For a little while now (on the weeks that i remember), I’ve made an effort to participate in this “Meat Free Monday”.

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