Where do you live?
Upstate New York
Current Diet?
Flexitarian – I eat meat once a day or less, and when I do it is locally raised or wild caught. The vast majority of the meat my family eats is wild caught.
What was your motivation to start eating less meat?
A bit of everything. I believe that our current meat production system is killing our planet, as well as being harmful to humans, not to mention it abuses animals.
How many meat-free days do you have in a week?
Some weeks its 5 to 6 others its more like 1 to 2. Since changing my diet I find that meatless food tends to be more appealing to me, there’s just so much more flavour and texture in vegetable combinations, but my husband hasn’t gotten there yet so meat is still in the house almost every day.
What are the Benefits?
I feel better, not only physically but spiritually, because I feel like I’m putting some good into world with my choices.
Main Challenge?
Convincing my family (husband included) that I’m still healthy without meat.
Have your family and friend been supportive?
My friends have been indifferent, a few are making changes themselves, but my family is not supportive at all. I come from a very meat-centric family so they don’t really understand. No number of scientific publications, or documentaries can change their minds.
Favourite meal?
Irish Vegetable Soup I made this recipe after visiting Ireland and eating it nearly everywhere. It’s one of those things that never seems to have a recipe, but every tavern has their own delicious version. Also burritos, Who doesn’t love a good burrito?
Favourite place to eat out?
There’s this little local place right down the road that makes the most amazing pizzas, and this baked eggplant pasta that’s just amazing.
Favourite cookbook?
I have a pretty ridiculous collection of cookbooks, so it changes often, but right now I’ve been flipping through Mark Bittman’s VB6 cookbook a lot.
You can read more about Jessica’s flexitarian journey on her blog Sweet Love & Ginger
Flexitarian, vegetarian, vegan? We would like to know what motivates the way you eat and why it is important for you to eat less meat or even no meat at all. If you would like to be featured, please send us an email at hello@theflexitarian.co.uk
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