Quitting Meat--Cold Tofurkey

Wanting to become a vegetarian was not a decision that I made over night. I had been thinking about it for quite some time-reading the literature, wanting a healthier diet, and cringing when I saw the PETA photos. I wanted to become a vegetarian. I was convinced, but I did not know where to start. I didn't have the money to buy the fancy pre-cooked vegetarian meals, and I didn't have the time to sit down and prepare them myself. Eating was never something of consequence to me. It was something to be done for 99 cents at a drive through when light-headedness was beginning to take over.

Becoming a vegetarian-that was a decision I made over night. I blame it on insomnia. There I was at 4 a.m., lying on the mattress we'd pulled into our home office because it was the coolest room in our house, watching my husband sleep, and thinking about animal cruelty and the unfortunate state of my diet. So, I made a decision right then and there. I was not eating meat. I was quitting it, cold Turkey-I mean cold Tofurkey.

The first day was not hard. I knew it wouldn't be because I was working as the cashier for my college cafeteria that day, and I would have an assortment of free, meatless foods to choose from. I ate a salad complete with black beans, coleslaw, and egg. For dinner I had a bowl of cereal with soymilk and some rice with sweet and sour sauce. I thought I would be craving meat by the end of the day-thought I would have to fight myself away from the Chinese takeout menus, but I was wrong.

Surely, I thought, by day two, I would be in an awful state. I was not eating at the Cafeteria that day. I was headed into Chicago for dinner and drinks. I thought, for sure, meat would be too tempting, but I was wrong. I ordered a fruit and cheese plate to go along with my Martini-no reservations.

Now, I have successfully refrained from meat for a month, not once being tempted to break my vow of vegetarianism. No matter what the situation-whether it's Wendy's, a family style restaurant, or an upscale Chicago diner, I've found the vegetarian choices to be bountiful. When the only meatless choices seemed unappealing I've found that simply asking the management to accommodate my diet is met with willingness and a helpful attitude. For instance, when one of my favorite, hometown diners offered only a salad with iceberg lettuce and unappealing vegetables, I asked if I could order a salad with romaine lettuce, mushrooms, eggs, and beans. They agreed, and I ate a filling, protein filled, and meatless lunch.

While shopping I've learned to turn my eye to the more exotic isles-the meat like products made out of tofu, the protein bars. Though these items are inexpensive, and prove my theory wrong that being a vegetarian with a busy lifestyle is impossible, I've actually found that I prefer the more natural items like bananas, oatmeal, cheese, and eggplant.

Since that fateful night of insomnia my grocery bill has not inflated, my lifestyle has not changed, other than the fact that I have more energy from eating a healthier diet, my diet has improved, and my convictions about animal cruelty are satisfied. The best advice that I have for anyone wanting to try vegetarianism is quit meat-cold tofurkey!