As I’m nearing the end of the month, I have to say that the latter weeks of my Meatless March have been much more challenging than the earlier ones. Going out to eat has gotten more difficult and staring down a plate of bacon at brunch takes a lot of willpower. I actually resorted to standing next to the table and smelling it instead of eating it.
However, I am happy to report that I am still going strong in my meatless quest for the month and haven’t “accidentally” ingested anything. I am surprised and pleased at my progress so far.
While a Midwestern girl at heart, I have expanded my meat and potatoes diet this month—even sampling Maryland crab at the famous Phillip’s restaurant in Baltimore while attending our Dialogue for Action conference this past week.
My delicious room service dinner while at Dialogue. Mixed greens, apple, goat cheese, walnut salad with a pear emulsion dressing. Also had a little indulgence for dessert--I had to stop myself at two cannolis!
I’ve become much more accustomed to ordering fish, as well as other items that I normally would be interested in, but ultimately never order on restaurant menus.
I am still working on last week’s goal of incorporating more vegetables instead of carbs but it is still a work in progress. I’ve found an easy reminder in the USDA’s new guidelines that have greatly simplified the once convoluted food pyramid into a simple dinner plate. The new recommendations specify that half your meal plate should be fruits and vegetables, while one quarter protein and the other whole grains, with a small amount of dairy on the side.
Looking forward, I am trying to figure out my goals after my meatless month is over. I have severe doubt in my ability to become meatless full time. While this month hasn’t been nearly as hard as I originally anticipated, my cravings for meat have not and definitely will never go away. Some things I’ve thought about are “Meatless Mondays” (something our Congressional Families Director Lisa McGovern has instituted in her house) or aiming for another meatless month later this year.
So, for all the readers out there, do you have any suggestions for me? I want to make a diet and lifestyle change that is realistic and workable for me.
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