The food that ended my vegetarianism?
A turkey sandwich from Panera.
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Back in January, I made it one of my New Year's Goals to stop being a vegetarian. Out of my friends, I am the only one who doesn't eat meat. It wasn't really an issue if we were to go out to a restaurant, since most places have salads where the meat can be left off. The issue came into play when I would go to people's houses for dinner. I don't like it when people feel like they need to do something special for me - being a vegetarian or diabetic (which, as all the diabetics know, is false since we can eat anything).
It took me a long time - 8+ months - to get the courage to try meat again. Also, it had to be at the right time. I would never eat meat before I ran because I didn't know how it was effect my stomach. Then there was always the issue of eating where I live. I don't buy meat for myself (obviously), and I really don't like eating out, so therefore I'd never eat meat. However, tonight everything just happened to fall into place. I didn't wake up thinking "this is the day I will eat meat." It just kind-of happened.
As I pondered the menu, I thought I should try meat. If you know me in real life, you might say that I'm rather picky. The two kinds of meat that I ate before becoming a vegetarian were chicken and turkey. I never really liked anything else. Turkey seemed safe, so I ordered it.
It was rather weird to be eating meat again. I had to distract myself to not think about where it came from (the reason why I became a vegetarian in the first place). It tasted okay...not awful, not brilliant. The good news is that my stomach wasn't upset, which pleasantly surprised me.
Will I go back to being a vegetarian, or be a meat eater?
I don't really know. I like vegetarian foods a lot, but I think meat is necessary for me now. I'm training a lot and need it. I'll probably just get it when I go out to eat to start.
Who knows? Maybe in a month I'll start cooking with it. I take that back. I've never done a post about my culinary abilities. You'd be laughing right now if you knew them. I'll save that for another day.
Have you ever been a vegetarian, if even for a short period of time? What was the reason? Do you think you could ever be one? I never thought I would be one.
I've never been a vegetarian but I think I could easily be one. I find I only cook meat when hubby is home. He travels a ton so I have a ton of meatless days...totally unintentional but it happens all the same.
ReplyDeleteI have to commend you on taking the "plunge" out of vegetarianism. I tried once but failed. I don't want to eat meat though, I just thought it would be good for my health. I read a long time ago that adding meat back into your diet can be difficult. If you ever plan to eat red meat again, be careful adding that into your diet. It causes a lot more stomach distress than chicken (and turkey).
ReplyDeleteGood for you for making that decision. I'm going on 13 years as a veg and no intentions to ever eat meat. Even though it can make life as an athlete so much easier. Let me know how you do.