About a month and a half ago I watched a one night viewing of a documentary titled Unity which valued the central message that we are all equal but different. I'm not going to get too much into that, although it was fantastic, but the part I would like to focus on is the 14 minutes of animal footage out of the entire 90 minute feature. The footage was not gory, which I found almost more effective, but it was playing on our ability to empathize. The clips would show a cow in complete distress over being in line to get slaughtered. The cow would thrash about trying to turn around, because it knew what was going to happen behind the curtain. I won't ruin too much of it, but it was in that footage that I thought, "Hey, animals actually feel some things like we do." The purpose of the film was to say that we are all connected to everything; humanity, animals and the earth in general. I won't bore you with anymore of that just go watch the documentary (they can explain much better than I can). So my point is this bit of film inspired me to try out being a pescatarian. A pescatarian is basically someone who does not eat meat, except for the occasional fish. I just wondered why we value our lives so tremendously over animals, and decided to do something about it. They made a point in the film to say that we know we cannot fix the way things are, but there are small things you can do within yourself that makes a difference to something. I know that me being a pescatarian is not going to bring about world peace, but it is just something I could do for myself and I wanted to try it. As we've heard from every overdone movie graduation speech, "Be the change you wish to see in the world". So that is just what I did. Here are some revelations that came about from my experience:
1. All of my friends thought that I would not be able to do it.
This is understandable as I was a pretty avid meat eater. I loved Chick fil-a, Texas Roadhouse steaks, and Taco Bell was my jam. All of my supportive compadres gave me a week tops. Yet here I stand today, still trucking on the veggie train.
2. It was easier to follow than I thought.
I honestly didn't think I would be able to do it at first. My reasoning for choosing to be a pescatarian as opposed to a straight up vegetarian was that just in my mind I would be slightly more okay with not eating red meat or chicken if I knew that I could eat fish if I needed it. I don't eat fish more than I did before either, it's merely just an option. Overall, it is easy. In the dining halls they usually have vegetarian options, and I can always opt for a cheese quesadilla or sushi anywhere else. Let me also tell you my most prized information: at Chipotle they have this thing called "sofritas," and let me tell you it is amazing. Sofritas is really well seasoned tofu and even my meat eater friends prefer it. Try it out y'all!
3. It sometimes forced me to choose healthier options.
Especially at fast food restaurants, it seems almost impossible to eat at them. In college sometimes we have to and I can honestly say pescatarianism has benefitted me the most in this area. At Wendy's instead of chicken nuggets, fries and a coke I'll get a baked potato and a salad. Or Taco Bell, for instance, has tons of options that are healthier than my once adored Crunchwrap Supreme. Though cheese pizza, donuts and ice cream are still vegetarian so I have to watch out. I have been more conscious of what I put into my body.
4. I feel healthier.
My skin has cleared up a little bit, and I've even had more energy! Eating meat products no longer seems like a necessity, and I have a new and improved attitude about food.
5. My conclusion.
I'm very happy with my decision to abstain from meat and poultry. It has benefitted me to stay on track with something healthy, and make it a habit. I've pondered the idea of doing entirely vegetarian weekdays and than on the weekends let loose a little bit, because there are times when it can become inconvenient and hindering. Plus, sometimes I just really want Chick-fil-a.
If you're thinking about trying out the fish and veggie life, you should talk to your doctor as I am not a nutritionist. Also here are some helpful links to some great information about the diet.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/31526-list-foods...
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/start-pescatarian-...
Also in case you were interested in the fantastic documentary that will blow your entire mind, here is that as well.
Not the same but different.
