• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

Flexitarian Thoughts

August 30, 2011 | Uncategorized

 

Hi friends! Fall is in the air! I even bought pumpkin spice coffee for my Keurig yesterday AND a pumpkin pie Yankee candle. I am ready to go! Now if the weather would just cool off…Yesterday I had to bring the dogs to an appointment early and it ended up taking a LOT longer than I thought, so I went to the gym and ran 5 miles on the treadmill and lifted weights (bi’s back, and legs.) When I finally did get home after 2:30 I stayed busy until Bobby came home, so basically the house is still a disaster. OOOHHH well! This post is word heavy, but stick with me. I shall intersperse pictures of my cute puppies to keep you focused.

I am sure some of you are tired of hearing about the Healthy Living Summit, but I DID want to make sure I chatted with you all on my thoughts concerning the keynote speaker address. I am sure you have read on other’s blogs about what this plan consists of, etc. So I wanted to give my take.

The author of the book, Dawn Blatner, was a very well spoken, charismatic, beautiful lady who knew her stuff. I enjoyed her talk on action mantras, and her general sense of humor. Being a meat and potatoes kind of girl, I wasn’t expecting to get much out of this. I was quite surprised though. Let me preface….I have NO INTENTION of becoming a vegetarian. PERSONALLY,  I feel my body performs better as a distance runner and overall as a human being when I eat chicken, meat, turkey, etc. I do limit my red meat to once a week, but I have SOME form of meat at least once a day.

With that being said, I do feel that I did enjoy and appreciate some of the things she had to say. As a picky eater, I do realize I need to expand my horizons and learn to like more vegetables, and cook with a more wide variety of things. I have no problem having a meatless breakfast or lunch here or there, but being the good southern girl that I am, I need meat at dinner!

 

Sassy before and after.

I read the entire book on the plane ride home (skimming the recipes portion) and she does have some great overall healthy living tips, meal ideas, and ways to incorporate more veggies, beans, etc. into your diet. I realize plant based/natural foods are very good for you, and feel I have grown a lot over the years in my cooking and eating, but I don’t feel the flexitarian way is for everyone (including me.)

 

Bella before and after. I love how happy she looks in the second picture!

The last thing I want to do is tell YOU what is best for you, because only you know that. (Wow that’s a lot of you’s!) I am just stating my personal beliefs and experiences. It was a good, interesting, and eye opening read. I picked up a few new things and ideas, but will not be “converting.”  I do realize the book is saying you CAN eat meat sometimes, but it wants you to wake up every morning with the intent of being vegetarian that day. Friends, that is not the way I choose to live my life. Mental health is important to me, and not eating meat would positively make me go batty. Please note I DO NOT JUDGE YOU if you are vegan/vegetarian. That is a personal choice, I do not look down upon you at all! I think it takes lots of discipline to keep up that lifestyle, so kudos to you for sure! You rock! It is just not for me. All you vegan/veg readers, I still love you, and hope you don’t hate me.

To sum it up….

-engaging, well spoken author

-interesting book, learned new things from seeing her point of view

-good healthy living tips

-yummy new recipes

-great new ways to incorporate more plant based foods into my diet.

-whole idea in general personally not for me, but will incorporate a few of her “tips” into my life/cooking

-I love my vegan and vegetarian readers. MMMUUWWAAHH!

QOTD: What are your thoughts on this flexitarian idea?

*Please don’t forget to enter my Rok Bands giveaway, TODAY is the last day to enter!

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kate says

    August 30, 2011 at 7:17 am

    what a cool book, I think its so great to open your eyes to different diet approaches and find what works for you. I think vegetarian diets are great and people should eat more vegetables in general but I do understand its not right for everyone!

  2. Meghan (A Dash of Meg) says

    August 30, 2011 at 8:08 am

    I have recently read a few other blogs about the Flexitarian diet after the HLS. I had heard about the diet before, but never knew many details. Just as you, I wouldn’t be myself without meat; however, I choose to not eat red meat because of personal decisions and health issues in my family, but I definitely crave chicken, seafood, etc. and couldn’t live without! I applaud those who can live a vegetarian and vegan lifestyle though 🙂

  3. Jen says

    August 30, 2011 at 8:14 am

    I’m definitely a flexitarian, but not for the reasons mentioned in the book. I got food poisoning 12 years ago, and haven’t eaten red meat since then and I think seafood is gross. So I only eat chicken and pork, on occasion. Most of my meals are meatless since we only eat chicken once a week or so. I have been eating more chicken sausage and turkey bacon since being pregnant b/c my body wants it. But that’s just what works for me! I definitely think everyone should do what works for them, and not worry about being judged 🙂

  4. Ros @ Life's A Wheeze says

    August 30, 2011 at 8:15 am

    I think it’s a great thing that you gave the book a shot, despite your ideas you had before-hand and took something positive from it. I love that attitude! Personally, I was a vegetarian for about 6 years after watching a documentary in class. Then my busy life and picky eating caught up with me and I wasn’t getting enough protein in my diet and it showed. It’s definitely POSSIBLE to be a healthy vegetarian, but it does take effort and a big chunk of time (no good fast food options with protein). Since I didn’t feel like I had the time to commit to cooking protein-rich vegetarian options every day, I added chicken and seafood into my diet on occasion, but will still choose vegetarian first if I can so I guess that makes me flexatarian. I’ve never been one to judge other people’s choices though (my bf is a red-meat guy all the way), and can definitely understand everyones viewpoints, since I have been on all three sides!

  5. Morgan @ Becoming Rooks says

    August 30, 2011 at 8:56 am

    Sounds like an interesting book, I think I am going to look for it at the library! I tried eating more meatless for a while but once I started strength training with heavy weights I noticed how much better I felt when my body had protein. I know there are vegetarian sources of protein but it’s just so much easier to throw on a chicken breast or scramble an egg than press tofu (I do love tofu) or soak/prepare beans. I do try to eat a lot of veg, though!

  6. Danica @ GirlsThatRun says

    August 30, 2011 at 11:06 am

    I definitely agree with what you’re saying. I tried being vegetarian for a couple months in college, and while I know I could live without meat if all I had to do was worry about feeding myself, it really came down to a convenience factor for me. I didn’t want friends and family having to cook a separate meal every time I ate with them. That being said, i do try to limit how much meat I eat and, like you, I have tons of respect for people who are able to live as a vegan or vegetarian. It definitely takes discipline and a lot of creativity! I might look into the Flexitarian book after your review too, thanks!

  7. Ben@ShirtlessBen says

    August 30, 2011 at 7:04 pm

    I really enjoyed Dawns speech at healthy living summit. That being said like you i doubt that i could give meat up all together, but i have learned to substitute some healthier options instead of meat (sometimes). My fiance is deff a southern girl and cringes at the sign of chick peas, tofu, and any other weird texture food. So i have been trying to broaden her horizons on different ways foods can be meatless that is still tasty.

  8. Emily says

    August 31, 2011 at 12:10 am

    Pumpkin spice!! Delicious!!

    Interesting…I’ll have to add this book to my list to read. I definitely need to incorporate more veggies into my diet but I don’t know that I could ever be a vegetarian.

  9. Stephanie says

    August 31, 2011 at 11:47 am

    bleh, I hate snakes!! I had to jump over one when I was running by the lake about a month ago. I’m glad youre safe. At least with that one getting killed theres one less snake in your neighborhood

    • Heather says

      August 31, 2011 at 4:11 pm

      You jumped over it?! Aah! Scary!

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • A Quick and Easy Seasonal American Road Trip Guide
  • Why Quick Workouts Deliver Big Results
  • 4 Things That Stop People From Exercising (And What To Do About Them)
  • 6 Tips for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
  • Family Fun in Tuscaloosa: Your Ultimate Getaway Beyond Game Day

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
I’m not suggesting you go into debt to go on vac I’m not suggesting you go into debt to go on vacation. But I am suggesting you remember that time is something you can’t get back, and memories are something that will stay with you longer than things. 🚢 

As we enter the holiday season, maybe it’s time to consider that long overdue vacation instead of quite so many things under the tree? Maybe a few less items for some time away to rest and recharge with loved ones?

@disneycruiseline is great for just that because they truly have something for everyone, from babies, kids, to adults. The cruise we just went on included beach time, pool time, an obstacle course, lots of eating, basketball, foosball, ping-pong, movie, watching, scavenger hunt finding, pirates (the nice kind!), ice cream, and so much more. ✨🫶🏻 

Always happy to answer questions about the most magical cruise line around! 

#disneycruise #disneycruiseline #disneywish #disneyvacation
🚢 A vacation should actually feel like a vacati 🚢 A vacation should actually feel like a vacation right? I hear too many people coming home from vacations with their kids that say they are exhausted and now need another vacation from their vacation. 

This is why I love @disneycruiseline. 💖

They have kids clubs included in the price of your cruise fare* that are open for a lot of the day and late into the night. This allows for adults only time at the adults only pool, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Not to mention, the kids absolutely have a blast. Mine never wanted to leave! 🫶🏻

it’s a win-win situation in my book. They get to go have some fun with other kids, and I get to relax and recharge on my vacation, and then we can also spend quality family time together as well! ✨

Send this to someone you are trying to convince to go on a DCL cruise with you! 😏

*included in cruise fare for kids clubs, not the nursery which is an extra charge. 

#disneycruise #disneycruiseline #disneywish #disneycruisekids #disneycruisevacation #cruisevacation
We absolutely love Orange Beach, it’s one of our We absolutely love Orange Beach, it’s one of our favorite places to visit and feels like home. 🫶🏻

There are so many great businesses with employees that make you feel like family. Here are a few we visited over fall break. Be sure to save this for your next visit to the beach! Have you been to any of these places? 🍊 

@coastalorangebeach: Not only a beautiful restaurant right on the gulf with amazing food, drinks, and servers, but also a really great store with amazing merch! We found some great stuff. If you go to the restaurant, ask for J-Mac to be your server and make sure to get a bushwhacker with a peanut butter floater! 😋 

@florabama_olerivergrill : Right on the bama/Florida line, this fun restaurant boasts beautiful sunsets, a fun cocktail menu (the key lime colada was amazing!) and you can even rent pontoon boats and jet skis from the marina, or take a dolphin cruise! 🐬 

@theorangebeachstore : I’ve passed this store 100 times but this was my first time inside and now I’m mad that I have been missing out all this time. They have a beautiful selection of really nice souvenirs from great brand names you already know and love. Great quality clothing and other things like blankets, cup, hats, and candles. I shopped forever! 

@fbyachtclub_ : The Flora Bama Yacht club is also right on the state line on the bay side and has fun live music, a really nice menu including crab claws, hummus, chicken pasta, and key lime pie. Service was great and we loved the live music. 

Thank y’all for having us! ✨
#florabama #coastalal #orangebeach #orangebeachalabama #orangebeachrestaurants #orangebeachdining #albeachblogger
But why are they like this? I even tell him “I d But why are they like this? I even tell him “I don’t want a Bobby-sized bite” and it’s still fit for a polar bear. 🍰 

#loveandmarriage #husbandsandwives #menbelike #orangebeachalabama #coastalal #marriedlifebelike
Big batch, big flavor, zero stress! 😍 #sponsore Big batch, big flavor, zero stress! 😍 #sponsored 

I picked up the NEW Butterball Smoked Turkey Sausage at @Foodlion and added it to my favorite red beans and rice — lean, smoky, and less sodium! 🍽️ 

The best part? This recipe makes plenty of leftovers, so no cooking tomorrow 🙌. 
Quick, easy, and totally elevated — your weeknight dinners just got a major upgrade! 

Comment “BUTTERBALL” to receive a link to shop these products at your local Food Lion. *Check your message request folder if you don’t follow my account in order to receive the link.

Bobby’s Red Beans and Rice: 

INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 - 1 cup celery, about 3-4 ribs
• 1 Sweet Onion
• 1 Green Bell Pepper
• 2-4 cloves Garlic
• Seasoning, Tony’s, chili powder, pepper, bay leaf
• 1 tsp paprika
• 45 oz kidney beans
• 28 oz beef sausage, 2 packs
• 2 packs of Butterball Smoked Turkey Sausage
• 2 cup Beef broth
• Buttered Rice

PREPARATION STEPS
1. Chop/mince veggies (suggest food processor)

2. Warm butter on medium heat in pot then add veggies (about 10 minutes)

3. Add beans (slightly drain) and sausage (about 7 minutes)

4. Add garlic and seasoning and simmer about 10 minutes. 

5.) Serve over warm buttered rice

 #Butterball #SmokedTurkeySausage #FoodLionFinds #RedBeansAndRice #WeeknightDinner #EasyRecipes #MealPrepWin #FlavorfulAndHealthy @butterballturkey
Holiday shopping days with my mini me are some of Holiday shopping days with my mini me are some of my favorite traditions. ✨☕ 
From grabbing coffee to wandering through the decorated stores, there’s just something magical about this season. We laughed, made memories, and even managed to cross a few names off our list. 🎄 (ad) 

One of our favorite stops was Reeds at West Town Mall, where I spotted the new Victorinox Air Pro — a watch that’s Swiss-made with incredible craftsmanship, a stainless steel case, shock + water resistance, and even the ability to track 3 time zones at once. 🙌 It’s modern, timeless, and such a meaningful find for the men in my life.

The best part? Ending the day with full shopping bags, full hearts, and a gift I know will be worn and treasured for years. 💫 @victorinoxnorthamerica 

#HolidayShopping #Victorinox #AirProWatch #MyVictorinox
Apple cider margaritas! 🍎 🍺 🎃 This reci Apple cider margaritas! 🍎 🍺 🎃 

This recipe is super easy and tastes like fall in a cup! A great option for people who want to have a festive fall drink but would prefer a cold drink. 

👉🏻Comment the word MARGARITA and I will send the recipe right to your inbox! ✨

#applecider #margarita #applecidermargarita #holidaydrinks #festivedrink #halloweendrink #falldrink

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

%d