This is going to be one heck of a journey. The more I look through my refrigerator, freezer, and pantry, the more I see animal products staring back.

In my freezer, I see bacon, chicken breast, meatballs, diced ham, frozen, cubed chicken (for salads), and a variety of frozen soups that I have made in the past several months, all of which feature chicken or beef broth.

In my fridge, I see shredded cheese, mozzarella balls (marinated in olive oil with herbs), butter, milk, yogurt in cups, and yogurt drinks.

I would have said my cupboards don’t have any animal products, but boy, was I wrong. Inside, I see honey (lots of it…lemon, chocolate, and cinnamon-flavored), bullion cubes (chicken and beef-flavored), chicken and beef broth in foil-lined cartons (low-sodium, at least), and the surprise of surprises – yeast and milk in my salad croutons, the latter for that “natural butter flavor.”

Of course, I consulted my mother about whether I should throw away all of the animal products – because older women and their mothers can often consult about anything. My mother’s advice, “Don’t throw anything out; just use it up and don’t buy more.”

Okay, then. Her approach seems reasonable. Besides, eating up the last of my cheese and yogurt will be an exercise in mindfulness.

Today, I made a black bean burrito for lunch. Black beans, chipotle olive oil, diced, fresh tomatoes and a tablespoon or so of shredded Mexican cheese, wrapped in a warm, flour tortilla. Witnessing the gradual melting of cheese made me feel a little melancholy.