Come January 1, many will flock to the nearest gyms with every intention of tightening their abs and toning their legs. Statistics show that gym membership is highest in January with a majority of the population firmly putting their foot down to resolving the issue of getting in shape.

Not me. This year, I’m opting to do something just as challenging, albeit tangible. Gym fees are not in my budget and I loathe working out in front of a mass of people. So, for 2011, my resolution is less public humiliation, more at-home nutrition. For the next year, I plan on going vegetarian.

It sounds challenging, sometimes impossible. But for the past four weeks, my parents and I have been on a “diabetic” diet. It’s consisted of lots of fresh fruit and veggies, nuts, and very little meat. The two main proteins in the diet are tuna and halibut. I am considering going “pescatarian” for this but it’s still up in the air.

I plan on  borrowing some recipes from fellow veggie lovers and posting them up here with the verdict. I will miss such items like this…

I’ll also miss such favorites as beef carpaccio, chicken parmigiana, chicken picatta, etc. My new life will consist of lots of these….

and these…

and these yummy things…

I plan on making lots of bean dishes and lots of veggie soups. I will post all my new creations and borrowed recipes, but I won’t give up posting meat dishes! I have a lot stored up I could post so carnivores, fret not. I’m excited to share my vegetarian journey with you all, as well as my poor meat-loving boyfriend’s reaction!