Counting down the days...

I loooove Thanksgiving. It's my favorite holiday. Why, you ask? Because Pumpkin pie is my most favorite treat in the world and I love the idea of taking time to reflect on all the things there are to be thankful for!

I have recently realized that I've never really talked about my vegetarianism and, with this delicious holiday approaching, I thought it would be a great time. When I was in college I was so fortunate to be able to take one of the most amazing classes called The Sociology of Food. Before that I had never really given much thought to vegetarianism/veganism. The class taught me so much about the way our food is grown, packaged, cooked, developed, engineered, etc. It was more than enough to send me running in the veggie direction.

I was vegetarian for a while in college but kind of gave up on it. My family and boyfriend (at the time) were big meat eaters and it just seemed easier to go with the flow. After my boyfriend and I broke up, I decided I needed to do something for myself- and that something was become vegetarian again. It was the first thing I did for myself after we broke up and it was the best and easiest thing I've ever done.

Don't take this wrong, but, It wasn't the animal treatment that (initially) inspired my change. We've all seen the footage Peta uses to try and shock people (though I do get teary almost every time I see those things). It was finding out about how food was processed and packaged that sent me over the edge. And, with a grandpa who is a farmer, I was concerned for the well being and sustainability of small farms everywhere.

With vegetarianism under my belt, I am looking now towards becoming vegan (because being vegetarian is just too easy : ). I know its hard but it seems to me to be the least I can do to help have a positive influence on my world. Sometimes it can seem from the outside that vegetarianism/veganism is some militant restrictive diet choice but in reality it's not at all.  The whole point is to do your best. Just because you are vegetarianism/vegan doesn't mean you are perfect. Just going meat/dairy free one week in the year, one day in the week, or just one meal makes a profound impact.

So with Thanksgiving fast approaching I really want to post about my dietary choices, my favorite holiday, and coping with a family meal filled with butter   : )

Here's a video I found from Chicos and Beans, a great local vegan blog.


Rhymes With Vegan - SPECIAL Thanksgiving Episode