There is plenty to read about the devastating effects on the environment and unsustainable practices of the livestock industry, and maybe through out this month i might share a little more of my own thoughts on the situation. However there are some other reasons i think that being a vegetarian (or at least a non-meat eater) is a worthwhile investigation.

I read a book a little while back written by the CSIRO called “The CSIRO Total Well Being Diet” . Without launching into a discussion about the book, it’s basic premise was that a higher protein diet would enable to feel fuller, faster and longer and would allow you to abstain from constant snacking. Actually to be honest, i couldnt help but feel like the book might have been funded by a consortium of meat production associations (but of course the CSIRO aren’t corruptible, right?).

Being of european background, this was good news, no?

So what I notice happens is that the more meat I ate, the less of any other kinds of food  i could be bothered with (ie. fresh produce). Thus starts a cycle of getting plenty of calories, good tasting food but just not the wide variety of vitamins and minerals that keep your appetite and mind/body chemistry in check. Fruits and Veggies are massively important in this.

So on the March the 1st, I stopped eating meat for rest of the month.This includes fish, however I am still eating dairy and eggs (baby steps).

Some things that i hope to achieve out of this:

- Learn what my dietary crutches are in the absence of meat

- Learn some great new vegetarian recipes

- Experience full time vegeterianism as a lifestyle choice

- Trigger debate and conversation amongst friends, colleagues and family

- Give my body a break from meat

- Notice any health benefits that come from eating a diet much lower in protein and higher in fruits and vegetables

Obviously it being Saturday, I’m nearly a week in. At some point in the next few days I’ll share what I’ve learnt and experienced so far this month.

In the meantime if you happen to be one of the 1.2 people per week that read this blog and you know of a great vegetarian recipe or a great vegetarian restaurant in Melbourne, drop me a line.

Photo by Neeta Lind

Some of the reasons I set the goal were:

1. The pursuit of a healthier lifestyle

2. To see more of my neighbourhood

3. To have a goal

4. To find out if walking really does “clear your head”

So what did I learn?

That despite not reaching my goal for February, I actually satisfied some of my reasons for setting the goal in the first place.

I really didnt get that much from walking my neighbourhood, its just not that exciting.

I say that i like all kinds of music, but it turns out I like to collect all kinds of music and I only like to listen to about 20%of what I own. I learnt this because there were times when i didn’t have a playlist setup and I just randomised my music collection. I found myself skipping through mp3’s furiously trying to find something that i wanted to listen to. (I’ll have to make a task of spring cleaning my iTunes collection.)

Audio books and treadmills are a good match for me as I am finding it increasingly difficult to find time to read nowadays (and I love books).

Getting on a treadmill for half an hour with music blaring or an audio book playing in your ears didn’t really do much for “clearing my head”, although going for a walk around the block totally works (its just boring as shit).

February Goal Summary:

1. Was a healthier lifestyle pursued? – Check

2.  Did I see more of my neighbourhood? – Check

3. Did I have a goal? – Uhh, Check

4. Did I find out if walking really does clear your head? – Check

Goal Completed: No

I had initially thought that i would get in a few BIG walks at the start and then be cruisy for most of the month, however it hasnt turned out that way. It’s now 6 days in and I’ve walked 2.5 km.

25,500 meters to go – just sayin’

January is a popular month for resolutions and goals. I’m bucking the trend and setting an ambitious target for February which is to walk 28 Kilometers.

It’s incredibly simple. It’s 1 Km per day for a month.

I wont be including the day to day stuff like walking to and from the car to the office, or the steps between the petrol bowser and the cashier. They’re going to be fair dinkum “walking” kms.

Walking is a great opportunity to get out and get some fresh air, catch up on podcasts, find some walking partners or maybe even take some interesting photos…

If you’re interested in catching up for a walk sometime this month, have any suggestions for walks or things to do while walking, leave a comment

Cheers,

Nick