Easter is only 2 days away and I am ready to celebrate by eating a delicious bacon burger, steak and chicken wings.  Dottie and I both gave up meat for Lent so the cravings are quickly coming back.  We’ve actually gone 40 days on just fish, veggies, and fruits … no meat.

In reality, it wasn’t that hard.  Well, in the beginning it really was hard, especially because we enjoy watching the food channel.  Common sense tip – if you give up meat for Lent, don’t watch any shows with Bobby Flay, Paula Dean, or Giada Laurentis because they are meat freaks.  Do watch Ellie Kreiger because she is very healthy, mostly veggies and very little meat. Dave Lieberman and Barefoot Contessa are usually half-half.

But really, we got used to NOT eating meat because we had our fridge and freezer filled with lots of other goodies.  Trader Joe’s has some great food like soy nuggets (surprisingly crunchy, tastes like chicken), veggie patties (breakfast wanna-be sausage), veggie pizzas, veggie burgers and tons of fish.  Get the pako-breaded tilapia fillets, easy to cook and trust me, very delicious.

Overall, 40 days without eating meat seems long.  Compared to Christina, my sister, who’s been a vegetarian for about 15 years, 40 days is a cinch.  So next year for Lent, I urge you to give up meat and try.  You will feel lighter, healthier and have more energy.

I’ll have my burger cooked medium please.