Written by: Phindile Le Bris Sithole-Spong
As a self proclaimed meat lover. If someone had told me years ago that I would even consider cutting out meat during the week, I would not have believed them. In part because growing up, a meal always consisted of 3 things; Meat, starch and vegetables. Which is why when I got older, i almost always applied the same formula. But as someone who actually doesn’t love red meat all that much. And with a toddler who likes eating everything I eat, I decided to change things up a bit.
Which is when my husband and I decided to go meat free during the week. Whilst this move is in no way revolutionary. It did change the way we saw food and actually (gasp) made me not miss meat as much. So much so that now we are finding ourselves with a freezer full of meat that we need to eat soon. And whilst I try stick by this rule as much as I can. I am not too strict and use it as a way to simplify our lives and model eating vegetables to our daughter. Since then however, I have noticed that when I do practice eating less meat, I often find that I have more energy. My bowl movements are more regular (sorry, TMI) and my body and skin look and feel better.
And whilst this way of eating may not work for everyone. It is worth a try, even if it’s one day a week. In part because I realized as I started to eat and cook more vegetables that there was a world of possibilities that I had not seen before where meals could be tasty and healthy all at once. Furthermore, I realized that I actually didn’t need or really crave meat or feel like I was missing out on something. And lastly, with several friends who are vegetarian or vegan. Having them over for meals has become a breeze as I have an arsenal of recipes to turn to that are tasty and veggie packed.
The biggest and best change however is seeing how much my daughter has taken to vegetables. Whilst often reserved or pushed to the side at meals. When there is no other option (aka meat) and tons of care, time and flavor, veggies can be as exciting and tasty as any other food group. So if you are looking to up your nutritional intake, get healthier, or simply try something new. I would highly recommend giving this eating habit (or something that suits you and your family best) a try.
On top of that as meat is hellishly expensive in France. Which means that we save so much money when we eat less meat. Which is motivation enough to keep going. Would you consider this type of eating style or habits?
