• 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

  • Protecting Your Kids’ Eyes In the Digital Age
  • Late Spring Events Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
  • 6 Ways to Make Mother’s Day Special This Year
  • Exciting News: Allegiant Air Launches New Knoxville to Gulf Shores Nonstop Flight
  • 8 Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Activities that are Perfect for a Family Spring Break

 

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
Before & after… and I’m honestly still in awe Before & after… and I’m honestly still in awe of the difference this rug made. 😁 

I found it at @revival and couldn’t be happier — it’s soft underfoot, doesn’t shed (huge win), and is stain-resistant, which is exactly what we need in a house with kids and pets. It also came with free shipping and easy returns, which made the whole process so simple.

Made in Turkey and beautifully crafted, it feels like the perfect mix of style and practicality — especially for a home that sees a lot of paw prints. 🐾 

Use code 10OFF-HEATHERSLG for 10% off, but this offer won’t last long! (🔗 in bio!) 

#RevivalRugs #RevivalPartner #beforeandafter #homedecorrefresh #newrug
✨ Ready to escape to the Shire… in Tennessee? ✨ Ready to escape to the Shire… in Tennessee? ✨ (ad)
Tucked away just outside of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Howard’s Hollow is a one-of-a-kind Hobbit-inspired hideaway that brings the magic of Middle-earth to life in the Smoky Mountains.

Here’s why this unforgettable vacation rental should be at the top of your bucket list:

🟢 Whimsical Hobbit Design

Round doors, mossy rooftops, and charming woodwork that make you feel like you’re living in a Tolkien tale

Fully themed with cozy, earthy vibes and magical details in every nook

🛏️ 3 Unique Bedrooms

Each room is carefully crafted with its own personality—whether you’re drawn to elven elegance, dwarven strength, or hobbit coziness. There are also 3 full bathrooms. 

🔥 Spacious & Cozy Living

A stone fireplace, frame TV, plush seating, and rustic design invite you to slow down and stay awhile

The full kitchen and dining area have ample seating—perfect for a family getaway or friends’ retreat

🛁 Relaxation Meets Nature

Soak in the hot tub under the stars after a day of exploring

Enjoy peaceful woodland views around the fire pit and a quiet, tucked-away feel

🌲 Set in a Unique & Enchanting Neighborhood

Part of a small fantasy-inspired community that feels like stepping into a storybook

Minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg—close to fun, yet a world away

Whether you’re a lifelong Tolkien fan or just craving a truly magical mountain escape, Howard’s Hollow is a place where memories are made and imaginations run wild. ✨

Ready to book your adventure? Visit howards-hollow.com or @howards_hollow  and enter the Hollow. 🌿🏡 
(🔗 in bio too!) 

#howardshollow #vacationrental #smokeymountains #pigeonforge #pigeonforgevacation #lordoftherings #harrypotterfan #lordoftheringsfan
Just a trio of mother-daughter magic. 🪄 One t Just a trio of mother-daughter magic. 🪄 

One taught me, one’s watching me—and together we’re laughing through it all. Happy Mother’s Day to the best and busiest job ever! 🥂 

#happymothersday❤️ #mothersday2025 
#myminime #motherdaughterlove #threegenerations
I mean I got to hug him, scratch his nose like a g I mean I got to hug him, scratch his nose like a good boy, and watch him shake his tail like we’re besties. No regrets. 🐾 

#DisneyParenting #CharacterDiningChaos #PlutoDeservesASpinOff #gardengrill #disneycharacters #disneydining #disneymeme
💪 Amazon Activewear You Need This Summer! ☀️ (ad)

I found the perfect lightweight workout tank + the cutest high-waisted skort — both from @g4free_official on Amazon! 🙌

✔️ Racerback Tank: Silky soft, airy light (only ~3oz!), 4-way stretch, moisture-wicking, and UPF 50+
✔️ Ruffle Skort: Built-in shorts, pockets, tummy control waistband & comes in 15” or 20” lengths!

Whether you’re hitting the gym, walking the dog, playing tennis or just running errands — this set is comfy and flattering. 💕

🛒 Shop them both on Amazon! Save 10% with G4FREE10! 
(Links in bio! ✨)

#amazonfinds #amazonactivewear #workoutoutfit #g4free #fitmomstyle #athleisurestyle #tennisskirt #gymfashion #amazonfashionfinds #activewearreview #g4freeamazon #amazonfashion
🚢 There are some things I never pictured doing 🚢 There are some things I never pictured doing on a cruise, but here we are! 

@virginvoyages is so unique in its offerings, it truly feels like they are listening to what their “sailors” want. (No Nickel and Dime-ing… tips, Wifi, Group Fitness Classes, Essential Bevvies, Dining, and entertainment - always included on these adult by design voyages!) 

Which of these things do you want to do on your next cruise? 

👉🏻Check out the 🔗 in my bio for up to $200 in onboard credit towards your voyage + their best discount of the year: 
75% off the second Sailor + up to $500 in Instant Savings!! 🎉

#virginvoyages #valiantlady #cruisevacation #cruiseshiplife #travelcreator
No time for the gym? Same. 🙋‍♀️ (ad) That No time for the gym? Same. 🙋‍♀️ (ad)
That’s why the Yesoul R1M Plus Rowing Machine is my new go-to for fun, full-body workouts at home — with zero guilt. 💪🏼✨

✅ Foldable & compact for small spaces
✅ Stream YouTube/Netflix etc. or Spotify while you row (hello, multitasking magic)
✅ No mandatory subscription — just mirror your screen & go!
✅ Built for all fitness levels, so you can start where you are

Mamas, this is your moment to prioritize YOU — without sacrificing your schedule (or your living room).

🛒 Grab yours here: https://bit.ly/3SkLjrM (🔗 in bio)
Use code Heather for $100 off across their G1M series bikes, T1M treadmills, R1M rowing machines, and J1M recumbent bikes! 🙌

Check out: @yesoulfitness.official
#funcardio #yesoul #hometraining #fitnessmotivation #herstrength #mothersdayideas

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

%d