My week as a vegetarian (with one slip up)

In my attempt to become an earth-loving hippie (remember no plastic bags as part of my new year's resolutions), I did a lot of research and a big tip was to go meat free once a week.

Did you know, one meat-free day a week reduces 213kg of global warming CO2 gases? That's what nine, five-metre tall tress can absorb in a year. So in one little week I helped fill the gap of what 63 trees could do. Given the rate we cut rainforests, I think that was rather helpful of me.

Doing the annual work of 63 trees in one week equals a happy planet

This isn't just a fad or a bunch of made up statistics (67% of statistics are made up according to the University of Me), even the United Nations is behind it. I really respect that organisation, and if you want something to help put you to sleep, you can read about it here.

Now I'm not about to start growing my underarm or tie myself to old growth forests, I also wanted to enjoy the health benefits of going meat free for a week.

At this point I have to say I am not an advocate for completely cutting out a food group. I was indoctrined the food pyramid throughout school. Maybe that's why I eat so much bread and pasta... That was at the bottom right? There's a reason we have pointy canine teeth and why we are at the top of the food chain.

It is all about moderation. According to the UN, American's eat 120kg a year per person and Australia is not too far behind. That's 10kg a month, about 2.3kg a week, or 330grams a day. That's a whopping 785 calories ladies. Now if you're like me and listening to Michelle Bridges, that's over half of what you're allowed each day.

All of this is why being meat free for one week was in my 101 in 1001.

So how did I go. Let's say just awesome, with a minor set-back. I felt awesome, though Mini Me sleeping, beautiful weather and daily walks could've helped. It was easy, I never struggled to think of what to eat and I was always full.

Friday night nibbles feast

Did Hubby like it? Well he was away for three nights, but the nights he was home he didn't even notice it.

Did I miss anything? I realised I eat a lot of pig products (sorry Wilbur and Babe) - ham, bacon, sausages, mince. I would reach for them to add that extra saltiness to the dish, but had to stop myself/

Did I really do it? Yes, except for the minor set-back. I wasn't about to force it onto everyone, plus Nonna doesn't understand vegetarianism. She thinks you can still eat chicken. During our sauce day she made a lasagna for everyone. I could've said no, but it was too tempting and already I'd said no to chorizo and pate at a picnic. And I don't care what any vegetarian says - meat lasagna is the tastiest lasagna.

As a penance I made Monday another meat free day and will endeavour to be meat free for lunches this week.

For those that are interested, and to prove I was a vegetarian, here is what I ate all week.

Now you can do it to. Go on. Your body will thank you, the earth will thank you and even your hip pocket will thank you.

Another 101 in 1001 task complete. Only 93 to go....