 |
| My downtown |
During brunch the other day my friend asked me how my vegetarian/vegan diet has been going and I flat out told her “it sucks”. I proceeded to lament to her for at least half an hour and yet it’s still not out of my system so I figured I would blog about it!
I decided to go vegetarian back in June because I no longer felt interested in consuming flesh. (I just recently wrote a blog post on Elephant Journal regarding my turn towards vegetarianism if you’d like to check it out click here). I did not want to place in my body a sentient being that deserved a full life. My quest to only eat foods that nourish my body (no caffeine, very little processed foods, no sodas, decrease alcohol intake, etc) is a way of respecting all my body has done for me for all these years. In the past when I took away a food item from my diet i felt deprived and would usually binge a few weeks later. But because I am rooting my diet in a cause that has nothing to do with weight and conforming to society’s standards, I feel freer than I have in a lot of ways. I do not foresee a day where I will go back to eating meat, quite the opposite, I am now looking to become vegan.
So why does it suck to be vegetarian, you may ask?
Well, the thing is, my town is not vegetarian friendly. In fact, there is not one restaurant that serves a good variety of vegetarian/vegan foods except for My Common Market. Places I used to love to eat with friends are no longer available to me. The other day my boss wanted to take a few of us out to lunch so I recommended the deli around the corner. I worked there for a few months back in high school and remember their very tasty sandwiches. So we went, and ends up the only thing on their menu I could eat was an egg salad wrap with cheese. Talk about a vegan’s worse nightmare! I did not wish to be the “difficult one” so I ate my sandwich in silence, constantly thanking the animal’s wellbeing that was sacrificed for my few minutes of consumption.
I want to eventually become fully vegan but I honestly don’t know how in a town that is not conducive to such a lifestyle. So I ask all you vegan/vegetarian readers – how do you do it? How do you stand for what you believe in without sacrificing the well being of a group that does not lead the same choices? What do you do when you’re a restaurant that offers you nothing you can eat? I do not push my beliefs on others and I do not judge meat eaters. You are entitled to live your life how you want. All i can do is change myself and live by the ideals I wish to see in the world. The rest will follow naturally. However, how do you maintain integrity when people do not give you the same courtesy to you and judge you for your eating habits?
Any input would be very much appreciated!!
December 8th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
I also live where it is difficult to be vegetarian, but there are a couple of local eateries where I can get a good lunch. A couple of months ago I had dinner at a friend's house. She is a fantastic cook and had prepared a vegetarian curry for the main course – and a salmon cake appetizer. I didn't think twice about eating and enjoying it; I could not pass up what was in fact a gift which my friend had spent hours preparing and had put much love into. I guess what I'm trying to say is that, while I also feel strongly that animals should not suffer to feed me, we have to take care not to create human suffering by rejecting what is given with love. The rest of the time I pack my lunch.
December 8th, 2011 at 1:45 pm
I know most restaurants will cater to needs. If you find a restaurant you enjoy, take time to meet the owner or the Executive Chef. Most often restaurants have exactly what you want, it is just not listed:-) With all the allergies, and special needs, restaurants are prepared. Enjoy my friend! oxox
December 8th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
I've vegan in the past, stopped for awhile, and am moving back in that direction (am vegetarian). I also have to be gluten free due to celiac so…eating out is tricky!!Some things that seem to be helping for me:Only eat the dairy/eggs that you really enjoy. I like Earth Balance…don't mind skipping butter. I use almond milk in my coffee (or more often, drink it black). But there is a restaurant I love that does the best gluten free & veggie mexican food…so I'll have cheese on that. Eventually I won't, but for now, it was a good step to skip it unless it's really awesome.Become an adventurous cook! The fact that I love to cook & am always experimenting with new things makes up for the fact that restaurants are tough. One of my favorite super easy lunches is spinach and hummus..toss them together and microwave them. Awesome! But there are many great vegan cookbooks & cooking blogs…one of my favorites for new recipes is Oh She Glows.As far as other people's comments, I don't make a big deal of telling people what I do or don't eat (apart from a discussion specifically on that topic – on or off-line.) If I'm eating at someone else's house who I don't know well, I offer to bring something to share so I know there's at least one thing I can eat. Close friends know & accept my choices…and that's really all that matters.I wrote about some funny responses you can give on elephant the other day:http://www.elephantjournal.com/2011/12/but-its-natural-to-eat-meat/Good luck!
December 8th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
Yep, I hear ya! I find this subject coming up more and more. I eat veg. And don't consume diary products. Also, I have a soy allergy! I try to bring my own food when possible, eat before or eat around things. Lately, my eating habits have been asked about more and more. I don't think it's anyone's business but I try to be compassionate and non judging towards flesh meat eaters.
December 8th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
First of all, give yourself a big hug for wanting to do something good for yourself, for the animals, and for the planet! Second of all, don't be too hard on yourself, stress can do a number on your body! I personally don't like labels. I eat mainly vegan but will have the odd organic egg or if I feel like it I may give in to a piece of cheesy pizza. Good health comes from listening to your body. If your body is telling you to stay away from eggs, cheese, etc. and you want to listen, then pack a lunch every day. If your co-workers are heading to lunch, eat yours first explaining you packed one, and then just order a tea to be social. Many restaurants will do modifications for you. That deli could probably do a veg sandwich, think bread lettuce, tomato, cucumber, any others. Don't be afraid to ask for changes to a dish, just be your sweet self and I'm sure they will accommodate. I live in a city where our first vegan restaurant just finally opened, and up until then I was always modifying what I was ordering. People may judge, but who cares. If someone asks you what your beliefs are, without sounding too preachy, just explain that you feel better when eating this way. Some may be intrigued and genuinely interested and feel free to elaborate with them. Others will be harsh or may tease, and I find these are the people that do not want to examine there own poor eating habits and it's easier to scoff at someone else.You will become more creative in the kitchen and will not eat out as often as before (which is good for the bod and the wallet
). So sweets, don't stress over labels or what people think of you! It will get easier.M xo
December 8th, 2011 at 2:32 pm
I fully understand the difficulties your having. Having myself been vegan for going on 18 years, I know exactly what your facing. I have eaten many "special request" sandwiches, salads and entrees. At times, I have been pleasantly surprised by the cooks efforts and many others left feeling unfulfilled and frustrated. If there is a place you have frequented in the past and are friendly with those who work there, suggest to them adding "friendlier" fare to the menu. Grilled portabello and roasted pepper sandwiches, wraps or a vegan pasta or pizza. That may be a start. However, your greatest satisfaction with your choice will come from your own kitchen and culinary efforts. Experiment and enjoy this compassionate way of living. And remember to pack a cooler full of good for you foods on road trips… Preparation is sure to be your greatest ally.
December 8th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
when I first turned to be vegetarian, my parents was against me. It was so difficult for me. I was only a 15 years old young boy. But it has been 11 years now. And I am happy I choose the best for my life!http://www.veglov.com/
December 8th, 2011 at 3:26 pm
I think most of the advice you've gotten so far is very good. My suggestion: make cooking part of your yoga practice. Learn how to cook the things you want to eat the same way you learned how to do chaturanga; with intense concentration and determination. You can spiritualize the whole process of preparing your food by making it a moving meditation, the same as your asana practice. I don't consider my food prep ritual complete until I've offered the finished product to the One who provided me with all of the raw materials I used and the ability to combine them into a meal.As far as restaurants, they want your business and will usually do there best to accommodate you; be bold and tell them you want vegan stuff – let them know there's a demand that they should be filling. If more vegetarians and vegans told the restaurant owners what they wanted the restaurant owners would be more proactive in fulfilling their desires. That's the nature of being in business; providing a service for which there is a demand.A final thought: in yoga philosophy, eggs are in the meat category (flesh, however unformed, is still flesh), not the dairy category. Onions and garlic are also off the hardcore traditionalist yogi's diet, but good luck on that one when you eat out. I've managed to eat a very healthy diet vegetarian diet for about 40 years, so I know it can be done.
December 8th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
My vegan friends still join us out for dinner and order what they can. We've also turned to having more potlucks together instead of going out so that way we can still enjoy eachothers time around food. They also bring their own prepared meals just in case they can't eat anything at a restaurant. It's no big deal at this point, being together is what matters most.
h
December 8th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
packing a lunch and then going to lunch with coworkers but having tea is a fabulous idea and a great way to save some $$ too thanks!!! good to know that it does get easier haha =D
December 8th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
Thanks HKD i definitely need to make cooking a more sacred ritual rather than just something i throw together. eating compassionately also means putting love in every meal in order to fully nourish the body with the attention it deserves.. something i need to work on! now what is this about no onions and garlic? that is truly curious… is there a reason behind that?
December 8th, 2011 at 6:37 pm
i guess i need to give chefs more credit that they do indeed want to please their customers! I'll try not to be as timid to ask for special requests =) thanks!!!
December 8th, 2011 at 6:38 pm
thats awesome ~ bring a dish so you know you at least have something you can eat.. GREAT idea thank you!! your diet sounds a lot like mine, we do the best we can and yet maintain compassion for ourselves. i love your elephant journal posts so i will definitely check it out =)
December 8th, 2011 at 9:43 pm
I've been vegan for about two years and vegetarian for a year before that. It's definitely a challenge, but think of it this way: by standing up for your diet in restaurants, you increase awareness of vegetarianism/veganism and help usher in more vegan options!Here are a few tips that have helped me a lot:1) Always look at a restaurant's menu before you go and see what you can eat.2) Consider calling the restaurant ahead of time to let them know of your dietary needs and ask them what they typically do for vegans. They often have thought this out but don't have it on the menu!3) Always carry delicious snacks!4) Get some inspiring vegan cookbooks and start cooking at home more.5) Be considerate and brief when others question or criticize your dietary choice. I rarely ever go into the reasons for my veganism unless someone directly asks. And, if someone starts being confrontational about your dietary choices (weird, but it happens), just shrug it off by reminding them that it's just your choice and it doesn't matter to you what they choose to eat (in other words… why should your choice matter to them?)6) Be creative. At almost any restaurant you go to, you can pull something together. You just have to be gutsy enough to ask for something a little different!7) Go easy on yourself. This isn't always something that can shift overnight!Hope that helps, T. Best of luck to you! Be in touch if you need any more advice.
December 9th, 2011 at 3:47 am
Well Teeg, I'm in a small town in the Deep South, so barbeque and bacon are kings! I buy produce, local & organic when I can, and dried beans and brown rice and either myself or my wife cook vegan dishes. When going out, being it's a small town, I know most of the restaurant owners and they try to accommodate. Was at a great place the other day and the special was a truffle oil, spinach and mushroom pizza which was great – no cheese. Another place here fixed me my own dish – I talked to the manager and he had the kitchen fix me sauteed veggies, greens and mushrooms served over wheat pasta - they used olive oil instead of butter. And of course, often have to just settle for a salad with a vinigrette dressing. As far as explaining my choice, I usually just say that I'm vegan because of the way animals are treated on factory farms which supply most of the food in the USA. And because of the chemicals, hormones and antibiotics used (factory farms use more antibiotics than any other industry in America, including the medical industry!). Incredibly, most agree with that my reasons are correct (and I suppose they are happy with it or simply turn a blind eye). I also don't go into details, especially in a setting where people are about to eat. If someone continues to push, I simply tell them to find the documentary "Earthlings" online and watch it, "if they can". I warn them that it's very graphic and that I had to turn away from some scenes. As well, I warn them that they may decide to change dietary habits too if they watch it. Here is where it can be viewed: http://www.earthlings.com/ There is a 3-minute or so advertisement at the beginning wanting one to buy the DVD. WARNING: very very graphic scenes – hard to watch, but, sadly, a terrible reality for animals every day. Also, Teeg, I recommend educating yourself on nutritional needs. The protein thing, is really NOT that big of a deal – I for one, take a vitamin/mineral supplement every day but also did when eating the standard diet. I also take a sublingual B-12 supplement every few days or so. Lastly, I see you as an independent modern lady of the times, and I think you can stand secure in your decisions about your life and body. Namaste!
December 9th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
I second (or third, or fourth) the suggestion to ask the restaurant for what you need. There are the tough outings when I am treated to an iceberg lettuce salad, but they are fewer and farther between. And it makes no difference to the people I eat with regularly. Requesting vegetarian/Vegan options, to me, isn't that far from asking someone to hold the mushrooms, etc. I mainly just wanted to chime in to say good on ya! Hang in there.