Sexy Women, Mad Cows and Two Dogs

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Added: Thu. Jun 18, 2009 12:54am
Posted in: Nutrition

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How did a sexy woman, mad cow disease and my two dogs turn me into a vegetarian?  Until 1996, I was the typical meat eating American. However, thanks to an unlikely combination of situations that happened within just one week, I have not had meat since.   The best part is – I’m much happier, healthier and relaxed as a result.

In 1996, I took part in a fitness program at the University of Central Florida. I was put through a series of tests including blood work and a fitness test. The tests were done by Nurses who oversaw students studying those areas (phlebotomy, nursing, physical therapy, etc.). It was fairly standard and gave the students a chance to learn. For the fitness portion of the test, I was introduced to an absolutely gorgeous student. She was going to put me through the various fitness tests and I just had to impress her.

She started by letting me know the goal and what measurements she’d be using. Surely, you can understand that in front of a beautiful college student, I could not show any weakness.  It was time to be an athlete – right then and there.   For the first exercise, I benched far more than I should have.  I pushed my pecs to the breaking point.  When the stretch test came, I’m almost certain I became a bit taller.  I’m pretty sure I managed to squat a Cadillac – all to impress her.   We went through test after test and I quickly realized my tuition had gone to pay for some of this torture equipment.  Outside, I was as calm as a cucumber.  Inside, my heart was pounding away.  My lungs were dying for air and I could see lots of tiny spots.  Little did I know, the hardest test, the stationary bike, was last. (I still hate bikes because of this test.) She pointed to the clock and told me 10 minutes at a specific speed meant I was as fit as an “athlete”.   That sounded good enough.  Athlete.  I knew I could do it.

I counted each second of that test and maintained the athlete level throughout.  Stepping off that bike, I thought she’d be impressed.  However, her face showed more concern than admiration.  Apparently, I was as white as a ghost.   She asked if I needed to sit down and I declined.  She asked “Are you sure?”  I nodded.  I knew full well I might not ever get up!  My stomach turned but I was not going to show weakness.  As she read my results, it all sounded great.  Her only comment was with my cholesterol. It was a bit high and she asked if I was eating a lot of red meat.  It was the first time in my life I was asked about my diet in that manner.   I decided right there to start paying attention to how much meat I was eating.

Around the same time, mad cow disease hit the news and I was thoroughly disgusted with the images of suffering cattle.  I had no idea until then how farm animals were treated.  It really hit home and another thought ran through my mind about the benefits of reducing meat in my diet.   As I learned more about how cows get mad cow disease (I’ll spare you the details), it became obvious that there had to be another way to get my body what it needs without harming animals.

Two days later, I was sitting at a traffic light near my house.  A nearby pasture held a bunch of cows and it just happened that two calves were playing.  They were both black with white on their noses and hooves.  Both of my dogs, Basia and Corry were black with white on their noses and paws.  The cows were playing much as my dogs did.  As I looked out at their faces, I saw a level of intelligence, a level of happiness.  They were running alongside one another – pushing against each other.

It was then that I knew meat was out of the picture for me. When I arrived home, I emptied the fridge of red meat.  For the first few weeks, I cut out red meat but stayed with poultry.   A gradual reduction in meats would allow me to learn about how to live as a vegetarian.   I felt a gradual decrease would prevent me from reverting back to meat if it got tough for some reason.  Keep in mind, this was all new to me.

Soon, the poultry went.  Meats like lamb, duck and venison weren’t a big part of my diet, so they were also out.  I did research online to determine how I could live like a vegetarian.  At that time, I joined PETA as they had a vegetarian starter kit that was quite helpful.   I have since left PETA as I don’t agree with their advertising methods and question their political affiliations.  But back then, they were a starting point for me.  (Today, I recommend other resources and in the coming weeks, I expect to have a blog dedicated to vegetarians up and running.)

Having had many years now to contemplate my decision, I am certain it was the right move for me.   I am more rested, relaxed, healthy and fit.   Within a few days of cutting out meat, I felt something I’d never felt before.  I can only describe the feeling as “tranquil”.   Oddly enough, over the years, I’ve had three or four other people – including one guy from Spain – use the exact same word to describe their transition.

Many people think you can’t be fit and healthy as a vegetarian. If you eat a well-balanced diet, it is not only easier to be and stay fit – it is, in my opinion, the best possible meal plan.  I have more energy, I feel vibrant.  I’ve got better selections at restaurants because I’m no longer tied to the same old routine stuff and I know more about nutrition. I am more respectful of life in general and the feelings we all go through.

I have a much deeper respect for animals and the planet. I can tell the difference between an organic and conventional fruit or vegetable just by the taste.   I’m more in touch with my body and soul.  I could list the benefits for hours.

If you’re considering a transition or want to know more, please post your questions here. I’ll follow up as quickly as I can. I’m happy to help anyone who’s making this transition. If you don’t want to dive in, please take a day or two each week and go veggie on that day only. Explore other menu options that don’t involve meat and you’ll quickly find, as I and so many others have, that this lifestyle is simply…outstanding.  For more information, visit my blog at www.livefitezine.com.  Thanks!