Well, it can be ... apparently, if you live in a small town in Texas, but I'm happy to report that a week in, and I feel pretty okay.
I don't think I'm eating healthier than I was ... I still seem to eat too much chocolate, and the other day my friends and I split five bags of chips (crisps) for dinner. Ah, the life of a university student.
In general, being a vegetarian hasn't been a hardship as such. The only time I bemoaned my vegetarian state was when I wanted a bagel with lox and cream cheese.
But we all know that that bagel wasn't going to be anywhere near the quality of a New York bagel, so it's just as well.
On the other hand, I still can't envision living the rest of my life as a strict vegetarian. I can't imagine never eating sushi again. Or Korean barbecue. Or turkey pastrami. Or a proper New York bagel with lox and cream cheese. Or bison sloppy joes.
Okay, I'll stop now because I'm salivating.
I guess the thing is, as happy as I am to continue with this six week experiment in re-vegetarianism, I don't know that it's sustainable for me for a lifetime.
But let's see how I feel in five weeks.
1 year ago
12 comments:
No comment on vegetarianism today, but....
How are you doing in the winter weather today? Muwahahahaha! Chaos! I love it! Especially when it's not where I am.
I was a veggie for six years, two years of that vegan. Yes, odd that I eat meat though lightly now.
I found that after a few weeks the things that I had previously craved were kinda nasty to me.
Make sure you have plant protein, and lentils (recipe this week on my blog) is a very good thing to be eating.
Good luck with your experiment!
Perhap after the 6 weeks you could be "flexitarian" - mostly vegetarian with the occasional meat dish.
HGG, it's awesome! I will maybe do a post on it. I walked all over London today taking pictures of the snow!!
Shannon, yeah I thought maybe I would lose my taste for meat, but ... it might also be wishful thinking. ;)
Heather, yeah, that's kind of what I might aim for. We'll see.
I think being flexible in your eating is good, too, though...
I am a vegetarian, and have been since childhood. At this point in my life, the taste/texture of meat physically repulses me (when it accidentally gets in my mouth). I used to be vehement veggie, but now, I wish that I could be a bit more flexible. To eat what is put in front of me without insult to cook (though I would still make my wishes of primarily veggie known... this would be for that random meal prepared by a coworker or other awkward engagement!)
My husband eats veggie at home, but will and does eat meat when it is offered by others.
Rambling, but wanted to say that leaving yourself open to all food types (while giving yourself a framework for usual eating, like vegetarian) may be the best overall for you!
I think, as with anything, moderation is the key. Eat less of it just like Heather suggests. I can't give up my contact lenses but I wear them less. My kids' school is driving distance only but I drive less but carpooling. Do the same thing with meat. Aim to eat it once a week or once every couple days and be ready to make exceptions for truly sustainable meat.
If you follow the Riot for Austerity principle, you could still eat meat even once or twice per week.
I think it's great that you are trying. Every little bit helps.
If we didn't raise much of our own meat sustainably and humanely, I'd consider going vegetarian, too.
Here's a quote from this month's Bon Appetit that sums up how I feel: "If you're going to eat meat, it should be good meat, not incidental. You can always choose a veggie or fish-based sandwich for your lunch, and go for tofu or extra vegetables in your curry. Save your meat allowance for something truly delicious. If you're reducing your overall meat intake, then you have a few more dollars to spend on quality -- local, organic, and/or grassfed. The better the meat you eat, the more satisfied with small portions you should be."
-Honda
I'm with Heather and Honda. I used to be a vegetarian some years ago, then went back to eating meat. Nowadays, I only buy meat from a sustainable farm operation (Polyface), try to eat less of it, and if I go out, I stay vegetarian when ordering unless I am sure where the meat came from. I'm with Jennifer, though. I eat whatever others cook for me. Good luck with your experiment and decisionmaking!
I never ate chips,not even in college. I can't belive people eat those things!
and just think about all the new interesting things that u can try now that you're not eating meat.
I've been a vegan for 6 months. smelling meat doesn't make me feel sick, but i also don't miss it, allthough i thought i would.
a human being can get used to almost anything.
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