VEGGILANTE: A Busy Girl's Guide to Vegetarianism

One of the downsides to eating naturally is that you often have to give up your childhood favorites—the foods that are the worst for you, but bring you the most comfort. When I was younger, I used to eat bowls upon bowls of cereal for breakfast, dessert and a midnight snack. I was obsessed. Though I had a penchant for Cap’n Crunch, Corn Pops and Lucky Charms, it simply did not compare to my love of the ultimate, cinnamon sugar cereal.

Sadly, Cinnamon Toast Crunch contains artificial colors and preservatives and I haven’t eaten it since I became vegetarian. I thought that I would never again enjoy the pleasures of  eating a heaping bowl of my beloved cereal—doused in cold milk and soggified to perfection. However, while browsing the cereal aisle at Target last night, I stumbled upon Cascadian Farm Organic Kid’s Cinnamon Crunch cereal. I was hopeful that maybe, just maybe, this cereal could come anywhere close to the deliciousness of its mainstream counterpart.

 This morning, as soon as I poured the sparkling, whole grain squares into the bowl, I knew it was love. It was like eating Cinnamon Toast Crunch, without the guilt of knowing I was putting artificials into my body. I happily consumed two bowls, reliving all my fondest Cinnamon Toast Crunch memories.

I have come to the realization, though, that I have the palate of an eight-year-old child. So many things I eat are from the kid’s lines of products (I’m also having a current love affair with Clif Kid Organic ZBars in the Spooky S’mores flavor). Nevertheless, if that’s what it takes to get the energy and nutrients I need, then I see nothing wrong with my stunted taste buds. Maturity is so overrated anyway.