Thoughtful Living Tuesday -- Introducing a Vegetarian Meal

My husband and I began our Daniel Fast today, which consists of only consuming fruits, vegetables, and water. I know of some people who use this as a weight loss mechanism, but I'd rather look at some finer points which can be worked into every day living to make it even more excellent.

We eat rather healthy (in my opinion), and I didn't realize how much I love meat -- I was craving chicken today, on the first day of the fast! Although lean chicken is not bad for your health -- everything in moderation -- introducing a vegetarian meal once a week can help to bring a family's focus back on balanced, proper nutrition, because most of us do not consume enough fruits and vegetables.

I was watching television today, and one of the shows noted that many Americans have way too much sodium intake daily because of high sodium in processed foods. Since we're focused on fruits and vegetables, processed foods are out! Also, by going vegetarian for a meal, you can reintroduce fruits as dessert, cutting back on sugars -- as I type this, I'm craving cookies and chocolate.... but I'm realizing I eat them just to eat them, hence probably eating more than I really need....

This Daniel Fast might be considered extreme, with improper perspective -- which is why we're doing it collectively with our church for only 3 weeks in a year -- but taking small, healthy snippets can still make a difference.