It’s been a little over a year since I started my vegetarian journey. It is going well.  I don’t miss eating meat.  I thought that I would, and it is the number one question I get when asked about my eating habits, but animal flesh of any kind simply just doesn’t appeal to me anymore.  I have not felt sluggish since I gave up meat; I enjoy the way my body feels, and the thought of knowing that I am providing another way to nurture myself makes me feel good emotionally.  I didn’t just give up meat; I also gave up seafood.  I wanted to have an entirely plant-based diet, and I’ve always known this would be my path; it has just taken a long time to get here, but I am proud that I finally arrived. 

The struggle I have found with my new lifestyle is not avoiding meat and seafood; although that is challenging living on the island, the most challenging obstacle is finding healthy and meat-free options.  When eating at restaurants, the meat-free options are pretty unhealthy.   French fries may not contain meat, but it’s not good for you on a regular basis.  There are plenty of junk food options when trying to avoid meat, from processed package foods that are easy to consume but have no real nutritional value to restaurants that only serve fat-filled side dishes.  I now understand how some vegans & vegetarians can be in poor health.  So how do I avoid becoming a junk food vegetarian?  The answer for me has been to eat at home a lot.  Unlike the states, the island has minimal options for healthy food restaurants; it’s cheaper to eat at home, and I know exactly what is in the food.  

The other question I get a lot is, don’t you get tired of eating just vegetables?  I don’t think it’s any different than eating meat-filled meals; I have learned to change it up and try a variety of recipes.  Spices are your friend.  And exploring other cultures through food is my favorite pastime.  I don’t think I will ever get bored because I am unafraid to try different types of food, from Korean Kimchee to Thai noodles or just old-fashioned southern collard greens filled with flavor.  The options are limitless.  I believe many people get stuck in routines when it comes to meals (vegetarian or not).  It is easy to go with what is convenient or comfortable.  If you spend your entire life eating only the foods you are accustomed to, you will never know the plethora of options available to you.  The next time you pass a restaurant with a food you have never tried before, go in and ask what the most popular dish is and try it.  You may just surprise your tastebuds and find a new favorite meal.  I also love trying different small grocery stores for the spices and ingredients that cannot be found at the chain stores.  You should never be afraid to shake up your meal routine; just avoid becoming a junk food vegetarian.