I know May is over but I thought it was worth talking about this anyway.

Why do this challenge? It can be a fun way to increase your use of meat alternatives. If done right, vegetarian or vegan eating can help you increase your intake of fibre and essential nutrients, and help reduce the production of greenhouse gases.

I am not a vegetarian, let alone a vegan, but I am increasingly a less-meat person. I have often been inspired to eat meat-free dishes because I have found a a few great vegan websites to help me use vegetables from my CSA basket. But this year, I owe particular thanks to my friend Sandra.

Sandra loves to cook. It’s one of the shared interests that brought us together as friends. She did No Meat May and posted about it almost every day. Sometimes I was inspired to try her recipes. Sometimes I shared vegetarian recipes I thought she might enjoy. Sometimes, there was no recipe. Just vibes. (Sandra’s description of one of her soups)

I have focused on home cooking because that’s important activity to me. However, Sandra has a full-time job, volunteers with a cat rescue, and has a social life. She sometimes buys take-out and uses frozen or pre-made dishes/ingredients. Those meals also looked great. There are many reasons to do that, from time constraints to disability or simply dislike of cooking.

We’re now solidly into June and I’m still happily eating mostly beans and cheese for my protein (but I have two tofu recipes planned for later in the week). Thanks for the inspiration Sandra!