#FOOD: VEGETARIANISM & “THE HOGTOWN VEGAN”

So I’ve been pondering V̶e̶g̶a̶n̶i̶s̶m Vegetarianism a lot of late and although I’ve tried it on two occasions – each time  spanning the course of a year, I really am considering making a change to my lifestyle once again.  One, there are obvious health benefits to doing so. Secondly, there are ethical reasons. Thirdly, there is the Environment. A global increase in meat consumption is adversely impacting our climate and the Planet we live in.

Now I don’t think I could ever go full-on Vegan, but Vegetarian I could do.  We all have an individual responsibility and this doesn’t necessarily mean cutting meat completely out of our diets to save the World, but simply the first step is just being aware.  Something as simple as one Meatless Day a week can improve our health and the health of our Planet.  Learn more about the Meatless Monday Initiative here.

My good Friend Dawn – a full-on Vegan – and I have fallen in love with The Hogtown Vegan (834 Bloor Street West, at Ossington), located in Toronto’s The Annex.  Their specialty is Comfort Foods prepared in Vegan form and although I know the true spirit of Vegan Eating is diluted by wolfing-down flavoury, savoury Chilli “Cheese” Fries, Hogtown Wings, Unchicken & Waffles and Pulled Unpork Sandwiches (all seen above), I really love the Food here and I am stoked to try everything on the Menu.  In simply a meal or two there, I have been inspired to examine healthier eating patterns and recently have had a series of trial Meatless Days. Although I know it’s totally subjective,  I honestly do feel much less lethargic the days I’m not consuming Meat.  Legit.

Although I’m still on the fence which route I plan to go (who knows, maybe I’ll just wind-up being a Meat Eater who enjoys Meatless Days!), I’m ready to make a change – even if just a small one – starting with myself.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)