Happy World Vegetarian Day!

October 1st is World Vegetarian Day, which kicks off October as Vegetarian Awareness Month. Many vegetarian and vegan groups host potlucks, cook-offs, and free cooking classes/tasting displays this month. If you have considered vegetarianism, this is the perfect time to try it out. Many people find that they are so amazed with the results, they never eat meat again.

Try doing a google search with your town's name and the word vegetarian or vegan. Your town might even have its own vegetarian group! Despite the reputation many vegetarian groups have, I've found every group that I've personally interacted with to be full of extremely kind and tolerant people. Whether you are a vegetarian already or not, you can use the month of October to learn how to improve your health and cure the diseases that your body currently has. In seeking out local groups in your area that promote healthy living, you can surround yourself with others that want to improve their own lives. This is inspiring. In addition to the myriad health benefits of a strict vegetarian diet, there are even more moral and ethical reasons for not eating meat and other animal products. If you aren't sure what they are, consider ordering a Free Vegetarian Starter Guide.

If you are in the greater Tucson area check out the Vegetarian Group of Tucson and then, try eating a meal at our favorite restaurant, Lovin' Spoonfuls Café, sometime this month. I've also made a quick list of where in Tucson/Green Valley to purchase various meat and dairy analogs since these are the foods that people often think are not replaceable.

Looking for a good vegetarian restaurant in your own area to try out? Check out HappyCow's Vegetarian Guide to Restaurants and Health Food Stores. Be sure to add your own reviews, also.

Happy World Vegetarian Day! Try a new recipe this month! It might become a new family staple.