Two Year Pescetarian Anniversary

Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/f10n4/

 "What she order? Fish Fillet!" If I didn't know any better I would have thought Kanye West was talking about me in he and Jay Z's song "N***s in Paris". The month of February marks my two year anniversary as a Pescetarian--someone who eats fish but no other meats. I would have never thought that I would make it so far. I'd tried low and no meat diets in the past without so much success. 

Check out my other posts on Pescetarianism:

Tips: Switching to a Pescetarian Diet  

My Pesce-versary 

Check out my interview on The Good Health Diva's Blog:

Switching to a pescetarian diet-Interview with Kayla

Feel free to ask me anything!

Q & A: Pescetarianism and Assumptions

I have posted a few times on What the Kink about my Pescetarianism diet. These other posts are Tips: Switching to a Pescetarian Diet, My Pesce-Versary, and Two Year Pescetarian Anniversary. I am still going strong and never hesitate to share my diet with anyone willing to listen. This sharing--of course--brings out questions and assumptions that others have of low/no meat diets.

(source)

So, you must not eat out often?
I eat out where-evah! My family does not eat a lot of fast food but when we do go out, I never really worry about what I'm going to eat. Some examples are as follows: Taco Bell-Sub beans for meat on whatever I want to order, Any burger place- Order the burger w/o the meat patty, Any country fried restaurant--vegetable plate with the veggies they've marked as not cooked w/ meat (almost all country places mark this). Also, seafood is always an option because I'm a Pescetarian!

You eat a lot of fish, huh?
Um...no...not really. Being a pescetarian means that I am WILLING to eat fish. Most of my meals are Vegetarian.

Does it get boring eating all of those vegetables?
I eat so much more than vegetables! I get my serving in but I like other stuff too. Take a look at my day.

• Breakfast: Overnight Oats w/ Raisins & Coffee
• Lunch: Veggie Burger, Fruit Gel Cup, Chipsssss
• Dinner: Broccoli, Yellow Rice, Chik'n Nuggets
• Snacks: Fiber Bar or Popcorn or Fruit Snacks or Apple

I'm usually a fruit and breads before dinner kind of girl. At dinner I have half a plate of veggies. Not the vegetable filled day you imagined, huh?

Have you lost weight?
Nope. The first year I stayed exactly the same. I lost a little weight last year by cutting back portions and exercising. Pescetarianism made little difference though.

You must be protein difficient!
Peanut Butter, Eggs, Cheese, Yogurt, Milk...these are all protein filled and I eat at least two of these a day. Even a bag of chips has 2 grams of protein! lol.

So, what things do you assume about low or no meat diets. I couldn't have covered them all.

My Pesce-versary

Last Tuesday marked the one year anniversary of my being a pescetarian. I am so excited and proud of myself. I know that this was a good decision and I hope many more years follow. Here I'm making a post about the background to my decision and a little about my thoughts. Later, I'm going to make a tips post because it seems as though many people have questions about switching to a low/no meat diet.

WHAT IS PESCETARIANISM?
A pescetarian is someone who does not eat any meat other than Fish. A lot of people are confused by this term because they may have believed that Vegetarians eat fish. Well, they don't because Vegetarians don't eat meat and fish is indeed meat. Also, people try to stuff me with fish whenever I eat at their house. lol. Pescetarian just means that I am willing to eat fish. Most days out of a given month I am completely meat free.

MY THOUGHTS ON ITS CLASSIFICATION...
People like to classify pescetarianism as if it were a type of vegetarianism. I just can't understand that. If you want to classify something under an umbrella, that something must meet the criteria of the original umbrella. So, if vegetarian is the umbrella and vegetarians do not eat meat, it makes no sense to put a group who does eat meat underneath that classification. For all intensive purposes, Pescetarianism is a type of omnivorous diet. I've seen people throw omnivore out as if its supposed to be an insult, but it is what it is.

WHY DID I CHOOSE TO BECOME A PESCETARIAN?
I am not an animal rights person. I'm not so much concerned that people consume animals. I think that's pretty natural. What I have a true issue with is how we take these animals lives. It's pretty unappetizing. The death of the fish wasn't enough to make me sick. I also have an issue with all of the artificiality involved in the meat making process...hormones, chemicals, etc... 

For more info, including videos, visit meat.org.

♥ KAYLA

The First Annoying Comments

It's official! I have now received the first annoying comments about my hair. I was at my family reunion wearing a braidout. Well, the gulf coast air caused my style to fall and look like a stringy/poofy mess. I admit that my hair didn't look the best, but I wasn't trying to hear some of the comments that I received.

My cousin's child: "Is your hair supposed to look like that?"
Granted, this isn't super rude or anything, but it agitated me none the less.

My cousin (the boy's dad): "What were you trying to do with this look?"
Hours later..."I got it! Macy Gray!"

If that wasn't annoying enough, we had the banquet the next day. My mom was talking to my aunt about me getting enough to eat at the banquet because I'm a Pescetarian (fish = only meat). There wasn't much meatless or fishy fare. Well, when my aunt's children heard this they were like "YOU'RE A VEGETARIAN?!" and "Is that like, what...religious or something?" oh and don't let me forget "why you doin that? I eat everything in front of me." They weren't asking these questions. They were spitting them at me. I clarified that I am not a Vegetarian (they don't eat fish) and said that if they really wanted to know why people change their diet to low or no meat they can look it up online because it really isn't polite dinner table discussion.

I mean, I've been a Pescetarian almost half a year. These relatives live so close that I've eaten with them on sooo many occasions. I ate at their house and at several restaurants with them. Heck, I'd even finished off my banquet plate before the questions came. My Pescetarianism wasn't such a horrific discovery when I was eating next to you all those times this past month! lol. Seriously, it's not a big deal. I'm open to general curiosity, but not outrage and disbelief.

Before this post was scheduled to come out, my mom comes into my room, STICKS HER FINGERS INTO MY HAIR, giggles, and says "Kayla, when are you going to go to the beauty parlor? Your hair has been looking a mess all summer."

Now, words cannot express how much I wanted to turn around and smack her a good one. I am a respectful southern belle and I love my mother, but her comment and the fact that she was touching my hair had me on fire. I'm trying everything out this summer so that I can have my hair together when I get back in school. My mom doesn't understand a lot of things, but so what? Do people have to understand EVERYTHING I do? I don't think so. 
 
EVERYBODY IGNORANT...GTFO. <----No, seriously. 

 ♥ KAYLA

Length Retention Boot Camp #3

This will be my last mini length check this year and possibly until further notice. As you can see my hair is still on the same line (which can be expected after a 1/2" trim in late October). What is most striking to me about this update is the quality of my hair. All of these mini length checks have been done on damp hair right after I deep condition. That is just the most convenient time for me to take a picture.

In the first check I am (fiercely!) afro woman. In the next one my hair has more hang but isn't giving up the volume. In this one my hair is hanging like that is all it knows how to do. I really hadn't noticed that it was that different.

I have continued to follow the max hydration method and to primarily wear my hair out and down. I am also doing the same vitamin combo as mentioned in my #2 post. I plan to phase out the MSM and biotin since I don't see any real benefit in them and will continue on with my Multi. I am a Pescetarian and need to make sure I get my B12 in!

Through this "boot camp" I came to completely change my hair regimen for the better. The condition of my hair has greatly improved and I even gained an inch. Despite the positives these "more frequent length checks" reminded me why I originally began doing bi-annual checks. These checks are just downright discouraging.

No ma'am, this is not for me. You'll see this shirt in April and not a second before that!

Length Retention Boot Camp #1

Length Retention Boot Camp #2

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Strengthen Your Hair From The Inside Out

Vitamins are great for ensuring that your hair is growing as it should. I have said it before in previous posts and videos that you can't really speed up your hair growth but you can make sure that your body and scalp are healthy. Vitamins are also great for general health. Your body will take what vitamins it needs first and send what's left to your hair and nails anyhow. The following vitamins are great for hair health.

Vitamin C is said to increase hair growth and improve iron absorption. This is great because iron is also said to help the health of your hair. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits. It is also in some non-citrus fruits like raspberries, pineapples, and kiwi.

Niacin is said to increase blood flow to the hair. Many claim that niacin supplements have caused their hair to grow faster. Niacin can be found in meats (fish, turkey, chicken, pork, beef, liver) and peanuts. I may need to supplement this one being a pescetarian!

Biotin helps reduce hair loss. You can find this nutrient in salmon, almonds, peanuts, oats, eggs, onions, etc. The list is long for this one and I already eat my fair share or biotin daily. This is probably why I found that biotin supplements did not do anything special for me.

Zinc is another vitamin that reduces hair loss. It can be found in meats (seafood, beef, lamb, pork, chicken), spinach, mushrooms, and beans. 

I'm pretty confident that I get a lot of these in my natural diet. I do see a need to boost my niacin through other means as I do not eat most of those meats listed. Woman can not get Niacin from peanut butter and the occasional fish alone!  

What are your thoughts on strengthening your hair through diet? Comment below! 

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How to Switch to a Pescetarian Diet

Maybe you are more concerned about your health.Perhaps you are looking for a stepping stone to vegetarianism or veganism. Whatever your reason, I've compiled this list of tips to help you transition to pescetarianism.


























1. ESTABLISH WHY YOU REALLY WANT TO DO THIS

When I first modified my diet, I was a flexitarian or someone who still eats meat--any sort--at times. After a while I forgot why I was even doing this and fell off. If you don't have a strong connection to why you are changing a big part of your life--and eating is BIG, then you too will fall off.

2. TAKE IT ONE STEP AT A TIME

If you know you can do it in one big step, do it! However, some people find it more comfortable to glide into change. Start with cutting out one group of meat, then another, and another until you reach your goal.

3. CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

If you think of the things that you are no longer eating as "stuff you can't eat" then you will feel like you are missing out. Change that statement to "stuff you don't want to eat". It sounds small, but it is a big deal. Trust me.

4. START READING LABELS

Just because something is meat free doesn't mean that is animal free. Learn all about animal based ingredients and keep an eye out for them in your favorite foods.

5. DON'T ELIMINATE, SUBSTITUTE

You don't have to never eat chicken again, there are "chik'n nuggets". You don't have to never eat marshmallows again, there are vegan/vegetarian ones. You get the picture. 

6. YOU CAN STILL EAT OUT

I always order something meatless or make a meat dish meatless by ordering it specially. Restaurants are totally okay with me ordering their burgers without the meat patty.

7. DON'T TRASH YOUR RECIPES 

I still cook all the same things my mom does, just without the meat. *shrugs* Tastes about the same.

 ♥ KAYLA


UPDATE!! Check this post out on:  Good Health Diva!!

Kreative Blogger Award

Hello all, Lacoya of I'm a Natural Black Girl awarded me with the "Kreative Blogger Award". Thank you for thinking of my blog Lacoya! (side note: I saw you from afar at homecoming) As part of this award I must link back to the giver, answer the following questions, and award ten other bloggers--like a YouTube tag. I think this is pretty cute so here goes.


7 Statements:
Favorite Song: This changes but for now I'm loving YG - Up, J. Cole -Workout, and T-Pain- 5 o'clock
Favorite Dessert: I enjoy black tie chocolate cake and red velvet cake and practically any "birthday" cake.

Something that pisses me off: I don't like unprepared, indecisive, or long winded people. Please, don't waste my time. I can't get those minutes back!

When I'm upset: I become really quiet and watchful of whoever or whatever is upsetting me. I may also write a lot.

My Favorite Pet:I never really had pets growing up. I don't know enough to have a favorite.

Black or White: I like the crisp look of white.

My Biggest Fear: That I will be a failure.

My Best Feature: I think my ability to relate and empathize and my "sexy" legs are my best features.

My Everday Attitude: Life is more about how you react than what happens. My reaction is usually passive.

Perfection is: Marshmallows and chocolate with the hunny <--where this came from...I don't know.

Guilty Pleasure: Candyyyyyyyyyyy

7 Random Facts About Me
1. I have a permanent black dot on my left middle finger
2. I probably have 7x as many first cousins as the average person.
3. I have been with my hunny for nearly four years.
4. I have been a Pescetarian almost two years.
5. My favorite chapstick flavor and soda is Dr. Pepper
6. My personality is very much like that of a cat.
7. I have MANY diaries starting from high school into my freshman year of college.

10 Bloggers
I am very aware that many of my readers have blogs. If you would like to do this on your blog, link me back, answer the questions and add the facts, then comment me and I will add you in this section. When I get 10, I'll shut it down.

The Very Reason for my Blog Title

Saturday was my school's homecoming football game. A huge chunk of my family came out to the game and I came by to speak to them. Now, I had previously attempted to straighten my hair, but by game day I couldn't stand to attempt to work with it anymore. I did two french braids--one on either side of my head--and pinned them up in the back. I thought it was a messy, yet cute style.  Fast forward to Sunday night when I received these two texts from one of my aunts who is a hair dresser.

What [is] up with my baby (your) hair. What is the goal?

You have always cared about your hair. I know things change but man you have change[ed.] [W]here is the little girl with GOOD hair?

I was cooking when I received these texts so they were both on my phone when I picked it up. I saw the first one and said "I'm just growing the relaxer out". Then, I saw the second one...Two things put me off about that message. Thing one, I have not changed. How I style my hair has, but my person is still the same. Thing two, my hair isn't bad. It is soft, moisturized, and conditioned. I wasn't even wearing it wild and free that day. I was rockin a french crown on (somewhat) heat tamed hair.

My aunt asked me to call her, so I did. At first she made small talk about what I was cooking and about me being a Pescetarian. I could tell by the rushed tone that she was eager to get to my hair. She asked me what was wrong with the relaxer. I told her that the chemical used to relax hair is very dangerous and I don't want that on my head. I also told her that beauticians have gotten my hair very straight even with new growth showing my that I don't NEED a relaxer for straight hair. I didn't tell her this, but I'm also interested in rocking whatever kinks, coils, or curls God saw fit to give me.

Her reply was that the relaxer is strong because that's what it takes for it to work. You rinse it out anyway, but if you keep putting heat on your hair you will hurt it. I told her that I don't usually heat style my hair and that I wear it in braidouts and bantu knot outs, which I explained as making the hair wavy or curly. She went on to ask me if my messy french braids were a new style and what do I call it. I told her that I just braided them and I thought they looked okay with a little mess to them. She said that I educated her and got off the phone.

Later on twitter, I sent her a link to my week of braidout blog post showing her how I usually wear my hair. She said it was cute. The main point of posting this wasn't to blast my aunt on the internet. What I wanted to do was to point to this as the very reason why my blog is named what it is. When you go out and about with natural or transitioning hair people are gonna look at you and think "WHAT THE KINK?!" but you gotta press on and keep your head up. Your hair is an expression of yourself and it is personal. I also wanted to provide inspiration to those that may have experienced similar situations.

 ♥ KAYLA