Two Day Magazine

Yes, I’ve gone nearly two weeks without eating meat.

No, I’m not going vegan.

After more than a year of research, many conversations with others and deep thoughts with myself, I decided to stop eating meat. I woke up one morning and said, “Today is the day I stop eating meat.”

Literally, that’s how it happened. Cold turkey.

Am I done being a carnivore? No way! But I want to explore other food options and not rely so heavily on including meat into meals.

But it seems this whole phenomenon not only has caused a stir among colleagues and friends, but also has created quite the confusion about limiting meat in a diet, being a vegetarian and choosing a vegan lifestyle.

When I tell others I’m not eating meat, this is how that conversation usually goes:

Person: You don’t eat meat anymore?

Me: It’s been a few days. I’m trying to limit it.

Person: Are you going vegan?

Me: (awkward pause) No?

How anybody confuses veganism, vegetarianism and simply limiting meat intake is beyond me.

So I can do nothing more than laugh when people assume my few weeks worth of meatless meals suddenly have spawned this alternative diet and lifestyle.

My decision to limit meat grew from concerns over what seem to be a growing number of unethical practices at various meat factories and farms. There is something strange about wondering whether the chicken you’re eating was trampled on, left to live in it’s own feces or let alone worrying if the animal was injected with chemicals and went through other disturbing treatments.

I’ve been researching various restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses to see whether any verify that their meat comes from farms that guarantee ethical and healthy practices. Though, a guarantee means little.

While I’ve only had one close call with eating meat — I almost ordered a turkey sandwich at a bagel shop — I have a hard time imagining life without pepperoni rolls, buffalo chicken pizza or bacon on anything.

And it isn’t as if I’ve only ever ordered meat with a side of meat before. I enjoy many non-meat items such as hummus, salads, cottage cheese, plain pizza, macaroni and cheese, pasta (hold the meatballs!), fries and, of course, lots of bread.

How long until I find myself chomping down on a nice bacon cheeseburger or pepperoni and bacon pizza? I’m not sure. But if for nothing else, I hope this experiment proves to me — and others around me — that I don’t need meat to complete a meal.

Now if you’ll excuse me, there is a delicious looking salad awaiting me. (If only it had some grilled chicken and bacon on top.)

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Want to learn more about how Bobby turned over a new leaf? Check out his website Gobobbo.com and tweet him your favorite meatless recipes @Gobobbo.

twoday magazine wants to know: Would you ever give up meat, even if it was just for Meatless Mondays? Send us your thoughts to our Facebook page!

**Editor's Note: Natalie just wants to extend her excitement to Bobby for taking a chance on trying a meat-free diet! As a very happy vegan, she is very proud!