Plant kingdom interactions.

[delicious_irony]

I have been learning a few things about going vegetarian. Never really appreciated how much harder it was to do than I thought. I keep getting frustrated that my first peckish impulses all involve meat, and I'm getting sick of cheese and egg. (Never thought I would see the day, honestly.) I don't really miss meat - yet - so much as the broader

Comments

[stephiepenguin]

I sometimes get very frustrated by the lack of ready snacks, which is what has lead to a significant increase in baking on my part. Baked goods and fruits seem to be what I snack on the most now.

When I first stopped eating meat (and to an extent, still now) I found that although the depth of options dropped drastically (on some occasions I have had 'winner' ie wedges for dinner), I increased the variety in what I was eating. Pine nuts on pizza, for example, or eggplant in lasagna. I became a much more experimental eater and cook when I stopped having those meaty options available, which I found interesting.

[delicious_irony]

I am finding that I am becoming more experimental, yes. And that the most missed characteristic of meat is texture, not flavour.

Alas baked goods and fruit tend to lean towards the sweet side of the palate, which I don't really favour. And there really is only so much in the way of cheese and nuts that I can eat before frustration sets in.

How long have you been vegetarian/vegan? And what reasons influenced your decision?

[stephiepenguin]

I find I miss the texture of meat and the way it works - sometimes, just as an example, a fake meat might have the texture of the meat but doesn't soak in the sauces the same way, or something, and it subtly changes the dish. I miss that

[delicious_irony]

You are so far along a path that I've only really viewed from a distance with hesitation. I admire your dedication and moral stance.

I don't think I have the strength right now, to make such a decision that would affect my lifestyle.

I admit to being a sensualist, and am trying to find a middle ground that will let me tread lighter on this Earth without forgoing all my pleasures.

If you don't mind, I'd like to sit and talk more with you one day about your personal moral ideology, as it pertains to the environment? It would be interesting to compare it to the stolidly pragmatic, typical Asian "it's there, let's eat it" viewpoint. :P

[lady_niav]

Lentils are your friend :) And don't forget butter beans ;)

I sometimes snack on roasted chickpeas - they're crunchy and full of flavour and protein.

[delicious_irony]

Chinese grocery stores carry a wide range of crunchy, salty vegetarian friendly things. Even if they do tend toward the oily side.

I have to stop myself from eating too much of the vegetable chips or roasted broad beans. :P I find roasted chickpeas a little too rocklike for my jaw, alas.