30 Days of Truth: Day 15

Enjoying a lazy Sunday, watching pre-game shows and catching up on everyone’s blogs and my own, so here are the posts for the past few days…

Day 15 — Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it

Ummm… that would be red meat and seafood. I have tried on three different occasions in my 20′s to go vegetarian, but each time my body revolted. I just need a juicy filet mignon or a pile of crab legs every now and then. I truly think some people just need meat. Now, chicken, I could live without. Occasionally I’ll crave well-done chicken wings, but it’s more the experience I crave and not the chicken itself. I love going to a bar, watching football and eating wings. I’ve also been known to tear up some Chick-Fil-A, but I only eat that out of laziness (and not having a kitchen). I eat chicken, but it’s just not something I would order if I was going to a restaurant.

I would have loved to have been successful at being a vegetarian. I just think it’s a kinder way to be. I enjoy a lot of vegetarian cuisine and usually end up ordering meatless entrees when I dine out anyway. On the rare occasion I’m in the mood for Chinese food, I order steamed tofu and broccoli with brown rice and no sauce. They look at me like I have eight heads every time I order it, too.

When I eat Italian, it’s usually manicotti or lasagna, and in that case, I prefer a veggie lasagna with spinach. I’ve been known to make a meal of a caprese salad and a cup of minestrone or pasta fagioli (which is NOT supposed to have meat in it). And when I eat pasta, I usually opt for dishes without meat or chicken and with lots of veggies, like tomatoes, broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes.

Now, I would really love it if I could be successful at being a vegan. Besides the kindness to animals issue, I know dairy is horrible for you, and I feel so much better when I don’t eat it. But there would be some things I’d miss way too much, like fresh mozzarella, feta and goat cheeses.

I can’t force it. I’m just not meant to be a vegetarian (and definitely not a vegan). I’ve stopped trying to force myself to be what is not authentic to me. I love food too much to cut certain ones out. But that doesn’t mean I can’t still enjoy those cuisines.

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