Living Green & Healthy in Merrick–Going Vegetarian

When people think of living green, they think of the environment. 

There are so many ways to help the planet but the biggest thing you can do to is become vegetarian/vegan.  Factory farms are one of the leading causes of global warming.  In addition, millions of animals are tortured and killed inhumanely.  This should not be happening. 

Not to mention, all the money and food we are wasting on feeding all those animals and the high amounts of antibiotics that are used.  With the amount of food we grow here in America no one should be starving.  Its absurd.

So how can you start to ease into a vegetarian lifestyle?  It really isn't hard at all.  I know some of you can't imagine grilling up hamburgers and hot dogs during the summer season or going out to dinner and treating yourself to a juicy steak.  The first step is to recognize what is really important to you.  Your health should be on the top of that list and if it is than eating red meat is out.  Besides being unhealthy your body is not built to digest it. 

Can you imagine what your insides look like while all that meat hangs around for days?  Yuck!  The next step is being aware.  Most people don't know what goes on in the food industry.  Once you know and see the truth it will surely upset you all.

There are plenty alternatives you can eat that are tastier, healthier and more sustainable.  Living in Merrick, you have a good number of places that carry vegetarian foods. 

Trader Joe's on Merrick Road offers a bunch of MorningStar Farms products ranging from crumbles to burgers.  Waldbaum's also carries this brand along with Amy's frozen entrees which are delicious (the organic cheese pizza and vegetable lasagna are awesome) and Boca products.  You can fool any meat lover with most of these too.  Once you experiment and try some I guarantee you will find something you love!

Once you get past the red meat the next step is to eliminate poultry and fish.  I find that a lot of people have the most trouble with these too.  However, I am happy to say the chicken alternatives out in the market today taste so much better than the real thing.  A few great companies are Quorn, Gardein and Veggie Patch. For great prices I highly recommend Stop & Shop for Quorn and Amy's products as well as their Nature's Promise brand of organic veggies.  For kids, the Quorn chik'n nuggets and patties will be winners for sure!

As far as fish goes you are going to have to suck it up and give it up.  Be strong and know in your heart that you are helping the planet and saving millions of sea life from extinction.   Plus, you will start to feel better now that animals products are moving out of your system. 

Being a vegetarian is so much more than not eating meat.  It shows the world that you do not support the killing of animals for food, testing on them for products or using them for fashion.  None of this is necessary!  Stand up for all animal rights and tell the world its wrong.

During this lifestyle change you need to be aware of taking the proper vitamins and making sure you are getting enough protein in your diet.  Taking B12 is highly important as well as a daily multi vitamin.  Eating lots of whole grains, vegetables and beans will get you through with ease.  Especially, since there are so many things you can do with them. 

Eating organic and natural is another key ingredient to a healthy lifestyle. For the freshest produce around stop by Joe East Bay Farmers Market on Merrick Road and whip up a veggie feast for your family.  Trader Joe's and Angelo & Joe's Fresh Food Market also have a nice selection.

Fresh bread always adds a nice touch to a dish, especially a pasta meal.  Visit Vincent's Bakery on Merrick Avenue for their many varieties.  When you are not in the mood to cook or just want to get a healthy lunch the dishes at Iannuzzi make great options.  Their menu has a number of great vegetarian dishes to choose from. 

You can also try the vegetarian burgers at Burger 9 point 5 and for a nice night out the Nicholas James Bistro on Merrick Road.  They have a some organic and vegetable dishes to die for.  

When you finally make it to vegetarian status be proud of yourself!  You did it. The best thing to do is take your time and go at your own pace.  If and when you are ready to be vegan there are only a few more steps to take.  But for now, just being veg is making all the difference. 

I will be happy to share recipes for anyone that is interested.  Just shoot me an email and ask away.  Helping people become more aware of what they can do to live an enhanced life means so much to me.  

We need this planet to survive.  It certainly does not need us.  All living creatures deserve to live and just because we are humans that doesn't mean we have the right to take that away.  Live healthy, guilt-free and happy.  Going veg is more than a choice.  It's realizing the bigger picture and evolving for change.