I *want* to be a vegetarian... but I like meat!

[Indadhanu]

Something I've struggled with for a while. I'm a Buddhist, and vegetarianism is something I haven't yet embraced.

I want to.

I just like meat.

I mean, I know why I want to be a vegetarian. I don't want an animal to be killed because I want to eat meat. Why are my wants and needs above another beings life? They aren't. And yet... I like meat. I LOVE chicken. I do. I could live without it, but... I like it. I feel bad, but I do!

Plus theres the whole, Shel has no desire to be a vegetarian. Jazz practically IS a vegetarian but she eats meat sometimes. And since Shel cooks (as I'm often not home until 5.30-6.30pm depending on what shift I'm on) I feel bad about making her life harder by either having to learn vegetarian cooking and even cooking two meals. But I can't really cook my own because we all eat together to for me to cook my own means Jazz would be eating dinner late, and it's the perfect time as it is (Shel usually has dinner cooked and is serving up as I drive into the garage).

I think maybe this should be in the religion section... although not really. I mean, it's more animal rights.

I don't really want any advice or anything. I don't think so anyway. Maybe I do. I don't know. Maybe I just want someone else to give me a push? Or to say... ME TOO!

(PS. It's my birthday! hehe Happy birthday me! )

[Junglemum]

I couldn't read and not say Happy birthday! So Happy birthday to ya!

No meat eating advice here... sorry.

[feeb]

Happy Birthday!!

Sorry no help I love meat and dont like many vegies!

[boomba]

Happy birthday....off to start a thread :P

I sooo get where you are coming from...I want to be a vegetarian but Dh is a meat eater and so are the boys...well my whole family is!
I am trying to eat as ethically and kindly as possible when it comes to meat...if there is such a thing.

I remember the Dalai lama saying about when he goes to his mums and she cooks the best roast pork lol Was kinda funny coming from him

When you find the answer let me know and I will join you

[*Ash*]

I just wanted to point out that people often see giving up meat as a sacrifice. I think another way to look at it is to see it as a positive, as a melding of your attitudes and actions, putting your ethics and beliefs into practice. Any transition is difficult at first, we cling to what is familiar and safe. I haven't eaten meat for 14 years (neither has my DH). I grew up in the traditional meat and three veg family, but I no longer regard meat as food, I regard it as a dead animal. My perceptions and attitudes have changed.

Check out vegfamily and Animals Australia for inspiration and recipes. Oct 1 -7 is World Vegetarian Week and people are being encouraged to go vego for the week, 'to test the waters', so to speak! I can honestly say that my life feels richer because my ethics are aligned with my actions. Also, if you like the taste of chicken, there is a brand of vego foods that resemble chicken nuggets, chicken burgers and chicken strips. The brand is Frys.

Good luck! (My DH is a buddhist too!)

[Lulu]

Aah, it's EASY. Just find out how most of the animals are treated and killed. No brainer.

[PollyA]

Fake meat! its made for people just like you. Give it a try
I have been vego for 10 years and it would be easy to book the same meal for the whole family and add a biut of meat to those that want it but you'll find that vege food is cheap, easy to cook and yummy so most times when I cook for meat lovers they are pleasantly surprised.
I agree with going vego for a week and seeing how you go, you might be pleasantly surprised

[Junglemum]

I know exactly how the meat i eat is treated, and killed...... And i'm happy to eat meat.

When the time is right, you will follow your religious beliefs and become vego. Maybe it will be easier when you're not working and back at home again?

And did i say Happy birthday?

[Junglemum]

Hmmmm not sure what happened there!

[Trillian]

Aah, it's EASY. Just find out how most of the animals are treated and killed. No brainer.

Dude, I am covering my ears singing "LALALALALALALALALALALALALA" :P

Leasha, what about weaning yourself off it? Or have a few vegetarian meals a week and if Shell decides not to give meat up all together, she can cook the vegetarian meal and then just a bit of meat for herself? We do vegetarian at least 2 times a week and it's not hard to cook, and I'm sure if you showed her a few really simple but great recipes it might be easier for her?

[meow]

Happy birthday!!

When I became vegetarian I LOVED meat. I told myself I could have free range chicken once a month so as I worked through that first vegie month I would dream up my end of month chicken meal to get me through. The cold turkey method worked really well because by the end of the month that chicken meal wasn't so great- I had lost the taste so I didn't bother again.

For me I needed a catalyst. I had pondered vegetarianism but it wasn't until I sobbed through a Greenpeace animal rights ad that I really said "I can't be a part of this cruelty anymore" and I stopped eating animals. As Ash said I feel fantastic to have myself properly expressed through my actions. It's a huge self esteem boost and feels fantastic. I now eat far more healthily (veg for 12 years) and I don't see animal flesh as food either. The taste has long gone. The double bacon cheeseburger pizza fan now loves a good tofu burger!

Not sure how to help with your family meals... can shel cook the meat on the side and you keep the freezer stocked with tofu burgers, falafels etc to quickly add your part to your meal?

[~Hestia~]

ME TOO! lol

I don't think about where meat comes from. I am sticking my head in the sand but it just hurts too much. I hate the thought of animals suffering and I can't even look at an abattoir.
The smell of raw meat makes me feel ill but I am the household cook. I hate seeing trucks full of cows and sheep.

Reading back what I've written I don't know why I'm still eating meat! Well, DH would never stop so that makes it hard.

Oh and Happy Birthday!

[appletree]

Hope you had a fantastic birthday!

I totally hear you, DF was a vegetarian for many years but since he has been with me has been eating chicken, seafood and some beef. This week he decided to have a vegetarian week, I flat out said no because I just didn't want to right now. It's a decision you need to make for yourself for your own reasons otherwise you will never stick too it.

Maybe it's because I am BFing every couple of hours still, but I wake up craving protein and go crazy if there is no meat!

[Roryrory]

I am exactly the same!

Aah, it's EASY. Just find out how most of the animals are treated and killed. No brainer.

I have deliberately avoided reading Peter Singer's "Animal Liberation" because I know it will tip me over !!!

[Inertia]

Havent really got any advice on how to wean, I am an omnivore for life - but I just wanted to add in to not forget your B12. My nan had a B12 deficiency and it was a very hard thing to go through. B12 only comes naturally from meat and meat products (some people say unwashed fruit but we are talking about animal excrement here. Eww) So a good fortified cereal or just a B supp.

Good luck Leash, and Happy birthday for yesterday!

[meow]

Havent really got any advice on how to wean, I am an omnivore for life - but I just wanted to add in to not forget your B12.

I think Leasha is only talking about being vegetarian, not vegan, at this point- is that right? B12 isn't a concern for vegetarians as it's present in dairy and eggs.

[Tinks]

Maybe you could wean yourself off meat. Start by having a few non meat meals a week, maybe start with pasta dishes. We have a couple of non meat meals a week, no one misses it.

[Kazmar]

!!!!
I need an answer too!!! I loooooooooooooooove bacon and chicken annnnnnnnd seafood!!!!! help!