Hurdles of a Herbivore
A while ago when I was on my way out of work, someone, who supposedly will arrange foods for my trip to Boracay, wondered about how and why I have a special diet. It was then that I am reminded of just how curious and interested people can be about this particular idiosyncrasy of mine; a good confirmation of this can be felt when such topic could be bought up even by a person I’ve just met.
Most of my friends are already aware that I don’t eat meat. What, you didn’t know? I’m a vegetarian since way back when it was indy. I’m not just someone who converted simply because it’s a fad and it’s fashionable. I’m a vegetarian because I believe in animal’s right to live, among a host of other reasons. Anyway, my determination is very strong, so don’t bother trying to get me to eat meat.
Being a vegetarian certainly has many advantages that, I would argue, outweighs its disadvantages (For example, it promotes better health and greater compassion to all living creatures). However, convenience certainly isn’t one of its advantages.
For one, at least in the Philippines, not a lot of fastfoods, eateries and restaurants provide choices and amenities for someone with this special diet. It’s better than before, yes, but it still isn’t easy. There are a lot of times when I didn’t know what to eat because there isn’t any vegetarian food or because the vegetarian foods immediately available are scarce.
Also, I’ve been subject to prejudice and bigotry just because I eat differently. I know there is such a thing as a good-natured teasing, and I’m cool with that. However, back when I was in elementary, people derided me of being a vegetarian; and when I tried to get the teacher to protect me from these unrelenting bullies, she sided with them and joined in their contempt. For someone whose job is to teach, she sure doesn’t have an ounce of class.
All said and done, I think it is great to be a vegetarian, but I won’t guarantee that it will be easy for everyone. But think of it this way: vegetarian is called "special diet" for a reason. One will not reap the benefits of any diet if one doesn’t sow discipline (I sound like a Biblical passage). Once you get past those obstacles, I can assure you that you will receive all the benefits of being a vegetarian. And please dispel the myths that vegetarians are missing half of their
life. Au Contraire. Vegetarians have their substitutes for the meats
they couldn’t eat. Even without those, vegetarian foods taste great especially when prepared by great chefs. So why not give it a try?
Feel free to post comments if you have further questions about what it’s like being a vegetarian.
May 14th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
hey, i would be very appreciate if you could tell me how to have balance diet to be a vege..
In my point of view, many ppl eat imbalance/ unhealthy diet in being a vegetarian.
either they eat too much beans ( too much is not good), too much fibre ( too much cos constipation) , and eat artificial meat(like chicken, fish, made from flour)
and, some artificial spices to make the vegetarien food taste great.
I, myself, i am learning not to eat meat, whenever possible it is. ( i eat only organic vege)
Im worried that i may not intake enough nutrient.
***
-asking some stupid question-
when you start beign a vege?
where is ur determination comes from?
( want to know some background n learn from u)
May 14th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
The answer to your first question is that you have to eat all kinds of vegetarian foods in moderation. Never overeat. Personally, I think the green-leafy vegetables and fruits are most beneficial to one’s health, but then again, everything (at least, everything tangible) in excess is harmful.
I start being a vegetarian since I was born. And my determination comes from my mercy and compassion towards animals.