01 February 2012

Our Choice


Though a lot of our friends and family have been supportive, I have come across some people who believe that my family's choice to become vegetarian isn't what's best for us. And to some, it seems ludicrous. Though they know nothing about the chaos and health issues we have encountered over the past few years.  Having no idea how passionate I am about it. And frankly, not caring either. So, for all you critics that look down on the choices we've made for our little family, here's what I wrote the day we cut meat out of our diet:

"Growing up, I didn't really have to work hard at being thin.  My mother was a big advocate for eating healthy; and our usual snacks consisted of things like fresh broccoli and cauliflower or rice cake and peanut butter "sandwiches". It wasn't unusual for us to veg out with whole carrots or sit in front of the television with a head of lettuce. (No, but really. Ask anyone who knows me. This was normal, haha!) I guess that is what bothers me the most about my health and weight today. After being specially programmed to enjoy these foods and habits, why is it that I'm so disturbingly sick all the time? And more importantly, why am I overweight? I still remember the feeling I got when I stepped on the scale, three months after I had Kiri. I weighed 198 pounds. AFTER GIVING BIRTH. I was mortified. How had I let my tiny little 110 pound frame become so big? And why hadn't I noticed? And how hadn't I noticed the side symptoms? Fatigue, constipation, bloating, irritability, headaches, etc. It got to the point where is was unbearable. Then I took a look at what was going on around me. Bop and I were sharing a pound (sometimes more!) of pasta at dinner, we were sharing a cake for dessert and drinking cans upon cans of soda a day. LIGHTBULB. [Gasp!] What had I become? Fast forward three years, a dozen diet attempts and minus forty pounds later and here we are. Still overweight, still sick, still frustrated. What the hell can I do to change this?!  That is, until yesterday when I watched 'Forks Over Knives" for the first time. It wasn't more than five minutes into the movie before I was in tears. Embarrassed, that I was part of the statistics they mentioned. I believe my exact words to Bop were "We've got to make a fucking change." (And let me tell you, I don't normally swear like that! I was just in shock. Pure shock!) Needless to say, we finished the movie. And it continued to kill the part of me that didn't believe I could be healthier. I was slowly gaining motivation. And for once, it felt good. So, this morning we watched Food Inc. OH. MY. GOD. That one just did it for us. Like a big ol' slap upside the head. Bop (who is in the process of bodybuilding himself!) was like, "Nope. No more meat. I'm done. " We both agreed that anyone who can watch that documentary and still eat meat had a VERY big stomach. And from that point we made a vow to try and stop eating meat. And to start, we'd go the whole month of January without it.  Then slowly progress from there. And after those two heinous movies we just watched, I don't think it'll be very hard. BUT! Bop is, after all, a carnivorous man. And we Sawyers do like our turkey. Fingers crossed! "


And just so you know, that's the last time I'm going to defend myself. This is not a fad diet, I don't care what's "in". I don't toy around with my family's diet or health just because someone else thinks it's cool. And love it or hate it, I won't change my mind. However, I'd prefer for you all to support us.

2 comments:

  1. You go girl, you know what's best for you & your family and if anyone tries to tell you different tell them to suck it lol. But seriously, this post reminded me of a picture I saw the other day, it said "Haters don't really hate you, they hate themselves because you're a reflection of what they wish to be." So next time someone tries to bring you down just remember more times than not they are just jealous cause you are actually taking control of your life instead of letting in waste away like they are doing. Love you girl, keep on trucking!!

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  2. Anonymous07:16

    People are so damn rude. I'm happy for you guys! I am working towards that goal as well because it's something I've always wanted. Family and friends have been saying I'm a hipster because we shop at Whole Foods, and all this other crap. It's so dumb, I swear folks can be so very small minded. Whatever to hell with those who don't support. You will be shining with the benefits. If you come across some recipes send them my way! I've got a few for you! Send me your addy! <3 xoxo

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