The Last Day

Here I am in Washington state, on vacation and out of my normal routine - if such a thing exists. I'm somewhat melancholy over the end of my 30-day vegan experiment. While there is a part of me that is excited to return to eating without limits, there is also a part of me that is sad to see this experiment come to an end. I reached my goal - no known consumption of meat, dairy or cheese for 30-days. The purpose: to feel an increased sense of health.

I've thought more about where food comes from in the last month than in the last year. Frankly, I'm a little exhausted from the endeavor, but I realize that not eating meat is one of the simplest ways to eliminate concern over the quality of meat purchased (farm-raised? grass fed? cage free? Hormone-free? organic? on sale? need a second mortgag to purchase?). Frankly, I'm a little exhausted from thinking about how much food costs. Chris and I just returned from the store here in Washington and we spent a wad just on fresh, semi-local produce.

I've been thinking lately that the more meaningful and potentially rewarding experiment would be to eat within one's watershed or with 100-mile geographic area. This isn't for health so much as for sustainable eating. I'm overwhelmed by how far removed we are from the source of the majority of our calories. If I could have it anyway, it'd be to eat as seasonally and as locally as possible. But, I'm under the assumption that I would need a great sum of money to do so, as it would require I have the land to plant my own garden, the time to tend to it, and the know-how to put it up. My mom and dad have been doing this successfully for years. I'm amazed at how lucky I was to grow up on fresh or fresh-frozen garden vegetables.

Thanks to everyone who has had the good fortune to put up with my 30-day food experiment, especially Chris. Your acceptance of my food choices has been wonderful. While I can't see a full-on vegan future for myself, I do see a substantial reduction in my meat and dairy intake. Overall, I feel stronger, and this is good.

And now for something completely different: beetsauce salad with blueberries vegan fajitas for the Last Supper.

Peace out.