As we reach the end of the challenge I feel for at least a few of you the challenge is becoming easier. As for me I think that that being a vegetarian comes with its ups and downs, sometimes my environment or daily schedule can have a tole on my eating habits and finding a enjoyable meat free dish is not always the easiest, but nevertheless it is doable. After doing our weekly reflection with Darren last week I realized that its not just about my challenge to not eat meat but its about all our challenges together, a little community. That’s what is making this challenge so interesting. Its not that I feel accountable for letting people down if I don’t stick to my challenge its more so I feel a sense of responsibility to keep up my end of the bargain. 

I had my first vegetable korma the other night, it did feel like something was missing i.e. the meat but it still tasted like korma and was rather enjoyable. 

As I received another text message from ripples reminding me about my challenge while simultaneously encouraging me to keep going they mentioned something known as ‘ change fatigue’. That phrase defiantly sums up my challenge the past few days. College itself is a huge change to experience plus then this massive change in my diet may all seem a little overwhelming at times. Yet the more we delve further into this course and the more I learn about the devastating effects of climate change which I am sure we are all aware of I become more and more empowered to stay on top of my challenge. The environmental issues we are faces are going to take some major changes to fix which will involve all of society. But by doing my little challenge and sticking with it in the future I feel like I am making some kind of minor impact on helping the environment. One person going vegetarian may not make a huge change to the grand scheme of things but its a small step in the right direction.  So whenever I feel like this challenge is not worth the change I try to remind myself that it has a purpose, so does everyone who is taking parts challenge. Day 19 we are almost there!

Week two has come and gone, things are getting a lot easier, meal ideas are becoming second nature to me now and I don’t even think of incorporating meat into my diet. I do believe that systems have to change. Often the vegetarian options in cafes and restaurant are poor. I have seen many salads and soups. Some places even charge you extra for the vegetarian option although vegetables as a substitute for meat is much cheaper. In terms of systems changing to become more environmentally friendly I strongly believe that if we are going to make any progress restaurants need to adapt to suit people with a plant based diet. 

This week has been some what harder then the others in the sense that I tend to forget after a busy day or when I’m out and about that I have cut meat from my diet. I went to eat a chicken nugget the other day out of pure habit, thankfully I recognised it was meat before it was too late.

I have realized while undergoing this challenge that a lot of what we may deem to be a choice is often just habits in our daily life. Its a habit to choose the meat option for dinner or to eat meat subconsciously. All these habits can be changed with a little dedication.

Since I have been cooking more vegetarian meals for myself the curiosity has gotten the better of my Dad and he has begun eating some of them, or at least having a taste. I’m going to try and make it more of a habit after these 30 days to still cook vegetarian dinners and lunches, maybe even trick my Dad to having a few with me.

Since the start of my challenge I have encountered many different people with many different reactions about my choice to go vegetarian. My personal favourite is from the people whose face lights up and they start asking a million questions about recipes, meat alternatives and what supermarkets are the best for supporting vegetarians. These are the people who have thought about cutting out meat but have not been brave enough yet to take the leap. Hopefully my challenge has inspired these few to decide to cut out meat.

Other reactions from people have not been so exciting. I have been greeted by many blank stares and the immediate ‘Why would you do that?’ that is when I get to educate them on the environmental benefits less meat production has.

But as the days go on I will continue to talk about my challenge more in the hopes that one person will consider what I am saying and make the switch to a more plant based diet too. 

I think most clued in vegetarians recognise that tofu can be a great source of protein. Today I tried it for the first time, I can definitely say that I am not a fan. I don’t know if it was the look or the texture of the tofu that turned me off, but I am willing to give it another go. I am proud of myself nonetheless as trying new foods and recipes is something I want to get better at during this challenge.
One of the biggest surprises I have had over the last week is that I don’t miss eating meat. I feel I am making healthier food choices while being more environmentally friendly. I have a feeling this is a lifestyle I can get used to and even continue to cut out meat from my diet after the 30 days.

For my challenge I have chosen to become a vegetarian. Throughout the next 30 days I hope to achieve a deeper understanding as to why vegetarianism is not only beneficial to the planet but also to our health.
Living at home and sharing most of my meals with my family who are not undergoing this challenge is going to be my biggest obstacle, although today I joined them for dinner and I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of vegetarian/vegan options on the menu, from tofu to nut roast. I have already begun to look forward to the meals I will be making for myself over the next month and hopefully I can persuade my family to change their habits and cut down on their daily meat intake.

Best of luck to everyone with their own challenge and feel free to share any vegetarian friendly recipes with me!