My Meat-Free June Challenge...

Hi everyone,

I am back on this blog, as opposed to that blog or even this other blog to introduce you to a self-inflicted and not terribly rational challenge. This month, I am going meat-free. I therefore fall under the category of ovo-lacto vegetarians because there is nothing in this world that could make me give cheese up.

Why? I can hear you asking yourself...Well, dunno. Just felt like it really. If I must delve a little bit deeper into my intentions, it probably stems from a couple of reasons:

1- We didn't have that much meat during our travels and I realised that I didn't miss it quite as much as I would have expected.

2- At the moment, Australia is in such a way that meat of any kind of quality is extremely dear and therefore, I would rather pick quality over quantity. Although, in this case, I am picking neither.

3- I want to observe and pay attention to changes to my body and mind this modified diet might incur.

4- The effects of the meat industry on our fragile planet is pretty major...

This is how I rate my chances at achieving success in the short-term (ie. June):

1- Hopefully, my will power alone will get me over the line. Will power is something I believe I have but feel the need to test at the moment. Just so you know, I am giving myself one Joker to use when I see fit. Maybe tomorrow, maybe never...

2- I love legumes! (lentils, chickpeas, beans...)

3- We have recently been buying our fresh produce from the Newcastle Farmer's market. The quality of the fruit and vegetables means that it is conceivable to create a dish around those rather than a meal being all about the meat.

Long term :

1- I will probably re-introduce fish into my diet.

2- I will probably eat meat occasionally, just because sometimes, being a vegetarian is a pain.

3- Tofu can only go so far...

But for now, I am sticking to it and will pop onto the soup chef once in a while to share some thoughts, recipes and whatever else I can think of...

Until then, Wish me luck, feel free to join me or just give a few words of encouragement,

Cheers, L.

Tip for today: There are heaps of websites like this one which tell you what is in season at the moment. Buying seasonally means that you will pay less money and have better produce, with better taste and more nutrients.