News flash. Breaking news. Trend alert. I’m thinking of stopping being a vegetarian. But am I a bad person if I stop being vegetarian? I want to eat meat again but feel guilty.
Why I’m stopping being a vegetarian
A few months ago, I wrote this post about how some people hate that I’m a vegetarian. I mentioned how I just kind of decided to stop eating meat one day.
Having a vegetarian diet had been something I had thought about for, well, ever since I can remember. I always wanted to be a vegetarian for some reason. I couldn’t put my finger on why exactly. I had read about the health benefits, I had read about how horrible factory farming can be and how some animals are just treated so poorly. But I never thought I’d be able to do it.
Then one day, I was in Asda and I decided to not buy any meat while shopping and to try to go meat-free for the week I was on holiday from work.
I found it really easy to be honest because I never ate much meat unless I went out. I might have some chicken on a salad, or some chorizo in a sandwich but that’s about it.
When I went back to work after my week off, there were a few comments about how my vegetarianism wouldn’t last and being as stubborn as I am, I decided to keep ongoing.
I never had an end goal in mind. There were times when I wanted to stop at a year and for a long time I secretly told myself that after a year, I’d stop being a vegetarian.
But I didn’t. It’s been about a year and two months now since I stopped eating meat
Healthwise, I feel the same as I did before going vegetarian. I don’t make a special effort to pack on more protein or iron to compensate for not eating meat, I just eat what I eat and feel the same.
I’ve been on two holidays as a vegetarian and it’s been frustrating at times, but I did it. I’ve had a Christmas and survived, I’ve been out for meals and I’m still alive.
Why I want to quit being vegetarian
It’s not hard being a vegetarian, but it can be uncomfortable and there’s been a few things lately that have just made me think it’s not worth the hassle.
That might sound awful. To say it’s just not worth the hassle. But every vegetarian has a different reason for not eating meat. It might be they just don’t like the taste or don’t agree with eating animals, or for health reasons.
I just don’t think my reasons are strong enough.
99% of the time, being vegetarian is easy. And to be honest, I’d probably still eat vegetarian 99% of the time if I were to go back to eating meat.
Here of some of the reasons why I’m thinking of reconsidering my decision not to eat meat:
Menu Tastings.
I go to a few menu tastings, and while I love the idea of being able to be the *voice of a vegetarian* while going to them and focus on that side, the truth is, I find it awkward most times. While the people running these events try to be accommodating to me, I always feel like a bit of a tit.
Like, they’ll really want to make sure I’m having a great time so keep asking me how the veggie options were, which I understand and I’m grateful for, but I’m the type of person that likes to blend in. I don’t like to stand out and this attention over my eating choices leaves me feeling embarrassed. Which I know is my problem, not theirs. But it’s just how it is.
It’s like, they bring out mainly meat dishes and you have to sit there not eating anything and although I know nobody ever judges me for this – I’m worried that I stick out like a sore thumb, or I’m worried that other people at the event or the people running the event will feel bad. I’m worried about other people worrying. LOL.
It would also be nice to be able to go and have the full experience of the menu, rather than only being able to try 20% of it.
Set Menu Meals.
I’ve had a few set menu meals as a veggie, and the vegetarian version always seems to be something small and rubbish.
A had this pie once that was just carrot and Swede. There was another time I had an onion tart that just had some rocket leaves thrown on top and another time it was a pastry with like onion and basil sauce inside. The meat dishes came with veg and potatoes and looked really filling.
But my dish was hardly enough food to keep me full at all!
Being on holiday.
I’m proper chill, I think. So when I’m on holiday with others, I’m not one to make a fuss about where I want to eat or what I want to do. I’m always like ‘well there’ll be some veggie options, so it doesn’t matter’.
I actually almost prefer it. Because I sometimes get overwhelmed by too many choices, so it’s nice to only have 2 or 3 dishes to pick from.
I went to Cyprus for 2 weeks with my family in September, and while there was always something to eat, I found it hard eating healthy as a vegetarian abroad unless I wanted a Greek salad, which I had way too many times.
The only other options were tomato-based pasta or cheese and tomato pizza. I didn’t really mind as it was only for two weeks, but I felt a bit blah a lot of the time due to a lack of healthy options.
Eating at other people’s houses.
I’ve only had to do this once so far as a vegetarian, and that was at Christmas.
We went to my Aunts for Christmas and I had to have my own stuffing, my own fake chicken, my own gravy.
I don’t think I would have minded so much if I was at my parents but I just felt bad as I felt like I was inconveniencing her, even though she gave me no reason to feel like that.
Thanks, brain.
I feel the same health-wise.
One of my main goals around switching to a vegetarian lifestyle was to feel better in myself.
I had read how some vegetarians often feel better health-wise. They sleep better, have more energy and are more productive.
I just felt exactly the same. If my main reason for becoming a vegetarian isn’t actually working for me, is there any point? Another reason for quitting vegetarianism.
I guess I feel like I’ve just got stuck into a routine of not eating meat and then don’t know how to start again. Like, what do I tell people, are they going to judge me for stopping?
I start a new job next week and it would be a perfect time for me to go there as just Corinne. Not Corinne the vegetarian.
You see, I think I want to eat a vegetarian diet on a day-to-day basis, but when I go out, or when others cook for me, eat meat as and when I feel like it. Just be something that doesn’t eat meat often.
But I feel so conflicted about this, I feel bad about it. Like I’m trying to have the best of both worlds or that I’m basically saying I QUIT being a vegetarian because of the challenges.
I just want to be able to go on holiday and try the local dishes.
I want to go out for meals and not have to have the whole ‘is there anything good for you on the menu’ conversation with people who are trying to make sure I’m getting something I like, but I just feel like I’m fussy or picky.
I just think for me, right now, the cons are outweighing the pros. I want to eat meat again, but feel guilty.
I’m giving myself a week to decide if I am going to give up being vegetarian. Stopping being vegetarian is going to be a tough journey!
How to stop being a vegetarian
I had no clue how to stop being vegetarian. If you’re considering stopping being a vegetarian, it’s important to reflect on your reasons for wanting to make this change as I have above. Some people may struggle with maintaining a vegetarian or vegan diet due to unhealthy eating habits, changes in life circumstances, or a desire to try new foods. In some cases, past experiences such as trauma or eating disorders may also play a role.
If you do decide to reintroduce meat into your diet, it’s important to do so gradually and to choose high-quality, ethically sourced products. Consider eating meat earlier in the day rather than at night, and allowing plenty of time between meals. Remember that occasional lapses don’t have to derail your commitment to ethical eating and that ultimately, the decision to eat meat is a personal one.
Should I stop being vegetarian?
What are your thoughts on this? Do you have any experience of giving up vegetarianism? Am I a bad person if I stop being vegetarian?
Update: It’s 2023 now and I try to eat a mostly plant-based diet. I haven’t eaten any meat in months but have had dairy and fish now and then. I believe a wholefood plant-based diet is the best thing for me, but I have to be realistic about it so rather than going 100% vegan, I am just eating as many plant-based meals as I can but allowing some animal products on occasion. Mostly milk in my tea and some cheese. I can drink oat milk in coffee and with my muesli but it’s awful in tea!
I think do whatever makes you happy! 🙂 It’s no one elses business and if you think your life would be easier then you should stop being a vegetarian.
I have been doing meatless mondays for quite a long time now, and sometimes even that gets difficult when I’m away or going to a friends’ house. You never want to be a burden or a hassle to someone else, not to mention the questioning looks from other people (even though for me it’s only once a week!) when they know it’s not part of your religion. Number one for me about being vegetarian would be trying to be more healthy, but I agree in the sense that you’re not necessarily more healthy when you’re being vegetarian. And you can also so easily be healthy when you are not vegetarian!
In conclusion, my opinion is do what YOU want to do, don’t listen to what anyone else says because at the end of the day it’s your body and your decision 🙂 And if you are a determined person, to stay healthy etc, you can achieve that whether you are vegetarian or not.
Furthermore, who cares who judges you about “quitting” being a vegetarian. Everyone is different and no one should judge you on your lifestyle and opinions!
Even if you wouldn’t eat meat that much when you’re not a vegetarian then I think you just do whatever makes you happy! I have a few vegetarian friends and they find it especially hard when eating out x
Whatever you are happy with I say do its – its your life anyway!
Beauty Candy Loves
I was vegi for 15 years and just stopped one day as I just didn’t wanna do it anymore. I became a vegi while still a kid probably basically to be awkward and annoy my parents. Then one day I wanted a sausage roll and ate one I’ve never looked back. Do whatever you want to do it’s know one else business.
xoxo
I totally agree with you! I was a vegetarian for over 6 months but after thinking about I realized that there was truly no point.
Holly xo
http://www.justanotherbritishgirlblogs.blogpsot.com
Wow this post came in time.. As I am thinking of going with a vegetarian diet for some times! The truth is my appetite hasn’t been good lately. I just find eating veggies more easier to me. I ate diary products as well, salad and seeds. The problem is vegetarian dishes don’t make you feel full ad my work demands being strong and I don’t feel so when I eat something without meat :/
The filling dishes take time to be prepared and a lot of ingredients in them. Which is a time consuming!
You know I’m a vegetarian (8+ years). A couple of days ago I’ve been to an event where I tasted the dishes blind folded and I was the only vegetarian there. I had to wait a couple of times, but that also gave the others a chance to taste the veggie version and a few times they even preferred the vegetarian one. They told me with every dish that is was vegetarian and I needed that reassurance because I couldn’t see the food (I’m going to blog about it, it was amazing).
Do what makes you happy. If you want to be a vegetarian, does it really matter what everybody else is thinking? If you don’t want to be a vegetarian, then don’t. People can find something to comment if they want to. 🙂
My only advice is: Don’t do anything because others would say this or that. Do what is best for you, it’s your body and your choice. xx
I can totally understand your reasons for re-considering your vegetarian stance and I think I would be the same were I in your position. I’m not a vegetarian, although I don’t eat a massive amount of meat , but I’m really impressed with anyone who can stick to no meat for any length of time. Well done for managing over a year, especially with some of the obstacles you found during that time – I would have cracked a long time before!
For me personally I don’t see a problem with stopping vegetarianism. I myself grew up in an environment where we fish, some hunt and a relaxed attitude towards eating meat, it’s natural, and any meat eating animal would love a chunk of us. And often veggies are frown upon here because it’s “weird”. But then again, everybody here cares deeply for animal care, and don’t let the animal suffer. So I guess that’s a big part of it.
I’ve also been allergic to nuts since I was a baby, so I know how annoying it is to not be able to eat most of the food outside or at friends’s houses, so I don’t think I’ll be choosing the same again with meat unless I get an excellent reason.
I’ve been a vegetarian for about 8 years and I’d say there’s a lot of pressure that comes with the label ‘vegetarian’ Especially when I was younger I felt a bit pressured to stop eating fish because it meant I wasn’t a ‘proper’ vegetarian, rather than because I didn’t want to eat it, which is so ridiculous and meant I struggled quite a bit before giving it up because I wanted to. Don’t let the label confine you if you’re feeling unhappy! You could always switch between eating meat sometimes and being vegetarian other times if that’s would make you feel better. Just don’t let other people’s opinions influence you too much, do what makes you happy and feel good about your food decisions. (it’s your body after all, don’t let other people dictate what you eat!)
I think you should just do whatever makes you feel more happy. We all live our own lives and make choices for them and it has to be ones for us. If you go back to meat and feel loads better, then you made the right choice. If you eat meat again and don’t like it, then you can stop again. You’ll find the right choice for you 🙂 Have a great weekend xx
I do not eat meat everyday I believe everything in moderation is what works to excessive on anything is not good but the final decision is what do you prefer take baby step and see how comfy you feel in this decision. Have a great weekend doll.
I was a veggie for three years and totally feel your pain. After the first six months it wasn’t the lack of meat that got to me but the boredom of having to eat differently to everyone, everywhere I went. It just got meh.
I kept at being veggie 99% of the time, and still do tbh – but I’d do things like eat normal gravy if someone had made it anyway because making two just seemed so pointless and a bit of a waste. I also had a soft spot for spag bol (lol)
Basically, just eat whatever you want and whatever makes you happy – I’ve now found that doing that has led me to feel so much better about myself and my food choices, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that I’m back to always choosing meat!
Imii xx | nettleandblackberry.com
I’ve started eating less meat – and kind of have the same attitude to you. I love vegetarian dishes, sometimes more than meat dishes, but I don’t want to be a full-time vegetarian.
Just don’t mention that you’ve “given up”, just slowly phase it back in. Don’t even mention it at your new job! Somebody said to me at my new job yesterday as I was eating my vegetarian chilli “anybody would think you’re a vegetarian!” and I was like um, and if I was?! I don’t understand why people feel the need to comment.
But if you are considering giving it up, what meal do you think you’d go for first? 🙂
I definitely think you’ve got to do what makes you happy and stuff everyone else. Those who matter don’t mind, and those who mind don’t matter. Isn’t that how the saying goes? The people who matter to you won’t judge you for it, and the rest, stuff em! Good luck with your decision making, that’s just my two pennies worth! x x
I stopped being vegetarian because the cons outweighed the pros, and actually no one judged me really when I went back to eating meat. You can just be Corinne who eats what she fancies at the time 🙂
http://www.touchscreensandbeautyqueens.com
My other half and I do flexitarian, so we eat meat a couple of times a week and then veggie the rest. If you want to feel the benefits, I’d suggest putting more effort into alternative proteins and filling up with good for you stuff. My cupboard is packed with seeds and pastes that all add flavour without adding bad stuff. Deliciously Ella’s recipes are great and once you’ve bought a few essentials like coconut oil and tahini paste you’re good to go 🙂 but whatever you choose it should be a lifestyle that makes you happy! love Lucinda xx
I don’t think I could be a vegetarian for two simple reasons… 1. I generally like meat. 2. I have some food allergies and intolerances, so I just imagine just eating lettuce leaves or something if I gave up meat! My iron levels occassionally dip too, so it probably wouldn’t be a good idea for me.
I know what you mean about when you eat at other people’s houses. I can’t have wheat or lactose and my boyfriend’s mum thinks she’s serving me a boring meal pretty much everytime she cooks for us, always asking if there’s anything else she could give me when it’s fine as it is. I always feel embarrassed as I know she’s cooking a seperate meal especially for me.
I don’t think you should feel bad at all!
I’ve been a veggie for 15 years and now vegan for 4 months and although I love my lifestyle I totally get that it could be difficult for some. My boyfriend refers to himself as a “flexitarian” basically he is a vegetarian (and sometimes vegan) at home but he eats meat as a treat sometimes, as well as when we go out/visit friends. It works really well for him. When he does eat meat he buys free-range or organic meat so there’s less guilt. Also he doesn’t ever have to have any awkward conversations about menus etc when we are out with friends.
If vegetarianism isn’t for you don’t feel bad, at least you gave it a go! But I would recommend giving being a flexitarian a go 🙂
JJ xx
Do what makes you happy!
I went vegan because it has made my body happy! Yes, it has made attending a few events a little difficult to attend, but when I consider why I chose my diet, I know I made the right choice for me.- and that’s what matters.
I’m sorry people are making you feel this way about being veggie! I’ve been a vegetarian for 6 years and recently started eating more vegan foods and have started to transition to a vegan diet, though I havent told anyone yet as I know people wont agree with it! I have had comments over time about being a vegetarian how its pointless and I’m not getting enough protein blah blah blah, but I often tell those people to stuff it! If you want to change your diet and start eating meat again then so be it, but don’t give up because someone else says so! If anyone has a problem with your diet that is there problem, and if a restaurant has a problem with it then they don’t deserve your custom! I do agree that eating on holiday is hard though, when I was in Canada it was nothing but pizza and chips 🙁
You should do what makes you happy !
Nice and inspiring post !
Alexandra
I think you meed to do what feels right for you. To me that sounds like you want to start eating meat even if just occasionally. I have been thinking about becoming a veggie but to be honest I know I won’t as there is some meat I know I won’t be able to stop (bacon and sausages I am looking at you!) I prefer to pay abit more for higher welfare organic meat or from farm shops, not because it is organic but because they have better husbandry and rearing standards. I personally don’t think there is anything wrong in eating meat that has been well raised and been well cared for until that point.
I was vegetarian for 8 years but for totally the wrong reasons. I re-introduced some meat about five years ago and although I still battle with the ethics side of things I do enjoy having more variety in my diet and still eat a mostly vegetarian menu most of the time- I actually eat better vegetarian food these days too as I want to try so many new things.
It’s a personal decision obviously but I think you’ve listed sound reasons, all I can say is try it and see how you get on? There are some meats I really dislike still and others I enjoy. xx
you’ve done great by being a vegetarian for over a year already, i think! in the end you’ll just have to decide what you think is best for you:-) xx
I think if you did it at the time and it worked for you, great, but if it’s not working for you anymore, don’t do it! If you are passionate about something (say, giving up meat because of your dedication to animals) it would still be difficult but I don’t think you’d be questioning it as much. I grew up vegetarian and stayed that way into my 20’s. When I thought about the why all I could really think was becuase I was raised that way. I eat meat now, but as you said I’m pretty much 99% vegetarian and it makes me happy just to be able to eat what I want when I feel like it. Keep us posted! XO -Kim
This is really fascinating to me – I’ve been vegetarian for almost 15 years and there’s moments even now where I think about wolfing down some bacon.
My reasons are a little different (it’s the texture of meat that bothers me), but I can completely relate to your irks when dining out – it often feels like the veggie meals are just subsiding others big plates while we chew on bland rabbit food. That being said I’m really fussy with cheese and there’s nothing worse than the only veg option on a menu being full of goats or worse – blue cheese – yuck!
Maybe it’s worth taking a step back and consuming fish and white meat? So many of the major health benefits are attributed to giving up red meat anyway. Best of luck with figuring it all out! xx
Do what makes you feel happy, comfortable and most importantly yourself. I think you just need to figure what suits you best, Corinne and judging by what I’ve read, you already know what’s right for you. xx
I actually have wanted to try a vegetarian diet for a while myself, but I haven’t educated myself on what things to eat. I have changed some things that I eat, and I do feel a lot of pressure from my family, when I visit. They kind of poke fun at me, but they NEVER make any accommodations. I have to bring my own food, if I want to eat differently around them. I say, do what you feel is good. If you occasionally enjoy a meat dish, have at it!
It’s a difficult one, isn’t it. My husband doesn’t eat meat (he does eat fish) and I largely eat veggie meals with him- I LIKE veggie alternatives like tofu although I think there is far too much cheese in veggie options! x
Honestly, if you ever considered not being a vegetarian because “people hate you” that wouldn’t be the right decision. Do what makes you happy and everyone else can SUCK IT! I don’t think anyone should impose their values on others, EVER. I despise when people try to tell me I should be vegan, or I should go to church or I should be a Democrat/Republican. Let me make my own decisions, you know? Same goes for you! Good luck! xx
Don’t go back on vegetarianism just ‘cos people make you feel uncomfortable about it. I honestly find it a bit strange that you’ve struggled eating out vegetarian… it’s literally just not eating dead flesh :-/ I’m vegan and honestly barely struggle. And I’m a poor student! You were probably already quite healthy before going veggie so maybe don’t see so much of a difference, especially if you didn’t eat much meat to begin with. I’ve noticed a big diff in my health since going vegan tbf. People have so many misconceptions about veganism and seem to really hate vegans for NO GODDAMN REASON! Ain’t gonna stop me though haha. At the moment I say each to their own, but the amount of meat consumed in the world atm just isn’t sustainable. Even if you don’t care about the ridiculous number of animals being killed, the amount of food and water going into these animals is such a waste. We could share out the food for the whole world so much better without meat, there wouldn’t be people starving to death in the world while us privileged Westerners eat all the damn food.
I would like to see you stay veggie, the environment needs it.
This post really speaks to me. I’m not a vegetarian but have been considering it for a really long time. The reason I’m not at present is because I cook every meal that my boyfriend and I eat and he is a huge meat eater (apart from breakfast I don’t think there’s a meal that he doesn’t eat meat), as well as the fact every time I go out f0r a meal the vegetarian option is awful. I either don’t like the food or it’s so basic that I don’t understand why I’m paying £10 for someone to throw some ketchup on some pasta.
I feel like I should try what you’re considering attempting – eating a largely vegetarian diet then opt for the meat option when I’m out or at other people’s, as I really don’t want to put people out. I think this is really difficult to decide on but you need to do what makes you comfortable.
Sophie x | Essential Twenty
I’ve just transitioned from veggie to vegan and though some of the personal cons may outweigh the pros for you, i could never go back to meat eating as I never want to support that industry again.
Same here 🙂
I completely get what you mean with the whole eating at other people’s homes it does feel like we’re an inconvenience and I’ve only been meat free for 3 months! Cowspiracy was the final straw for me to change to veggie ( I wanted to becom vegan but I would miss cheese too much ) have you watched that? I was surrounded by veggies growing up but I always are meat. When I started living on my own I didn’t really cook that much meat anyway maybe 3/7 meals a week would be meat based. It’s nice to hear someone talk about going back to meat though you only really here about meat eaters turning to veggie/vegan! Annoying that you’ve not had great veggie experiences eating out and the small portions offend me ha, why do they think veggies should get a much smaller portion? There’s no meat on the plate so surely they realise we need a lot more of everything else I’ve got a gnocci veggie bake recipe on my blog if you want to check it out https://miniaturemilk.wordpress.com/category/recipes/ xxx
I was a vegetarian for a long while until one day I decided I wanted to eat some pork. Then the only meat I ate was pork for a while until I wanted to eat some duck. And I’ve gradually tried meats and decided to keep or remove from my diet from then on. Now I mainly eat pork, lamb, duck, and minced beef. Occasionally chicken, but rarely. Our tastes are allowed to change as we so desire.
Totally agree with the restaurant thing. I rarely eat restaurant meat, because of not knowing the preparation or source of the meat. The veggie options on the set menus are usually awful though!
I’ve been vegetarian fora year now, and whilst I can’t see myself eating meat again in the near future, I can’t say what will happen in a few years. Like honestly I would just do whatever makes you happy. You might find that your tastes have changed if you do go back to meat, you might not. It doesn’t sound like this diet is really working for your mindset at the moment, so yeah, do whatever feels right to you. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks!
Really interesting! I’ve been vegetarian for over 8 years and have never looked back. I’m like you and don’t like to put people out or make a fuss, so I totally get that bit. It’s worth remembering that it’s just our perception, probably 99% of people don’t mind at all.
I was probably the only veggie at the Smoke BBQ event the other week and I felt a bit awkward beforehand as it’s basically a meat restaurant, but they were great and at least I can help any future veggies decide to go with my review.
I don’t think I could ever go back now after what I’ve seen happen to animals etc, but you have to do what’s right for you xx
After reading the comments one other thing I would say is, it doesn’t always have to be all or nothing. I will personally never go back to eating meat, BUT if you feel it’s right for you, perhaps eat small amounts of well sourced, free range meat? For those wanting to go veggie but not sure if they can, maybe start by eating a little less and progress on that. Eating less is better than not changing anything. X
I went back to being a meat-eater after 2 and a half years of being a Vegetarian. I went to Germany and it broke me if I’m honest – Got a bit sick of cheese toasties! Honestly I still eat mostly vegetarian when I cook my own meals – They’re just as tasty!
eleanor
elleanorwears.com
I went vegetarian for a year because I needed to lose weight and wanted to cut out unnatural hormones and processed foods, but I couldn’t afford grass fed meat. I did this for a year, and I was annoyingly healthy, and I lost the weight I needed. But then a studied abroad in Spain and started eating meat again and realized how weak I had felt before. And I was super healthy so I made sure I hit my protein and other vitamin mark daily. But I was too weak to even work out more than 15 minutes a day. I still eat veggie options sometimes, but I just eat what I want now and limit red meats, and I feel a lot better.
But all of my vegetarian friends really stuck their nose up at me and tried to make me feel like a quitter.
But like you said, it wasn’t helping me personally like I needed it to, so it wasn’t for me.
This was so interesting to read, I stopped being vegetarian four years ago for some similar reasons, my heart just wasn’t really in it and it was pretty awkward to maintain sometimes. I didn’t really know anyone who was veggie at the time so it felt quite normal to me but now when I meet anyone who is veggie I feel really guilty talking about it. You have to do whats right for you at the end of the day, whether thats stopping being vegetarian or adopting a more flexitarian diet, only you know what will make you feel good and happy.
I’ve been a vegetarian for 10 or so years now. I find it so easy because I’m completely against animal being bred just to be killed and I’ve never liked meat…not since I was 5 years old.
I do understand going on holiday and meals is hard but for me they just is no other choice…its veggie or vegan.
You need to do you, and see what makes you happy.
I would find it really hard to be a vegetarian. I don’t know how you’ve done it. It’s string will power though and shows what type of person you are. Well done.
This conversation is so interesting and it’s really cool to hear so many different perspectives. I was vegetarian for 3.5 of my teenage years, gave up one day on a whim as it seemed easier to not be and I’d really lost sight of why I’d decided to be a veggie in the first place. Seven years later, I went vegetarian again immediately after I’d watch Cowspiracy and five months later I went vegan.
I do agree that traveling as a veggie/vegan is challenging, although not impossible. I’ve been to Portugal, Morocco, Japan, Italy, Spain, Andorra, and, of course, the UK as a veggie and have found places to eat in all of them. It really helps to download a photo explaining that you are a veggie and what you can/can’t eat and to show that to waiters if there is a language barrier. This was SO helpful in Japan and meant we could easily find out what we could or couldn’t eat on a menu. The website/app happycow.net is also helpful in finding places to eat.
Since being a vegan (about 6 weeks now) I’ve found it so easy to be so at home. I always thought I couldn’t live without cheese, however, as I believe 100% that veganism is the best lifestyle choice for animals, human health, and the environment, I don’t feel any guilt, embarrassment or worry about it and I haven’t craved cheese or milk once. In all honesty, I feel really proud to be vegan and will happily bring my own food to someone’s house to cook, make a vegan meal for them, take suitable snacks with me if I’m on the go, or eat at home ahead of a restaurant if there won’t be much I can eat there. All of this comes from having such a strong belief in veganism, though, so if you’re not sure about being veggie then it’s going to be a lot harder for you to live that lifestyle.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure it’s what you feel happiest doing. Looking forward to seeing what you decide! 🙂
If it will make you happier do it, if not stick with being a veggie. Looking at the flip side being a veggie adds something unique to you eating out and your blog. Try going to an event that twenty other foodies have and be unique it’s hard. Same pictures, same story and same descriptions about the food. But being a veggie yours would be unique one of a kind Lucy x
99.9% of the time is better than not at all, try to focus on external influences less and figure out what’s best for you, whether that’s vegetarianism or not! I’ve been vegan since I was 10 and I’d like to say comments and awkwardness stops but it doesn’t you just learn to deal with it and you will end up with people around you who will back you up and question silly comments on your behalf. It’s definitely a case of whatever is best for you though! x
India Charlotte♥
Is stop Putting a name on it. If you fancy meat eat it. If you don’t, don’t.
Ive been vegetarian for 25 years but I’m married to a livestock farmer and, since having kids, I have eaten a bit of meat.
From an animal welfare perspective, meat is much more traceable now and I would be happy to eat our animals as I know they are happy.
Maybe we should call each other bi-vegetarian or something:)
Consider your beliefs. Do you think it is unethical to eat animals? Are you okay with it? Are you going to feel guilty if you eat meat? Let your morals guide you. I’ve been a vegetarian for almost 11 years and have been in plenty of uncomfortable situations and situations when there weren’t many or any options for me (like recently I went out and everyone else ate a 7 course meaty-meal while I had 1 tiny plate). My beliefs play a large part in why I don’t eat meat, which is why I never falter. Just do what you’re comfortable with and what feels right to you. Don’t forget, if you start eating meat again your body may not be used to it and it may make you feel a bit sick at first (not saying that to deter you, just a heads up!)
If it helps: I grew up with vegetarian parents but who allowed me to eat meat (and even cooked it for me) – but I didn’t eat red meat until I was eighteen, after a nasty food poisoning incident when I was six… anyway, the last nine years I’ve eaten everything under the sun and it’s been grand, but recently I’ve switched to being vegetarian Sunday evening to Friday lunchtime, and having the *option* on Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sunday lunches to eat meat *if I want to*, as these tend to be the times when eating meat is more ‘required’ (like dinners with friends, etc.).
It’s made a big difference to how I feel about my diet – before I felt guilty because of the whole ethical thing with meat, but it’s made it easier to maintain my vegetarianism during the week knowing I have the option at weekends, and this weekend I’ve not even bothered having any meat despite having several opportunities. You may find that there’s a period of the week/month when it’s more convenient for you to eat meat – the system works for me. Taking the pressure of ‘no meat ever’ off has actually helped me maintain a mostly vegetarian diet. Maybe this would work for you too?