The Sustainable Spot

I am half way through my commitment of having a meat-free month and to be honest, I am loving it!  I feel healthier, more energetic, less bloated and have noticed a visible improvement in my skin.  And the best part is that I am having fun finding creative ways to cut the fat! (animal fat that is:)

To start, I have been cooking more than usual.  My fridge is full of colorful fresh produce and natural ingredients strategically scored from my local farmers market that keep me looking for new ways to use everything in season.  And after finding so many enticing and creative culinary answers to leading a vegetarian and/or vegan lifestyle, I have been having a blast in my little kitchen and my husband has been reaping the rewards!

At the beginning of this month, we were both worried that it would be difficult to make meals that would satisfy both of our needs.  But thankfully it hasn’t been an issue at all.   I just substitute my meat portions with tofu, grilled portobello mushroom or some Morningstar vegan chicken strips (which I LOVE).  And I have been more adventurous in making new dishes loaded with leafy greens and colorful crudites that even my husband enjoys!

He has even come so far as to love some of my new found vegan favorites.  Although I think those sensational vegan blueberry pancakes, that I can no longer live without, could convert even the bloodiest carnivore into a believer (thank you Minimalist Baker:).

I have also found that I am not having a problem getting ample protein which was another concern of mine.  I have been eating lots of beans, brown rice, almonds, almond milk and almond butter which are good sources of protein.  I also discovered a new found love for organic greek yogurt for breakfast which packs 23 grams of protein in one serving.  I like to sprinkle in some stevia natural sweetner, flaxseed meal, sliced almonds and strawberries that are now in season according to my seasonal produce calendar.

We are enjoying this new creative kick in our kitchen so much that we were inspired to invest in some stylish new dishes and glasses from Anthropologie.  And my hubby even surprised me with an adorable new apron!  All of this positive reinforcement has got me seriously thinking about whether or not I will ever reintroduce meat in my diet!

My reward!