Wellness Wednesdays: Go Meatless featuring TinkBird CEO, Courtney Shade

By now you have probably heard of Meatless Monday, a global initiative that began in 2003 and has become a staple in many people’s healthy lifestyle changes. But the big question remains: why should you go meatless only on Mondays? Cutting out meat, no matter what day of the week, can have a positive impact on your overall health and the environment. According to the Environmental Working Group, if everyone in the US did not eat meat just one day a week, it would equal not driving 91 billion miles, or taking 7.6 million cars off of the road. Talk about reducing your carbon footprint!

While more studies are proving the benefits of only reducing your consumption of meat, some people have instead decided to give up meat altogether. For today’s edition of Wellness Wednesday, Courtney Shade, CEO of TinkBird, shares what it is like to be a vegetarian.


  1. How long have you been a vegetarian?

Since I was 9 years old, so 28 years!

  1. What made you decide to become a vegetarian?

 I did not like the texture of meat.

  1. What was your diet like before becoming a vegetarian?

I ate everything that my parents asked me to eat …..with hesitation!

  1. What food products do you eat on a daily basis? And for those that are wondering, where do you get your protein?

Breakfast: Typically waffles or eggs (we have a chicken coop in our yard).

Lunch: Sandwich, salad, Mexican, pizza, you name it!

Dinner: Same as lunch, always a veggie. I eat a ton of legumes for protein, but veggies have a ton of protein as well. I can also eat my weight in cheese J Mexican food is probably my best friend.

  1. How do you feel about the traditional arguments for plant-based diets, particularly compassion for animals?

I understand it!  That was never my reason to become a vegetarian, but with the massive amounts of knowledge out there now, the many documentaries discussing the health benefits of being a vegetarian, and more importantly the health benefits of not eating meat, it becomes more than just a texture issue for me. I do not care if other people eat meat, I feed my kids meat, but for me, it not a part of my lifestyle.

  1. What is the most challenging thing you have experienced while being a vegetarian?

Being a pain to others at a cook out or dinner.  I can always make due with no issues, but people often feel that they need to overcompensate for me; I never want to cause more trouble.

  1. Have you ever missed eating meat?

Never!

  1. Can you share with us one of your favorite vegetarian recipes?

I have a killer enchilada recipe or veggie lasagna!

  1. Where do you typically shop for your groceries?

Trader Joe’s.

       10. Can you share your best veggie tip?

Grow them yourself!

       11. In your opinion, why should others adopt a vegetarian lifestyle?

Health benefits!  Check out the documentaries “Food Inc.” or “Forks Over Knives.”  Shocking information about not just the cruelty to animals that we all know, but about the illnesses related to consuming meat products.


 

Great information, Courtney, on the benefits of going meatless! We would love to know your thoughts on the subject. Would you ever consider giving up meat one day a week? Or do you think you could adopt a vegetarian lifestyle?

Let us know in the comments section below!

 

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