The Vegetarian and the Steakhouse!

Ok, I passed a major vegetarian test this week. On Saturday we got together with Jason's family and went out to Ruth's Chris steakhouse for dinner. I want to start off by saying that Jason's family was very gracious and did call me to see if we wanted to choose another restaurant in light of my decision to give up meat for lent. I told them I would be fine going to Ruth's Chris, and it sounded like a really fun experience. I had checked out the menu and knew that there were plenty of options for me. So, it is not as if I was tortured and dragged to a steakhouse! :o)

Anyway, I must say, one of the best meals I have ever eaten at a restaurant. And I did not even desire the steak. (This proves to me that I should just go ahead and declare myself a vegetarian from here on out...) I ordered a buffalo mozzarella and vine ripened tomato salad, and the "potato and veggie plate" in which I got to choose any three side items on the menu. I chose a baked potato, creamed spinach, and broccoli au gratin. And I was not bummed by any of those choices.

It is ironic, because I had written in the past that the thing I am loving most about being a vegetarian is the lack of options that I have; therefore, making it easier to choose and ultimately not dealing with the "buyers remorse" of wishing I had ordered something different. The thing that is ironic about my experience at Ruth's Chris, is I think I took just as long choosing as everyone else did... And I did walk away kind of wishing I had ordered the salmon after all. (I had a bite of Jason's, and it was by far the best piece of fish I have ever put in my mouth!) So, even a vegetarian has options at a steakhouse! :o)

So far on my journey, my body has never felt better with this new diet. I am never bloated and gassy. (Ok, tmi...) I am never uncomfortably stuffed, even if I eat a little too much. And I feel like I have a lot more energy. I am also proud to say that at 19 weeks pregnant I have only gained 3 pounds!!! I feel amazing, and I can't imagine going back to meat right now. It doesn't even sound good to me. So, with a little less than three weeks to go of my vegetarian challenge, I am glad that I have taken it, and may continue!