"Do or do not, there is no try." -Yoda

So. I've decided to do something... and it's called vegetarianism. 

I'm not just joking around though - I've taken the 30 day "Veg-Plege" from goveg.com and I've got the e-mail confirmation to prove it: 

Congratulations!

You have just taken the first step toward a healthier and more compassionate life. Going vegetarian has never been easier, and and we're here to help. For some delicious recipes to get you started, as well as a list of fantastic vegetarian products, popular veggie cookbooks, and much more, check out http://www.vegcooking.com.

A vegetarian diet is truly a life-saver.  Every veget

arian saves more than 100 animals each year, and vegetarians are less likely to suffer from  heart disease, obesity, and several types of cancer, according to the American Dietetic Association. Plus vegetarian foods are delicious!

The following are our "Top Five Tips for Making the Switch":

1. Make vegetarian version of your favorite meals.

2. Explore delicious vegetarian recipes. 

3. Try tasty faux meats and dairy alternatives. 

4. Sample microwaveable meals and convenience foods. 

5. Find vegetarian-friendly restaurants in your area. 

Thank you again for taking the 30-Day Veg Pledge. Please visit us again at http://wwwgoveg.com to check out our new contests, celebrity features, and delicious recipes. 

Best of luck!

Sincerely, 

Jenny Lou Browning

Vegan Special Projects Coordinator 

So, here's the deal. I'm not 100% sold - I love dairy products and fish, so I am working on eliminating those later. For now, I am set on cutting all chicken, pork, turkey and beef out of my diet. Why this sudden change, you ask? 

After listening to Gene Baur present at convocation 2 weeks ago, I was inspired to change my eating habits. However, this wasn't the first time I thought abo

ut removing meat from my diet. This summer, I had the privilege of hearing Coleman McCarthy speak at a Presidential Lecture Series for The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. McCarthy is widely recognized for his accomplishments as a "journalist turned peace activist," as well as his practice as an ethical vegetarian. His speech motivated me to try vegetarianism, and I lasted... for a week. Now, I am determined to last for at least a month - but I am going to to my best to continue my vegetable eating forever!

Tonight I made an excellent recipe for veggie pizza - I highly recommend it. In fact >> here's a picture of the final product:

How in the world does this relate to becoming a woman of influence? Good question! Here's how I see it: I am taking a stand. I am tired of complaining about excessive carbon emission and the unethical practice of the meat industry. I can't sit complaining, hoping that someone else will make a change...

I want to be that change. 

There comes a point in time when you have to stop talking and start walking the walk. Like Dr. Waters said today in class... you can't make exceptions or allowances for yourself. you have to go 100% all in. So I'm taking the plunge. I've made it through a week already (enduring constant criticism from my meat-loving boyfriend all the while) but I've got a long way to go. 

For those I hope to influence (the young ladies), how can I expect them to make a change, when I am not willing to do it myself? I want to be an example for others in order to prove that when you put your mind to something, you can achieve anything. 

I want to show others that it's important to take a stand on issues they feel strongly about. If they don't agree with something, I want to encourage them not to simply change their attitude - I want them to feel empowered to change their behavior and make a difference.

I'll close with a quote that sums up this post rather nicely... 

"Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions"

-Harold S. Geneen