What is Enough?

When I decided (about a month ago) to finally ease into the vegetarian diet I've been contemplating since I was thirteen, my sister-in-law Julie had some very simple, very helpful advice that a friend had passed onto to her. I was expressing my concern about not being vegetarian enough - sure, it's great to give up beef and poultry (I've decided for now to continue to eat seafood and dairy), but what about fish and eggs and milk and cheese? After all, if I'm giving up meat consumption for moral reasons as well as health, isn't veganism even better? I was feeling overwhelmed by all I still wasn't doing. Julie pointed out that making even one change in my diet does make a difference. Doing something 15% is better than 0%. Doing something 40% is better than 15%. As Julie said, this may seem obvious, but it's an important reminder given the absolutely dizzying array of things we are told we should be doing these days (by politicians, advertisements, schools, etc.) to preserve our lives and our planet. How are we ever supposed to keep up? Julie's words reminded me to pace myself. (Thanks, Julie.) Better to begin something as monumental as a new lifestyle with goals that feel attainable and - with time - aim to do even better. 

Speaking of ... PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is sponsoring a "Pledge to Be Veg for 30 Days!" If you'd care to give it a try - for thirty days or forever, for animal-related reasons or not - I'd love your company. PETA's "go veg" website also offers many great tips about transitioning to a vegetarian diet, vegetarian recipes and all the important reasons to think harder about what you eat every day.