Being a vegetarian for four years taught me a lot about myself, food, and how to make tofu actually taste like something. Now that I’ve “joined civil society again,” as my friends say, I’ve been able to reflect on a time of my life where I didn’t eat meat and “went insane.”
So here’s the best and worst of it all, with the help of my good friend, Ron Swanson.
The Best Parts of Being Vegetarian:
Food is less expensive.
Grains and beans have a longer shelf life and won’t break the bank like most meats.
A love affair with falafel.
I discovered these fried balls of goodness early on and life has never been the same.
A strong appreciation for vegetables.
I mastered the art of substituting delicious veggies in meat dishes and creating colorful combinations.
The Worst Parts of Being a Vegetarian:
Never having an answer to the statement, “I could never be a vegetarian.”
I usually responded with silence or an awkward laugh.
Explaining to waiters that you aren’t ordering steak at a steakhouse.
Me: I’ll have the grilled asparagus and mashed potatoes please.
Waiter: Are you sure?
Me:
Enough tofu to last three lifetimes.
Never again.
The Best Part of NOT Being a Vegetarian:
All of the food.
Not to mention you can eat anywhere without your friends and family having to make arrangements around you.
The Worst Part of NOT Being a Vegetarian:
Nothing. Food is much better now.
Life is too good to go back.