I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired (bet you never heard that one before). A few weeks ago, the idea popped in my head to go vegetarian again. This idea was reinforced when I stepped up to be the VP of the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (www.aldf.org). Joining SALDF reminded me why I went veg in the first place - mass production of animals for human consumption is a sad business.
I've been eating meat for nearly two years now, and I had stopped appreciating the reality of my food. It's funny, because I remember my first couple of carnivorous meals back in 2011 and it was hard to chew the food because of the texture, the thought of sad cows, the potential bacteria in the food, and a million other things. Now I'll eat a burger and not think twice.
Before you stop reading because I've become "one of those people," let me tell you this: it's no longer just about the animals for me. There is a human element to the meat industry that I never fully appreciated. The slaughterhouse workforce is largely comprised of illegal or migrant workers who don't understand or don't feel they have any rights. These workers are subjected to horrific and dangerous working conditions, often resulting in death or serious injuries.
Continuing to eat meat is silent approval of the manner in which that meat is produced. If I had the ability to only eat free range, humanely slaughtered (oxymoron?) meat, perhaps I would. But alas, that is not an option I am interested in pursuing. Husband and I have discussed and we are thoroughly committed, even excited, to return to our vegetarian ways. (We are toying around with the idea of going vegan, but one step at a time.)
This Week's Menu:
- Breakfasts
- Vegan Overnight Oats
- Tofu Scrambles
- Dinners
- Ultimate Veggie Burgers
- Vegan Skyline Chili
- Szechuan Orange-Ginger Tofu
- Red Bean Curried Pilaf
- Chickpea Broccoli Casserole
- Tofu Fried Rice
- Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce with Penne
- Coconut Curry Tofu Casserole
Lunch will likely be leftovers; I haven't really gotten that far yet. Good news is the law school cafeteria always has a veggie option.
That's it for now. I suppose I'm a hypocrite in a lot of ways for waffling between herbivore and carnivore. But every day is another chance to get it right, so here we go.
