Homo-what???
Disclaimer: This is going to be a very personal post. You’re going to learn more about my husband that you ever wanted to. The goal of this post is to fill you in on why we are about to become strict vegetarians with serious vegan tendencies. Soooo…here goes!
We love animals. I’ve worked with wild animals for years and think birds are the cutest things ever…even vultures (they’re so fluffy!). But animal welfare is not the reason Drew and I have decided to give up meat and a whole heck of a lot of dairy. We are making this choice for health reasons. I believe the term is “nutritional vegetarianism” as opposed to “ethical vegetarianism.” Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE critters, but a really cute cow is not going to make me want to give up Five Guys. Having a loving husband who could die because of animal protein? Yeah, that’ll make me give it up in a heartbeat.
Let me explain. Drew has a disease called homocystinuria. Big word. Most doctors have no idea what it means. The simplest answer is that it’s the reason Drew has had 8 eye surgeries in 10 years…and 2 gum grafts…and 2 back surgeries for scoliosis. And it is definitely the reason why Drew’s risk of heart attack or stroke is way too high to imagine.
Ready for the not-so-simple explanation? Homocystinuria is one type of amino acid disorder. People with this condition have problems breaking down amino acids called methionine and homocystine from the foods they eat. Enzymes are little molecules that are in our bodies to break up proteins (made up of amino acids) so that the body can use them. People with homocystinuria are either missing the enzyme that breaks down methionine and homocystine, or it is not functioning properly. Essentially, those two amino acids build up in the blood stream and cause all sorts of un-fun problems. The biggest risk to untreated individuals is suffering from a heart attack or stroke at a young age (like, 30-ish).
Can you guess what foods contain the most methionine? Yeah. Meats…and eggs and cheese and milk…pretty much all animal proteins contain the amino acid methionine. Unfortunately, a lot of vegetables, beans and nuts contain it too, but they exist in small amounts and, let’s face it, Drew has to eat something, right?
The only treatments for this condition are: 1) take vitamin b supplements and 2) eat a low-methionine diet. Drew’s doing both, and I’m totally doing it with him (except for the supplements, of course). I mean, I’m completely addicted to all things creamy and cheesy, but I’m not about to eat that stuff in front of him or even keep it in the house if he can’t have it.
So, we are starting this journey together. Because that’s what we were meant to do. Because I would rather live my life with him in it than eat cheeseburgers all by myself. Because I would do absolutely anything for that man. Because I love him.
Friday 2, 2011
evan, glenn and i spent the past month as “no meat nov” as vegetarians and it was the best thing heath wise. and it was quite easy! so glad y’all are doing this together b/c that’s what made it so easy to do since we had each other. good luck! i have a lot of recipes so feel free to ask if you need any!
Friday 2, 2011
Best of luck to you both! That entire last paragraph basically sums up how amazing of a relationship you two have. Love it. <3
Friday 2, 2011
This was such a great blog post, Evan. From one vegetarian/borderline vegan to another, I wish you and Drew all the best on this journey. Being on this journey for 20 years now, I can tell you that your health will be better than it ever has. You both are such an inspiration. Please keep all of us posted as you dip into this lifestyle.
Friday 2, 2011
Love is a great reason to go vegetarian. I’ve been veggie for 10 years now, and you’ll be amazed at all of the new, delicious taste creations you’ll make.
Friday 2, 2011
Evan,
You are a sweet and supportive wife and Drew is so lucky to have found you. Best of luck with this challenge. I know you’ll have some delicious, gourmet vegetarian recipes whipped up in no time! Thanks for taking good care of one of my oldest friends!
Mary Lee
Friday 2, 2011
This post almost made me cry. Good luck with the new lifestyle and I hope Drew starts to feel a lot better! Love your blog and thank you for sharing!
Friday 2, 2011
Good luck on this new journey!
Friday 2, 2011
Evan, You are such an inspiration. You two are so lucky to have each others. Be strong.
Friday 2, 2011
WAT AM I GONNA EAT!!!!! I CANT**** GO A WEEK WITHOUT MEAT
Friday 2, 2011
What a strong and helpful partner you are!
I had a friend lose her fiancee this week. He was 27, and he died from complications of a drug interaction–he was in ICU for 6 weeks and never regained consciousness. It’s been heartbreaking, and what it made me realize is that I would do anything–ANYTHING–to keep my husband safe. You just don’t think these types of things can happen to people our age–until they do.
You’ve made the right decision! Good luck on your new path.
Friday 2, 2011
So sorry to hear you have to give up all the lovely dairy products but I am behind you on this one, it totally works when the whole house is involved in the diet for health. I hope Drew lives a long and healthy life for you!
Friday 2, 2011
Evan, Drew is one lucky young man and our family is soooooooooooo lucky to have you!!!!!!!! Please take good care of our boy and know that I will be praying for ya’ll!!! Kay