I don’t really eat meat. And over the years it’s become such a normal part of my everyday life that I forget it’s a big deal for other people. But then someone will ask me about it or will offer to cook something special for me, and I’m reminded that even though it’s just part of life at our house it’s a little weird to a lot of people. I get a lot of questions about my diet in real life, so I thought I’d share a little about the no meat thing here. Basically, you’re going to think I’m even crazier after this!
It’s a texture thing.
I was in middle school (14-ish?) when I decided I didn’t really like eating meat. It started with ground beef (I still think ground beef is the worst) and kept expanding until I just couldn’t stand to eat any of it. As I get older I find myself eating it less and less. The texture makes me feel kind of grossed out.
It’s not a political stand!
Truth is, I’m not committed to any political cause enough to alter my diet! I mean, seriously. Also, my dad and brother raise beef cows, and I totally support that! Those are the most spoiled, pampered cows I’ve ever seen. Some of them get named and never even make it to “the big farm in the sky.” I feel like we do more than our part to support the beef people with Anderson’s meat intake.
I’m not a vegetarian.
I love veggies but still eat chicken sometimes and always have the tiniest piece of fried turkey at Thanksgiving. And I CANNOT say no to my Mom’s pot roast. I mostly eat the carrots and potatoes she cooks with the meat, but I do have a few bites of the brown stuff! Also, we live way too close to a Chick-fil-A restaurant. And who can say no to that? So, when people ask me about my diet I just say, “I don’t eat red meat.” It’s an easy answer.
I don’t do it to “stay skinny.”
Sadly, I’d just rather eat a plate full of carbs than a piece of meat. The taste just does nothing for me. I think the Adkins diet is the worst idea anyone ever came up with! Anderson STILL tries to get me to taste his burgers and steaks and every now and then I will, but I’m always disappointed. When will he learn?!? I always tell him that it’s the same as when we only have plain vanilla ice cream (ick!) in the house and he tries to talk me into indulging with him. It’s just not worth the calories if it’s not something I enjoy, ya know? Also noteworthy: Anderson HATES veggies. Yeah.
I don’t like for people to make special accommodations for me.
That’s just part of my personality. I hate the feeling I get when someone goes out of their way for me. It’s like, “NO. I’m not worthy!” Ha! And when it comes to food I feel like it makes me sound really picky and/or hard to please. But I’m not! I’d rather have a dinner that consists of side dishes than a specially prepared grilled chicken breast that someone cooked for me while everyone else eats burgers! Then I get those awkward situations where someone makes chicken for me, and it just happens to be dark meat. Um, now I’m getting picky. I don’t eat that at all. So then I feel forced to choke down a chicken thigh, ya know? Chicken thighs are the worst!
So, that’s that.
Happy Friday! Hope your weekend is full of grilled burgers, steaks, and even a hot dog or two. Eat one for me!