Why I'm Going Pescetarian

Happy New Year!  I wouldn't categorize this as a resolution, per se, but I decided to become a pescetarian beginning in 2014.  I've been flirting with the idea of becoming some sort of vegetarian for many months, and have gradually reduced the amount of meat I was consuming in 2013.  By the end of the year, my meat consumption was rather infrequent; I hadn't purchased meat to cook at home in months, and mostly opted for vegetarian options when eating out.

I could have continued in this "flexitarian" state, but I decided that I wanted to commit to something more specific.  There are a number of reasons why someone might choose to reduce or eliminate their consumption of animal products, but these are the reasons that most motivate me:

• Environmentalism: Factory farming is a major source of pollution, and is not environmentally sustainable. Many of my lifestyle choices are intended to combat environmental waste and pollution, such as not owning a car, taking public transit, supporting local agriculture, and recycling and reusing whenever possible.
• Humane Treatment of Animals: Everything I've learned about how animals are treated in factory farms is very disconcerting.  I don't like the idea of being a part of an industry that treats animals so cruelly, restricting their movement and pumping them full of odd things to maximize profit.
• Health: A vegetarian diet has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.  It's also been linked to maintaining a healthy weight level and longer lifespan.  Yes, please!
• Solidarity: A number of the people in my life whom I most love and respect are vegetarian.  I want to join their ranks.

Pescetarian means that I still eat fish and shellfish, but don't eat other meat.  Also, I'm still eating dairy, eggs, and insect byproducts--sorry, bees, but honey is too delicious!  I'm choosing to continue to eat seafood because it is possible to access sustainable options, and gives me more choices when eating out.  Also, seafood is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and protein.  I highly recommend the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch pocket guides (and app), which identify which fish are the most sustainable choices.

The most challenging obstacle I've encountered as I've consciously reduced my animal consumption has been how many things have sneaky animal byproducts in them.  Gelatin is hiding in many more foods than just marshmallows and Jell-o.  Cheese is often made from animal rennet.  Refried beans usually have lard.  White sugar is processed using bone char.  I'm not going to completely cut out these byproducts, mostly because it's extremely challenging to do so, but I'm definitely going to seek out alternatives whenever possible.

I definitely have a lot more research to do around this topic, much of which I'm hoping will make its way into future blog posts.  For example, I want to learn more about the confusing array of egg options I see at the grocery store.  If anyone has recommendations of good books, documentaries, or websites about vegetarianism, please share!  I don't intend to be preachy about my decision to become pescetarian, but I do want to share my experiences in making this change, and engage in conversations about our food choices.

Settling In

I've been at HomeBase for six weeks now, and it's been awesome.  Having been an intern, it was easy for me to jump right into the work and start taking on responsibility.  It's a bit frustrating to have to study for the bar exam while gearing up in my new job, because I'd love to be able to pour 100% of my energy into work.  But, in another six weeks, the bar exam will be over, and things will really start to fall into place.

The nature of my work is very fast-paced and eclectic, which I love.  In a single day, I might research pending legislation, draft a grant proposal, write a memo on some best practices, or facilitate a meeting with clients to brainstorm how to improve their system.

While most of our work is in the Bay Area, we also have some national technical assistance work for HUD, which takes us all over the country.  Indeed, I will be going to Phoenix for a couple of days next week for some meetings. I am excited by how quickly I've begun to feel like a valuable team member with things to contribute.

Last week, I gave a presentation at our regional steering committee on Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.  It felt a bit like a "fake it 'til you make it" moment, because I'm by no means an expert on heath care reform, but I think it went well.  I, like most folks in the policy world, am awaiting the Supreme Court's opinion on the ACA with baited breath.  My hope is that they'll leave the entire law in effect, but my prediction is that they'll sever the individual mandate.

Today was lovely, because it was the annual intern hike, which is like our version of a company picnic.  We all carpooled out to the Marin Headlands for some hiking, followed by a BBQ picnic near the beach.  What a fantastic way to spend a Wednesday.

Cue Rocky Theme Song

Thanks to a very excellent Groupon, my friend Morgan and I signed up for 30 exercise classes for only $20 at a variety of locations throughout the Bay Area.  Last night, we attended our first class, a boxing/self-defense class at Cissero Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a tiny studio in San Jose.  Having never tried boxing before, I was a bit nervous about keeping up with the class.  But, as it turned out, Morgan and I were the only two students to show up for the class, which was awesome!  We had the undivided attention of the teacher, who goes by the nickname Tarzan, and even received some pointers from Mr. Cissero himself.  We were repeatedly reminded that this was no mere cardio kickboxing or karate class--this was the real deal.  I must admit, and forgive my language, it felt pretty badass.

We spent the first half of the class working on the form of our jab and cross, moving forward and backward across the mat in short spurts.  Once we seemed to have the hang of the punches, we wrapped our hands and put on boxing gloves, and did some one-on-one practice with the teachers, getting used to punching with the gloves on.

The toughest part of the class was the drills.  For a good 20 minutes, we repeated the following 30-second drills: jab-cross, receive jab-cross, jumping jacks, bobbing and weaving, push ups with one arm in an elbow plank, and crunches.  It was exhausting!  We weren't told how long we'd be doing the drills, so it was a serious test of endurance.  I know I wouldn't have had the self-discipline to push myself to complete those drills on my own, which is why it was so great to have a teacher to hold me accountable.

Morgan and I were tired, yet exhilarated, after the class.  Not only was it an awesome workout (both cardio and upper body strength), but also it felt practical, learning some self-defense.  I definitely want to continue with boxing classes, and cannot wait to see my progress!

Deserting Desserts

Lent is my favorite liturgical season.  It is a very effective impetus for changing day-to-day habits in a way that brings me closer to God.  I've been pondering many different Lenten disciplines...  Over the past few years, I've given up meat, coffee, and even elevators, I've prayed the Rosary daily, I've read Scripture daily, I've fasted weekly, and I've tried focusing on a different virtue for each day of the week.  The past few years have been more abstract, but I think this Lent, I'd like to return to the classic Lenten practice abhorred by children everywhere: giving up desserts.

Alibi will help me by guarding the fridge.

Living on my own, desserts haven't been a major issue.  It's simple: if you don't buy them, then you don't eat them.  But, now that I'm living with my family, there is constant temptation!  Chocolates, ice cream, cakes, cookies, pastries...  There is always something sweet in our kitchen, and I have not been employing much self-control.  So, I will be using this Lent to reign in that lack of discipline, and focus instead on the sweetness of prayer.  What better dessert for a meal than prayer?  To complement giving up desserts, I plan on praying the Rosary each evening this Lent.

A couple of caveats on giving up desserts.  First, I will not be practicing this discipline on Sundays.  Traditionally, Sundays "don't count" as a part of Lent, because one does not fast when the bridegroom is present.  So, desserts are allowed on Sundays, but not to excess.  Second, birthday cake on a family member's birthday is allowed.  My dad and my brother both have birthdays during Lent this year, and I want to be able to celebrate with them.  But otherwise, no desserts!

I'll be using some discretion as to what counts as a dessert. Sweet breakfast foods are strangely ambiguous.  I think a good demarcation is icing/frosting.  So, no donuts, but some muffins; no filled croissants, but plain ones; no coffee cakes, but some breakfast breads...  Basically, if I would feel guilty about it, I won't eat it.

What are you giving up for Lent this year?

Resolute Reflection

Throughout law school, my list of New Year's Resolutions has been short and sweet:

• Keep in touch with friends
• Get to know D.C. like a local
• Read for pleasure
• Use my time wisely
• Pray without ceasing
• Make healthy choices

Overall, I have done pretty well with the list this year.  2011 has been a year of reconnecting with old friends, especially since moving back to California.  And, I am very pleased to be staying in touch with my D.C. friends, all of whom I miss so much.  Indeed, writing Christmas cards each year is always an exercise in counting my blessings.

I definitely got to know D.C. like a local these past three years, and this year wrapped up my D.C. to-do list.  Much was accomplished during Chris' visit on Presidents' Day Weekend.  We went to the top of the Old Post Office Tower, saw the Ghost Clock at the Renwick Gallery, watched money being made at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and went to the National Building Museum.  I also checked off some big to-do's during my family's visit for my graduation: a tour of the White House, and a visit to the Franciscan Monastery.  And, that's to say nothing of the recurring D.C. adventures I went on, including Mount Vernon, walking the monuments at night with Jess, many trips to the various Smithsonians, and quiet afternoons at the Basilica of the National Shrine.  I miss D.C., and hope that I'll have the opportunity to visit this spring.

I am happy to report that reading for pleasure has picked up this year.  Still Thinking, the virtual book club, has been a great source of accountability for reading.  This year, we read Machine of Death, Shakespeare's Kitchen, A Time to Kill, Across the Universe, Devil in the White City, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, The Hunger Games trilogy, and are currently reading The House of God.  I think my favorite was Machine of Death, which is an anthology of short stories inspired by this comic.  It was at once macabre, hilarious, and thought-provoking.  Plus, you can read the book online for free!  My reading also experienced a sharp uptick after I received a Kindle as a graduation present from my parents.  I was a bit hesitant about using an e-reader at first, but now I love it.  In addition to my book club books, I also read Bossypants by Tina Fey, Packing for Mars, The Pun also Rises, and am in the middle of the second book of A Song of Ice and Fire (the Game of Thrones series).  Still not nearly as many books as I used to read pre-law school, but a step in the right direction.

Using my time wisely is always a difficult resolution.  There are so many distractions in this world, and the Internet is the biggest temptation for me.  I can easily whittle away hours reading online.  However, especially in light of my upcoming bar exam at the end of February, maintaining this resolution will be of the utmost importance.

I would not go so far as to characterize my prayer life as "praying without ceasing," but there has been progress in this area of my life, most significantly this autumn as I began to meet up regularly with Monica, Ariana, and Shauna for conversations about The Holy Longing, by Ronald Rolheiser.  I am so blessed to have people in my life who challenge me to grow, and support me when I am struggling.

Making healthy choices waxes and wanes.  To be honest, it's been more difficult since I've moved home, because there is less walking in the suburbs, I don't have access to a gym, and I don't have as much control over food selection (and, keeping temptations out of reach).  However, I have been doing more cooking using healthy recipes, and my bicycle has gotten a lot of use.  Still, some room for improvement.

Accordingly, these are my resolutions for 2012:

• Keep in touch with friends
• Read for pleasure
• Use my time wisely
• Pray without ceasing
• Make healthy choices
• Try new recipes
• Do more photography
• Study Spanish

2011 was a momentous year for me in so many ways (a retrospective is forthcoming), and I cannot wait to see what 2012 will bring.  In the meantime, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Health Kick

Despite the somewhat misleading fact that my last post was about cookies, the reality is that I have been on a post-bar health kick.  Being back in the suburbs means that I don't have a multi-mile walk built into my daily schedule anymore, and studying for the bar exam didn't exactly lend itself to exercising and eating right.  However, the bar exam is over, and I have lots of free time, so a health kick is underway!

While I wouldn't consider myself to be on a "diet" (see above re: cookies), I will say that I am trying to make healthier choices.  When I was at Cal, some of my PE classes (yoga, step aerobics) required us to keep a log of our eating habits, to make us more aware of our choices.  I found the practice to be a very helpful form of accountability.  Before eating, I found myself thinking, "Do I really want to have to write down that I ate that many cookies?"  As a result, I would make better choices while keeping the log, and felt better about how I was caring for myself.

There is a great iPhone app called Lose It! that is a sophisticated tool for keeping track of your food and exercising habits.  I like it because it has a built-in library of thousands of foods (including brand names), so you can just look up a food, add it to your log, and then have a ton of information recorded about your nutrient intake!  Plus, the app has a great user interface.  I especially enjoy the cute little icons next to the different types of food and exercise.  You can also set up a free account and use their website, and create goals.  I highly recommend it if you're looking for an easy way to have a bit of accountability to make healthier choices.

I have been trying a ton of new recipes, mostly from the Cooking Light Complete Cookbook that I bought a few weeks ago (courtesy of the Borders bankruptcy, so sad).  Salads, tomato-basil soup, glazed carrots, garlic red potatoes...  It has been fun to learn some new recipes, as well as how to change recipes to make them healthier, while still flavorful.  Next up on my to-do list: panko oven fried chicken and eggplant parmesan lasagna!

One of the biggest exercise challenges is that, now that I am done with school and am not living in a fancy apartment complex, I no longer have access to a nice gym.  I confess, I didn't use the gyms to which I had access in DC in VA nearly as much as I should have; nonetheless, the ability to exercise regularly seems even more daunting without access to cardio equipment, a weight training circuit, and yoga classes.  I could spring for a gym membership somewhere, but I don't think it would be financially wise given my employment status.  Plus, I don't have a car, so getting to a gym would be inconvenient--and, knowing my weak proclivity for gym usage, it has to be convenient for there to be any chance that I'll use it.

Instead of the gym, I've decided to make my bicycle my main source of exercise.  I've always loved bike riding, and my favorite types of exercise are those disguised as fun.  Plus, there are a ton of bike lanes and paths in the South Bay, so I won't get bored.

The exercise aspect of my health kick has been off to a rocky start the past couple of weeks, because I fell off of my bike only a few days after tuning it up, which led to a terrible infection in two big scrapes on the top of my left foot, and a third scrape on my left knee.  It felt a bit ridiculous that I fell off of my bike for the first time in perhaps 15 years, and immediately got an infection.  My skateboarding brother always has some sort of open sore festering on his body, and he has never gotten an infection!  So not fair.  The infection required a week's worth of oral antibiotics, as well as an ointment applied three times daily.  It took six days for a real scab to start forming.  And, the antibiotics made me extremely sensitive to sunlight, so I ended up breaking out into delightful sunburn hives for a couple of days.  Not exactly conducive to exercise.

Thankfully, I am now fully scabbed over, and the hives are fading, so I can resume exercising as a complement to healthy food choices.  I started off with a five-mile ride through my neighborhood to gauge my level of endurance, and didn't find it very taxing, so I think I'll up the ante a bit.  My goal is to be able to ride from my house to Baylands Park, which is about 16 miles round trip, and follows a great designated bike path separated from auto traffic most of the way.