Bacon.

Want to really freak out your friends? Go vegan, then tell them you have ordered a cow while munching on some bacon. It's been about 50 days now on my new "bulletproof" diet. I am very aware to watch how I feel, and especially when I reach 100 days. But I do have to say that for now, I still feel really great. 
After 17 years without eating any meat, my first experience was slightly... wine related. I was at Marben in Toronto and decided to try one of my best friend's steak and her charcuterie plate. It was such a strange feeling to think I would actually eat the slice of meat on my fork. But I know Marben is a very sustainable restaurant and they ensure the quality and respect for the animals that they serve, so I took a bite. The charcuterie was tasty but I really only had a sliver... washed down with more wine... 
Holding the steak on my fork was definitely strange. I attempted to eat it but then couldn't. Then I tried again, and again and finally I actually ate it. Chewy. I asked- "people enjoy such chewy food??" Although the texture was different, the flavour was actually very tasty. I tried the outer edge so it was well cooked which I didn't mind for a first bite. I don't even remember if I've ever had steak before... Mom??
I told my husband and he was very happy and excited but he also felt a little weird about it. Vegetarianism had defined me for as long as almost everyone who knows me, has known me. That week we tried some grass-fed home made burgers (with no bun), and I really can't say I liked them. I will give them another chance but so far, I don't see it. I actually like veggie burgers better, but I won't go back to those given what I am learning about soy (and legumes, and grains, and- no that's it). Here's a great podcast you should check out if you are vegetarian or vegan or are considering it: The Vegetarian Myth. You could even listen to it just for fun to see where I'm coming from. 
My newest favourite food though, Bacon. Hence the name of the blog post. WOW why haven't I tried this until now?! My daily lunch this week (which has been my first meal of the day after my BP coffee) has been bacon and eggs. Of course, the catch is, it has to be pastured organic eggs (Bartel or the St. Catharines Market), and pastured, organic, happily raised bacon. I found some bacon at both Lakeland Meats and Organic Garage. It tends to be about $10 per pack but I would say well worth the investment. I have also tried ham which is delicious, chicken which is fine (likely better with different sauces and maybe bacon wrapped), and pork which is also delicious! Keep in mind, I am working my way up to full portions, and have still been eating a lot of fish. Actually Lakeland Meats has some sustainable fish there, as well as of course Organic Garage and if you are in Toronto check out Hooked as well. 
So how am I feeling with eating meat? Actually really really good. I primarily notice that I am full with eating meat/fish with butter/oil and some veggies. I don't require food again for a number of hours. Which is so VERY different than when I was vegan and even vegetarian. I would keep a snack in my car and in my purse incase too many hours passed and I was starting to get shaky and sweaty and thinking unclear. And too many hours was maybe- 2-3 hours. Maybe 4. Clearly my blood sugar was extremely out of order. Beyond that, the whole diet is continuing to make me feel really well and if you are wondering, I eat as much food, and specifically as much fat (good fats- grass fed butter, avocados, avocado oil, olive oil and coconut oil) that I want and haven't gained a pound in 50 days. My husband has lost about 15 lbs, but is also building muscle. Eating steak and butter. It seems to work better or more quickly for him, but my long history of vegetarianism may have changed some things hormonally that will take some time to fix.. 

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Guess who else is changing her diet!? Lazy Straya. I found it interesting to stumble upon a podcast about pets and pet food. Why are cats eating so many grains in their food? No wonder Straya has a little weight problem and is always tired! Im starting her on a high protein "evolutionary diet" cat food today. Ill keep you posted on her results too. No BP coffee for her though :)
Anyhow, I hear that meat obtained straight from the farm is the most delicious. It is also grass-fed, grass-finished. And the farmer promises me he loved the cow. So we did order a cow and will be picking it up in about 2 weeks. Come over for a BBQ so you can test it yourself! 
Have a wonderful week and enjoy the sun. 
:) Erica

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