I think I should change the name of my Blog to "Confessions of a Vegetarian", but that would be a little passe'.

About a month ago I completely went ovo-lacto vegetarin. Ok, there are different kinds but I basically don't eat meat. Now, the rest of my family pretty much eats as they want. This is a personal decision on my part and I just didn't see the need to force the rest of the family into it.

Now, I know there are lots of diets out there that eat only raw fruits and veggies, soaked nuts, NO coffee, NO chocolate, etc. Hallelujah Acres diets is one of those. I drink the Barley Green with fresh juice and drink my carrot juice, but I eat cooked veggies, legumes, rice and whole wheat breads. I also take vitamins to supplement my diet. I also have a little dairy too. I would be careful, although I think they (meaning the Hallelujah Acres Diet) have a good principle going, please be careful. There is some controversy involved there, especially as expectant mothers & children go and are concerned. Here is a good read and I think, a very objective opinion by a qualified Dr.

http://www.mercola.com/article/diet/former_vegan.htm

The reason I quit eating meat was because it would make me constipated for weeks! I'm serious! My husband did not believe me, so I started writing it down on a calendar so he could see. I even went so far as to write whether I took a laxative or not. The first time I went 11 days and FINALLY had to take a laxative. The next time I went for 8 days and my husband had a cow. I felt like I needed to have a cow. LOL! He started making phone calls and appointments for me.

I went to a gastrointestinal doctor for all the tests and discovered eveything was pretty normal, my body just had a hard time breaking down meat. So, I went octo-lacto vegetarian. I do eat tofu and soy burgers. I use olive oil and flax seed oils as well as soy, rice and almond milk. I love vegetarian pizza so life is not boring for me. LOL! I have gads of great vegetarian recipes that are great! Like lasagna, meatless chili, etc.

I do not flaunt my vegetarianism either. I am very quiet about it so as not to raise a big fuss. Recently, there was a large Scout Alumni Reunion for my son's troop. They served hot dogs and burgers for lunch. Did I get mad, rant & rave about how inconsiderate it was of them to not think of us vegetarians?! LOL! No, I only live around the corner (otherwise I would have packed my lunch) and could easily pop home for a meal if needed. I quietly found hubby, told him I was going to run home for lunch right quick and pack a dinner for later (they were planning barbecue!)gave hubby a kiss and went on my way. When I came back, one of my son's, scout friends came over. "Ms. Kathy? Are you a vegetarian?" he said in almost a whisper. I smiled while nodding yes and said quietly,"I don't like making a big fuss about it." He nodded in agreement and said, "That's cool!" LOL

Anyway, I think it's like the dieting thing for losing weight or anything else in life, you have to do what is right for your body. YOUR body, not what everyone else is doing. This works for me and now I am as regular as clockwork. I don't need laxatives, I am losing some weight and detoxing a bit. I tried cutting the coffee cold turkey and suffered with a mondo headache from HELL! This was on the Hallelujah Acres Diet. And give up my chocolate?! WHAT?! ARE YOU MAD!? LOL! Some things you just don't mess with. I do limit it though and have been actually enjoying it more. But stop completely and forever? NOT!

I have to go for now. Everyone have a great day and talk at you again soon.

katcha