I’m a 25 year old college graduate with a travel bug. In 2009 I spent a semester abroad in Australia and in 2011 I spent almost 3 months backpacking through Europe. I returned to Australia in 2012 for another go with my sister. Throughout my trips I was shocked by how many friends and acquaintances, some I hadn't talked to in years, wanted to know more about my trip and what I was up to next. As a traveler with a small budget, a big mouth and never a finished plan, I found myself involved in many hilarious experiences and unexpected adventures. I took some important life lessons home with me too. A lot of these lessons I’m still trying to learn and conquer myself. This year I embarked on my newest adventure and moved from Long Island, NY to Los Angeles, CA. I had no apartment, roommates or job, but am trying to figure out this little thing called life. I hope you enjoy!


Monday, November 26, 2012

A Turkeyless Thanksgiving


     Today has been my 12th day of eating no meat! Overall, I have not had any problems because I have been eating whatever I wanted, except meat. I've lost 6 pounds so far and I've been indulging in my sweet tooth heavily. I’m predicting that this Honeymoon phase will need to be over and I will have to eat more sensibly, still omitting meat.

The "kids" table on Thanksgiving 2012 

     I researched several meatless Thanksgiving options and there was so much information out there. More people are vegetarians than I thought. I found a recipe for a “Torfurkey” and gathered all the ingredients. Unfortunately on Thanksgiving Eve I was on the “hot mess express” and slept the whole day on Thanksgiving, not getting a chance to actually make my Tofurkey. I did notice on my first time drinking alcohol since becoming vegetarian that my tolerance was a lot lower than normal, making me a lot drunker, quicker.

My sisters, Winston and I smiling with a full belly on Thanksgiving

     On Thanksgiving Day we always go to my Aunt Columbia’s house and there is an obscene amount of food. One turkey is not even enough! My mom has to cook another turkey breast to feed our growing party! This year I took notice that the only meat dish was actually the turkey. I also realized that my favorite dish on Thanksgiving is the stuffing, not the main attraction the turkey! And I’m not the only one. When I looked around at my cousins and sisters plates, turkey was not outshining the side dishes. I am not lying when I say I was 100% satisfied with my meal, a little over satisfied for my top pants button. I did however have gravy; witch is made from the turkey’s fat. Other than Thanksgiving any gravy I have eaten has had no animal products in it.

My Aunt Ellie and I adopted Gable the Turkey from the Farm Sanctuary! He is now safe for life and was able to eat a Thanksgiving dinner of his own. You can still adopt Gable's friends too! (no pressure)

     An early survival secret I have used is the magic of substitution. One of my favorite breakfasts is eggs benedict. I work at IHOP so I’m surrounded by breakfast foods all the time. Since my crossover, I've been ordering eggs benne with no ham sub spinach, and it’s amazing! I also got a sandwich from subway, and ordered it exactly how I normally would, except omitted the meat. I don’t know if I’m brainwashing myself, but I really saw no difference. They put so little meat on there anyway; I think I was concentrating on what was really delicious. Honestly, can you taste the little thin bit of turkey they put on there under all the other toppings, cheeses and sauces?

When I do make my Tofurkey one of these days, I hope it comes out as good as this one! 

     So far, so good in the vegetarian world. I’m now moving forward with the idea of not eating every tasty dessert just because I’m not eating meat. Instead I’m going to eat as much sweets as I would normally if I had meat in my diet. I’m going to try and exercise more and relax more in general. Today I signed up for yoga classes and I’m excited to see what the effect will be on my body. Alicia Silverstone said in “The Kind Diet” that the more meat, animal products and processed sugar you eliminate from your diet, the more in tune you become with your body and mind. I’m keeping that in mind everyday with each step that I take closer to that goal of natural balance J

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