Going Vegetarian

So as of tomorrow, I will not accept any invitations for a burger date;). My friend and trainer, Tara, asked me and several others to join her in an experiment to go Vegetarian for a month. So since I have agreed to do many insane things lately, I thought why not.

Since I am the grocery shopper and meal planner of our household, I answered for my whole family too. The Entire Verdicchio family with be zvegetwrian for one month effective tomorrow. Everyone was okay with it to an extent. Anthony, our self proclaimed carnivore, is a little reluctant. I bought him veggie bacon and veggie sausage, but he is still withholding judgment. Sophia (2) and Gabi (6 on Thursday) really have no idea what that means. They aren't the craziest about having meat with meals either though, so I don't think they will give too much trouble. I tell Bella that I think she was born a Vegetarian. She has always loved veggies and fruits.

We have decided to be Vegetarians, not Vegans(which is nothing but veggies; we can eat cheese and eggs) and not Pescetarian(which eat fish and the like). We thought we should try it without the fish first and we could always add it back in. We have also given the kids the option that if there is something they really want we won't make them suffer. However, Anthony could live off Bean Burritos or Pizza, and the girls could live off cupcakes ;).

I am looking forward to learning a lot of different recipes, as well as, the way to incorporate different proteins into my diet. I grew up with the mindset that you should have meat as your protein, a veggie and a starch. It is challenging to think outside of that. We have found some great recipes. If you have an awesome Vegetarian one that you don't mind sharing we'd love to have it. We are certainly learning a lot. We planted our garden again in hopes that we will get some veggies to eat. We also purchased a Mushroom Kit to grow mushrooms.

Tomorrow's menu is:
Oatmeal for pre-breakast(really pre-workout at 515am),
Peach and Greek Yogurt parfait for Breakfast
Fresh Strawberry, Peanut Butter Pita Pocket with Sunflower Seeds for Lunch
Baked Pasta with Spinach, Lemon, and Cheese for Dinner

Sounds good to me. So tomorrow we wake up Vegetarians!!!!