The Weight

What could be more trite than starting off the new year with the promise of healthier habits?

My goal had been to go into January already doing well on the healthful eating plan, so that when the turn of the year rolled around, I’d already be in good shape. I’m not entirely sure what happened to that. Maybe it was the two Thanksgivings back to back, or the pizza from Pepe’s, or judging the Chili Chowdown, or all the heifer shakes I enjoyed from The Dutch Udder, or the week in Pennsylvania where I ate little besides meat, carbs, and frozen custard?

It’s really hard to say. I’m not even sure how one might begin to unpack this mystery. But whatever the cause, the solution starts today. Although the person taking lead on the craziest part of this plan is Mrs. Fussy.

This is extreme, and I do not recommend it, but the Fussys are going meat-free in January.

Before you fall off your chair, that’s not entirely accurate. More specifically, we’re going meat free in our home. And flavoring agents like anchovies and fish sauce get a free pass.

What’s interesting is that all the members of the household are approaching this from different angles. Mrs. Fussy, despite my protestations, still believes meat has a deleterious environmental impact. Little Miss Fussy has somehow developed a desire to let cute but delicious animals live out the length of their days. And the young man has always seen food as fuel, so he couldn’t care less about the change, so long as he can continue to enjoy his peanut butter and honey.

For me, it’s all about vegetables and caloric opportunity costs. For every serving of meat, I could probably cram in a couple servings of vegetables at least. And while lean meat might be a healthful option as part of a balanced diet, most of my meat choices tend to favor the rich and juicy.

If I had to choose between boneless skinless chicken breast or sautéed broccoli, the broccoli wins.

I have a weight goal I’m trying to reach, and it involves dropping about ten pounds. Mrs. Fussy has agreed to help whip me into shape, so if she wants to declare January the meat-free-at-home month, I’m happy to let her run with it.

Of course there will also be exercise thrown into the mix. Plus, I’m going to be cutting out the booze, beer, and wine at home until I hit a target weight. So that should help too.

January is a cold and depressing month. Technically, the way I see it, it’s the very start of winter (although it’s still feeling like the locking). My plan had been to start the month with delicious braised fatty meats. It will be a challenge to make it to February without pot roast.

On the flip side, I should have plenty to complain about in the weeks ahead. Or maybe, I’ll pick up some good vegetarian recipes along the way. Whatever the case, it should make for some entertaining blogging. So stay tuned.