Last year, after watching several compelling documentaries (Forks Over Knives, Food Inc, Earthlings) on the food industry in the United States, I really felt funny about my eating habits. It was eye opening for me, and disturbing all at the same time. I don't mean for this blog to take a political or scolding tone, so I'll keep it short. In these documentaries, the way these animals were raised and slaughtered is mind blowing. It doesn't seem real. It's awful.
In addition to the heinous treatment displayed, there were many interesting facts about the negative health effects of eating anything other than a plant based diet.
All of these documentaries did their job, I suppose. My mind was already thinking about all of the changes I needed to start making.
And so for about a month I was a vegetarian! And then a ham sandwich got in the way. I'm not kidding. I'm embarrassed about this.
For me, not eating meat was a huge challenge.
For now, I try to buy farm raised and free range everything. I also try to eat a vegetarian meal every once in a while. I have a copy of Mark Bittman's book,
How to Cook Everything Vegetarian. This book is a wealth of information and I source it even when I'm not necessarily trying to eat meat-free.
Last night, we referenced Bittman's book and made black bean croquettes and a huge salad with corn and avocado. It left us full and happy.
I literally put every vegetable I had in this dish. Carrots, onions, green beans, broccoli, roasted red bell peppers (I roasted them myself!), olives, pickles... and that's it (for vegetables). I also threw in cheese and a boiled egg.
And it was yummy. And not at all low in calories despite it being loaded with vegetables.
Do you like my Paula Deen inspired disclaimers? I don't want anyone to tell me that I'm giving America diabetes and high cholesterol. 
Well, they can tell me that, but at least I warned you in advance.
