All the chicken sausage at Costco kept me stuffed for quite some time, so when dinnertime rolled around, all I wanted was something light, greeny, and beany.
(Yes, I said beany.)
I roasted some cauliflower, broccoli, and chickpeas in a pan on 450 for 15 minutes, then ate it as one big roasted veggie salad.
Last night ended up being a movie date night part two with Hall Pass & Forks Over Knives on the agenda–
Will & I both thought that Hall Pass was pretty hilarious, although it is one of those movies with very inappropriate humor. Kind of like a mix between Knocked Up and 40 Year Old Virgin?
I was a little nervous when it came time to watch Forks Over Knives because I wasn’t sure how seriously Will would take the pro-vegan/vegetarian information. Although I’m a huge advocate of quality nutrition and a balanced diet, Will has never been one to really take much care of himself in that arena. I will admit, compared to how he ate when we first started dating (fast food 5 times a week), there has definitely been progress, but he hasn’t exactly replaced the fast food with healthier options– More like he’s replaced the fast food with at-home carbs & refined sugars.
Needless to say, I nearly fell off my rocker when Will turned to me in the middle of Forks Over Knives and told me that he wanted to make healthier food choices for himself. I don’t see him making drastic changes to give up animal protein completely anytime soon, but there’s no sweeter sound than hearing your boyfriend say he wants to learn to eat more vegetables 
(Random Popcorn picture. Just because. 
)
I was also a little taken back that Forks Over Knives got ME thinking about the animal protein that I eat. We all know that I’m the turkey bacon queen and I love my fair share of chicken sausages, but considering more vegetarian options might be a beneficial thing for me to do. I already don’t eat red meat just because I’ve never really been crazy about the texture or taste of it, so maybe limiting poultry wouldn’t be so bad?
Anywho, I ended up falling asleep halfway through the movie, so when we finish it today I’ll definitely be keeping all of this in mind.
Breakfast:
Okay so EVEN if I do start to limit my animal protein—I still have a package of TB (turkey bacon) to finish off first 8)
There’s no better breakfast than one in natural lighting 
1/2 cup cinnamon Puffins, 1/2 cup gluten-free Rice Krispies, strawberries, bananas,
Served with four slices of turkey bacon.
A bit to think about: What’s your take on limiting/cutting out animal protein? Have you ever considered a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle?
A bit to do: Check out the Forks Over Knives trailer:
{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
That dinner looks great! I get like that too- veggie dinner after a day or meal with lots of meat! Appreciated the video link- thanks!
Hope you have a great Sunday!
Mer @mersworld recently posted..Designer Dogs, Gourmet Dinner and Pumpkin Giveaway!
I kinda of prefer ignorance on this issue to be honest … horrible but true. I don’t even eat that much meat, but I can’t imagine completely eliminating it from my diet!! :/
Kristen @ notsodomesticated recently posted..Whatcha Reading Weekend #4
I’m actually a vegetarian! I’ve been following this lifestyle for almost two years now.
I’m very hesitant to open up to people about it because there is that awkward stereotype that you are a crazy PETA activist and meat is “disgusting”. For me, I chose to go veggie for several reasons. Going meatless has given me more energy, made me healthier, and supports the farming industry. I rarely hit that two o’clock slump and I get sick way less than I used to when I was eating meat. Plus, you can never be sure where your meat came from. The meat industry has always seemed a bit sketchy to me…. Hahaha. You should give it a try, but it’s defiantly not for everyone.
Brittany @ RunWithBritt recently posted..Tore Up From The Floor Up
I was vegan for over a year and vegetarian for almost two years, and I can say that I’m not as strong an advocate for vegetarianism/veganism anymore. I think that, if you choose meat/meat products from sustainable and quality sources, then a diet with animal proteins is more balanced than without. And, honestly, I’d rather have a piece of chicken than “faux chicken” because I would rather eat the real thing than something made up of fake or processed ingredients.
All in all, I think it’s about eating quality food all around, not limiting any one food from your diet.
I just turned vegetarian some 2 months ago after watching “Food Inc.” and a lot of thinking. I watched “Forks over knives” a few weeks ago, and liked it: although I embraced the veggie life-style, I wont try changing other people’s diets: I think it’s a very controversial subject, and, as much as I think cutting out meat makes me feel better, the scientist in me would still like to see all the studies behind the results.
Giulia @ Tutupa’s Lab recently posted..What I ate Wednesday
Vegetarian all the way girl!
Kristin recently posted..From England, with love
I’ve been wanting to see forks over knives!! Yum dinner looks great
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes recently posted..Tofu Pumpkin Pie….with Gingersnap crust
I rarely eat red meat, as I’m just not a huge fan of it. LIke you, I’m not too big on the texture or taste. My stomach doesn’t like it much either. I crave a good beef hamburger every so often, but that’s on a rare occasion. I’ve never even considered going full vegetarian though. I love my chicken, turkey, pork, and fish too much!
I will support anyone who decides to go the vegetarian route, but it’s just not the lifestyle for me.
Ashley @ My Food ‘N’ Fitness Diaries recently posted..More to Love
You & I sound very similar– I feel like after watching Forks Over Knives though I’m a little more open to vegetarian options. Hmm.. we shall see!
Itty Bits of Balance recently posted..No Meat?
I try not to eat meat/fish/poultry more than 5 times a week but I eat a lot of dairy and I know I wouldn’t be able to change that. I think choosing high quality products is important so I always do that.
Aine @ Something to Chew Over recently posted..Workout Snacks
Baby steps! Tom was so similar: ate fast food all the time when we first met, but now I think I have had some kind of positive influence on his eating habits. But still, a lot of processed foods like boxed mac & cheese… yikes.
Even getting people to be more aware of what they are eating is a good thing! You can’t change your eating habits overnight, but every small change is a positive step in the right direction.
I have been vegetarian before, and even vegan for a short time. I go back and forth with it. (Commitment issues? haha)
Emma @ Microcosm of Life recently posted..A Magical Mystery Day
That’s comforting to know that Tom was the same way. When I met Will he pretty much confessed his love for fast food to me, but now he has it probably once every other week or so. Baby steps are definitely the way to go!
Itty Bits of Balance recently posted..No Meat?
Im kind of with Kristen @ notsodomesticated. I am a huge meat eater which I know isn’t great! I have cut back immensely (of you can believe it!) on eating red meat though, simply for health reasons!
Hey, everyone is different, Andrea! At least you were able to cut back some
Itty Bits of Balance recently posted..No Meat?
I’m not vegetarian, but I don’t eat very much meat and I guess that’s partly because of the health concerns surrounding meat. Having said that – I don’t think eating a vegetarian diet is a sure-fire way to get healthy. Personally I think adding some more fruit and veggies in to their diet would help the majority of people the most.
Sarah (everydaysapicnic) recently posted..Mini Freak Out
I’m such a meat freak, I don’t think I could ever give it up–I crave chicken and fish like none other!
I AM crazy for that chickpea dinner though, it looks so good!
Alexandra recently posted..Progress and New Routine!
I’ve been toying with the idea of going vegetarian full-time. For the last two months I have only eaten animal protein two or three times. I haven’t seen Forks Over Knives yet but I’ve seen Food, Inc. like three times and can never eat meat for an extended period of time after watching it. Having joined the HLB community I’ve found so many great vegetarian and vegan receipes that I don’;t really have a reason to eat meat. BUT my boyfriend is just like Will – he does want to make healthier choices but he’s a total carnivore. He does love TJ’s beefless ground beef though! Of course the first time I served it to him in chili I didn’t tell him it wasn’t real ground beef.
But he actually likes it!
Molly@hungryhungryrunner.com recently posted..When Life Hands You Lemons…
It’s usually the boyfriends who are the carnivores! What is it with men and their meats? haha
But yeah, you sound a lot like me. I’m toying back and forth with the idea too, and know that there are so many great non-meat alternatives out there!
Itty Bits of Balance recently posted..No Meat?
You know I’m not a preachy vegan, but there are so many things wrong with animal protein that it’s not even funny! Honestly, I think the biggest culprit out there is dairy products. I’ve never been lactose intolerant or had any real problems with dairy, but after going so long without it as a part of my normal diet, I can feel a huge difference in how my body feels and functions when I eat even a small amount. Definitely look more into it! For a friendly approach I suggest the Crazy Sexy Diet by Kris Carr, or for another scientific approach, much like Forks Over Knives, I suggest The China Study by T. Colin Campbell.
Lindsay Loves Veggies recently posted..The First Sign of a Cold
Thanks Lindsay! I really do want to learn more about the subject so I’ll have to check out those books
Itty Bits of Balance recently posted..No Meat?
For shizzle! Let me know if you have any questions, as well!
Lindsay Loves Veggies recently posted..The First Sign of a Cold
I’ve tried the vegan lifestyle. I did it for a few months, but just couldn’t maintain it. I think it’s so individual and everyone needs to find a balanced lifestyle that works for them. …just my 2 cents. Enjoyed your post.
I was actually a vegetarian for about three years and vegan for a few months, and I ended up really sick and with several nutrient deficiencies because of it. I certainly believe that our bodies don’t NEED animal meat to survive, but that it’s the most available source of protein, quality fat, and nutrients like iron, vitamin b, vitamin d. I just try to buy the most quality meat I can afford (btw, I’ve bought organic chickens at Costco!)
I can’t recommend the documentary Fathead highly enough – its on netflix and hulu, and he has a website: http://www.fathead-movie.com
Jennie (the gf-gf) recently posted..Halloween Candy Queen
Really!? Wow that’s so interesting– glad you’re okay! Was it hard incorporating it back into your diet?
Itty Bits of Balance recently posted..No Meat?
I’m really wanting to see hall pass- even though the humor may not be appropriate- oh well, I still want to see it, ahhh the perks of being an adult
…..As for forks and knives- I think ‘to each their own’.
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles recently posted..Mini Pumpkin Muffins > Regular Pumpkin Muffins
I have a tendency to eat too much protein so I do try to opt for vegetarian meals to balance it out. I don’t think I could become a vegetarian, though.
Jessica @ Sushi and Sit-Ups recently posted..Four Rivers
My husband & I usually eat 1 or 2 meatless meals a week, but I don’t know if I could go all-out vegetarian!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake recently posted..Recipe Roundup, Part 2
I don’t know that I could go veg/vegan. Our exchange student last year was/is vegetarian, and tried going vegan for a while. (Tried. Didn’t last.) I tried some of her almond milk once and wasn’t impressed, heh. Vegan would be too difficult for me.
I like meat too much. I don’t eat that much red meat, especially after coming to school, but I’m still eating some.
My dad works for Jennie-O, actually, so… I know what happens to the meat I’m eating. I just don’t think about it/let it bother me.
Rebecca recently posted..Marriage and Singleness (AKA a Flawless Friday post)
He does work for Jennie-O!? Wow that’s crazy! Are you able to see things from an “insiders perspective”?
Itty Bits of Balance recently posted..No Meat?
Yup, for 21 years. We don’t talk about it very much, but I know the basics. He’s held several different positions in the company–mostly in the plant moving product and stuff (in and out of the freezer; wore long underwear a lot, haha). Now he works logistics. He worked in product development or something for a while too, I think. I’m sure I could get way more info if I wanted to; mostly we’ve just discussed the process of how the turkeys go through the plant and stuff. It’s kinda interesting, actually.
Rebecca recently posted..Marriage and Singleness (AKA a Flawless Friday post)
I was a vegetarian for 2.5 years but finally figured out it wasn’t what was right for my body. I eat a lot of animal protein and fats now and have never felt this healthy, strong, or lively. I know everyone is different though, and everyone can go through phases and ebbs and flows with what their bodies crave and need.
I was a pescatarian (only eating fish but no meat) for three years. I loved it because I never craved meat at all. They have so many vegetarian options out there now. However, it is much easier to find healthier options while eating out when you eat meat. A lot of restaurants say that their huge pasta dish or something is their vegetarian option where I’d rather have grilled chicken with veggies on the side. If you really are considering going vegetarian, it does get expensive and you need to really plan your meals in order to get the protein! I ate a lot of frozen, processed vegetarian options which may or may not be awesome for you all the time. I actually lost weight and felt healthier when I started eating lean chicken and turkey again, but that’s just me! I still LOVE eating vegetarian and a lot of times I don’t even eat meat!
Okay, this got really long. Haha sorry! But maybe you’d like just eating less meat without putting a label on it
Hope I helped!
Brittany recently posted..Sleeping In Wins
I’ve been flirting with the idea of becoming vegan, all of my life I’ve hated milk and eggs, I just don’t like it period, but I loved cheese, ice cream, milk chocolate, yogourt, etc. But I’ve had mild-moderate acne for 12 years now, and about 4 years ago, I decided to test it out by not eating any dairy for a few weeks, and my acne got so much better, so I completely cut out dairy out of my diet, I do still get the occasional Blizzard at DQ, and a take out pizza every few months. Red meat and pork grosses me out, but I love chicken and fish! I’ve been reading a lot of vegan books, I’ve been cooking and baking vegan for a while now, I just don’t know if I can make the official switch.
A few good books you should check out are Skinny Bitch and The Kind Diet. Good luck with your decision!
I’ve dabbled in vegetarianism and found that (for me) it’s not realistic. Since that experiment, I’ve cut down quite a bit on red meat and have incorporated more tofu and faux meats into my diet. I also try to do meatless days.
Leashieloo recently posted..CMH to MCO
I have been vegetarian for going on two years now and I have never felt better. I feel healthier and more alive/in-tune with my body than ever. I will never look back!
Ashley O. @ The Vegetable Life recently posted..This Week’s Coupon Adventure – Shaw’s Supermarket & Walgreens!
I’ve been a vegetarian for 14 years and highly doubt I’ll ever eat meat again. I was actually vegan for Lent this past year – felt great. So even though I’m not vegan anymore, I still follow a vegan diet most of the time. Cheese and other dairy products are more of an indulgence now than an every day staple. Less grilled cheese and pizza. More salads. Not a bad thing. I say give it a try, see how it makes you feel.
Cait @ Cait hates Cake recently posted..Home Sweet Home
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