“You’re doing what, Erin? I don’t understand why you’re doing this? Are you going to make me a vegetarian?”. These questions came from my Dad as I tried to explain the 11×30 project at the dinner table. It was the first day of July and I was visiting their new home in Arkansas. I felt a pang of guilt, knowing how much work he had put into the meal we were about to eat, the centerpiece of which was a beautiful piece of salmon. Is how people with selected dietary preferences or restrictions feel when eating with other people: guilty? In California almost any dietary type or restriction is accepted without a second thought. Herbivore, vegan, flexitarian, gluten-free, sugar-free – whatever you want or need is readily available. Even the Domino’s pizza chains offer a gluten-free crust option!
Being the Midwest to kick off the July vegetarian challenge came with a few dilemmas. First, my family meals are anchored by meat. People feel a little offended when you turn down star course for the meal. Secondly, the proteins and grains I wanted to eat, like quinoa, is difficult to find and usually 3-4 times more expensive than the west coast prices. Eating healthy = ouch for the pocketbook. Third was overcoming the stereotypes and … fear … associated with “eating outside the lines”. My father actually became a little upset with me, asking if I was planning to make him become a vegetarian. Trust me, I have neither the patience nor power to change other people’s behaviors in such a dramatic fashion against their will.
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, I’d love to hear from you about your experiences when it comes to the above – loved ones, the financial aspects and the social interactions. Are people in your life accepting? Supportive? Confused? Irritated? I loved this post by Gena of Choosing Raw from a couple of years ago on how to handle the holidays being a vegan or vegetarian.
And how did I fare? Overall, pretty good! At one of the weddings there were zero options for veggies and vegans and I was HUNGRY … so I gave into eating a few meat items (coconut shrimp anyone??). And last weekend we were invited to a BBQ and the main course was 22 lbs of meat. I resisted it all until a beautiful piece of salmon smothered in truffle oil and sea salt landed in front of me. I really miss seafood. Red meat, chicken – I can live without you. I’m 3 days into my vegan adventure and taking lots of cues from my my bookshelves. My guides for this month as a vegan include several books from my library – Super Cleanse, Crazy Sexy Diet and The Food Matters Cookbook by Mark Bittman – and a few wonderful blogs like Choosing Raw, Healthy Happy Life, Garden of Vegan and My New Roots.
Here’s a recap of the challenges for each 11×30 month:
1.) 31 Days of Eating Vegetarian // July 2012 (check!)
2.) 31 Days of Eating Vegan // August 2012*
3.) 30 Days of Eating Raw // September 2012
4.) 31 Days of Yoga // October 2012
See the FULL list of challenges lined up for my year before turning 30! Let me know if you’re on board for any of the challenges – I’d love company through the journey.
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You go girl! So excited to read about your next adventure in 11×30! I can speak from the outside looking in. When I moved in with my first roommate in college she announced she was vegetarian & as a daughter of a farming family…you don’t say ‘no’ to beef. But we ended up living together all 4 years of college and she introduced me to some of the most wonderful meals I’ve ever eaten and I still prepare them today. You just have to learn to embrace what’s new – even if it seems scary.
Is that where “no canned beef” comes from, too? :) I agree – life is all about embracing new-ness and changes.
And if you have any recipes to share, my inbox always has room for food-related emails!
It’s interesting how powerful our actions are and how we can make people feel unintentionally “convicted” by the simple act of abstaining from meat. I ran into that a lot too.
When I was vegan I brought food with me a lot when I was eating away form home. I also played it down a lot too in conversation. Vegan is amazing enjoy your journey with it!!
I was a vegan for 3 years and trust me the most difficult times were ALWAYS with family. My family could not understand why I gave up meat because it “was dead anyways etc” and dairy too that was just INSANE. I literally made my own dishes EVERY holiday that was the only way! I always made enough to share and I loved showing my family how you could eliminate animal products and still eat an incredible, tasty meal. I also made sure to make vegan desserts and not tell my family until after all the yummys were gone. I always got a kick out of that! Just stick to your goals, explain why you are venturing “outside the lines” and offer to make dinner all the time!
Have fun on your trip! Try finding a farmers market those places usually have “cheaper” options and the rest I guess you will just have to suck it up and fork out the dough for it. I would focus on beans and rice while out there because those are usually nicer to your wallet when you buy in bulk!
Safe Travels
CourtStar
Hang in there! It becomes easier with time. Meat= rotting, fleshy carcass from a dead animal. Most likely you don’t want it sitting inside your stomach. lol Have you read Skinny Bitch and Skinny Bitch in the Kitch!? Love those books (both are about being vegan, recipes, etc) Also- there are tons of meat alternatives if you’re craving that texture, flavor, etc. I SUPPORT YOUR DECISION and I will eat VEGAN with you any day of the week! P.S. Cafe Gratitude opened in Venice… we need to go there immediately! XOXOXOXO
Hi Erin!
It’s always lovely to visit your blog. Feeling inspired by your challenges and will lookout for more of your vegan/raw updates. Considering joining you for a raw September!
Cheers,
Caroline