A Vegetarian Thanksgiving?

I am a pescaterian and have been since 4th grade. A pescaterian is a person who abstains from eating all meat except for seafood. Throughout my life, I've found that people are very ignorant about vegetarian eating habits. This thought comes up more often as we near Thanksgiving and Christmas, when we finish shoveling down Halloween candy and start carving the Turkey.

 

I became a pescaterian because, first of all, I hate the taste and texture of meat. I've never liked it, unless it's sliced thin and hidden in something else. my least favorite food would probably be a tie between beef and bacon. I do, however, love fish and shellfish, and it would be really hard to give it up.

 

It's assumed by others that if you label yourself as a vegetarian or a type of vegetarian, you have to follow a set of rules. Vegetarianism is a belief, and I believe in not eating meat. If I do eat meat, I haven't broken the law; I'm still considered a vegetarian. It's a personal choice what you eat, unless your family or religion hold you to the rules. It's rude when people act as if I'm breaking a rule if I eat something that has beef sauce on top.

 

People tend to make a big deal about vegetarianism, but, at least for me, it's never a problem. When I am at other people's houses, I'll eat what they give me out of courtesy. I'm not offended by their choices and I don't mind if they serve me meat or - god forbid - eat it in front of me.

 

I've had people serve me meat and be disappointed that I don't like it. "But you'll like my chicken!" Sorry, I don't. It's not you, it's me. And then there are people that act like I'm crazy for not liking meat. I'm not altering my lifestyle enough to upset myself, and I'm certainly not altering theirs. How could it be possible that I hate bacon? But bacon is the best thing that ever happened to this planet, better than sliced bread! Maybe I am crazy, but I can't believe that you don't like some things I do, like brussel sprouts or tuna fish.

 

All in all, I wish people would try to be more informed about the types and lifestyle of vegetarians. I don't expect people to accommodate for me of understand my reasons, I just want to live in a society where we can be free to eat whatever way we find healthy. Why not do some research and try out different meals?

 

So thin Thanksgiving, I'll probably try a bit of gross to-furkey, then give up, and stick to the rest of the meatless meal. Happy Thanksgiving!