Vegetarians are one group of people who exhibit exceptional self-discipline. Imagine resisting the allure of a succulent, expertly prepared meat dish or deliberately overlooking the inviting glass of chilled milk in the fridge when parched. I mean, this is really difficult to do and practice.
But those who have adopted this lifestyle have shown that the vegetarian lifestyle offers numerous health benefits. Embarking on this journey and adhering to it requires significant discipline. It's truly impressive to witness individuals proclaiming years of abstinence from meat consumption.
Some time ago, I opted to join a weight loss group advocating exercise and dietary changes as the most effective means of shedding and managing weight. Their meal plans predominantly consisted of vegetables. For breakfast, we were limited to consuming just one boiled egg. Lunch typically consisted of carrots and cucumber, while dinner involved drinking a blend of pumpkin leaves and broccoli.
The journey wasn't particularly enjoyable. Initially, the first few days were manageable due to my strong determination to do whatever it took to shed some weight. However, eventually, I chose to become a flexitarian instead, allowing for small amounts of protein. The exercises were exhausting, with forty-five minutes of aerobics leaving me breathless and my stomach rumbling, only to conclude with a single cooked egg.
My usual routine would have consisted of a large bowl of rice accompanied by three substantial portions of beef and a bottle of coke to reward myself for completing a rigorous workout. However, in this weight loss group, we were required to photograph and share everything we consumed, leaving no room for cheating.
I recall visiting the market and purposefully ignoring the vendors selling processed cassava and rice, but succumbing to the allure of those selling garden eggs, carrots, and broccoli. Everything seemed to be progressing well. I actually lost some weight, and there was an overall improvement in my health, but I didn't feel stronger as I got tired easily.
One day, as I rushed up the staircase of my office to submit a document, I suddenly felt dizzy and lightheaded, nearly collapsing if it weren't for a senior colleague who caught me just in time. He was concerned and asked if I was unwell, and I explained that I had been consuming mainly vegetables in my quest to lose weight.
He mocked me, asserting that Africans couldn't sustain a vegetarian diet due to the demanding physical labor we typically engage in. Reflecting on his words, I realized the reality: the majority of Africans are indeed often involved in energy-intensive jobs, working tirelessly for long hours just to make ends meet.
Waking up every morning at 5 am to prepare for work and returning home only at 5 pm, my job demands much more sustenance than two sticks of carrot and a boiled egg could provide to keep me going throughout the day.
After completing the document submission, I indulged myself at a restaurant serving palm kernel rice and goat meat, treating myself to a satisfying plate of delicious palm kernel rice accompanied by two pieces of goat meat and a bottle of coke. I felt full and refreshed, and that was how I ended my vegetarian and weight loss journey.
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