We are living in the 21st century. Society has made significant advances in technology, health, medicine, agriculture... So, you must understand my complete confusion when someone discovers I am a vegetarian and doesn't understand it. The first question is always, "why?" Honestly, I never really know how to answer. I know why I'm a vegetarian but my reasons are really no one's business. The next question is always, "well, what do you eat?" Quickly followed by something along the lines of, "I'm basically a vegetarian. I only eat red meat like twice a week.. I usually only eat chicken. But, I could never give up steak." What am I supposed to say to that?
I don't eat animals because I really like animals. Seriously. I woke up one morning and thought to myself, "I really like animals.. so, why do I eat them?"
It started with pork a few years prior to this thought. I hold a special place in my heart for pigs. I told myself that because of this I could no longer eat pork products. That lead to the discovery that I could find no good reason for killing an animal, any animal, for food. Also, factory farming is one of the most horrible things to happen on and to this planet.
My husband's reason for not eating animals is because he doesn't have to (and because it is gross.) The world knows much more about food now than we did even 20 years ago. We no longer need meat to get protein (it started as a propaganda stunt.) There are healthier ways to get just as much, or more protein from plants... along with other essential nutrients and the ever important fiber.
Other simple reasons I don't eat meat: cancer, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease. (my risk for all those things has dropped significantly since I stopped eating animals.)
Also, I lost 15 pounds after I stopped eating meat. If that isn't a reason to take a day or two off of meat each week, I don't know what is.
It's amazing how quickly people are to judge when it comes to food. Like you said, your reasons are your reasons, and if someone doesn't agree, that doesn't mean that their way of eating is correct.
ReplyDeleteCivility, people. Come on!
I am very happy that a food revolution has been gaining momentum over the past decade. The more information that is out there, the easier it is for people to make decisions about their food that they feel good about. And that means more discussion about it, but it doesn't have to mean that we have to judge so harshly on someone's decision.
Love it, Emily! Furthermore, our bodies aren't really designed to eat & digest that much meat. Not only are our teeth and jaw structure made more so to grind grains, vegetables & legumes, but there have been plenty of cases of individuals undergoing surgery and having rotting meat in their bodies; we just aren't made to easily digest flesh. Glad you're an advocate for something so positive. :o)
ReplyDeleteAbby
you should post all your fav recipes here! i'd love to find more recipe options without meat but with lots of protein! (and i agree, you choices are not ppls business!)
ReplyDeleteI don't really have any recipes ha. I mostly just alter meals to not include any meat. Sometimes I will replace the meat with a veggie version of that ie: chicken, ribs, ground beef..
DeleteMake a veggie stir-fry and instead of rice or noodles, use quinoa. Make chili and instead of meat use more beans and lentils (or veg beef crumbles if you crave that meaty texture.) Replace sour cream with plain greek yogurt in any recipe that calls for it. Tacos are SUPER easy with black beans or vegetarian refried beans. Tofu is a good replacement in a lot of recipes. Cut it thin and marinate it for an hour or so with some flavors that compliment your meal and pan fry it well so it isn't squishy anymore... I've found that most people who don't like tofu had it lightly cooked and even I think that is gross.