By
Sheryl Schlameuss Berger
Have you ever thought of yourself as a vegetarian wannabe? Maybe
you have given some serious consideration to going the vegetarian route
but gave up before you tried, thinking that this lifestyle has to be all
or nothing.
Personally, I wish I had the motivation to be a true vegetarian. It is healthier and has green benefits for the environment. As an animal lover and occasional animal rescuer, vegetarianism would be so much more in sync with my beliefs. But growing up amidst "carnivores" (and no, I was not raised by a pack of wolves) there are some deeply-ingrained eating habits that make it difficult to completely break away.
However, I have discovered a middle ground between vegan and meat eater -- the organic flexitarian way of eating. "Flexitarian" is a term that was coined in recent years to denote a mostly vegetarian lifestyle, but not completely. A flexitarian diet occasionally includes a meal of fish, fowl or meat. For me personally, I prefer organic food and thus the term organic flexitarian best describes my own way of eating.
The heart of this diet are vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and sprouts -- these are basically raw whole foods. As for meat (or animal protein) I have this about twice a week, and never on consecutive days. When I DO have meat, it is only at dinner time -- never lunch -- and usually in small amounts. I may have beef, veal or pork once or twice a month now, but chicken or fish once a week.
Processed foods are no longer part of my lifestyle equation and now my digestive tract is mostly clear of additives, preservatives and chemicals that I used to freely consume. (I do admit, that upon occasion I do cheat, but not often!)
My midday meal now consists of a great big healthy SALAD. I vary up the ingredients so my taste buds are not bored, but lunchtime is consistently salad time. Yes, it does take more preparation than slapping together a sandwich of processed deli meats, but to me the health benefits are worth it. Also, my sense of taste has probably changed for the better and the crisp freshness of the salad ingredients, (along with some simple but tasty homemade organic dressing), are completely satisfying to me.
Having been diagnosed with both Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Acid Reflux Disease over the last eight years, I have had to deal with the uncomfortable symptoms of these digestive conditions for many years. Self-healing practices have helped alleviate the conditions, but remarkably, this new diet has completely eliminated the acid reflux symptoms and has dramatically improved the irritable bowel. (no more bloating, gas or heartburn -- and goodbye little purple pill!)
Another unexpected amazing result of this diet is that my nails, previously always brittle and breaking, are now growing long and strong -- so the nutrients from these whole foods must definitely be affecting my health in a positive way.
Of course, eating healthier will help you lose extra pounds too, as long as you practice moderation and do not overeat. Portion control is essential for whatever diet you may follow.
For anyone, I recommend a healthier lifestyle change: increasing your intake of fresh organic produce and reducing your intake of fatty foods, processed foods and junk foods. Make lunch a hearty, crunchy satisfying salad (even several times a week will be beneficial.) Have a starter salad (or side salad) as the first course of your dinner. Eat lots of fresh or steamed veggies.
Drink juices -- both fruit and veggie -- but organic ones with no additives. Herbal teas and plenty of bottled water are excellent for hydration. Fuel your body with foods that are true biochemical nourishment: raw, whole foods. Consider the organic flexitarian way of eating -- you might see some amazing improvements in the way you feel!
Personally, I wish I had the motivation to be a true vegetarian. It is healthier and has green benefits for the environment. As an animal lover and occasional animal rescuer, vegetarianism would be so much more in sync with my beliefs. But growing up amidst "carnivores" (and no, I was not raised by a pack of wolves) there are some deeply-ingrained eating habits that make it difficult to completely break away.
However, I have discovered a middle ground between vegan and meat eater -- the organic flexitarian way of eating. "Flexitarian" is a term that was coined in recent years to denote a mostly vegetarian lifestyle, but not completely. A flexitarian diet occasionally includes a meal of fish, fowl or meat. For me personally, I prefer organic food and thus the term organic flexitarian best describes my own way of eating.
The heart of this diet are vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and sprouts -- these are basically raw whole foods. As for meat (or animal protein) I have this about twice a week, and never on consecutive days. When I DO have meat, it is only at dinner time -- never lunch -- and usually in small amounts. I may have beef, veal or pork once or twice a month now, but chicken or fish once a week.
Processed foods are no longer part of my lifestyle equation and now my digestive tract is mostly clear of additives, preservatives and chemicals that I used to freely consume. (I do admit, that upon occasion I do cheat, but not often!)
My midday meal now consists of a great big healthy SALAD. I vary up the ingredients so my taste buds are not bored, but lunchtime is consistently salad time. Yes, it does take more preparation than slapping together a sandwich of processed deli meats, but to me the health benefits are worth it. Also, my sense of taste has probably changed for the better and the crisp freshness of the salad ingredients, (along with some simple but tasty homemade organic dressing), are completely satisfying to me.
Having been diagnosed with both Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Acid Reflux Disease over the last eight years, I have had to deal with the uncomfortable symptoms of these digestive conditions for many years. Self-healing practices have helped alleviate the conditions, but remarkably, this new diet has completely eliminated the acid reflux symptoms and has dramatically improved the irritable bowel. (no more bloating, gas or heartburn -- and goodbye little purple pill!)
Another unexpected amazing result of this diet is that my nails, previously always brittle and breaking, are now growing long and strong -- so the nutrients from these whole foods must definitely be affecting my health in a positive way.
Of course, eating healthier will help you lose extra pounds too, as long as you practice moderation and do not overeat. Portion control is essential for whatever diet you may follow.
For anyone, I recommend a healthier lifestyle change: increasing your intake of fresh organic produce and reducing your intake of fatty foods, processed foods and junk foods. Make lunch a hearty, crunchy satisfying salad (even several times a week will be beneficial.) Have a starter salad (or side salad) as the first course of your dinner. Eat lots of fresh or steamed veggies.
Drink juices -- both fruit and veggie -- but organic ones with no additives. Herbal teas and plenty of bottled water are excellent for hydration. Fuel your body with foods that are true biochemical nourishment: raw, whole foods. Consider the organic flexitarian way of eating -- you might see some amazing improvements in the way you feel!
Visit http://www.reikihealthylifestyle.com
for your Free Affirmation, Attitude, Action Guide from Sheryl
Schlameuss Berger, Reiki Master Teacher and Positive Energy Living
Coach. Inspiring motivational guide contains positive affirmation
concepts plus full-color printable Affirmation "Cards".
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