Vegetarianism: One Woman's Point of View

» aliceinworldland - Interview with Melissa

I read this interview with much interest, since I've been a vegetarian {nothing with a face, as Paul and the late Linda McCartney used to say} since 1981, and prior to that I never ever liked eating meat. It was only when I met my ex-husband that I became a total vegetarian, because he was, so it was easier.

Melissa is right, eating out is a real challenge, even more so now that I've also been diagnosed with celiac disease, but that's beside the point. Often, if I am in an upscale restaurant, I will choose a meal that looks good, and ask for everything but the steak, or whatever the meat offered is. I may get strange looks, but it is much easier than trying to get the wait person to ask the kitchen to prepare a special meal for me.

In fact, one time that I did do this, I was 'poisoned' by the special meal, because he'd prepared large mushrooms for me on the meat grill! It's truly amazing that restaurants do not understand that many people choose not to eat meat. I can't have even a tiny piece of for instance chicken hidden in fried rice - the last time that happened, it lodged in my throat, and I could not eat anything until my body had broken that down and disposed of it. Chicken broth, however, hidden in a 'vegetarian' heat and eat 'vegetable' cup was extremely embarrasing, though, because that made me vomit for hours. Horrible. Even vegetable soups, by Campbell's soup company, have beef broth - and 99% of their others have wheat. My body is extremely sensitive; Melissa is fortunate that she can tolerate a piece of flesh if she is in a situation where she must eat it.

I completely understand about the lunch with clients, and not wanting to make a fuss in that situation. Fortunately, I avoid this type of thing by working right here at this computer. Before I knew I had celiac disease, I would sometimes even ask for only a bun at a fast-food place {on the road or something} with the lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, pickles, etc... that worked fine. Again, strange looks, but eventual compliance. Their biggest problem is usually deciding what to charge for a meatless meal.

I have never been 'militant' about this, and also feel that each person must choose for themselves, but I could not ever go back to eating flesh! I'm very glad to see this topic here at Suite 101 - thank you very much Tara!

Alice

Editor, Personal Poetry, Suite 101

-- posted by aliceinworldland

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» tarag1 - Thanks!

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us Alice!

So many times the stereotype vegetarian woman is a "granola girl" shieking "Eww! Don't kill animals!" People are often surprised when a medical condition is at the heart of your decision to eliminate meat.

It is wonderful that you have found ways to help restaurants accomodate your diet with as little hassle as possible. As far as your veggies being cooked on a greasy grill, I've been in that situation many times!

Thanks for stopping by!

Tara

-- posted by tarag1

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