Recently, I’ve returned to vegetarianism. This time I enter the cult with a lactose intolerant condition, which makes me almost vegan, but not quite as I still eat and enjoy eggs. This, of course, opens up a lot of culinary possibilities and makes breakfast that much more enjoyable.
Despite my continual delectation of animal protein in the form of eggs, my body still has intense cravings for meat, especially red meat. Is it the iron? The salt? The added hormones? Who knows. All I know is that I must fight against this rampant blood lust! Truth of the matter is that my reasons for vegetarianism has nothing to do with animal cruelty arguments or even health. My argument is entirely environmental and economic.
Yep. The two “E’s” that seems to take over much of the news headlines these days. Basically, I want to control where my meat comes from. I want to keep my meat local as well as hormone free and well-treated. I’ve even entertained the idea of hopping on my bike and heading to one of the North Bay farms and getting meat fresh from the source! And while the ride and effort would be noble and fun, I really don’t crave a nice lean steak. I crave a charred fatter burger.
Those cravings reared their ugly meaty head today as I felt cranky and hungry. I wanted to say, “fuck it, I’m getting a burger!” But instead I channeled my energies to writing this post and ended up being good and having a tofu burrito from down the street. It was yummy and had the added benefit of going with a friend to eat. I guess I can do this, after all. Maybe these urges are only a residual from my memory of meat. Kind of like when I ditched dairy. Every now and then I’d crave it, have it, regret it, then be in pain. Now I think cheese smells exactly like what it is: rotten milk curds.
You win this time, veggies! But as I sit here, digesting and finishing up this post, my stomach gurgles with desire. The tofu burrito isn’t quite cutting it. Sigh.
Care to comment?