Posted in Health

What do you think when you hear the word vegetarian?  This is a word that is associated with an unfortunate stereotype.  Say the word vegetarian and most likely people will conjure an image of a thin, earthy, liberal human, often unkept.  However this is not the norm anymore.  Vegetarians come in all shapes and sizes.  They have a wide variety of beliefs.  More and more, vegetarians are being accepted as mainstream.

There are several types of vegetarians, such as lacto, ovo, lacto-ovo, fruit, pesco, vegan, etc.  Some vegetarians are "cause" people and believe that animals should not be used for nutritional purposes, in any aspect.  Others have a strong bent towards sustainable living and therefore try to eat accordingly.  The list and beliefs of vegetarians.  However there is a common thread among these people; they believe in healthful bodies and that a diet high in a wide variety of vegetables, grains, and legumes promotes this health.

I have a hard time being categorized as a vegetarian, because I am not.  I have trouble digesting flesh, but I do enjoy it from time to time.  (Oh how I enjoy good buffalo wings!)  I also believe that God gave us the animals to help sustain us.  Did you know there is such a thing as part time vegetarianism?  This group seems to consist of people who mostly eat a vegetarian diet, but do eat some type of meat, fish, or poultry on occaision.  When I ahve asked others why they choose this lifestyle, the answer is always the same; "I just feel better."

So if eating God's produce gives us better stronger bodies, thus a better temple, why not try going veg for a few days per week.  One great hint that was given to me that has really sparked my interest, culinary skills, and tastebuds is to make your palte filled with as many colors as possible.  The more colorful, the more flavorful and healthful.

Next time you make your shopping list, try adding ingredients for just one new veg dish.  In the infamous words of Sam I am, "Try them and you may I say."

These are my thoughts.