Just became a Vegetarian...

[FFC]

Originally Posted by FutureMrsDM

I always thought it there aren't a lot of options for vegetarians, espcially at parties or family get togethers.

You'd be surprised! There's a TON of vegetarian options, it's just a matter of whether or not someone wants to cook/prepare/find them.

[amisteratwisterandme]

Originally Posted by gwenshack

There aren't. I'm not a total vegetarian but I don't eat a lot of meat - not for any PETA reason, but because I just don't like it. Haven't had red meat since 1996. Frankly, going into dinner parties and stuff is a complete anxiety attack for me. I hid a baggie of turkey in my purse (one of the like two meats I will eat) to slip onto a bun at a recent cookout. It's embarassing for me, because I look like a pain since I'm not eating what's served and I hate standing out, and it always seems to be embarassing for the host because they made something I won't eat. The last wedding we went to was a plated dinner of surf and turf and I just sort of picked at the surf so I wouldn't look ungrateful. I honestly dread occasions where I don't have any control over the menu.

What a bummer. I am sorry you feel that way. I play bunco once a month and one of the girls there is like you, she just doesn't like meat, so when it is my turn to prepare food I always keep her in mind.

[Adriana]

I did the vegetarian thing for almost a year. After that I slowly began to implement meat into my diet again, but not much. I don't really care for red meats. Seafood is not my thing either, although lobster tails were on sale so I bought a couple just to try. My diet is primarily fruits and veggies, not for any Peta reasons either, I just don't have much desire for meat anymore.

[uptowngirl]

After living in the country and watching beef cows grow up and getting to help out on "chicken day" I am pretty much over any queasiness stemming from where my meat comes from...

That being said, I will still make an effort to buy meat that I know is organic/free range, etc just because it is healthier.

[hsteward90]

Thanks girls. I've discussed this with the FH and I've just decided to be careful of what I eat and truly I dont think I could become a "hard core" vegetarian. FH did remind me to remember not all slaughterhouses or w/e treat the animals this way. I need to watch what I eat anyways to stay healthy and loose some weight.

[LuLu86]

Originally Posted by uptowngirl

After living in the country and watching beef cows grow up and getting to help out on "chicken day" I am pretty much over any queasiness stemming from where my meat comes from...

That being said, I will still make an effort to buy meat that I know is organic/free range, etc just because it is healthier.

me 2! living in the country u learn quickly that 'buddy' the cow will be on the table after long. my grandma used to make me 'catch' the chickens for dinner and prepare them so im kinda calloused.

[hsteward90]

wow, i wish i was raised this way. I've realized not eating meat is harder than I thought. Don't know how long its going to last.

[allielaurent]

Originally Posted by gwenshack

There aren't. I'm not a total vegetarian but I don't eat a lot of meat - not for any PETA reason, but because I just don't like it. Haven't had red meat since 1996. Frankly, going into dinner parties and stuff is a complete anxiety attack for me. I hid a baggie of turkey in my purse (one of the like two meats I will eat) to slip onto a bun at a recent cookout. It's embarassing for me, because I look like a pain since I'm not eating what's served and I hate standing out, and it always seems to be embarassing for the host because they made something I won't eat. The last wedding we went to was a plated dinner of surf and turf and I just sort of picked at the surf so I wouldn't look ungrateful. I honestly dread occasions where I don't have any control over the menu.

I can empathize with you completely. I stopped eating beef and pork when I was in the sixth grade because, like you, I just don't like the taste. I only eat turkey and chicken now, and I feel like such an inconvenience for people. When we have spaghetti with my family, my mom makes it with turkey or leaves me some regular sauce with no meat in a separate container. And when I eat with FH's family, it's so awkward. They are always really nice about it, but I just don't want them to think I'm difficult or unappreciative.

[gwenshack]

Originally Posted by allielaurent

I can empathize with you completely. I stopped eating beef and pork when I was in the sixth grade because, like you, I just don't like the taste. I only eat turkey and chicken now, and I feel like such an inconvenience for people. When we have spaghetti with my family, my mom makes it with turkey or leaves me some regular sauce with no meat in a separate container. And when I eat with FH's family, it's so awkward. They are always really nice about it, but I just don't want them to think I'm difficult or unappreciative.

Yep, just chicken and turkey (and shrimp, but no other seafood...) for me too. People who know me do what your mom does too - uses turkey or sets aside a veggie option. It's just when it's people who don't know or it's a large function. Like, there's this couple who just got married and we got them steak knives and a fondue set off their registry as their wedding gift - and they keep saying they want to have us over so they can use the gifts we got them. And all I'm thinking is, uhhh, would that be steak fondue or chicken? Not wanting to say it, obviously, but you'd think my first thought would be "Cool! I want to see your new place!"

[Kirby]

Originally Posted by gwenshack

There aren't. I'm not a total vegetarian but I don't eat a lot of meat - not for any PETA reason, but because I just don't like it. Haven't had red meat since 1996. Frankly, going into dinner parties and stuff is a complete anxiety attack for me. I hid a baggie of turkey in my purse (one of the like two meats I will eat) to slip onto a bun at a recent cookout. It's embarassing for me, because I look like a pain since I'm not eating what's served and I hate standing out, and it always seems to be embarassing for the host because they made something I won't eat. The last wedding we went to was a plated dinner of surf and turf and I just sort of picked at the surf so I wouldn't look ungrateful. I honestly dread occasions where I don't have any control over the menu.

I could have written this, seriously! I have never liked the taste of red meat. I like turkey, chicken, and some seafood, but I couldn't eat a steak or burger if you paid me.

I agree that social events can be very stressful and embarrassing. I think that living in Montana it can even be worse because there's so much hunting and ranching here that that's all anyone eats.

The worst was my own rehearsal dinner, where we were served a buffet featuring some sort of roast or something. It was SO embarrassing once everyone noticed that all I had was salad and bread and pointed out that I don't eat red meat. MY MIL had the chef make me some turkey so that I would feel better and have something to eat, but really that just made it all the more embarrassing!