Losing the Label
I promise I’m back, I just wanted to write in italics one more time. I wrote this post yesterday on our flight home, the old-fashioned way with a “borrowed” ball point pen from the health food store and the backside of my lengthy grocery list. I typed it up today, though, and included a recipe that we are enjoying with dinner tonight. So here I am, out of italics and back to real life:
We are flying over the Pacific right now and I’m reflecting on our trip, a task made easier by the fact that I have a sleeping Lulu on my lap, praise Morgan Freeman.

Like we all do, I’m dreading our return home, and not only because it is rumored to have snowed last night, it has been confirmed that I have 116 pounds of luggage to unpack (including two tikis and a pink ukelele purchased under protest) and I’m sure to engage in a game of “Where Did the Hostile Cat Hide the Vengeful Hairball?” when I walk through the front door. I’m actually hesitant to return to “the rules” of daily living, including taking my mulitvitamin (which I packed but “forgot to take”), only drinking one cup of coffee per day (I’m on my third cup this flight) and “no cocktails before noon” (okay, maybe that one’s a keeper).
This past week I really loosened up a lot of the ties that bind me, and I credit much of that to an article I read, tore out of this month’s Vogue and packed along with me (you can find a similar article here).

In the article, former model Sophie Dahl beautifully explained how she maintained her sanity in a career where she was called both “fat” and “anorexic” by her critics, and how now, as a cookbook author, wife and “normal woman,” she is at peace with food. For her, food is not only a source of fuel, but without shame she allows it to also be a source of enjoyment. The most touching story for me that Dahl relates involved her day of sailing off the coast of England with a group of friends, enjoying fresh caught oysters on a open grill with local bread and ending the day with a competive swim in the ocean, with the winner laying claim to a fudge brownie.
I put myself in Dahl’s shoes for our trip, thinking, “Am I going to turn down fresh fish for a salad I could get at home? Am I going to pass on going for a swim because I’m self-conscious about my body and my hair? Am I going to turn down a fudge brownie when I win the race?”
And then, I just didn’t.
Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t eating Spam on white rice, topped with brown gravy and fried eggs out of Styrofoam containers that I cast off onto the shoreline when I licked my platter clean. My environmental conscience didn’t get left at home with my layers of winter clothing, but I did have a bite of Pea Daddy’s local ahi. I did share cinnamon rolls with Kona coffee with a splash of real cream for breakfast. I’m currently having an airborne dinner of a Larabar and Diet Coke.
I’m not using this story to have my own Eat, Pray, Love moment, or to announce that “I’m no longer vegan” and changing my approach to food, exercise and wellness. But I do know that my most precious memories this week involved food and activities that I could have found a million reasons to avoid.
I’m not sure how long my running path was and I certainly wasn’t breaking any speed records, but it still was exhilarating each morning to take my time jogging along the seawalk.

I didn’t question whether my stomach was as flat as the woman’s on the towel next door at the beach, any bulge or cellulite didn’t make watching my girls play or spotting sea turtles on the beach any less amazing.


I didn’t pass on the gorgeous tofu stirfries, salads or mashed purple sweet potatoes at the luau because they might not be raw or vegan;

the stage show was without a doubt the highlight anyway.

Not to take away from those mashed sweet potatoes, though, and my at home replication:
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled, cubed and boiled until tender (use purple, if available)
- 1 T. nutritional yeast
- 1/2 t. fresh grated nutmeg
- 2 T. hummus
- 2 T. non dairy milk
- 1 T. Earth Balance
Combine all ingredients with a hand mixer or blender until creamy and smooth.

The end result of my vacation, aside from an uneven tan, peeling pedicure and sand in my suitcase, is a new found goal to avoid labels. I won’t go by “vegan,” “former runner” or “high maintenance,” if you please. Someday I may want to taste local fish or attempt another race (though it will be a 5K), and if I want to let my curls go the way of Troy Polamalu, a label (or a flat iron), isn’t going to stand in my way.
In the words of Sophie Dahl:
“…on the drive home…I realized I had never felt so free. I wanted to gather up ever woman I knew and take that plunge all over again, dropping weightless into the sea, for every last one of us.”

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about 4 months ago
I really want to read that whole article.
It’s so true how labels can stop us from living life to the fullest.
It’s funny…when I went to Hawaii in 2008, the same thing happened to me. It’s just such a magical, laid back, enjoy life type of place, that you can’t help but bring it back with you.
about 4 months ago
Sounds like this vacation was good for you on so many levels. Hope you have safe travels home!
about 4 months ago
Oh Hawaii’s love of spam. Not one that I shared. Did you see the spam sushi? I’ll pass on t hat. But holy moly purple sweet potatoes! I loved those when I lived in Oahu.
I have not read my latest copy of Vogue yet, but I cannot wait to read that article. You and your girls look positively radiant and gorgeous.
about 4 months ago
Ave and I really enjoyed reading/(Ave looking) at your posts this last week. I’m so glad your time was blessed and some revelation moments as well. Looking forward to getting the girls together soon after all this crapy weather subsides, and sharing with you the influence you have had on me and now so many others. You have a real gift Sara, and I love to see people embrace that. It’s encouraging to all, that what’s been given to us not only effects ourselves, but so many people around us. Take care, and hopefully see you guys soon.
Awww, Ang, thanks so much. We are so lucky to have you as dear friends in our lives!
about 4 months ago
What a great post Mama Pea! This is why I love your blog so much – it’s so uplifting!
about 4 months ago
This is such an inspiring post!!! It is a reminder to myself that the world is not going to end and I may even be happier (imagine that), if I let go of a little riggidity in my life.
Your trip looks like you had so much fun, yes I am seeing a little green eyed monster (and not the smoothie type) as I read your posts and wish I was on a nice warm sandy beach. I am glad you had such a wonderful time and can not wait to see some trip inspired recipes!
about 4 months ago
Wonderful and inspirational post. Not to mention the fact that I think your curls are beautiful! Happy to hear you had such a fantastic vacation!
about 4 months ago
Wow, I am going to go searching for this article!
When we made our trip out to the West Coast, we went through New Orleans and the South. Not exactly the type of food I was used to. But I am SO happy I didn’t hold myself back for that trip. The five pounds I gained went away in a few months and I’ll have the memories of New Orlean’s fried crab claws forever.
We’re all foodies at heart, otherwise we wouldn’t be doing blogging about it nonstop!
about 4 months ago
You truly said it best about being labeled or ridiculed for not “living up” to a persona people have thrown at you. Being healthy, and feeling healthy is about so much more than food or not eating animal products. When i was in Germany in October i feel like i allowed myself to just totally live in the moment. I don’t know if it was being so far from home; out of my element, or if it was the fact that i was so excited to be there but that trip alone changed my outlook on labels and living life to the fullest. I still may not live my life to the absolute fullest every day, but i know that in the long run, having to focus on happiness is not what being happy is about. There are so many other things you HAVE to focus on in life, and being happy shouldn’t be one of them because it should be as easy and effortless as breathing. You just have to let yourself be, and i am so glad to see that you had that kind of trip. Doesn’t it feel great/refreshing?
about 4 months ago
Love this post. Love your honesty. Thanks for being such an inspiration!
about 4 months ago
This was a WONDERFUL post (like all of yours)! I think it’s so easy to label ourselves, and live within that label and forget who we really are. Humans are just way too complex to be compartmentalized so easily!
Glad you’re home safely!
about 4 months ago
great post..and so inspiring!
And those purple sweet potatoes? YES PLEASE!
about 4 months ago
Love! What a wonderful post
about 4 months ago
Love this post- how much do we miss because we limit ourselves…. what a great question to ponder
about 4 months ago
Oh Mama Pea I love this! I want to move to Hawaii and abandon all rules. I hope you are able to find a little bit of Hawaii in Oregon everyday! xoxo
about 4 months ago
I love your honesty and your way of thinking. Vacation is never a time to restrain your desires or be self-conscious
about 4 months ago
yay, the peas are back! i love the new found goal to avoid labels. i’ve been trying to figure out what category i fit in and couldn’t find one, so i referred to myself as a fishetarian. the drama of having a label and having to explain the moments when you “stray” away is just not anything i’m interested in, so like you, i too am shedding labels. let’s all be free, free to make our own choices without the dogma of labels.
about 4 months ago
What a great realization! That’s wonderful that you were able to really enjoy your vacation in a way you were comfortable with. I’m not a vegan myself, but truth be told, I eat more like you than a standard (aka not-as-awesome) American on any given day of the week. I just can’t find a label that fits me, unless I make one up myself! So for that purpose I guess I’ll just have to call myself a badassitarian.
about 4 months ago
Wow, just had to say lovely, lovely post-best ever!!!
And my gosh you look sooooo gorgeous and stunning with curly hair-wowsa!!That is my fave look so far!
I love how refreshed and relaxed you sound about food/life and just BEING.
about 4 months ago
Just so you feel better…my husband broke open a can of spam this week to enjoy with the kids! He was making spam hash like nobody’s business. I did not partake, but I understand it was amazing from my youngest son. I am with you on labels. I hate them! I never referred to myself as a vegetarian, but others do. I guess they need something to relate it to. I am always judged, most people seem to do it so they can judge me before I judge them, but I don’t judge. I think food and people are constantly evolving and you do what is right for you when it is right for you. It should not be a have to…it should be a choice you make for you at the time. I am so happy that you feel great about yourself and your choices after that trip. Really, there is nothing more important that just being you and being happy about it! I am glad you are back and those potatoes look delicious!
about 4 months ago
This is my favorite post ever…and you know I never comment. Glad you are all back safe, sound and tan…
Labels are for people who can’t figure out who they are, who needs them?
Oh, Anne! I feel so special that you commented
I also feel very glad that you didn’t die of H1N1 while we were gone!!!
about 4 months ago
Glad you had a great time in Hawaii! Miss you and the girls…Hugs to all!
Two words, Kel: PLAY DATE.
about 4 months ago
So wonderful to read. And I’m glad you didn’t let a label hold you back from enjoying your life and vacation.
about 4 months ago
I am so glad you enjoyed your vacation and it sounds to me like you definitely got the most out of it. I’m not a fan of labels either and I’m glad that you are going to do what you feel is right for you.
Definitely going to have to make those sweet potatoes soon
I love your recipes!
about 4 months ago
I get frustrated with labels too. I hate having to explain myself because I eat vegetarian/vegan, but I like to have fro yo or (gasp) chicken every once in a while. Seriously, so what? Life is definitely too short to have to stay within the confines of a little box. Excellent post, I think a lot of people can relate.
about 4 months ago
This post was super inspiring. I think we all feel the pressure of “labels” especially when it comes to eating. “vegan and vegetarian” are all over mainstream Tv, especially on ellen and oprah this past week. It’s hard to find a balance! Thank you for this wonderful post!
about 4 months ago
Amazing post, Mama Pea!
You´re such an inspiration
Have a great weekend!
about 4 months ago
Ah, loved this post for so many reasons, Mama Pea!
1. It reminds me of just how much I want to do another Hawaii vacation. I wasn’t a runner when we went but now I really envy your beautiful Hawaiian runs!
2. I recently went through something similar and decided to be label free–which played a big part in why I put my blog (a blog that very much labeled me!) on hiatus. My food hasn’t really changed but I like it better this way.
Glad your home safe and sound and that you had such a lovely trip.
about 4 months ago
Love this post! Enjoy your honestly and great words of wisdom
Glad that you had an amazing trip!!! that is what it is all about being with family and friends and just enjoying the moment and being truly happy!!!!
about 4 months ago
Welcome home M. Pea! Growth and change…that is what it’s all about.
about 4 months ago
This post could not have come at a better time for me. I was just pondering the same kind of topic recently. So many of our fondest and most carefree memories revolve around food, especially when traveling, and being too uptight or high-maintenance can really destroy that, AND make you feel badly about it in the process. I had a similarly freeing experience when on vacation last year; it seems getaways provide the chance to view the world through the eyes people in other geographies and provide the fresh slate to start anew.
about 4 months ago
I love this post! It does feel so free-ing. I am unable to label myself so have given up even trying to describe how I eat, aside from “mostly vegetables” but even if a whole bunch of it is raw, I still eat cooked veggies, and I still eat shrimp now and then for example. I did try going 100% raw one week and the emotional impact that had on me was not worth it one iota. Some days before I had just been eating raw, but once I put that label on it starting to feel restrictive rather than just something that is.
Thank you for sharing your experience! Wishing you and your family and very lovely weekend.
about 4 months ago
loved this post, friend.
when i first got into the raw thing a couple of years ago, i started to get so stuck on the label and missed out of enjoying foods that are COOKED. as soon as i dropped that all or nothing attitude, it’s been so much better.
so glad you had an amazing vacation <3
xoxo
about 4 months ago
This post just made me smile
Hearing that you just enjoyed your trip and took it all in–I love that! And that’s totally how we’re supposed to live life, right?!
And oooh mama pea. You have nothing to feel self-conscious about! You are lookin’ so fly in that bikini girlllllll. Hey, papa pea’s a lucky man!! LOVE YOU! Hope the transition from paradise to real life is going well, hahah!
about 4 months ago
Hi Mama Pea,
I visit you’re blog from time to time, but I’ve never commented. This post is AMAZING. I’ve been seeing more post like this throughout the blogosphere, and I applaud them because they are so desperately needed and inspirational. More and more people are letting go of their diet dogma and just living and being themselves. And I think that ‘s what this thing is all about. Eating shouldn’t be about expectations, anxiety, stress, and other negative things. You shouldn’t question every little thing you put in your body. Eating should be natural.
And regarding labels, I think so many people use them the wrong way. Your labeling shouldn’t come from the outside. It shouldn’t come from what you see others doing, what others tell you is best for your body, or living up to certain expectations. It should be about who you are and what you do at that moment. And the way one eats evolves through life. So instead of me worrying about whether I should be raw because it gives me “life force”, or vegan for the environment, or vegetarian because I don’t really crave meat that much, but sometimes I want a pulled-pork sandwich, etc… I just trust my judgment and my body and eat what I think will be most nourishing to me at the time. Nourishing goes deeper than getting the right amount of nutrients; it’s emotional, too.
– Paisley
YES. YES. YES. A million times YES. Thank you so much for leaving this comment, Paisley. I couldn’t agree with you more. This should be a disclaimer on all food blogs.
about 4 months ago
Also, you look amazing! No need to be ashamed of that body.
about 4 months ago
Sarah, I think this is one of your best posts EVER. Truly. As much as I think there is a time and a place for labels, and I think that they can help us in many ways, I don’t think they serve a good ethical or personal purpose when they’re forcing you to feel bound in by life, rather than in control and capable of enjoying it. You made a couple of perfectly healthy decisions while on vacation — and I mean healthy in ALL sense of the word: physical, spiritual, emotional, psychological. Way to go. I’m really touched and proud.
about 4 months ago
So wise. Life is too short and it changes in an instant.
about 4 months ago
I WILL have my brownie after winning the race! Loved the post Mama Pea! : )
about 4 months ago
LOVED this post and I love how you keep it REAL. I never feel like you are trying to be something just because that’s what the blog world thinks you should be (does that even make sense?) and it’s kind of a scary thing to ditch labels…thanks for being such an inspiration.
about 4 months ago
I know I’m a little late on commenting, but I just wanted to let you know that I loved this post! Your posts are always so inspiring to read and I apologize for waiting to comment until this post. It’s easy to get caught up in labels these days in order to explain our choices (especially in the blogosphere), but I think it’s a fantastic idea to just live and enjoy the special moments in life as they come! I always laugh when I do let restrictions go and don’t feel the guilt that I expected afterwards. Thank you for reminding us to embrace our freedom to live!
about 4 months ago
I love this post.
That is all.
about 4 months ago
Love this post. With your time with your family it’s great to see the big picture of ‘WHO CARES?’. live your life without labels and worry and just enjoy the smiles your girls give you daily.