The Reluctant Carnivore

I've been a vegetarian on and off since childhood.  My most recent "on" period spanned the better part of this last decade.  I don't judge others for the food they wish to eat, but meat is not something that I have felt comfortable eating.  However since my health has been in such a poor state lately I have made the choice to add a small amount of chicken into my diet (this is huge for me).  I figured that if I am willing to have countless vials of my blood drawn, undergo scans with heavy levels of radioactivity, pop whatever pills the Dr. prescribes me, etc...than I owe it to myself and my family to see if my vegetarianism is having any ill effects on me (some think it might be).

So with reluctance and quite a lot of sadness (I know that must sound silly) I cooked my first chicken meal this evening.  I picked this recipe for Lime Chicken Soft Tocos and set to work.  I really had to detach myself from the process so as to not upset myself to the point of losing my appetite.  When all was said and done it tasted pretty decent.  I think tacos were a great way to go since there are so many other flavors and textures to mask the little bits of chicken lying in wait.  I know I can't do tacos every time though, so I'll be looking for additional recipes that do a good job masking the meat element within them.  If you have any recommendations I'd love to hear them.

I'm sure it's odd for someone to feel so emotional over the process of eating chicken...but I can't deny that it has made me feel a little blue.  As a kid we grew up being taught that there are little Elementals (like faeries) that are assigned to look after every living thing.  The result of our belief was a great reverence for the natural world.  If we picked a flower we thanked the Elemental for looking after it and allowing us the gift of such a beautiful bloom, etc.  So I found myself today feeling the need to thank something (the chicken, the Elemental...I'm not sure what) for giving its life for my meal.  My heart feels heavy.  I'm not sure if I even want that part to change, since my love for animals is a really big part of my life.  I guess we'll see.

So...all that being said, I am still going to try to include chicken in my diet a couple times a week.  I know it won't be easy...and if in a month or so I'm not feeling noticeably different I will happily return to my animal-free eating habits.  *sigh*  Until then, do you have any fabulous chicken recipes to share that don't taste too much like, well, chicken?  xo Ez

Comments

[Jen]

You need to listen to what your body is telling you. If you feel the lack of meat is causing or contributing to your unwellness, by all means you should trial introducing chicken to your diet. However, it may help to find out exactly what it is that the chicken is providing for you (protein, b12, iron etc), and see whether you can substitute vegetarian options. You mentioned an eating disorder before and the last thing you want to do is associate guilt with your meal! Your other option (and I'm not sure whether it is viable where you live), is to buy organic, free range chicken from farmers markets or a local butcher. At least then you know that although the chicken has had to die, it did not lead a potentially tormented life.

[Charlotte]

I'd just say eat tofu :)
My acupuncturist recommended macrobiotics and that was perfect for getting my health in good shape. I love that you were raised to thank the elementals. One of my favourite books I still have from childhood is The Field Guide to the Little People.

[Sherry (BTLover2)]

Hi Ez,

So I'm sifting through your blog after reading your "Things I'm Afraid to Tell You" post and came across this. I see your wrote it back in 2010. So I'm curious... are you still eating chicken or other types of "flesh"? I've recently become a vegetarian myself and can understand how you'd feel creeped out introducing it back into your diet. I hope whatever road you are on that your health has improved since 2010! I'd love to get an update about what you did or are doing now. Don't be afraid to tell us :)