Latest stories and news

Here are 12 stories from people who did the Veggie Challenge in Sept/Oct 2009:

I used to be a "Birdatarian"

Before the Challenge, I was what I would call a "Birdatarian", eating chicken and turkey a couple of times a week and the occasional fish dish. Two years ago, I stopped eating pork, beef and lamb, so the Challenge was a great way to test if I could go all out. I picked 25 days because I‘ve probably gone 7 days without eating meat and not even known it. The e-mails from the Veggie Challenge were helpful in dispelling some myths that I had about protein and nutrients, and also providing some great food ideas. I found myself getting very creative with dishes, making a great lentil soup, vegetarian Shepherd‘s pie, and vegetarian tacos.

There were a couple of times when I had to catch myself almost eating meat unintentionally – I even walked into a chicken-themed restaurant and almost ordered a dish before realizing to myself – "Hey, that has meat in it" and I sheepishly walked out the door without ordering, much to the amusement and frustration of the cashier.

P J Chimiel, printed by permission.

There were a couple of other times when I was in interesting meat-related situations, and on some occasions had to defend my temporary situation – which I did proudly. The trickiest was being a vegetarian during Thanksgiving, the time of turkey. Everyone asked what I was possibly going to eat? I was more than happy with mashed potatoes, corn, grilled vegetables, and a broccoli and cabbage casserole, and a healthy serving of pie. I was the only one not falling asleep afterwards.

When you tell people you‘re a vegetarian (even for just a few weeks), they may judge you, give you funny looks, and whisper behind your back – but does that really matter? The important thing is that you‘ve made a decision that‘s important to you. After the Challenge, I‘m heavily considering becoming a full-time vegetarian‚ – it‘s day 28 and I still haven‘t eaten meat. Either way, the Challenge was a great experience, and I learned a lot about the vegetarian lifestyle and eating healthy. Thanks!

– Rickesh, age 30-44, Keswick, ON

I realized that being vegetarian doesn't have to be boring

The week went well. I tried a few new recipes and I enjoyed them. I particularly like Indian and Japanese cuisine and I discovered how to cook seaweed. I realized that being vegetarian doesn't have to be boring. There are so many different grains and plants out there to choose from. Every country has it's own unique way of flavouring them.

Watching the movie "Meet your Meat" has disturbed me greatly. I am not sure I can eat meat again.

Thank you for making me aware of things that matter.

– Kristin, age 30-44, Toronto

The healthiest way to live

My recently started Yoga classes inspired me to become a vegetarian. It was not a chore but rather an understanding that this is the healthiest way to live. I received the most amazing reactions from just about everyone, mostly "wow" and "really!?! – to which I answer, it's actually pretty easy and extremely satisfying. I did not follow the meal suggestions from the Challenge during my week, but I will be using the recipes in weeks and months to come. The emails were a fun way to plan for future meals. 

The one thing that stands out in my mind about my "conversion" is the amazing resources and support system available to anyone who wants to make healthy choices. You just have to open your eyes and mind to a new and exciting world... thank you for that.

Update: Three weeks later after completing phase 2

Well, it‘s been an exciting time. When I originally thought of the idea of becoming a vegetarian, I really never thought that it would be fun and exciting. Boring, bland and healthy is what came to mind. Boy was I wrong. The switch to eating vegetarian has given me an opportunity to experience foods like never before. The flavours are new and exciting and food has never tasted this good. I‘ve taken on cooking as a full time job for myself and my family, who by the way are semi vegetarians, just because I don‘t cook anything else. If they want some meat they have to do it themselves.

The Veggie Challenge has really helped me, especially with the simplicity of many of the recipes (green smoothies are the best!). I look forward to many years of healthy living.

– Arthur, age 30-44, Maple, ON
Sep/Oct 2009 winner (random draw). Arthur chose Fressen, Toronto's most gourmet vegetarian restaurant. They are at 478 Queen St W (w. of Spadina), 416-504-5127 www.fressenrestaurant.com

View pictures from Arthur's dinner at Fressen.

I discovered a whole new range of eating!

During my days of eating vegetarian, I packed amazing lunches for myself for school. I discovered a whole new range of eating! I was eating healthy to begin with, but eating vegetarian this week has boosted my energy and concentration. Plus, with the tips and information provided in the emails, I found the Challenge not challenging at all!

– Claudia, teen, Mississauga, ON

The way that I live is a habit that can be changed

As a vegetarian, I have felt a great deal of anxiety for my hypocrisy of eating and wearing and living with certain animal products while not eating meat. I realize that the way that I live is a habit which can be changed. I am ready to change but the difficulty is in dealing with the attitudes of others and dealing with their guilty subconscious and inability to resolve this within themselves.

The Challenge is helping me to identify these issues, strengthen my arguments and realize that I am not just part of a fringe movement. There are many people who feel the same way that I do. I'm the same person regardless of what I eat and perhaps I will be more human in the end.

– CleverMonkey, age 30-44, St. Marys,

I was able to take a real leap into eating without meat

When I started the Challenge I was eating a mostly vegetarian diet, but by using the 25 day Veggie Challenge I was able to take a real leap into eating without meat. It was hard at first to find the right foods that could fill me up and include all the daily recommended vitamins but I used the recipes provided and found that it wasn't hard after all.

– Melissa, early 20's, Toronto

The Veggie Challenge gave me the guts to give up meat

I felt healthier the minute I gave up meat. It has bothered me for years – the treatment of animals and I just didn't have the guts to "give up" meat until the Veggie Challenge. Thank you for giving me the incentive to take that extra step towards saving the environment, and for eating healthy. My next big step is to give up all dairy foods!!

– Cindi, age 45-64, Barrie, ON

In the end, it was very worth it

We live in such a meat-centric society when it comes to food consumption. It is challenging to fight against that and re-learn all that we are not taught (or lied to) about eating meat and alternatives to eating meat. It does take more work to be vegetarian, and it can be challenging, you just need to be able to take the time to do it. In the end, it is very worth it.

– John, age 30-44

I turned semi-vegetarian because of my son

Before I joined the Challenge I had already turned semi-vegetarian because of my son who is truly vegetarian. I do not know how he became vegetarian. A former girlfriend of his is vegetarian but he did not turn vegetarian when he was with her, so I do not believe that it was her influence. My son does not eat meat, fish, poultry and eggs. I still do eat fish and eggs, but during the Challenge I tried not to. In my mind I still believe that eating fish and eggs is not bad. So if you could convince me that I should not be eating them, that would be a relief. It would be easier for me to become a true vegetarian.

Thank you and hope to hear from you soon.

– Sepin, age 45-64, Toronto

Working towards being completely vegetarian

I cheated a couple of times, but for the most part, I stayed on the vegetarian diet. I didn't find it that difficult and the meals were enjoyable. I did notice that after eating better, when I did cheat and eat meat, my stomach felt heavy and bloated after. I also managed to lose a little bit of weight. I will continue to work towards being completely vegetarian and maybe even vegan in the future.

– Dstradling, age 45-64, Whitby, ON

I loved experimenting

Foods I love experimenting with now: red kidney beans, chickpeas, black rice, cabbage, red onions, zucchini, avocado, plantain, sprouts.

Dishes I love making from scratch now: veggie stew, vegan salad dressing, home-made veggie burgers, "exotic" pastas.

– Nathan, late 20's, Toronto

Lots to learn

I found that if you lived right downtown, you had a better selection of vegetarian restaurants and stores.

I'm not a big fan of tofu these days on the research that was done. Tried to include natural products in my diet. Did not want to have too much pasta unless it was spelt or rice noodles. There is lots to learn and I am always looking for ways to have a better diet.

Thanks for the Challenge

– Marita, age 45-64, Etobicoke, ON
Sep/Oct 2009 Phase 2 winner (random draw). For her prize Marita chose Rawlicious, a living foods (raw) cafe in Toronto, featuring delicious smoothies, salads, wraps, pastas, breakfasts and desserts. Beautiful airy ambiance. They are at 3092 Dundas St W (w. of Keele), 416-519-7150
www.rawlicious.ca