In the spirit of “something” per month for the year of 2026 (in addition to the no-ice cream commitment) and following the failure of No-Buy January, the mediocrity of Fucked Up February, I was all-in on Vegetarian March.

Today on March 31st, 2026 I announce a resounding and unsuspectingly easy victory. I lacked for nothing, I craved for nothing. Something fried exists. Sandwiches exist. Deserts and sweets and treats exist. There was not a restaurant visited that did not easily accommodate me. The world is already more or less plant (and milk-product (thank God I did not go fully vegan for march)) based. Meat is often an additional item to something already made of plants. Except for many broths, which I found the only trouble as I would not consume say, a chicken ramen packet. Meat is very easy to avoid. And despite our convenience hell culture, you almost must go out of your way to get it.

I had no spectacular meals. Although just last night I baked tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, and garlic together with olive oil and ate with pita. A meal I would not have thought to make without the constraints of my fridge and self-imposed dietary restriction.

Being vegetarian was easy. And I think I will carry on prioritizing plant based foods for the majority of my weekly meals. Once you get over it, loser, meat is actually a chore. Often requiring its own prep instruments, cooking vessel, and other considerations, least of which being price tag.

As a consequence of laziness, newfound income, and that part time work/full time Master student lifestyle, I ate out a lot this month. But I noticed a few dollars difference between my choices and the meat eaters. And my lunch budget for work is $20/week eating salad and fruit instead of whatever meat/rice/whatever combo I was accustomed to.

I was offered jerky from a work correspondance but turned them down. Even explaining the month’s challenge. I was supported and entered into a conversation about peptides and fasting. That individual is particular and you can imagine the sort. But he respected it and thought it was admirable. I was asked by a few if it was for religious purpose. I see now my meatless month coincides with some religions practices, purely coincidental. I replied not, and that was sufficient.

There is the known health and environmental benefits of a veggie life. Better for you and the planet. Meat is very profitable and therefore pushed beyond reason in our consumerist diets. I think everyone should be more of a veg-head, without discounting rich food traditions and respect for livestock/game. I don’t much care that animals die, or rather I have given up caring. I cannot stop the factory farm machine. I can just choose what I eat and recommend it to others.

At the same time I have put in for an elk tag for the first time. Hoping to get ahold of happier lived, healthier for me, meat, from a sustainable and ethical source. As I move into the lifestyle which I think would support me and my spirit (damn he who separates food from soul) I think it will be more months like this one. Not missing anything, just different.

I did fail once. But I forgive it. I ate a burger. I was invited to a friend’s. Helped to prepare and cook the food. Enjoyed it in company. Paid nothing but time and gratitude. And three bites in realized it was a meat item. We laughed and I finished it. It didn’t even feel like cheating.

Now cometh Prank April. Woe and Joy to all.