Reprise Surprise

The last time I was vegetarian, my parents fretted and my dad even cried because they were concerned about my health. I finally broke down and started eating meat again, and did so - with enjoyment - for about 12 years.

So I’ve delayed posting this news or mentioning it to my parents because I didn’t want to upset them. But sometimes it’s better to get things out in the open - in the most cowardly way possible, of course. My pseudonym is Eclecta, and I’m a vegetarian. Again. I think. I’m pretty sure.

But things are pleasantly different this time. For one thing, I live in Toronto, and the support and the products for vegetarians is a lot better than “back in the day” in a small town.

I’m not dogmatic about vegetarianism. I’m not about to preach to anyone what they should do (even with cigarette smokers I try to wheedle, guilt, and persuade rather than preach LOL). I don’t even want to discuss my very personal decision why, about a month ago, I chose to change my eating habits (though I hope it goes without saying that the decision was made for sound reasons and not because of any person's influence). There are lots of reasons to forego or even just reduce one’s meat consumption – see One Hundred & One Reasons to Go Vegetarian if you’re curious.

It’s true that I’ve struggled somewhat with my anemia in the past month (I’ve been quite anemic for years), but I’m taking extra iron supplements while I learn about good alternative sources for iron, such as legumes, dried apricots, and mushrooms (who knew???). On the other hand, with a new focus on my diet, I’m eating healthier foods and reducing my caloric intake (in a sensible fashion, of course). And I’m actually cooking most of my own meals again! (So if you have any words of encouragement or healthy, meatless recipes to share, please contact me!)

And Dad, don’t worry … you know how much crap (hormones, antibiotics, rendered animals) goes into meat these days anyway. :)