I want to be a vegetarian But I am a very picky eater!?!
I want to be a vegetarian But I am a very picky eater!?
here is my problem: I want to be a vegetarian for multiple reasons (no BIG reason), some health, some because I don't like the idea of getting my food from factory farms (I like the idea of the family farm better and in the city it is hard to connect with one when you have no car), and likely I will still eat fish so I guess I will be more of a pescetarian or whatever you call it. Anyways, I am a very picky eater... I hate beans, tofu, any lettuce but iceberg lettuce.... I pretty much like only "normal" almost kid food, like oranges, apples, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. Hate soy stuff, and I don't like the products that are veggiedogs and veggie burgers.
Will vegetarianism be possible?
Answers: Yes, it will be possible. The only catch for you will be to make sure you get enough protein. If you don't eat a lot of beans, then you'll have to rely on nuts and eggs. But if you eat fish it shouldn't be so much of a problem. Do you have a goal in mind or are you looking for a label? Do whatever the hell you want, call yourself whatever you want, and never look back for anyone else's approval. It's not supposed to be a cult that you sign up for. why???? first of all most vegan processed products so far aren't very vegan friendly...
you'll be in tough shape because you can only really eat fresh veggies, fruits... legumes.. tubers.. roots.. seeds.. nuts... soy...
you got to read those labels... not all products that claim to be vegetarian/vegan aren't.. some have dairy in them and other additives that come from animal product.
if you eat fish.. that's not vegetarian.. if you eat eggs.. milk.. cheese.. that's not vegetarian.
read up about all of this.. key it up in google.com. Great you like the veggie-head equivalent of "junk food"---"veggie meats".
I really can't see a picky eater doing very well on a veggie diet. I am the same way, so what I do is eat meat substitutes. Their not unhealthy as their made from veggies and legumes mostly. Those who say their unhealthy are totally uneducated. Also, I eat lots of fruit as it caters to my taste buds. I think fruit is something most everyone likes, so give lots of different fruits a try. yes, its a state of mind, just think of it as, you can't have anyother food, except veggs and fruit, and nuts and seeds, and then spoil yourself with some veggs and fruit and nuts and seeds. of corse, i like the same stuff as u do (exept fish) and i've been a vegetarian for 13 years! go ahead and take the plunge. You might just need to explore some ethnic cuisines to broaden your tastes and discover a new appreciation for foods which you don't appreciate in the conventional ways you are used to.
Find some Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Indian, Lebanese, Turkish and Middle Eastern vegetarian recipes online. Japanese food often has a bit of fish in it but don't restrict yourself completely from beans and tofu. There are so many different varieties and ways of preparation. For example, fried and flavoured tofu and other soy and wheat based "meat like" products feature strongly in Asian recipes. Have you tried chickpeas? They are high in protein. The Lebanese falafel balls and chickpea dip called hummus are nice. Tasty Indian dahl and curries made with lentils is nice too.
Edit -
please don't be discouraged by the tedious people who constantly say "you're not a vegetarian if you eat fish". Yeah, sure, they can be right by definition. But you know you can eat whatever you want and if you're not uncomfortable with fish and if having some will help you with your transition into a vegetarian-lifestyle then good for you. I can tell from your question that you're a thinking, caring person who can understand the implications of and take responsibility for your own decisions and so you don't have to conform to any labels in your pursuit of a better life. All the best :) Hmmmm...well if you want to eat fish..you dont want to be a vegetarian (vegetarians don't eat fish). Pescetariansism is not any type of vegetarianism. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies and include whole wheat pastas and breads into your diet to make it healthier. you will die from lack of protein.