• About
  • Archive
  • Contact
The Greening of Gavin
  • Home
  • Our Green Shop
    • Little Green Workshops
  • Green Workshops
    • Cheese Making
    • Soap Making
    • Soy Candle Making
  • eBooks
    • Clay Oven eBook
    • Keep Calm and Make Cheese eBook
  • Podcast
    • TGOG Podcast
    • TGoG Podcast Archive
    • Little Green Cheese
  • Vlog
  • Cheese
  • Green Living
    • Chickens
    • Gardening
    • Soap Making
    • Recipes
    • Climate Change
    • Peak Oil
    • Solar Power
  • Resources

Almost Vegetarian?

February 7, 2012 @ 22:52 By Gavin Webber 6 Comments

Okay, I know there is no such thing as an ‘almost vegetarian’.  That is a bit like saying just a little bit carnivorous, or half an omnivore!

So this post is an update for the goal I set at the start of the year, “Reduce our meat intake by 80%”.  Well one thing for sure, eating mostly a vegetarian diet is a lot easier than I thought it would be.   Since a week before New Year, we are down to just 2 meals a week with meat on average, with Kim a little more, and me a little less.  Even Ben is joining in, sometimes.

Let me give you an example of our daily meals;

Breakfast:  Boiled eggs and toast for Kim and Ben, with Porridge and fruit from me
Lunch:  Is usually a hearty curried bean soup (one of Kim’s specialtys) with either crackers or home baked bread or a green salad with feta and olives, or a big salad sandwich with cheese.
Dinner is varied.  Sometimes veggie burgers, sometimes a meat substitute (Fry’s Vegetarian and Sanitarium Vegie Delights range both have a great selection that tastes nice) with steamed or roasted veg, sometimes pasta with a homemade sauce, or even one of my favourites,  Lentil and Mushroom Bourguignon.  Then some fruit or icecream for desert, and some raw mixed nuts for afters.  We often substitute red meat with lentils and beans, and find the same meals that we usually make (sans meat) to be very nice.  We use lots of herbs and spices to flavour our food, and I have not had a bland meal yet.  I am very satisfied with our diet so far, and do not feel lacking in energy or motivation.  That said, in the first week or two I felt a little blah, but after all of the crap was flushed out of my system, and I cut down to one coffee a day, I feel great.  No stomach or intestinal issues (which I usually get about twice a month), and am now regular as clockwork (I know, too much information).

We have regular snacks which consists mainly of fruit, nuts, cheese and crackers, and raw veg or dips.

So the meat meals that we have had, the proportion of meat has been minuscule compared to what we used to eat.  For instance, Kim made an egg and bacon pie last week, but there was only a smidgen of bacon (biodynamic) in it, but the flavour as fine.

She made a fish curry last night which only used two fillets of whiting (MSC certified).  It was delicious, but then again so are her veggie meals.
As we still have eggs and dairy we get most of our calcium and vitamin B12 from those, but what about the other essential nutrients.  Well for those wondering if we are getting the right amount of nutrients in our diet, here is a list of Non-animal sources of other important ones (highlighted the ones we eat):
Omega 3 fatty acids Linseeds, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, tofu and walnuts.
Vitamin A Green leafy vegetables, yellow/orange vegetables and fruit.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) Fortified breakfast cereals and soya drinks and almonds.
Vitamin D Exposure to sunglight, fortified breakfast cereals, vegetable margarines. Kim takes a vitamin supplement as she has trouble with vitamin D.
Calcium Fortified soy beverages, sesame seeds, fortified fruit juice, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, tofu, beans and pulses, or even calcium supplements.
Zinc Tofu, legumes, peas, nuts, seeds, wholegrain cereals and wholemeal bread.
Iron Fortified breakfast cereals, wholemeal bread, dried fruit, green leafy vegetables, beans and pulses, molasses, nuts and seeds, tofu.
Selenium Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, molasses, wholemeal bread.
Iodine Iodised salt, seaweed.
Protein Soy products, legumes, lentils, nuts, seeds, wholegrains.
Overall we have a really balanced diet, with everything in moderation.  I like this particular Michael Pollan quote that he mentions in the documentary Food Inc.:

“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” ― Michael Pollan, In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto

So why are we doing this?  Well the obvious one is to drastically lower our carbon footprint by reducing food miles, and eating locally, however the other main reason is one of health.  Choice magazine has this to say about the health benefits of a mostly vegetarian diet;

“Vegetarian diets are generally higher in fibre and lower in fat and cholesterol. There is growing evidence that vegetarians are less likely to suffer from cancer, heart disease, strokes and have a longer life expectancy. People who choose a vegetarian diet for health reasons are also likely to have other healthy practices: such as exercising regularly, not smoking, or abusing drugs or alcohol.”

In November, I was at the upper limit for my bad cholesterol, so this is the choice I made to lower it and not to have to go on medication.  We have also lost a little weight, but not as much as I had expected and I do daily exercise.  I have a six monthly check up at the end of the month with a full blood test, so we will see if it is working.  Even if it hasn’t lowered it, I will persevere, because I feel so good and full all the time.
What is not to like about this diet?
-37.6777778144.5686375

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: carbon footprint, food, Food miles, Vegetarian

← Overwhelmed by Gratitude! Wise Words Wednesday →

About Gavin Webber

Gavin Webber's daily goal is to live a more sustainable lifestyle, in an effort to reduce his family's environmental footprint so we can all make a difference for our children & future generations to come.

Learn more about him here and connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

Comments

  1. Retro Age Vintage Fabrics says

    February 7, 2012 at 23:59

    I see where you are coming from! After trying vegetarian a number of times through my life, I had to admit defeat – my body just didn’t like it! I am now eating primal and my body loves it – do as the humans did for thousands and thousands of years and I am reaping the benefits! I have to say paleo (or primal) is working for me – more vegies, more fruit, but much less bread and the like…

    Reply
  2. Theanne says

    February 7, 2012 at 23:58

    For the past 2 years I’ve been a committed vegetarian…my blood pressure dropped, my weight dropped and I feel younger! So bravo to you and your family!

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    February 8, 2012 at 08:42

    Hi Gavin,
    The other benefit speaking from experience is vegetarianism works much better for people with MS. When I was diagnosed my neurologist actually convinced me to go vegan and follow George Jelinek’s diet and I have only had one attack since and my neuropathy in my hands and feet improved ten fold.
    Admittedly I’m only in my early 30’s and had only been having attacks for 18 months.
    But I havent felt this fantastic in years!!
    Cheers 🙂

    Reply
  4. Linda Woodrow says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:03

    Hi Gavin, that’s pretty much the way we eat. A lot of vegetables, herbs, lentils, nuts and fruit, mostly home grown, a bit of grains, mostly whole grain, a bit of dairy, mostly low fat, and occasionally a little bit of red meat, mostly kangaroo, or fish, mostly caught by my mad keen fisherman partner or MSC certified (or canned salmon – not tuna), or chicken, mostly home-grown. I think there’s a lot to be said from an environmental, health, ethical, financial, and gourmet viewpoint for the “almost vegetarian” diet.

    Reply
  5. africanaussie says

    February 8, 2012 at 11:16

    mmm how timely! I am currently reading “the china study” by Colin Campbell. His research shows that the more affluent countries eat way too much protein and this in turn relates to more diseases. I always try to veer towards a more plant based diet, but it is hard to get the hubby on track with that! I keep persisting though. I think you are on the right track. Thanks for all the info you share.

    Reply
  6. Kester says

    February 21, 2012 at 03:28

    I was vegetarian for over 20 years. Recently I have started eating some meat and fish (including shellfish and crustaceans). My rule for meat and fish is simple, I will only eat it if I, or someone I know and trust has caught and killed it. What started me on this path was thinking about where my tofu came from, was it manufactured from soya grown on ex-forest land in Brazil? Was it lower impact to eat rabbits or fish or crabs which are abundant locally (I live in Shetland in the UK)? So I am trying to live a bit more bioregionally, with growing veg, some foraging and fishing and a bit of hunting, using primitive technology such as handline, net, bow as I think this is a bit more humbling and I don’t like the “king of the wild” attitude I have seen from some gun users. There are some excellent books out there on Primitive Living and Paleoplanet on Yuku is a very good site for skills.

    Reply

Comments build lively communities. Let me know your thoughts, but keep it clean and green! Spam is removed instantly. Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search This Blog

Follow my work

About Gavin Webber

About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

Delve Into the Archives

Visit Our Online Simple Living Shop

Little Green Workshops

Latest Podcast Episode

Subscribe on iTunes

Top Posts & Pages

Strawbridge Family Inspiration
How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites
Building a Wicking Bed on Concrete
The Seven Stages Of Change
It's Not Easy Being Green TV series
Broad Bean Rust
Liveable Home Update - Glass Brick Window
VegTrug Fail
Black Aphids On Garlic
Veggie Curry and Rice Soup

Recent Awards

Recent Awards

Local Green Hero

Categories

Favourite Daily Reads

Debt Free, Cashed Up, and Laughing

The Off-Grid Solar House

Greener Me

The Rogue Ginger

Little Eco Footprints

Down To Earth

Surviving the Suburbs

Little Green Cheese

Eight Acres

The Witches Kitchen

TGOG Readers On-line

Podcast Reviews

  • Always inspiring and entertaining!
    August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

    I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

  • ms
    July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

    I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do. Thanks Gavin, love it!!

  • Well worth your time to tune in
    October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

    I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast ! I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to. Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

  • very good
    June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

    This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

  • opened my eyes
    May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

    A wonderful show!

  • Inspiring
    April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

    This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

  • Green Living, inspiring and practical
    January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

    Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

  • Local food equals less waste
    December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

    Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

  • Honestly australian
    December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

    Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

  • Morning motivation
    December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

    Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

  • Passionate Advocate
    October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

    Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

  • Gavin speaks from the heart
    October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

    Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

  • Green thoughts, so well iterated
    October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

    This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

  • Easy listening inspiration on being green
    September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

    Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

  • Thanks Gavin!
    August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

    Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

  • Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm
    August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

    Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

  • Green Podcasts
    July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

    Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

  • Practical ideas and inspiration
    July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

    I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

  • Interesting & easy to listen to
    April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

    Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

  • Great green listen
    April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

    Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese

Carbon Offset website

Copyright - Gavin Webber © 2023