40 day challenge

It is awkward to be a vegetarian in the company of carnivores. I’m out to eat with my parents, in town visiting, and we’ve stopped for a bite to eat. And I am realizing for the first time since adopting my new diet what it means to be a man and a vegetarian in America. The waitress asks me if I’m a vegetarian after she takes my order. Although in the grand scheme this isn’t a big deal, I do notice that when my father orders meatloaf, she does not say, “Carnivore, huh?” In these questionable moments when I feel like I’ve committed a social taboo, I realize how important my meat-free decision is for my own personal growth. By giving up meat and seafood for the forty days of Lent, I can challenge my religious discipline AND my own preconceived notions about the dietary expectations of an American male. Read on as l examine my clumsy metamorphosis into a vegetarian, and find out more about my journey:

Today is the infamous Fat Tuesday, where we gorge ourselves with Jambalaya, Muffalettas, King cake and beignets. And obviously, we guzzle lots of booze in the New Orleans tradition. This day traditionally prepares Christians to start their Lenten season on Ash Wednesday, where they make major sacrifices like no meat on Fridays. (Huge, I know!) Regardless if you're Catholic, Jewish or Buddhist, you can create a challenge yourself for a more sustainable behavior for 40 days. "What can I do?", I hear you ask. (Yes, I can hear your thoughts readers! But not always, which is why we encourage comments.) (Find out more about the 40 day green challenge and what I'm doing, after the jump!)

Confession: When I was supposed to give up something for Lent growing up, I failed miserably. (Sorry Mom & Dad!)  Whether it was chocolate or swearing, I caved at some point. Instead of failing again at a petty sacrifice, I decided to make a 40-day commitment in 2012 that could make an environmental impact.  Some of my potential options... "Going vegan for 40 days"? Overdone.  (Plus, many people are vegan by choice... like the Skinny Bitches, LA & this Team Vegan Philly.  It would be like one of my friends saying "Guess what! I'm going eco-friendly for 40 days." Yawn.)  Zero-waste household? The Johnsons have already documented their transformation. So, I decided to go back to my roots... My 40 day challenge is