Since I’m unplugging from ALL social media for the weekend I figured I better prepare and schedule my Sunday night “I’m A Vegetarian” guest post! So far during this series we’ve heard from some pretty amazing women – mother’s, chefs, athletes, etc. This time around we’re getting the man’s point of view! Since this post will go up on Father’s Day let me introduce you to one amazing dad. I’m proud to introduce you to Tom, a stay at home dad AND vegetarian.
In August of 2006, my wife and I decided that I would become a stay at home dad to take care of our little girl (she had just turned 2). We had a nice playground just a half a mile from our house that I would drive to because I was simply too fat and out of shape to walk there. It was then that I had an epiphany and decided to change my life. By making simple yet dramatic changes to my life I quickly shed 80 pounds (250 down to 170) and regained a new lease on life. During this time I became a vegetarian, my wife who was pretty much a vegetarian also made the decision to cut out her once a year burger and our little girl who didn’t show any interest in meat came along for the ride.
So here we are 4 years later and still going strong. Being a healthy parent is one of the greatest gifts I can give my daughter. We model healthy eating along with lots of playing and exercise. We also started a vegetable garden three years ago and we all love to plant, harvest and eat our homegrown veggies. In the beginning, we used a lot of the fake meat substitutes and I still recommend them to people who are trying a veg lifestyle as they make the change a little less scary, now we rarely buy them and prefer to use fresh veggies in our meals.My daughter loves to help in the kitchen and has been chopping and cleaning foods with me since she 3. She has tried more vegetables than just about any kid her age and is willing to try just about anything at least once. We don’t consume cow milk (my daughter tells people it is because we aren’t baby cows) but still eat cheese. I am not sure we are ready to try a fully vegan lifestyle, at least not one so intense where were don’t feel comfortable eating out or with friends. It took a while for our families to accept this change as they still feel meat is the focus of all meals but now at family gatherings there are more meatless choices and I have even convinced my nieces and nephews to try new foods much to the delight of their parents.
This is just the short version of my story. Let me know if there is anything else I can share with you. Thanks for letting me tell a little of our story.
My Best To You,
Tom
If you enjoyed reading Tom’s story as much as I did and are craving some more you can follow his tweets in 140 characters or less on twitter!!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by tsymons and tsymons, Maria Sparks. Maria Sparks said: In honor of Father's Day – A dad goes vegetarian. Meet @tsymons and enjoy his story… http://bit.ly/93fF9s [...]
Pillspot.org. Canadian Health&Care.Special Internet Prices.No prescription online pharmacy.Pillspot.org. Herbal-supplements@buy.online” rel=”nofollow”>.…
Categories: Mental HealthBlood Pressure/Heart.Antibiotics.Antidepressants.Antiviral.Skin Care.Pain Relief.Anxiety/Sleep Aid.Antidiabetic.Womens Health.Vitamins/Herbal Supplements.Anti-allergic/Asthma.Eye Care.Stomach.Stop SmokingMens Health.Weight…