On Being Vegetarian.
Last Valentine’s Day marked one year of my being a lacto-ovo-vegetarian. Before that, I was pescetarian for four years. My anniversary is on Valentine’s Day because 5 years ago, I was single on that day and really didn’t have anything better to do. Basically.
People always ask me why I did it, and while there are a number of reasons why people go vegetarian, I wanted to do it simply to see if I could. And I have. For a looong time. Also, by limiting the types of food that I eat, it helps me keep my eating in check (for the most part).
The hardest part about being vegetarian is living in a place where it is not as common (i.e. Southeast San Diego) or eating with friends who can’t fathom being without meat for a day…or even a meal. Initially, I had a hard time eating at home because modern Filipino cuisine isn’t exactly vegetarian friendly. But my parents started to buy me my own groceries so I can cook for myself.
It’s really annoying when I plan to go out to eat with people, and they ask “What’re you going to eat?!” not in a concerned, trying to be inclusive way but in a being-vegetarian-is-ridiculous sort of way. First of all, don’t worry about me and what I’m going to eat. Second, not everything has meat in it and most restaurants have vegetarian options that your carnivorous eyes probably usually overlook. Third, no I don’t miss it.
Eating in Berkeley and eating in San Diego tend to be polar opposites for me. Mainly in the restaurant menus and the company that I eat with. Up here, people don’t make a big deal out of it and I can order my food in peace, usually with way more than 1-2 vegetarian options. Back at home, I’m usually stuck with fewer options and eating with friends who make some sort of spectacle about not eating meat. “Eat some chicken, I won’t tell…” The jokes get old fast, but I just try to deal with it.
Anyway. I’m going to start incorporating meat back into my diet after graduation (or maybe the month of graduation?) so that I have no limits on my diet when I go abroad and I can try all the food each country has to offer. To be honest, I’m not exactly excited about it, and I’m really apathetic about the whole thing. I just don’t want to be stuck with food poisoning while I’m in France & Japan. Then maybe afterwards, I’ll go back to being vegetarian. Maybe eating meat only when I travel. But we’ll just have to see, right?
XOXO
P.S. It’s also annoying when people find out something is vegetarian/vegan and automatically call it disgusting without even trying it. Oreos are vegan, and I’m pretty sure many of those same yum-yuckers have stuffed their faces with America’s favorite cookie.
P.P.S. It’s kind of really disturbing that a creme-filled sandwich actually doesn’t have cream in it.
@3 months ago with 5 notes
