Vegetarian Daze Redux

NOTE: This post is based in large part on a post from another blog I play with... Much of my desire to perform more fluidly in my running has seeped into the rest of my life, inlcuding most noticeably, my diet. I had toyed with the idea of elminiating meat from diet many times over the last ten years, even doing so for eleven months, until I found myself giving in to the tasty temptation of gumbo during an evening on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennesee. (All sins were made to be forgiven, right?)

Recent history: A few months ago, my breakfast(on Saturday mornings at the diner) consisted of the "Cattleman's Breakfast" which included a rib-eye steak, fried eggs, and potatoes...

Last night Ann and I went to a nieghborhood BBQ joint for dinner. As you may recall (from previous posts), I am trying to move toward a vegetarian diet (ovo-lacto), so the challenge of eating at a restaurant where I had previously enjoyed much pulled pork was clear. There were in fact vegetarian dishes included on the menu and I ordered the Black Bean Mushroom Skillet (and a Corona with lime for good measure!) This dish consisted of the Bermuda Triangle of BBQ and a ratatouille (seared zuchinni, celery, onions). When selecting "sides" I initially ordered the BBQ beans, but when informed that they contained pork, I went with the sweet potatoe french fries. Mmmmmmm!

I share the delicious details with you, because my meal was enjoyed without any red meat! After increasing the nuts, greens, and vegetables that I always included as part of my diet I am finding the transition to be much less of an issue than I would have originally thought. Enjoying more fully those aspects of my diet that had always been pleasureable, I am beginning to become more brazen in my food options, and missing my "old" diet less and less.