As if we didn't watch Food Inc. together two months ago, and I didn't continue to go about my normal life, eating a crap ton of meat and sugar. As if choosing to eat meat is worse than choosing to not go the gym, which I chose on a regular basis for the last two months? I don't want to go veggie if I'm going to turn into this warped person who feels superior for what I eat, or don't eat.
I wish I was totally kidding, but I'm only half joking- there's something about "giving up" a part of your lifestyle than can easily turn you into a self righteous biotch. I'd rather not admit that I became a self-righteous biotch for about an hour tonight, but, well, if I'm bluntly honest with others, I guess I ought to be with myself too. So, I became a self-righteous biotch for an hour tonight.
Proof:
Tonight after going to the gym with Topher, we stopped at an Afghan restaurant we frequent where I used to get some delicious lamb. This meal, I rocked the "Vegetarian Plate" and tried to force myself to eat something I truly detest- cooked, slimy spinach. I enjoyed the chickpeas and eggplant but was trying so hard to be good to my body and eat this overcooked mush of spinach. I thought to myself "so what if all the nutrients have been boiled out of these? It's better for me than that lamb Topher's downing!" I'M SUCH A VEGETARIAN JERK.
So, I'm done being a vegetarian jerk. Feel free to check me if and/or when I get to preachy or self-important on here.
While I complete my thoughts on why I am officially going vegetarian (there are a myriad of why's and thoughts in my head, and I'm doing my best to lay them out, all straight like for ya) here are some reasons for going veggie. I've bolded the ones that resonate most with me.
- If we continue to clear forests in the U.S. to raise cattle at the present rate, there will be no forests left in 50 years.
- The water used to produce 10 lbs of steak is equivalent to the average consumption of water for an entire household for an entire year.
- Fishing with drift (and other modern) nets weakens and destroys ecosystems by indiscriminately killing billions of sea creatures and disrupting the sea bed.
- Mass farmed chickens are crammed into battery cages with up to 3 other birds; they are unable to even spread their wings and many cannot stand up.
- Veal calves are confined in stalls in the dark, unable to move.
- Meat is full of traces of antibiotics, hormones, toxins produced by stress and pesticide residues that become concentrated from all the crops they have eaten.
- Farmed animals contain up to 50% saturated fat in their bodies.
- Vegetarians have 24% reduced risk of getting heart disease.
- 80% of food poisoning is due to infected meat.
i've been vegetarian for 10 or so years now, but recently read the book "animals" by don lepan, which gave me a completely different perspective on vegetarianism. you should check it out--it's really good (but so sad!)
ReplyDeleteps-followed you here from weddingbee : )
You can do ittt! :) Ok, so I'm not a strict vegetarian anymore (shame), but I no longer eat beef, and a lot of the meals I cook now are vegetarian. Anyway, in the past when I've gone completely veggie, it was more of a "getting used to it" period...after a week or two I didn't even think about it anymore. But of course, at first there is a bit of a mourning period...haha ;)
ReplyDeleteI don't think the only answers are to become a vegetarian or eat factory farmed meat. It's not that simple, and with the growing options of food sources - it's certainly not just those two choices. Factory farms are awful - awful for the animals, for the environment and for us. Even large scale farmed vegetables aren't great for the environment or for us!
ReplyDeleteJust because you eat meat, does not mean you have to eat veal and factory farmed meat - far from it! I'm not hating, I just want to be sure that people know there is another way.
Additionally, the results from the vegetarians and heart disease studies are often due to the fact that vegetarians eat more vegetables than meat eaters, not that they don't eat meat. Everyone should add more fruits and vegetables into their diet. A vegetarian who eats a diet heavy on refined grains and sugars would certainly not be considered healthy.
When I stopped being a vegetarian, I did have this period of "what am I" I need a label for my eating! But, eventually I accepted that what you eat is a personal choice, and I don't need a label for it. But it did take a while, and I completely understand what you mean!
The longer you're a vegetarian, the less self-righteous you become. Also, the more your family/friends ignore you. I've been one for almost fifteen years (since I was 11), and we rarely discuss it anymore--our separate life choices are understood. Enjoy your biotch phase while you've still got it in you! No need to worry, the "settling into it" will come. :-)
ReplyDeleteHaha, Shannah, that made me feel much better! Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteIt may help to maybe work yourself into it slowly.. I tried to go vegetarian a few years ago, but I just couldn't give up my love for chicken and fish. So I cut out red meat, which was at least a step, and honestly? I don't even realize that it's not in my diet anymore. I try to limit the chicken and fish intake but I don't know if I personally could ever give it up. But it's worth a shot!
ReplyDeleteAnd I definitely agree with Christiana - you can be vegetarian and still not be eating any healthier than you were before. Do what feels right to YOU.. the rest will come :)