Going vegetarian was a gradual process. I stopped buying beef first, simply because I was never fond of the smell. Then I got rid of chicken, during a brief obsessive fear of salmonella. I stopped eating pork in high school (I only liked bacon anyway). The last to go was turkey. I grew very fond of ground turkey over the years, using it as a substitute anytime a recipe called for ground beef. Then one day I just stopped buying it - cold turkey. I haven't gone back since - not even for a little taste.
I was quite surprised at the fact that I didn't miss it. There was a part of me that believed that it had become a habit, but I got used to not eating it rather quickly. One of the biggest challenges I have encountered as a vegetarian is other people; surprisingly it's not finding something to eat, there are plenty of meat-free options. But other people have the hardest time accepting my choice. For some reason they feel like it limits their own choices. I don't want people to feel like they have to accommodate me. If we go out to a restaurant that serves meat, I'll eat the sides. If we're having sandwiches, I'll take mine sans meat please. It's really pretty simple.
I am not one of those preachy people who feels the need to shove my decision down the throats of everyone I meet. If you like meat...keep eating it. It's just not what I choose for my life. That's it. That's all.
I hope to share and review some of the veggie products that we use in our family. Perhaps an occasional recipe, veggie hot spots, and available resources. Stay tuned....
You don't even miss bacon??? I think if I could let go of hamburgers, sausage/pepperoni pizza and bacon, I could do it.
ReplyDeleteMy son wants to be vegetarian but so far, I have not let him because it has made meal-planning so complicated. I have allowed little changes, though, like his half of the pizza is cheese, and when making sandwiches, I eat roast beef, he makes himself PB & J.
Thanks so much for visiting my blog!
Jeanine
http://dressmytruth.blogspot.com
That's interesting I did a review of a wonderful hole in the wall Indian/Vegan restaurant in Dallas, TX operated by the Hare Krishna. Interesting place and the food was WONDERFUL! I even took a cooking class there to learn how to make some of the foods that are basically "PURE BLISS." I invited friends for a lunch there, and it was pretty sad to say the least that for 12 months out of the year our monthly brunch is at a place that serves meat and I suggest one Vegan place and everyone has a "cow" (no pun intended ;). Basically stating that since the food is vegetarian they don't want to go and want to schedule someplace else. I chose the place because one person out of the bunch is Vegan and she's always been so accommodating to the rest of us. I really think people need to explore their options on food and not dismiss suggestions. I'm not putting them on FEAR FACTOR. I'm not a vegetarian but I'm considering it, however I love good food - plain and simple and I also want to eat healthier. It doesn't make sense for my friends to do colon cleanses & colonic irrigation all the time only to put bad food products back into the "pipes." (If you know what I mean). I feel like "just don't clog up the drainage system in the first place with hard to digest food."
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog - I love to find other vegetarians - - it's nice to have a community of people *somewhere* that have the same values about being kind to the planet and the animals...and we can share recipes!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting "Mrs. No-No Knows"! I am now following you back via GFC (as Carla Lee Hollowell)! :) Hope you will stop back often and put in your two cents.
Carla aka Mrs. No-No
Mrs. No-No Knows
www.facebook.com/mrsnonoknows
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I'm not a vegetarian...yet. I stopped eating pork years ago. I've never eaten seafood. I only eat beef a few times a year, but I've went a whole year without eating it before. The only meat that I eat on a regular basis is chicken and turkey. I'd be completely vegetarian by now if I weren't so lazy, but I hate cooking so, there you go.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog the other week. I appreciate the visit!
Jenn
P.S. I'm currently looking for guest bloggers for June & July...if you're interested or know anyone who is please visit the "Guest Bloggers" tab on my blog and let me know! Thanks.
P.S.S. When I clicked on this link from the slideshow on your home page, it was an invalid link (the url said htmll). I had to delete the extra "l" to get to the page...not sure if that's something you can fix, but thought it was worth letting you know :)
I am kind of similar to you. I have virtually given up red meat and pork completely. I don't find it particularly appealing and see no real reason to eat it. I have never eaten seafood so I didn't have to give that up. I am kind of in the poultry stage now where the only meat I eat is turkey and some chicken. For me, I find veggies and non meat foods the most appealing. I just naturally prefer them. It is interesting how your tastes change over time. Looking forward to reading you forthcoming posts.
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