more than enough to prompt me into living vegetarian (and I'm even more inspired now after reading what you said!) All the stuff I have in my fridge right now are meat-free — I'm hoping quarantine can get me more accustomed to cooking so that I can be braver in going the vege route again.
Thanks so much for sharing! xx
Jo | With Risa
I will have to check out that video from Vox – I’ve read a bunch of books on the subject, but I am sure that video does a great job discussing the meat industry. I’m so happy that you are using your time in quarantine to learn to cook with meat-less options!! 🙂 Glad I could help you on this journey!
-Jenna <3
I was interested to read your experience too, Jenna! I have been cutting back on the amount of meat we eat for a number of years, but I haven’t been fully vegetarian since my teens. We do eat a lot more fish now too. I’m glad your new diet suits you. It definitely is better for you and for the planet. Your post has inspired me to keep working on eating less meat, that is for sure! Thank you for sharing your experience with the Hearth and Soul Link Party. And congratulations on your new apartment too!