07/01/2009
Serena The Wanna-Be Vegetarian
Hello, my name is Serena and I’m a carnivore.
I admit it. I want to be a vegetarian. But how can I when I don’t want to give up my burgers, my pastrami and especially my bacon? Sundays won’t be the same without its rich fatty smell curling around the morning, welcoming a new week. How lonely my eggs will be, and how could I ever explain the absence of bacon to my beloved BLT?
I admit that I’m powerless over meat…
I’m also determined. It’s not about that holier-than-thou feeling that some vegetarians seem to annoy people with. Now more than ever I feel a need to eat healthier, to be conscious of where my food is coming from and how it’s treated before it gets to my table. I’m not just talking about meat either. Some of that “eat local” stuff seems worth looking into as well. It just makes sense, ethically and environmentally.
I’ve made a list of all animals harmed and I’m ready to make amends…
Dear Pig, Fish, Chicken, Duck and Cow,
You’ve been involved, errr I mean you’ve committed yourselves to some of my best meals and memories, but I’ve reached a point where we must begin to part ways. I’ve seen these photos . They weren’t easy to look at, and this isn’t going to be easy. We’ve fried, roasted and grilled you at countless gatherings. I’ve paraded around with your parts on a stick at various county fairs. I’ve stewed, stir-fried and broiled you. Over the next few months I’m going to try and stop eating you, yes, I’m going to give you up. I realize that it isn’t going to be easy. I’ll start with one meat free meal a week. And gradually I’ll become a vegetarian, and not just a “wanna-be.”
- Serena
Serena-
I was once like you, a full meat eater. I grew up with a “meat and potatoes” father and a “veggie loving” Asian mother. I loved my steaks and burgers. But, the more I educated myself about the environment and the treatment of animals the more I cut it out of my diet…I have been a Vegan for two years now. Did you know that the production of meat/animal products is one of the top contributers to global warming. Go to treehuggers.com and look up an article about it…it’s there and very eye opening.
Nothing wants to die; every animal,fish,bird fears death and frankly I don’t want to put anything through that just so i can have some chicken nuggets.
I thought about it and then one day just said no more…no more meat, no more milk,cheese, butter and i have felt amazing ever since. The more you put your meat (flesh) on a pedistal and say…oh i love you the more you will never become vegetarian. If you do the research you will never say it again, now the thought to me makes me cringe. I wish you all the luck in the world, and all the animals too.
Good book to read:
Skinny Bitch –about going vegetarian/vegan
Good Luck,
Cynthia
cyndulaney@gmail.com (if you need any advise)
hey great thought. I am phasing out of meat. I am learning tons of nice vegetarian and no-meat recipes and am going to stick with it.
Cynthia you hit the nail on the head here, it is the reading about the environment and the desire for my family to be healthy that has made me want to be a vegetarian. Choosing to change our diet puts us in the driver’s seat of our own health.
I’m going to check out Treehuggers.com right now.
I can’t say I’ll become a vegan, but I’m definitely looking for a healthier way to live on the planet or should I say ‘with’ the planet?
Keep in touch with me on this journey, I like your input!
Serena
hey Serena, i feel your pain girl. I am a beginner just like you and it is sooooo sooo hard to give up the meat specially when you live in a house with 4 other people who eat meat by the hour. I am on my 4th day without meat & im trying to stay strong and keep it this way, i have made it my #1 priority to watch what i eat.
It is hard but we can do it! =] good luck!
btw nice letter
hey Serena (and anyone else wanting to be vegetarian) i’ve been vegetarian for two years now, and while it’s amazingly healthy for me- i have so much more energy, i get sick less, and overall i just FEEL better- you NEED to be be sure to get enough iron. most of the iron meat-eaters get is from animals, and without that iron you become anemic and generally don’t feel very well. there are a lot of supplemens you can take though, or if you don’t want pills, you want to do it all-natural, i find it easy to just snack on nuts (with low sodium), they’re healthy and have lots of iron. they also have lots of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which you’ll now need more of. being vegetarian is great, you just need to make sure you do it healthily. good luck!
Thanks Jessica!
Serena; I’ve just celebrated completion of my first year of being a ‘vegequarian’ (I do still eat fish and seafood) & it’s amazing how much better I feel. I’m not saying that it’s easy, cause I still crave an occasional tenderloin sandwich, but don’t cave. Get yourself a copy of THE SKINNY BITCH, and every time you are tempted, open it up and read a few sentences. If that doesn’t stop the cravings, then nothing will. Good luck!
Hi Serena:
I used to be an avid meat eater and never thought I would be able to change. Have been vegetarian for a couple of years now and it’s amazing to me that I was ever anything but! Luckily there are so many good recipes and vegetarian products nowadays to help us make the transition. How wonderful of you to be taking this step.It is so excellent NOT to participate in such needless suffering, and the planet benefits and of course so do we. It’s all win, win, win and you WILL feel healthier too! Love and good Luck!
I loved your article. I’ve long felt bad for the animals but have been brought up, and raised my kids on “meat, potatoes, vegetables” and I got really sick of pasta from my (six) kids always eating it when they were younger. (Although I still eat it, wouldn’t want to live on it. Don’t like Tofu, haven’t found many veggie substitutes I like. AND organic and vegetarian food (except pasta) is EXPENSIVE.) My 18 year old has been a vegetarian for a couple years now and I envy her. The more I think about the animals, the less I want to eat meat. I don’t need to lose weight, and I already have low-iron – so if I wanted to go full-force vegetarian I’d have to be careful. But the girls and I are definitely eating less meat each and every week. In a few years my 9 year old and I might have some success at reaching the vegetarian point. I think someday civilization will look back and think “I can’t believe we treated animals that way.” The “wanna-be” vegetarian title is great. That’s exactly how I feel. (My motive though is to protect the animals.)
Hey I have severe anemia and struggle with iron levels so hang in there, take supplements if you can, of course check with your doctor first. Also, all vegetarians are not thin, I’ve seen and spoken with some that are substantial.
I’ll eventually get there… for now I’m a wanna-be, and that’s okay.
I am like you, ever since I became active in my own spiritual pursuits I began to think about just where my food was coming from. I think over everything I buy and will avoid making purchases that I feel may be damaging to someone or something else.
This goes especially for my meat but while I will avoid buying meat that I don’t feel is respectfully sourced I can’t agree that cutting out meat all together to live a life of Supplements is a way to ‘eat healthier’.
I fully encourage being more conscious about the food you eat but do remember, humans are carnivores. The moment you take something out of your diet, something we evolved eating, is the moment you throw your digestive system into a pattern that it’s not familiar or best suited for. Our brain can easily adapt with little consequence, our bodies are not so gifted.
We have a digestive system tuned for eating meat and no supplements out there will re-enact the break down of meat, the absorption of protein and the healthy process of digestion that meat stimulates. Supplements can’t trigger this process.
I really do hope you find a diet that benefits you physically and mentally. Showing restraint over the food you eat is mentally and physically strengthening. Rejecting a whole section of your diet may make you feel stronger mentally but just because you can’t see what it’s doing to you on the inside doesn’t mean all is well.
Whatever you choose, good luck
Dear Serena,
I became a vegetarian over 7 years ago and not for any love of animals, although I do, but strictly for health reasons. I had a heart attack which all my family have died from at this time. The longest survivor was a year younger than I am now. I knew I must do something if I wanted to live and being a great lover of life I picked up a book called “Reversing Heart Disease”. Not only do I eat vegetarian, I also eat low fat, not over 12 grams per day, and low sodium. Now if that wasn’t a switch and a taste adjustment please tell me what is? This way of life has made all the difference. I have been able to maintain a much lower bloodpressure and I do not have the heart pains. I do not have an issue with iron because I am post menopausal. I love the Morning Star brand Garden veggie Patties, only that variety, the maple sausage patty, corn dogs, hot dogs, and crumbles. I like Boco crumbles but nothing else they make. I just get real creative with my cooking of vegetables so I never really get bored nowdays. At first it was hard but the pay off was great right from the beginning so I am there. I drink soy and have found that Greenwise by Publix, hope you have one in your area, is my favorite. I like the Almond chocolate milk but it is a little higher fat. I don’t do skim milk because it hurts my stomach. One of the disadvantages of aging. I still love life and am enjoying it to the fullest of my abilities. I am 66. I sometimes even sneak meat substitutes in my husband’s food and he can’t tell the difference. I wish I had gone vegetarian when I was young like you and maybe I would still be dancing at 100. Good luck to you.
Dear Dangel,
Yes, you write convincingly and I agree with you. This is something that I’m taking my family through in order to give them the gift of better health.
I notice a miss meat more at certain times of the month. So I think you have a point.
Thanks for being here on this journey, I hope you will continue to read as I continue this walk toward better mental and physical health.
Serena
You`re on the right track,keep going!
I`m vegan and don`t consume animals for the past 5 years.
I wish you the best of luck and hope you have many tasty veggie moments!
Thank you Indie! I like to believe there’s a cow out there that is just as excited.
Hey Serena
How’s it going so far?
Congratulations Serena,
When I first start 15 years ago it was very hard, now after losing 60 pounds and keep it of for more than a decade, I use Irish Moss or Sea Moss for my protein, Immunocal to keep a high level of glutathion in my system, I eat dark leaf salad, I exercise every day, I drink half of my body weight in onzes of water and spend some time in the sun, by 10 AM or 4,5PM for my vitamin D, I use almond milk and cheese and eat Rye or Pumpernickle bread. If nobody did it before you’ll be the first one, If somebody did it before you’ll be one of them. Welcome and be proud of youself, you already make the first step. Peace and Love.
Thanks Marry, I can say, this is a lot harder than I expected it to be, and I’ve only given up some meat, not all. Thanks for the encouragement!
vegetarian means NO animals. what do you think eggs are sweetie?
Eggs are a NO, NO same as milk and cheese, they are all animal product. You can use Almond milk and almond cheese. Be proud and congratulate yourself that you give some meat, it’s a learning process, take it gradualy day by day and one day you’ll be there.
Remember “Don’t be in a hurry”
Peace, Love and Health.
Hey, you all are great. The pay-off of compassion for the animals is that we are improving our own health while saving the animals when we go vegetarian. I am 68 and raised my kids on meat, always feeling guilty about the slaughtered animals I was cooking. I used to tell my kids, “if I had to kill this myself, you’d be eating something else.” Finally, in 1997 I made a new year’s resolution to go vegetarian and I have not regretted it. As a person who was raised Catholic in the “olden” days when we could not eat meat on Friday, I use a lot of those “Friday recipes” for my cooking nowadays. I love the Morning Star veggie bacon and Spicy Black Bean burgers, but do not like any of the other brands of veggie bacon. Litelife’s Smart Ground crumbles make great vegan chili. GimmeLean comes like sticky hamburger and is great for making “porcupine meat balls,” those delicious things made with rice, onion, tomato, etc. I bake them smothered in tomato sauce and the rice sticks out like quills. My non-veg husband loves them. Again, I admire you young folks a lot. You’re waking up to the realities and suffering involved in food production so much earlier than I did.
Applause! The step to vegetarianism is an easy one. There are vegetarian alternatives to EVERYTHING, you just have to look for them. And it’s really not hard to just switch immediately to a meat-free diet. You just have to not expend the effort to buy meat products.
Also, no gelatin and no marshmallows. Gelatin and marshmallows are cows. And watch out for certain food colorings, which are made of bugs. I can’t remember which are.
Also also, going /vegan/ isn’t necessary. It doesn’t harm cows to milk them, and it’s impossible to hurt eggs because they’re not alive.
Dear Mr. Pitchfork,
I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive in writing back to you because, errr well… uh… your handle is pitchfork and I only know one dude that has that handle, I once married his brother, but that’s another story.
Glad to hear you’re not a milk basher, even though I drink almond milk, I do occasionally have cheese.
It’s a challenge, especially with the holidays coming up. What do vegetarians do around Thanksgiving and Christmas, and puh-leeze do not suggest Tofurky!
I’ve been a vegetarian for 18 years thanks to a trip to an abattoir- now there’s a surefire solution if you’re not sure you can last the distance! I eat eggs, drink milk, cream etc. but no cheese or gelatin for me (I do have some goats cheeses). Don’t conform to what someone else says you can or can’t eat. Do your own research, refer to your own morals, and come up with a combination that suits you.
Vegetarianism does not equate with weight loss – it is easy to substitute filling meat products with fried foods or creamy ones – that aren’t really every day foods! If you want to lose weight or become healthy, there is no reason why you can’t eat meat, chicken or fish. Portion size, cooking methods, fresh produce and exercise solve that problem. Going vegetarian is an entirely different issue.
I eat very fresh food, a variety of vegies, fruit, pulses, beans etc. (no tofu – can’t stand the stuff!) and have always been healthy and energetic. There are plenty of wonderful recipes around that you can incorporate into your holiday festivities – no reason why you can’t make a wonderful veggie dish to accompany all the others (watch – the meat eaters will probably eat most of it! Make sure you get served first!). It takes a bit of effort to make different meals etc. at the beginning (I started doing that when I was 8 years old and my mother refused to make a separate vegetarian dinner – fair enough!) but it soon becomes habit.
If you can’t go vegetarian, look into the types of meats or fish you are eating. I have met numerous people that will only eat one or two types of fish and one type of meat because it is sustainable farmed and humanely killed, and is local – not my personal preference – but I think it is also a moral approach to take.
Serena,
You are very strong and very brave to take the step of vegetarianism. I can say that because I’ve tried more than once myself and it’s not easy. Unfortunately, I still had an egg sandwich this morning. But I will try again soon, I promise.
To Mr Pitchfork, please read up on factory farming. Cows and chickens suffer greatly to give you that milk and eggs, unless you are extremely careful about who you buy from. But I’m not here to be a hypocrite. I, too, didn’t know at one time how much animals had to suffer so I could have my meat and dairy.
It would be so much easier to be vegetarian if people around us didn’t tempt us with their sizzling steak and rotisserie chicken smells on Restaurant Row. And commercials on tv or ads on billboards…all of them are so tempting and I am so weak.
I look forward to the day when policy prevents the consumption of meat, but even sooner I look forward to the day when policy prevents cruelty to animals. Vegetarianism will never be in the majority until humanity accepts responsibility for and empathizes with animals’ suffering.
Respect for animals is the first step. And children are our future. So as long as we prioritize teaching our children to love all creatures, I think the future will change for the better. Do you know the types of people kids can grow up to be when they’re not taught to respect all life? Psychopaths. It’s in EVERYONE’s best interest to make sure children learn empathy and compassion.
Remember last year when your friend got a new leather coat for Christmas and brought it over to show off. But instead of admiring the beautiful stitch work or the fancy buckle you pulled it up to your nose and just sniffed that wonderful smell… Yeah. Me too. I’ve got these four pointy teeth too that I hate to see go to waste.
Save a Cow… Eat a Vegan.
i’ve been a vegan for over 3 years now, and true it is hard..but once you’ve reached that goal..you’re going to feel fantastic and proud of yourself.When you have doubts and moments you slip,think not only of the animals that died to make your meal but also think of the benefits your body acquires because of being a vegetarian. You’ll feel clean and pure..and thats so much better than having the feeling of having a dead animal in your stomach..:)
Hey, my daughter 11 yrs old converted to being a partial vegatarian almost a year ago, she said she didn’t like that animals had to die for her to eat! I allowed because I felt she should be allowed to make that decision, she does however drink milk and eat cheese, she just does not eat any meat. She has done great, while the rest of the family(of 5) eats meat. She eats a lot of peanut butter and salads. Good luck on your journey!
Hey all u guys who want to be Vegetarians….try out your local ‘Indian Vegetarian Restaurants’. They have a whole lot of amazing variety of Veggie’s to offer that keeps you
(seriouslf no meet cravings?)
‘A satisfied Vegetarian’
I applaud all of the veggies and veggies-in-making. Even a small step is a step towards a more humane world.
To Mr Pitchfork — The reason milk and dairy is a no-no is because bovines are kept pregnant to produce milk, and they and their multiple calves (they get bred several times) are slaughtered when the milk production is not as high as the industry standards prefer.
Eggs are an issue because even so-called “free range eggs” come from chickens in crowded buildings, living in their own excrement and then slaughtered for food purposes (ground for animal food/meal or for human consumption).
Either way, some object to the overall treatment of these animals during their production lives, or the fact that they are kept to produce food for humans at all.
Good luck!
Yes, it is, but boy oh boy I miss my bacon!
I thought this was just so crazy. My name is Serena and I am a vegetarian. THere are different types of vegetarins. Those that do not anything that comes from animals, no eggs, milk, etc..
those who only include bi products
those who include bi products, poultry, and fish
For vegitarians and carnivores alike
try morningstar products some you will like others not so much.
use crumbles to substitute hampburgers. the bacon is gross, and so are the links get the patties, veg grillers, buffalo tufu nuggets, and itlain veg sausage links
Hi Serena,
I applaud you on a successful journey. I am about to be where
you started. We already made plans for Thanksgiving but on ALL calendars we will start a family change December 1. I am not sure what type of vegetarian but I know it will be a challenge since there are 5 other members in my family, one of them being a High School wrestler. I will purchase the book this weekend. Thank you for your testimonial letter(that’s exactly how I feel,it gave me an aahaa moment) and recent suggestions to others.
I’ve been hosting a vegan thanksgiving potluck for 6 years. Many of my friends are not vegan, but EVERYONE comes back every year and raves about the amazing dishes. Most of the standard side dishes are easily made vegan (and a lot are already vegetarian). I cook the main dish every year, which is a pot roast type dish made with seitan. It’s a little intense for beginner veggie cooks, so I’m not suggesting that. However, check out the “fat free vegan” cooking blog. (just google “fat free vegan blog”) She is one of the most talented recipe writers. I usually alter recipes as I cook, but I follow hers to the letter. Browse through her recipes and find a great centerpiece dish. And try her vegan ribs in the summer. My carnivore friends fight me for them.
Hi, I am interested in becoming meat free, but my main concern is will I loose weight. I am already a very thin person genetically an di dont want to lose any more weight. I relaly wan tot eat healthier but I fear if I cut meat out all together I will fade away. Please tell me just because you stop eating meat doesnt mean you’ll loose drastic weight
I know some pretty hefty vegetarians. Just because you cut meat from your diet doesn’t necessarily mean you will lose weight. However, if you are naturally thin, you must pay attention to your diet and make sure every bite you eat packs a nutritional punch.
You didn’t mention if you were going to continue eating dairy and eggs or if you were going to become a vegan, a person who doesn’t consume ANY animal products. I found this source (http://www.vegsoc.org/info/increase.html) to have some very helpful information about keeping weight on as a vegetarian. Good luck and write back to let me know how you’re doing!