Recently, I’ve gotten some slack about becoming a vegetarian. What do you eat? A Mexican-Italian that doesn’t eat meat….WHAT?
Well, before having children I was a vegetarian for many years. During pregnancy, my doctor suggested that I eat meat due to extreme anemia. Since then, I got back into it with my occasional piece of red meat, although I preferred chicken and fish. However, a documentary regarding our food source recently sparked my sensitive side and my daughter and I decided to give up meat altogether. I just couldn’t bear to think that I was eating a cute little chicken or baby cow. Although, I still choose to eat fish and seafood, I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because they’re not so cute?
Since I still eat seafood and dairy, many of my friends are confused so I have decided to clarify this popular trend. The truth is that there are many types of vegetarians. Some (vegans) eat absolutely no meat, seafood, or dairy products. Others types of vegetarians eat seafood (pescetarians) and some eat eggs and dairy (ovolactarians). So, instead of constantly describing my eating habits as ovolactopescevegetarian (egg, dairy and fish), I just simply call myself a vegetarian. It’s that simple.
As far as being of Mexican and Italian descent and choosing to forego meat, it’s not that difficult. I understand that most Mexicans and Italians eat lots of meat. However, growing up in a home where we ate meat on a daily basis, I grew tired of it. My parents insisted that I eat whatever was on the table and I followed that rule until I was old enough to make different arrangements. My father still thinks I’m weird and my mother is sweet enough to accommodate me during my visits to their home.
To be honest, I have enjoyed venturing out of my normal cooking habits and creating many new vegetarian dishes. Tostadas, tacos, burritos, pasta, and lasagna are all still great when using vegetables and substitute beef. Although my son and husband have declined my requests for them to give up meat, they are enjoying lots of new recipes. I think I made the right decision for myself because I feel better both physically and mentally since giving up the little creatures.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”—Mahatma Gandhi
Author: Rhonda Gutierrez Graphics: Karla Casab
Great article Rhonda! What you eat is up to you, don’t ever let anyone tell you that what you are eating is strange. It is great that you still accommodate your husband and son with their meals and don’t force your eating habits upon them.
You’ve heard of the saying, you are what you eat. Although I could probably not go without meat, I do feel lighter on the days that I choose to eat something lighter, like a salad verses a burger.
Good for you!
Hi Rhonda,
I am with you – I have decided to give up meats, but stick with seafood. I don’t like the texture of meat. Chicken has been hardest to give up, but the last time I had that, even that texture bothered me. I am looking for and finding more and more interesting and delicious vegetarian options. It really has not been a struggle.
The hardest time I have had is when I travel. There don’t see to be a lot of “fast food” veggie options when on the road. My solution is to take cheese sticks, crackers, and veggies with me, or have a smoothie to drink in place of eating a meal.
My mother in law recently asked, “What are you going to eat for Thanksgiving?” I told her I would pretty much eat what I ate last year – all the sides.
I only ate about 3 bites of turkey last year, and I could go without that pretty easily and not miss it.
Happy Holidays!