My Vegetarian Relationship

When I was younger, about 7 years old, I decided I wanted to be a vegetarian. It was a very easy decision as I wasn’t much of a meat eater as it was. In fact, I’d turn my nose at meat that came from any four-legged creature - no steak, no lamb, and absolutely no ham as Charlotte’s Web was my favorite childhood book and I certainly wasn’t about to eat Wilbur. Then it evolved into more - why eat chickens, turkeys or even fish? I just didn’t see the need for it and decided I’d rather not eat anything that used to be alive.

When I told my mom about my decision (in my very 7 year old that’s icky fashion), she was supportive albeit a little skeptical. She allowed me to go through with it but was not always open to making special dishes for me at dinner time. We lived with my grandparents who are very meat and potatoes, lamb and mint jelly type folks. But still, I persisted. I would eat the veggies that were meant to be a side, fill up on rice, pasta, or whatever else was offered at meal times alongside the meat. And, I was fine with it. I was never overweight as a child and was involved in various athletics including dance, swimming, diving and tennis. I was able to eat pretty healthy without having meat as part of my diet and I never missed it. I still don’t really miss it. I’ve never actually learned how to cook it as it has never been a necessary staple in my life.

While I was in college, eating became a bit more challenging. After life in the dorms, grocery shopping and preparing my meals became more of a reality. I never really had the funds to shop at Whole Foods or other specialty grocery stores so I was usually limited to my neighborhood Safeway where produce and tofu products were limited. I wasn’t well-versed in preparing food but was starting to learn and little by little was enjoying it. I was also learning to eat out a bit more - living in Berkeley opened up many options for vegetarian restaurants.

By my junior year, I had decided it was time to go abroad and headed to Padua in Northern Italy for a year of travel, school, more travel, partying and well, living the life. Food became VERY challenging for me while I was in Italy. I would stick to the local markets buying fresh produce and breads but couldn’t figure out how to get the protein I needed (tofu products are pretty rare) and in the end, gained weight and ate a lot of carbs and shit. When I got back from that experience and went on yet another travel adventure — this time to Korea, Turkey and Spain, I decided to say f*ck it and open my world to chicken, fish and turkey (there was still no way I was eating Wilbur or any other four-legged creatures). I remember the “bottoms-up” moment when I actually toasted a chicken kebab with my cousin Alyse in Istanbul. As a lifelong meat eater, she was so proud.

Now, after almost 5 years since I started eating poultry and fish, I’m back again at near vegetarian. My boyfriend is vegetarian and since we eat nearly all of our meals together, by default, I’m a vegetarian. I can’t even remember the last time I ate meat. And the funny thing is, I’m fine with it.

I’m not in college - finding produce, meatless products is not difficult - I am (now) more competent in the kitchen and have learned so much about food that sometimes I actually prefer that I am not eating meat anymore. And the worries I had before about not getting enough protein in my diet, filling up on junk and overall feeling unhealthy, are no longer an issue. Having a partner who is into food and into what goes into their mouth, really helps you take control of your own eating habits. Since we are planning and preparing our meals together, we’re always very conscious of what we’re actually eating - are we getting enough protein? Check. Whole grains? Check. Fruit? Check. Veggies? Check.

In short, what my vegetarian relationship has taught me is that when you’re with someone who has similar values in their lifestyle and food choices, its easier to be healthy and happy. Its easier not to compromise your own beliefs and health when you have someone encouraging you. Whether you’re a couple or a family of four, I think its really important for everyone to be involved in making healthy food and lifestyle choices.

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