On May 15, 2003 I made a decision that would change my life forever! I became a vegetarian. I didn't know much about it and in 2003 it was unheard of. I didn't know at the time that this decision would define me and change my entire way of living forever.
My Journey
I have, since I was young disliked meat. At a young age, in a high chair, I was given chicken. I questioned it, asking what it was. When told chicken I could not believe it and kept asking, "but what is it?" When I finally realized it was the animal, I said I would not eat it. I was only 2 at that point. Throughout childhood, I disliked meat, the taste, texture and what it was. I knew in my heart that I did not need it and did not want to eat it. When I was in my first year of college, I read an interview with Billy Martin of Good Charlotte about his vegetarian lifestyle and it just clicked. I decided no meat and have never turned back. It was such an easy decision to make and something I am so proud of. I have been criticized and questioned about it, but I know that I am making a difference and am proud of what I am doing. I gave up dairy and all animal products in January of 2015. I now have a husband and baby who share these same values and way of life.
Going Green
After 10 years of being a vegetarian, I came up with some New Year resolutions that would help "green" my life. I had been not eating meat for years, but had not been eating healthy. I started researching nutrition and food and quickly fell in love with. I began reading about chemicals, toxins and other preservatives that are "okay" to be put in food. It opened my eyes to what I was putting in my body. I read every ingredient now before eating something. It has changed the way I eat and the way I shop.
Along with checking food ingredients, I started researching skin products. I started small and began to switch over all skincare, cosmetics, hair and shower items. These items are unregulated and commonly have chemicals and toxins in them. Our skin absorbs 60% of any topical product we use. It takes only 49 seconds for these toxins to enter your blood stream after being put onto the skin. I used a wonderful app called Skin Deep by the Environmental Working Group to check my current products and look for ones that do not contain these ingredients to switch to as I used up my products. I started the same process with my cleaning products and items around the house as well. I uncovered great articles, tips, recipes and products along the way. I hope to use this blog as a way of sharing with anyone else that is interested in living a green, organic life.