However, I do have some unfortunate news- my access to a kitchen will be limited to a possible mini fridge and thats it. So, I might be able to make myself some delicious sammies and keep some fresh fruit on hand for lunches and snacks, but besides that- I rely on the institute for breakfast and dinner. The cuisine in Calabria is very mediterranean- they eat a lot of fish, no red meat, but they do eat some goat and poultry.
We are staying in a small town, with rich history and very traditional mediterranean lifestyle. Vegetarian accomodations are pretty much impossible. So I'm going to have to deal with that. I'm not sure on my feelings on going omnivore for 5 weeks. I'm at the point now, where I abstain from all meat and poultry and currently only consume small amounts of dairy and fish on occasion. I like this a lot- I've come to love living a pescetarian diet; and lately it's been pretty close to vegan. My body feels the best it ever has, and I have TONS of energy, and am in the best shape of my life (I am still trying to gain a few pounds, but it is coming on gradually- and I'm doing it in a healthful manner). If it were my choice, I would remain a pescetarian throughout my trip; and I will still eat vegetarian whenever I have the chance. However, it is pretty much out of my control at this point, and I do not want to miss out on the experiance of Italy, so I'll see how it goes.
When I return, I fully intend on resuming my vegetarian lifestyle. In fact, I am buying a couple of books to bring with me on the plane to do some serious research about possibly starting off the school year next year as a full-blown vegetarian, no fish, no dairy- and maybe even trying veganism. It's something I've wanted to do for a good while now, and I think I'll be ready for it! It will be quite the drastic change after a month eating the Italian way, but I'll have the whole end of the summer to experiment! =)
So that's my current situation, onto my food for the evening-
When I got back after 4, I was hungry but not ready for dinner yet- so I had a key lime silk soy yogurt (this is definately my favorite kind of soy yogurt!!) topped with a handful of almond slivers and a medium pear.
Held me over perfect as I packed up a bunch of my stuff to bring home with me, (took me an hour and a half!) and then prepared my dinner.
I made myself a delicious, colorful (and vegan!) bowl of rice, tofu and seasoned veggies using a minute-rice cup topped with a cubed Helen's tofu steak along with a package of steamed veggies seasoned with an olive oil garlic sauce.
It all came together perfectly! I love these "bowl staple meals" I've created- so quick, easy, healthy and satisfying. They'll definately be one of my go-to quick meals when I don't have time to prepare myself a full meal on my STOVE next year. (Can you tell I'm excited to get out of this dorm?!?)
How yummy does that look?
I'm off to do some more major studying!! I'll be back for dessert!
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4 comments:
Yikes, only access to a mini-fridge?? Well, I'm sure you'll do fine, since you'll be in one of the culinary capitals of the world!! :0)
Oooh, your dinner DOES look yummy!!
I'm in a similar predicament with being abroad and have also enjoyed being a pescatarian for the past few months. Best of luck with everything, that all sounds so exciting!
Hey Kristin--I think it's probably best to take a break from pescetarianism while abroad. You know what is best for you, so enjoy yourself and Italy, whatever you choose, diet-wise.
Hey, maybe you and I should eventually try veganism together? That could be fun.
Chickpea,
I'm game! I'm thinking about going for the culturally relative route in Italy, to make it easier while I'm there, and getting the full omnivore experience, then experiment with vegetarianism/veganism when I return... and hopefully making the full switch before the beginning of the next school year! I'd love to do it together, that would be fun =)
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