Week #4 SUNDAY

Super Sunday!!!!!

Bagel and Cinnamon Roll
Philly Cheese Steak made by Raymond's James Stadium's finest

Victory Cigar and Makers Mark


It is 2am Monday and I just got home...more to come later. Sleepys for me

Elvis Week #4 SATURDAY

Bagel with lox and cream cheese
Wings (FINALLY) and a BIG EFFING BURGER

SUPER BOWL BABY

Elvis Week #4 FRIDAY

Orange
Chipotle salad (no meat)
STEAK...medium rare, with rosemary roasted potatoes

SUPER BOWL BABY!!!!!!

Ugh

I'm so sick right now. Horrible. Absolutely horrible.

Christine Day 26 Friday

Elvis is a quitter. I am still on a Veggie Lifestyle for A MONTH. This was his "thing" and he quit.

Lunch - half of a tuna sub and some fries.

Dinner - other half of tuna sub.

I am still sick. I went to this wonderful pre-wedding party last night and ate nothing. The food looked wonderful. (meat and non-meat items alike) Sucks. I had a few pieces of cheese when I got home.

Christine Day 25 Thursday

Breakfast - Tylenol Cold & Flu and some juice.

Lunch - a piece of cheese.

Dinner - reservations at Tio Pepe for Restaurant week. I checked the menu, I will be having the salmon for dinner. There are 2 fish dishes and 2 meat dishes as options for entrees. I may have a bite of the seafood bisque that I am sure Matt will order, but I am going to order the salad as an appetizer. Dessert, chocolate roll with whipped cream.

I may have some tea before dinner. Still sick.

I am going to try and stick this thing out through the weekend. I have a wedding on Saturday and Friday night there is a gathering for the happy couple at Metropolitan. I am sure I will have to consume some fish. I still feel like I am cheating, thanks Elvis. Sunday, there is brunch for the happy couple and then they are hosting a Super Bowl party. I think that is really ambitious, but they don't leave for their honeymoon until Tuesday. It is a Matt-free weekend!

Elvis Week #4 THURSDAY

Orange
Falafel Pita
Veggie Burritos

Well folks, this will constitute my LAST FULL DAY of no meat. Tomorrow evening, I am having Filets in TAMPA BAY to kick off Super Bowl weekend. I will be veggie for breakfast and lunch, but dinner is OFF.

I will send you all a recap on my month long adventure when I return from the SUPER BOWL.

Thank you all for your support, jokes, etc... This blog was fun.

Off to pack...

Did I mention I was going to the SUPER BOWL?

Till Monday...

Elvis Week #4 WEDNESDAY

So I read Christine's posts regarding her attendance at sporting events and really never paid it any mind...

HOWEVER, having attended the Pitt/'Nova basketball game last night, stadiums sure as hell make it hard to be a veggie. Nachos...I had nachos for dinner. Now don't get me wrong, I love the taste of nachos like any other red blooded American male, but c'mon. Nachos or an effing pretzel!?!?!?!? That's it? I drove through snow and ice to shell out $$ in your facility while watching a game and my reward is nachos and a pretzel. Frusturating!

Orange
Falafel Pita
Worst Nachos EVER

And the double kick in the nuts is that Pitt lost. No...they didn't lose...they got their teeth kicked in.

I'll check in again later...

Christine Day 24 Wednesday

I am sick as a dog. I have had some Earl Grey Tea this morning. I don't expect to eat much today. It's a head cold, not veggie related.

As expected, I had juice and some creamy organic tomato soup. That's it. I slept most of the day with the flu.

It sucks. Sorry Elvis, sporting events are the worst place to be a vegetarian.

Christine Day 23 Tuesday

Breakfast - Greek Yogurt with Honey.

Lunch - leftover seafood medley from Saturday. Shrimp, Scallops, Crab. There were also peas in this dish.

Dinner - Morning Star Mushroom Burger with American cheese and dill mustard. Also a few pieces of American Cheese on the side.

Dessert - Breyer's Vanilla Double Churned Ice Cream with warm Carmel, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream.

It really hit the sweet tooth!

Christine Day 22 Monday

Breakfast - scrambled eggs with mac n' cheese cooked in. I was using my leftovers.

Snack - chips. salsa, guac. Sam Adams Winter Ale. After work obviously.

Dinner - I made BLT's for Matt and Curt. (2 each) I nibbled on Tomato and Mozzarella salad with balsamic vinaigrette and a Morning Star "chicken" fillet. L,T,M and American cheese. Really good.

Christine Day 21 Sunday

3 weeks down.

Breakfast - everything bagel with cream cheese and coffee.

Lunch - Miller Lite

Dinner - Sushi. I knew it would be my weakness. Also a seaweed salad.

Christine Day 20 Saturday

Breakfast - mushroom and cheese sandwich from Potbelly's and a bowl of tomato soup.

Polar Bear Plunge

Lunch - cream of crab soup and a seafood dish containing shrimp, crab, and scallops. Matt and I went to a steak and seafood restaurant to meet his Aunt Sue for lunch. She picked the place.

Dinner at Lebanese Taverna - eggplant salad and a grape leaf roll filled with rice.

Christine is a slacker

Christine, too busy eating MEAT to post on the blog

Cxl that dinner invite...you stink

Elvis Week #4 TUESDAY

Orange
Falafel Pita (w Lettuce, Tomato, Feta, Red Onion, Tahini Sauce)
Hot & Sour Soup and 2 Vegetable Spring Rolls

Makers time...

Super Bowl in just a few days, which means Buffalo wings in just a few days. Yes I am obsessed!

Elvis Week #4 MONDAY

The home stretch. I gotta be honest, and trust me I will write a long diatribe when this is over, I like it. The choices I have made food wise are leading to some good habits and some eye opening experiences.

I will never underestimate how hard it is for my veggie friends to dine out at a "normal" restaurant. The choices are very lacking. I now understand how annoyed my friend Amy in Berkeley gets when she comes home to Syracuse and her mom offers her boca burgers only. There is a whole world of foods that can be enjoyed outside of veggie burgers. I will probably choose fake meat in my lasagna as opposed to turkey sausage b/c it is much better for you. Things like that...

I am kinda glad I opened my stupid mouth and New Years, in front of witnesses, who forced me to live up to this experiment.

And lastly, I am happy that I am not a slacker like Christine who doesnt blog everyday and who eats meat and who dates Matt. Talk about three strikes!

GO BILLS!

Breakfast -> Nada...lotsa water...keeps me full and not wanting to snack on meat
Lunch -> Greek Salad from Cosi
Dinner -> Cous Cous and a Boca Chicken Patty (Swiss, L, T, Grey Poupon)

I only have a few days to go, but come Monday...I don't think much will change and I will embrace my new lifestyle choice as a veggie (with occassional meat).

CHRISTINE....WHERE ARE WE GOING TO CELEBRATE?????????????????????????????

Elvis...wrapping up Week #3

Saturday -> Gosh, so long ago...After playing 9 holes (yup, my dumb a$$ golfed on Saturday), came home to a Fake Sausage, Egg, and Cheese sammich.

Lunch consisted of Miller Lites with Pozimoto and the surprise came at dinner, where I indulged on a Hummus Wrap at Dont Know. Had a side salad as well. I will tell you all, the food there is good. I was thoroughly impressed and am a big fan! Check out their menu sometime.

Sunday -> Had a boring bagel...booooo... followed by Miller Lites and Pasta with veggies and alfredo sauce for dinner.

Can you fools believe I haven't had meat in 3 weeks. 21 days. Crazy. I have dropped 10lbs as of this morning, and the cravings have most def subsided.

I am in the home stretch leading up to the Super Bowl and those wings are getting closer and closer to becoming a reality.

AND I HAVE HAD NO FISH (outside of the first few days of anchovies on the Caesar Salad) unlike my partner in crime.

Week 3 Day 5

Orange
Caeser Salad
Veggie Soup and Veg Sammich from Panera

Lesson Learned -> Cilantro is da bombdiggity. That sammich was one of the best I have ever had.

Week 3 Day 4

Orange
Caesar Salad
Taco Salad with fake meat

Lesson learned -> Fake meat is not good on its own. When eating a salad with fake meat on it, do NOT eat all the lettuce and save the meat for last. ICK

Christine Friday - Day 19

Breakfast- 2 eggs over easy. Yes Matt, I broke one of the yolks. It was still edible and delicious.

Lunch - egg salad sandwich from Big Jim's (same as yesterday), potato salad, Berger cookie. I had lunch with an architecture firm.

HH - Woodchuck Cider Beer, Hoegarrden Beer x2

Dinner - Nibbled at Wine Night. Not a lot of meat dishes were even brought. I brought a veggie/spinach dip with organic crackers. One glass of Shiraz.

Polar Bear Plunge Day is tomorrow. If I would have gotten my lazy azz on a treadmill or something, I may be down more than 3 lbs and look better in my suit. C'est La Vie.

Christine Day 18 Thursday

Breakfast - Egg Salad Sandwich

Dinner - mac n' cheese and popcorn. I haven't mentioned the popcorn, but I have been snacking on it as well for a few days. It is 3 different kinds:white cheddar, buttered, caremel. It was brought back by Kevin and Angie from OC, MD as a gift for dog sitting.

Dessert - Miller Lite after broomball and 5 potato chips.

I really wanted to stop by Burger King on the way home and crush a BK Fish sandwich, but I held off.

Lb's lost 3. I thought I gained weight, but I was just retaining water. (What a relief.) Also, people look at you funny when you mention you are not eating meat for a month. They ask if it is for health reasons. Funny.

Christine Day 17 Wednesday

Ok, catch up time.

Breakfast - Wheat Bagel with Sundried tomato cream cheese.

Dinner - veggies and dip at Michelle's (from Ryleigh's) going away party

Dessert - assorted snack sized candy bars. There were leftover from Christmas and I was hungry! I also must have eaten enough to get a stomach ache. I have no more cravings for chocolate. How stupid am I? (Please don't answer that)

I'm a Veggie Too!...sorta

Officially, I'm not part of this "veggie" challenge, but today I felt like a vegetarian. Move over Elvis and Chris! I'm on travel for work and needed to be in Long Island. I took the train to Newark, NJ and then rented a car to drive up to a town called Melville. Here is what the rental company gave me.



It's my first time in a Toyota Prius and it's about as close as I am going to come to being a vegetarian. We've all heard about how this car is good for the environment, good for the economy, good for your bottom line, but with the exception of one person, I am not aware of anyone that has bothered to buy one of these things. (Side Note, the exception is a co-worker that lives in SF, CA, so no surprise there. He also refers to it as his 'fag car'. Not my words, just a direct quote).

So what did I think? To tell you the truth, I was impresssed. While it didn't have the kick of a Porsche 911 Turbo (what pretentious snob drives that), it was surprisingly nimble and sprite. Below is the distance I had to cover, approximately 47 miles. The LED display calculated mileage and when I arrived at my destination, the car said it had achieved 44 mpg. Not too shabby.

Elvis Week 3 Day 3

Breakfast -> Orange
Lunch -> Greek Salad with Falafel
Dinner -> Fake Chicken Product Parmasean Chix Sammich, Snow Peas, and a side salad
Dessert -> Makers Mark

So, is Wake Forest the fastest team to lose the number one ranking in history? I mean seriously...Va Tech...in front of your home fans. They say that teams often look ahead to games and you can sure as heck tell that all Wake had on their minds last night was their weekend showdown with the Dukies. Bastages...

And LOST...I am effing LOST. Jumping around in time...characters in and out....it makes my head hurt.

Curse you James for not dragging me to the Gerks. Curse you!

Elvis Week 3 Day 2

I keep losing count of days...

10 pounds down. Crazy. I really think it is more Miller Lite, or lack of it, than anything else.

Monday, Sir Charles is indeed correct. I stayed in to watch a hoops game. It's all in the name of research though as I'm doing recon work for the March Madness trip to Vegas!

Tuesday consisted of an Orange for breakfast, a Greek salad for lunch, and perogies with asparagus for dinner.

I really think I can catch onto this whole veggie. thing. It's amazing how one notices veggie choices, or the lack of them, on a lot of menus. Makes it hard to eat out, which in turn leads to eating in and more healthy.

This little experiment has been quite eye-opening for me personally.

More to come...

Chris Day 16 Tuesday

Yes I switched to my nickname, I hope Poz can follow.

For breakfast I had my delicious Greek Fage yogurt with Greek honey. It is so rich, it is almost like eating cheese. For those of you who have never tried Greek yogurt, it is so different from our yogurt. Fage is sold at Trader Joe's. The was another kind at our terrible store in the shopping center, but I haven't seen it lately. I nibbled again today on my leftover taco items: tomatoes, olives, beans, cheese. I made an egg wrap for dinner. I am stuffed and going to bed. I am hitting the grocery store tomorrow, I am running low on food.

On the list:
Morning Star Black Bean Burgers
Bread (for grilled cheese and peanut butter & jelly)
Sliced Cheese
Organic Milk
Tomatoes
Greek Yogurt
Mac & Cheese
Beans

That list was for you and me so I can remember what I need. Girl's Dinner is tomorrow night. I am not sure if we should try a home made mac & cheese or a vegetarian lasagna with ricotta cheese and spinach. I will let you know! (I am leaning towards the mac & cheese)

Christine Day 15 Monday

I ate very little on Monday. I had a few bites of beans throughout the day and that was it until dinner.

Charles & Crystal invited me out to enjoy some Korean BBQ with them. Ever tempting Charles told me it was OK to suspend my veggie lifestyle for the occasion. The marinated meats looked and smelled absolutely delicious, but I restrained myself. I stuck with the vegetables they serve as appetizers, I ordered a soup with fish, etc. in it, and a hot bowl with noodles and seafood. If they would have kept bringing out the "appetizers", I could have just chowed down on those alone. So, one more time I had seafood during the month, 4 times since we started. Not too bad. That is really what I miss the most. I would be eating that more regularly if Elvis would have not sworn it off. I am sure you had a fun night at home. Next time, join us!

The experience, so far, makes you really think about what you consume at home or out to eat. It is definitely going to impact how and what I eat in the future. I really can't get on a fruit kick for some reason. I like fruit, but I have trouble just eating a piece of fruit. I like vegetables a lot more and find them easy to eat.

Jong Gak aka Young c-ck

This is an image of one of Christine's dishes. I invited her and a group of friends to a local Korean restaurant for some Korean BBQ. I told Christine that it would be okay to 'cheat' and I wouldn't hold it against her, but she resisted and we were able to find several other dishes that would satisfy any vegetarian.

P.S. I invited the other party (Elvis) to this challenge, but he declined. He preferred to stay home with wifey and watch basketball between their respective schools. How lame is that? Hhhmmmm. Ethnic food with friends or stay at home to watch an early season bbball game? Yeah, I'm sure he made the right call.

Elvis Week 3 Day 1

Heck yeah...2 weeks down!

Not sure where I left off with you fools so I'll just skip ahead to Sunday.

I WATCHED CHRISTINE CHEAT, and truth be told I nibbled on a crab leg myself. BUT I couldn't finish it (didn't taste that good and the texture bothered me) so it doesn't count. I really am becoming a veggie. My body is actually rejecting certain foods.

Dinner consisted of COOKED RAVENS....with a side of 3 cheese tortellini with fake meat sauce. The sauce was not fake...just the meat that went into the sauce.

Moving onto Monday and MLK Day

Breakfast consisted of dry heaves and the shakes, followed by a 6 inch veggie sub from Subway for lunch.
Dinner was a Boca Burger (jesus they are good) with Swiss, mushrooms, and fried onions. Side dishes consisted of Broccoli and Cous Cous.

So, there you have it...Week 3 begins.

And to my good friend John P....hell yeah those wings are gonna taste good in Tampa!!!!!!!

Christine Day 14 (2 WEEKS!) SUNDAY

Matt invited me to champagne brunch at Sparrows Point CC. I fell off the wagon with my seafood. This will be the 3 time I have had seafood during this adventure.

I crushed some Alaskan King Crab Legs and some smoked salmon. I also had fruit and a vegetable omelet. Chocolate cream pie for desert. I was full all day.

The orange crushes, beer, and bombs during the Steelers/Ratbirds game kept me hydrated. For my late night dinner I enjoyed a few pieces of cheese pizza with blue cheese.

No surprise here, but I think I have actually gained weight. I have found a way to gain weight as a pseudo-vegetarian. Awesome.

Christine Day 13 Saturday

Breakfast Breakfast burrito (scrambled eggs, home made guac, black beans, refried beans, cheese, sour cream)

Dinner at the Bar Louie before the hockey game: chips, salsa, guac, queso, and a ceasar salad.

Christine Day 12 Friday

I need to catch up.

Breakfast a bagel with cream cheese.
Dinner cheese and chocolate covered almonds and a glass of wine.

Late night snack: peanut butter cracker.

Elvis Week 2 Day Friday

Sorry effers...lost count...so Friday works...

Breakfast -> Orange...yet it was red on the inside. Weird
Lunch -> Homemade Greek Salad. Lettuce, Red Onion, Feta, Olives, Tomato, and homemade Falafel. YUM YUM
Dinner -> Out at a new place...Frank & Nics. Check it out. It's good. I had Bruschetta, Caesar, and Veggie Panini.

And I lost more hoops bets...UGH

Elvis Week 2 Day 4

Breakfast - Apple
Lunch - Vegetarion Chili in a Bread Bowl from Au Bon Pain (good but effing expensive)
Dinner - Boca Burger with Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, and Low Fat Cheddar. Side of Grean Beans, and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

BOCA BURGERS RULE!!!!!

Who needs meat?

Tough weekend coming up with the football games on Sunday and a gazillion college hoops games on Saturday.

LOL

Christine, we need to make plans for Feb 1 (or more like Feb 7). A celebration of sorts.

Christine Day 11 Thursday

Breakfast was delicious Fage Greek yogurt with honey. So creamy and rich. I think I skipped lunch, but ate at right around 5. I made 2 leftover bean and cheese tacos.

I stopped over to Matt's before broomball. Matt grabbed chili from Quizno's and I made Curt a BLT. I did want to taste a piece of bacon, but I held off. I ate some tomato instead.

Someone Nuke Pittsburgh

http://www.wpxi.com/sports/18478637/detail.html#-

You have to be kidding me?

Elvis Week 2 Day 3

So I have decided to stop asking you guys for help on recipes and food ideas, and instead ask you guys for help and idea on college hoops. I am getting my a$$ handed to me so far this season.

Since when did Michigan State hoops start having a higher scoring per game average than Duke. WTF?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Oh...yeah...food...

Breakfast -> Orange
Lunch -> Hot & Sour Soup from the skecthy Chinese place down the street from my office. Lots of tofu and mushrooms.
Dinner -> Homemade Bean, Rice, and Cheese Burritos. Yummy

So, back to basketball...

HHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPP

Christine Day 10 Wednesday

I finished up Tuesday night with a small snack. What time was it? Peanut Butter Jelly time! Peanut Butter Jelly, Peanut Butter Jelly. Mmmmm

I started up today with scrambled eggs and organic peach yogurt. Nothing for lunch.

When I got home, I had a few bites of diced canned tomatoes while I was making dinner. I went shopping for Girl's Dinner before I came home. I planned to make bean and cheese soft tacos. I made fresh salsa, fresh guacamole, and the tacos. So delicious and filling. I have leftovers, so I plan on eating it tomorrow. I have found a whole new love of black beans. They are so filling and good for you. I had a little dessert which was Dark Chocolate covered Almonds sprinkled with sea salt and turbinado sugar. It's a Trader Joe's Classic.

I haven't weighed myself this week, but I am retaining water so it wouldn't matter anyway. I am not gassy, but Matt is have sympathy gas for me.

In reference to the posted article, I prefer my raccoon dish be served with the paw on the side so I know it's not a cat or a dog as well. This article contradicts what I was told by Crystal. She said Charles was the other dark meat. As Matt always says, to each his own.

When this is over, something to think about...

I've highlighted my favorite part of the article in green. (if you make it that far)

The other dark meat: Raccoon is making it to the table

By Lee Hill Kavanaugh | Kansas City Star

He rolls into the parking lot of Leon's Thriftway in an old, maroon Impala with a trunk full of frozen meat. Raccoon — the other dark meat.

In five minutes, Montrose, Mo., trapper Larry Brownsberger is sold out in the lot at 39th Street and Kensington Avenue. Word has gotten around about how clean his frozen raccoon carcasses are. How nicely they’re tucked up in their brown butcher paper. How they almost look like a trussed turkey … or something.

His loyal customers beam as they leave, thinking about the meal they'll soon be eating.

That is, as soon as the meat is thawed. Then brined. Soaked overnight. Parboiled for two hours. Slow-roasted or smoked or barbecued to perfection.

Raccoon, which made the first edition of The Joy of Cooking in 1931, is labor-intensive but well worth the time, aficionados say.

"Good things come to those who wait," says A. Reed, 86, who has been eating raccoon since she was a girl.

"This right here," she says, holding up a couple of brown packages tied with burlap string, “this is a great value. And really good eatin’. Best-kept secret around.”

Raccoons go for $3 to $7 — each, not per pound — and will feed about five adults. Four, if they’re really hungry.

Those who dine on raccoon meat sound the same refrain: It's good eatin'.

As long as you can get past the "ick" factor that it's a varmint, more often seen flattened on asphalt than featured on a restaurant menu. (One exception: French restaurant Le Fou Frog served raccoon about a dozen years ago, a waiter said.)

Eating varmints is even in vogue these days, at least in Britain. The New York Times reported last week that Brits are eating squirrels with wild abandon.

Here in Kansas City, you won't see many, if any, squirrel ads in the papers. But that's where Brownsberger was advertising his raccoons last week.

The meat isn’t USDA-inspected, and few state regulations apply, same as with deer and other game. No laws prevent trappers from selling raccoon carcasses.

As for diseases, raccoon rabies doesn't exist in Missouri, state conservation scientists say. It's an East Coast phenomenon. Parvo and distemper kill raccoons quickly but aren’t transferred to humans. Also, trappers are unlikely to sell meat from an animal that appears to be diseased.

"Raccoon meat is some of the healthiest meat you can eat," says Jeff Beringer, a furbearer resource biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

"During grad school, my roommate and I ate 32 coons one winter. It was all free, and it was really good. If you think about being green and eating organically, raccoon meat is the ultimate organic food," with no steroids, no antibiotics, no growth hormones.

And when people eat wild meat, Beringer says, "it reminds the modernized society — people who usually eat food from a plastic wrapper — where food comes from.”

Statewide, consumption of raccoon meat can be tracked somewhat by how many raccoon pelts are harvested each year. In 2007, 118,166 pelts were sold.

But there are plenty more out there, Beringer says. The raccoon population "doubled in the '80s. There's more now than when Missouri was first settled."

He estimates there are about 20 raccoons per square mile of habitat.

In the wild, raccoons typically live five or six years. Populations that grow too dense can be decimated by disease, especially when temperatures drop, Beringer says.

"The animals huddle together, passing on the infections. In the winter, we sometimes have massive die-offs. If we can control the fluctuations in the populations by hunting and trapping, we can have healthier animals."

Fur trappers, who harvest most of the raccoons sold in Missouri, "try to kill as humanely as possible," says Beringer, a trapper himself. "It's part of the culture."

Pelts last year sold on average for about $17. They're used for coats and hats, and many are sold to Russia. But the conflict between Russia and Georgia severely cut into the fur-trading market, Beringer says. "Pelts will probably be less this year."

For the average person, who probably doesn't spend much time thinking how a steer or a pig or a chicken might meet its maker, raccoons may seem too cute to eat.

Until you try one.

At the Blue Springs home of Billy Washington, raccoon, fish, bison and deer are staples on his family’s table.

On this day, it's raccoon.

All night he has been soaking a carcass in a solution of salt and vinegar in a five-gallon bucket. Now he rinses the raccoon in his kitchen sink.

"Eating raccoon has never gone out of style. It's just hard to get unless you know somebody," he says as he carefully trims away the fat and the scent glands.

"My kids love eating game. They think eating deer and buffalo make you run faster and jump higher. My grandkids will just tear this one up, it'll be so good."

The meat is almost ready to be boiled, except for one thing: Although its head, innards and three paws have been removed, it still has one. That’s the law.

"They leave the paw on to prove it's not a cat or a dog," Washington says.

He cuts off the paw and drops the carcass into a stew pot, slices up a carrot, celery and onion, and sprinkles some seasoning into the water. Two and a half hours later, he transfers it to a Dutch oven. It looks a lot like chicken.

He bathes the raccoon with his own combination of barbecue sauces. Stuffs the cavity with canned sweet potatoes and pours the rest of the juice from the can over the breast.

"I follow the same tradition I watched when I was little. My uncle would cook 'em all day, saving the littlest coon for me," he says.

"If stores could sell coon, we’d run out of them. It's a long-hidden secret that they're so good."

After several hours, a delicious smell — roast beef? chicken? — drifts from the oven.

A mingling of garlic and onion and sweet-smelling spices.

And when Washington opens the lid, a tiny leg falls easily from the bone.

“See that? Tender as a mother’s love,” he says with a grin. “Good eatin’.”

And the taste?

Definitely not chicken.

Veggie Breakfast Idea - Breakfast Burritos

6 tortillas
4 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 onion, finely diced
1 lb. firm tofu, crumbled
1 cup vegetables of your choice (try green onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and bell peppers), finely chopped
1/8 tsp. turmeric
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 oz. faux sausage (try Gimme Lean—www.lightlife.com), crumbled
Tabasco or other hot sauce, optional

• Place the tortillas between two wet paper towels, wrap them in foil, and heat them in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes at 200°F.
• In a large skillet, heat 2 Tbsp. of the vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Add the garlic and onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the tofu, vegetables, turmeric, and salt and pepper and continue to cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in another skillet, heat the remaining oil, add the faux sausage, and cook until the “sausage” is browned.
• Add the “sausage” to the tofu mixture and stir to combine.
• Scoop the mixture into the tortillas, fold them up, and serve immediately.
• Serve with hot sauce.

Veggie Dinner Idea - Tofu-Spinach Lasagna

1/2 lb. lasagna noodles
2 10-oz. packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 lb. soft tofu
1 lb. firm tofu
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/4 cup soy milk
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
3 tsp. minced fresh basil
2 tsp. salt
4 cups tomato sauce

• Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Squeeze the spinach as dry as possible and set aside.
• Place the tofu, sugar, soy milk, garlic powder, lemon juice, basil, and salt in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Stir in the spinach.
• Cover the bottom of a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of tomato sauce, then a layer of noodles (use about one-third of the noodles). Follow with half of the tofu filling. Continue in the same order, using half of the remaining tomato sauce and noodles and all of the remaining tofu filling. End with the remaining noodles, covered by the remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

Elvis Week 2 Day 2

That's nine days for all you fools with zero math skills.

Slept in, skipped breakfast. Sux. Was starving by 11am.
Went to Cypriana (Greek Cafe in the Sun Trust Building). So yummy. Falafel over Greek Salad. Super filling. I think that falafel and edamame could sustain me for the rest of the month.

Dinner consisted of Alfredo Sauce over Penne with broccoli.

So...I never really went into any changes in the old body with all of you.

Let's recap...

1) Dropped 4 lbs in week one. Yup. 4 pounds. Not sure if it is not hitting the bars and drinking less, or the diet. But who cares. I'll take it.

2) I get more full faster. Thus I eat until full and then I am done. But since I get full faster, I eat less.

3) I am more gassy. Sorry but the truth is the truth. Flatulance is more frequent, but I am very considerate about it and do not crop dust co-workers or friends.

4) The Steelers beat the Chargers. That really has nothing to do with my body but it sure feels good to say.

I truly would love meal and recipe ideas, so people please contribute to this blog. Comments are welcome.

Christine and I are not doing this for ourselves....people we are doing this for YOUR ENTERTAINMENT!!!!!

Can I tell you all how excited I am to eat chicken wings during the Super Bowl?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!!?

Christine Day 9 Tuesday

I ate a grilled cheese sandwich for breakfast and I finally cleaned out my fridge. I got rid of one lone hot dog and some Canadian bacon. I still have bacon in there, but I plan on making it for Matt and Curt. Poz would form tackle me if I threw away good bacon.



I am in the office today and did not bring lunch. I am starving, but I refuse to go to the vending machine. I have no plans for dinner yet, but I need to swing by the store. I really like Morning Star black bean burgers and I need to pick some up.

I did go to the vending machine and got a bag of cheez-it's. Not fried in animal fat. I got home and made a grilled cheese sandwich. I was still hungry so I followed that up with black beans, diced tomatoes, and organic sharp cheddar cheese heated up in the microwave. Recipe courtesy of Teresa. I have seen her make it before. It is really good! Super filling.

Christine Day 8 Monday

I ate breakfast at Metro with Olivia. I ordered the Greek Omelet. It had olives, spinach, red peppers, and feta cheese.

Later I had a few pieces of American cheese as a snack.

I went out to dinner with Allison and had sushi, not all veggie rolls. I knew it was going to happen. I had miso soup and some edamame to start. The rolls were too powerful. I knew it was going to happen, but I have not made a habit of it. I still have some leftover, so look for me to consume fish again. The rolls were all different, but they included shrimp, tuna, crab, salmon. There was some avocado, which I love.

Side note: I may have lost 2 lbs so far. I was on the scale at a Dr.'s visit last week and was down 2. I am not weighing myself on a regular basis. I will check it occasionally, but I will give a final update at the end.

Week in Review

I made it...WAHOO!

One week in the books. It's funny, the shakes are gone, the cravings are subsiding, and the meal planning is getting easier. I am gonna be able to do this!

Nothing exciting to report from the three days where I neglected to post. Let's go with some shockers...

1) I ordered and ate a veggie burger from the Gerks. A veggie burger
2) Edamame is my new favorite dish!
3) The Steelers crushed the Chargers
4) Did I mention the Steelers crushed the Chargers

Week 2 began with a Falafel Pita Sammich and Veggie Lasagna (soy protein meat product). Yummy

I am open to any and all food suggestions, so please feel free to share.

Christine Day 7 Sunday

It started with the usual, scrambled eggs. It always fills me up.

We were all meeting at Don't Know to watch the Steelers/Chargers game. In my head, I ran through the menu and knew I was going with the mac n' cheese and the caprese salad. When we got there, Crystal had a delicious looking cucumber salad and the veggie egg rolls. I followed her lead and ordered those 2 items and the mac n' cheese for Matt and I to split. It worked out well and filled me up. I can not confirm what the egg roll was deep fried in. I have really been checking the ingredients to make sure.

The trouble arose when we left and decided to grab food at Sun Hing. I ordered the Spring rolls and vegetable lo mein. On the walk home, Matt breaks into the Crab Rangoon. I ate 1 1/2 crab Rangoon's. Their cheesy delicious-ness make me doubt that even put crab in them, but I did indulge. Seafood is my Achilles. I was not even tempted by the General Tso's chicken. I am not sure if I spelled that correctly. The evening was capped off by Matt's 3rd place finish in Wii bowling in all 3 games we played. Take that meat eaters! (Curt won 2 games, I won 1)

Christine Day 6 Saturday

I started with a bagel and sun dried tomato cream cheese. Very good. Shopping with Teresa I grabbed a mocha frappachino from Starbucks. That place scares me because I don't drink coffee that much and I have no idea how to order there. They have different names for everything. Tall, venti, grande...WTF? I don't know what that means.

Before going out I have a healthy serving of hummus and some veggies and bagel chips and tortilla chips. I come to the realization that I don't like hummus that much, or at least the brand and flavor I bought. Oh well.

That is it for Saturday and that would explain why I was feeling the effects of the multiple shots Jim was doling out. Good times.

Ugh

I know this is a blog on watching our two pals put themselves through the process of a meatless lifestyle, but I'm hurting today and may just leave meat alone since it's easier to throw up when your football team gets beat.

Plus, I'm getting a plenty of texts/emails with this clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoKAcVL_phI

I have to admit its a funny one, but damn.... *sigh*

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

I typed a post...and it didn't hit web. ANNOYED

Christine Day 5 Friday

Nice joke Charles!

At my breakfast meeting, I loaded up on eggs, potatoes, and some fruit. It did sting a bit to pass a full chafing dish of sausage though. :(

I did not eat again until dinner. I met Matt at MaGerks, had a beer, and left for a more veggie friendly venue. I was meeting friends at The Abbey, whose staple is burgers, so I needed to fill up before then. We go to dinner at No Way Jose's. I had chips and salsa and a bean and cheese soft taco with a side of fresh guacamole and sour cream. Still no pangs for meat. I adore the fish taco there, but I abstained.

After a few beers and shots, we make it back to Matt's apartment. :) (He hasn't been following the blog, so I am not worried about making him mad.) Tipsy, I want some food. Matt has nothing. I end up eating a small bag of chips, dipped in blue cheese and a piece of wheat bread, also dipped in blue cheese. I really like blue cheese. In a pinch, it works. Truth be told, I would have made a grilled cheese if he hadn't run out of sliced cheese.

Not bad considering this is the first weekend I am watching what I eat.

A Vegetarian Joke Friday

How many vegans does it take to change a lightbulb?

Two, one to change it and one to check for animal ingredients.

Christine Day 4 Thursday

I started today with a small slice of fresh mozzerella cheese and organic peach yogut. Good, but not filling.

Later in the afternoon I needed a snack and would face my biggest challenge yet, finding a snack in a grocery store. There were a ton of choices, but I migrated to the sushi and grabbed seaweed salad and an avocado roll. It was Graul's so I wasn't worried about the quality. Problem solved.

I had an early dinner of a handful of potato chips, cooked in vegetable oil, and a cheese sandwich with a bit of mayo. Still holding strong.

When I returned from Broomball, I was hungry again. I gobbled up the last 2 packets of maple & brown sugar oatmeal. I still may have some carrots before bed.

I found that scrambled eggs for breakfast keep me filled up for the longest period of time. I have a breakfast meeting tomorrow, there is always meat. (No pun) I think I'll be fine.

I SAID "GO BILLS"

Hate you...

Christine Day 3 Wednesday

Day 3 brought the same for breakfast, scrambled organic eggs. I love them and I don't mind paying over 4$ a dozen when I eat them every day.

I didn't eat until later in the day when my roommate, Olivia, offered me a few potato chips. I made sure they were fried in vegetable oil (and they were) before I indulged. As a snack before dinner, I crushed a can of black olives. High in sodium, higher in yummie-ness. Dinner, as promised, was eggplant parm subs. (Home made) It was good, not great like Trattoria. Matt had some, but didn't finish because there was a small piece that didn't have cheese on it. What do you expect from him?

I can't show the resolve of Elvis and abstain from fish throughout this process, but so far, so good. I don't have the shakes because of my meat withdrawal, but I have noticed that I am much more obedient to Matt's orders. Seriously, I still have not had any issues. I haven't weighed in either, but it should be interesting to see if there is any change. It does help documenting everything you eat.

BCS National Championship Day

Nothing screams "Big Football Game" like a meal of rice and lentils...

Day 3 brought much of the same for me. Orange for breakfast, caesar salad for lunch...and then came dinner. The unsupervised, honor system dinner.

Many thanks to James for the offer of wings and cheese fries at the Gerks, but I wound up grabbing a TO GO order of edamame (soybeans you uneducated heathens).

I did enjoy a few Miller Lites while waiting for my order, but did indeed resist the urge to indulge of little niblets of chicken.

The positive in all of this is I do realize now that I have enough will power to 1) Go out and smell the smells of glorious cheesesteaks and 2) turn down the evil naysayers who have money against me completing the task.

3 days under my belt and not once have I cheated. Take that bastages!

That being said, I am locking myself in my home this evening as to not be tempted to indulge in "football food" for the big game. Can somebody say VEGGIE CHILI leftovers!

Saving lives....sorta

Check it out. According to my calculations, in the time you have not purchased meat, you two have saved 4 baby wolves. Of course, that didn't save them from a retailer as stuffed animals, but every little bit helps. Keep up the good work!

Ummm...feel free to post you fools...

Christine and I would love to hear from our "friends" during this exercise...

EFFERS!

The "Who Invited Christine" Day 2 Thread

Sheesh...all positive and happy. Damn you Simmers...

I have the shakes...

So Day 2 is here. As I am sure none of you really care what I had for dinner last night, I opted for the classic salad (lettuce, cucumber, mushroom, red onion, parma cheese, and a small filet o fish. Flounder I believe). Having had a conversation with a few more veggies, I am opting out of fish going forward. They said it kind of felt like cheating.

DAMN YOU VEGGIES.....

So, you hear me Christine...I am NOT doing fish. Ugh

Day 2 brought zippy as far as breakfast for me, not good. Lunch was another Caesar where I moved the anchovies to the side, and dinner was a bowl of Veggie chili (homemade...god bless the LASB) with a dab of sour cream and cheddar. Only one bowl too...I think my body is going through shock and making me feel full before I actually am.

Is it possible for ones stomach to actually cause the body to PROTEST dinner?

Tommorow will be the true test as I am on the "honor" system for dinner. Without any "adult" supervision, God only knows. I may be like Elaine in the Jerry Seinfeld contest. You all know what I am talking about. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Wish me luck everyone...and James I am OUT for wing night at the Gerks.

Lastly...to Christine.....GO BILLS!

Christine Day Two Tuesday

So I finished up day one by eating my leftover Paella. I had a witness (Teresa) monitor me to show her I picked out all of the Chirizo. I did have a bit of fish, but I threw out most of it and ate the rice, which was really good. I realize that a true vegetarian would never have eaten anything if meat were cooked with it, but I still didn't cheat.

I started today with a huge plate of scrambled eggs. Organic of course. I love eggs so that will really help me out. I got home from work and made a tomato salad with fresh mozzarella, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Delicious, but I knew it would not keep me full all night. I finished up the evening with a Buffalo staple: blue cheese, celery, and carrots. No wings. :(

I did realize that I need to clean out my fridge and get more veggie options. I will be stocking up on Mac & Cheese. Luckily I also love Morningstar Black Bean Burgers. So far, no struggles. I will be eating more fish soon though. I am making eggplant parm for dinner tomorrow. Mmmmm.

Things to Eat

So in an effort to help Elvis and Christine, I've found a bunch of things that they don't have to cross of their lists.

• Chili
• Bean burritos or fajitas
• Falafel
• Pasta with marinara sauce
• Veggie sushi
• Vegetable, bean, or lentil soup
• Veggie pizza
• Stir-fried tofu
• Veggie burgers
• Bean salads
• Hummus
• Macaroni and cheese

Good luck.

What you could be doing

Good start on your Veggie lifestyle. Think of it this way, you could be this guy instead of eating "healthy". http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2009/0106091vail1.html

Day One for the Black Man

So Day 1 begins...well actually the FOURTH day one as I was originally going to start my little experiment on Jan 1 of '09.

So, I truly can't believe I am doing this. Not because I have an issue with the lifestyle, but damnit people I have had meat with every meal for all 33 years of my life. EVERY meal, literally.

And then to see the definition which Sir Charles provided which takes fish out of the equation. I may have to draw the line there.

Let the record show, that I will occasinally dive into fish (my vegetarian friends out in Berkeley eat fish, so so will I)!

No issues thus far during the day. Weighed in at XXX.5, and slurped down a fat orange for breakfast. Lunch brought me a Caesar salad (homemade so healthier than store bought) with lowfat caesar dressing, and a few anchovies thrown on top. Yup, I had anchovies day one....sue me.

Dinner is the challenge...I'll keep you all posted.

Not feeling any skinnier yet, and damn it is there a Wendy's commercial on every five minutes in this country. Thank God there is no meat in Miller Lite or Makers Mark or else I would quit on the spot.

Christine Day One Monday

The day started without any meat cravings, although I was a bit sad when I realized my Paella leftovers from last night were off limits due to the chirizo sausage in it. I had eggs, cheese, and 1 piece of toast for breakfast. Matt and I decide to grab a bite to eat for dinner and decide to go to Trattoria Anna Maria, an Italian deli full of wonderful meat subs. I am worried I may not be able to find anything on the menu. I order the most delicious Eggplant Parm sub with fresh mozzarella cheese. It was completely filling. I too will be indulging in fish throughout this process. Jesus ate it, so it can't be bad for you. I also weighed in at my winter weight. I need to drop a few for the Polar Bear plunge I decided to do. I am agreeing to everything in '09 it seems. I am going to nibble on some veggies before bed. Go Bucks!

Christine a.k.a. Monkey

Welcome

Greetings. This is the beginning of our experiement. Two friends, Elvis and Christine (aka Monkey) will try the vegetarian lifestyle for this month of January, 2009. This blog was set up to join them in their experience and give us, their friends, a place to either 1) support their efforts or 2) mock them for such a ridiculous endeavor. Either way, it should be interesting.

First, for those that are not sure what their lifestyle change is, I give you the general definition found on The Vegetarian Society's website.

What is a Vegetarian?
A vegetarian is someone who does not eat meat, fish, poultry or any slaughterhouse by-product such as gelatine. Vegetarians live on a diet of grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruit, with or without free-range eggs, milk and milk products. Vegetarians not eating anything containing dairy products or eggs are called vegans.