Why is it whenever I leave the city I find myself saying those words? I forget what a freak I am considered outside my borough. After being away for the last 10 days I am home again, in my comfy bed, and snacking on a cup of mixed berries. My experience in the woods has once again left me happy, yet laughing quite a bit over how many people I made uncomfortable during meal times. These experiences inspired me to write. It was family vacation time. Not my biological family, but a family that is very much a part of my so important world. I am the complete opposite of all of them, making me the perfect “adopted child”. With 8 adults, tons of friends, and a 7 week old baby; we spent our time competing in games, dancing, boating, listening to acoustic music on the lake, and well….eating.
Here at home I am the only vegetarian of all my friends, and yet it doesn’t seem to be an issue when we eat out. Everyone knows I don’t eat meat, no questions are really asked anymore, and I don’t smell bacon and run out of a room gagging…I am pretty easy to be around as a carnivore. So it always cracks me up when I get a somewhat new audience, or when a waiter gets that nervous look on his face. This always tends to happen when I am no longer in the city of vegan, raw, macrobiotic, or vegetarian fusion restaurants. Here in PA, our waiter comes over to give us our dinner choices.
“we have a champagne chicken served over wild rice, a pork tenderloin, or the tilapia. We also have all of our daily options, beef angus burgers, childrens chicken tenders, French fries, and some vegetables will come out to the table family style”.
Me: “I’m sorry, I’m a vegetarian”
Waiter: “we have pasta?”
Why do I apologize? Honestly, I don't really know. I become nervous sometimes (especially when eating at someones house) because I know once I share this fact about myself, some will become stressed. I don't want to stress someone out over my dinner plate. Really, it is not a big deal to me. Which is why sometimes if I can get by, I don't share the information at all. Should I apologize? Again, I don't really know. I shouldn't have to apologize for a lifestyle choice of mine that doesn't hurt anyone, but I apologize because I want the person to know that I am OK with the fact that meat is all around. I'm just trying to make the scene a comfortable one. People, this may sound dramatic but I kid you not. The meat eaters and vegetable eaters often have awkward moments together.
So this brings me to my next observation. After I utter the horrid words to the new audience, my top three responses are as follows:
1.Oh really? What do you eat!?
2.Wow, How do you get your protein?
3.From the waiter/waitress….”we have pasta?”
And these are my answers, my dear meat eating friends:
1.I eat the food that comes from the remaining 4 food groups. Meat only takes up one of those little slots in the pyramid you know.
2.Americans are overdosing on protein. I get mine from peanut butter, eggs, beans, lentils, cheese and quinoa. And yes, it is possible to overdose on protein. I am more concerned about my B12 as a vegetarian, which is the only (only) vitamin that is solely available through red meat. Currently I take a B12 supplement each morning. Also currently, I am not deficient in any vitamins or minerals, I have been checked by the doc.
3.Pasta is great…but I don’t need to rely on it in order to be full. I eat tons of different meals with a variety of ingredients every day. Becoming a vegetarian does not mean the bagel & pasta diet. Also Mr. Waiter…stop looking so scared. I do not sit in my room sucking on lettuce. I am a normal (eh, maybe I shouldn’t push it) girl.
I encountered a similar experience while I was traveling in Ireland. Land of the beef stew, I was given multiple perplexed looks when I asked for a cheese and tomato sandwich every day instead. At home I feel so welcomed and accepted when I sit at a restaurant and order the sweet potato casserole dish (my favorite at Candle Café, it is served with steamed greens, black beans, and a vegan country gravy). But I think I forget that us veggie loving “tree huggers” as we are called, are often the minority group once we leave our nest. People are nervous around us, and they believe on some level….that we are always starving. How do I convince those around me that I am actually full off of a vegetarian meal? Years of practice!
But really, whenever I travel, whether it is to Ireland or a few states over; I am prepared to spend days eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cheese and tomato, and lots of pasta! When I return home, I go right back to my freakish ways of sautéed kale, quinoa salad, and bowls of berries. What can I say? Love me for who I am. A happy and outgoing vegetarian. I do not eat meat. I like to dance. And new to my list: I can successfully feed, burp, and sing to a 7 week old baby. Yes, I sang. She is too young to tell me I am not that great.
Manhattan I missed you, lets wrap this summer up.
Love from back home
Jess
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