Pescetarian

If anyone other than friends ever read this blog, this may or may not bother you...

While I've titled the blog "Vegetarian", we are not strict Vegetarians. Technically, we are Pescetarians. "Pesca wha??" is usually most people's response and why I always tell people I'm Vegetarian. Chalk it up to my own laziness, but after explaining Pescetarianism 100+ times, I've lost my will to explain. To be fair, I understand most people simply haven't heard of Pescetarianism.

For my snippit of the day, I thought I'd forewarn and educate, as you may see Salmon recipes from time to time. Especially now that it's close to grilling season!

Basically, Pescetarians are Vegetarians that eat seafood. A strict Vegetarian would not. Seafood is considered an animal, and a Vegetarian would not eat it.

On a side note, you may have also heard the term Vegan. Vegan's do not eat animals, but in addition, choose not to eat animal products (eggs, butter, milk, etc).

Hopefully true Vegetarians don't black list me... I'm from the NW where the seafood roams free and fresh, and is irresistible. Plus, when you become a strict Vegetarian, it can be more difficult to get some of your body's necessary vitamins and minerals (protein, iron, etc). That's just an excuse though, because frankly, I like seafood.

Therefore, I must fully apologize to the strict Vegetarians, as you may have to skip over the occasional Salmon or Shrimp recipe. But I don't make them often, so you're probably pretty safe!

Guten Appetit!

p.s. Just a reminder that Mother's Day is coming up on May 11, and I hope you have everything planned/squared away for your wonderful mama. I'm sending my cards off today!

Dirty Dozen

There was a great article was on msn a few weeks ago, called the Dirty Dozen. Did you read it?

This was an article I clicked on and thought 'wow- I'm so glad I read that, I can definitely be more focused on my organic grocery shopping now' and then promptly forgot all about it. I do that so often with great information and articles, it's scary. My hope is to rekindle the epiphony I had, and to share the article with you.

For me, it's truthfully hard, and expensive, to buy organic. There are times I stand in the grocery store and wonder if it's really worth it, debating that 60 cent difference in organic lettuce vs. regular, and then there's always the precut, prewashed bag.... don't get me started! Next the support for independent farmers comes to mind and tugs at my heartstrings. I can literally be having a debate in my head while standing in the middle of the produce section, for 10+ minutes. All over 60 cents.

Why did I love this article? It lists the 12 most important foods to focus on, due to high levels of pesticide, chemicals and hormones. Woohoo- it's like cliff notes!

Drum roll, you're top 12 foods to eat organic:

1. Meat
2. Milk
3. Coffee
4. Peaches
5. Apples
6. Sweet Bell Peppers
7. Celery
8. Strawberries
9. Lettuce
10. Grapes
11. Potatoes
12. Tomatoes

After first reading the article, apples were the only item that stuck with me. I couldn't have told you the other 11 vegetables on the list to save my life.

I'm hoping to do better the second time around!

If you'd like to read the complete article, click here.

Guten appetit!