Becoming a vegetarian.

It has been running through my mind for quite some time now, before I decided to take this step and, become a vegetarian. I have a long history when it comes to this issue, since I already tried once, but couldn't keep it up, since I was not doing it the right way.

My best friend Tina is the greatest idol and example, how you can live healthy while skipping on meat. She didn't eat any ever since she was twelve, and I really admire her for that. She told me that it was really easy for her to switch her eating habits. And while having that in mind I tried about three years ago myself to go vegetarian, but I ended with huge health problems a few months afterwards, which only proves that it's different for all of us.

First thing was - anemia. And then unbearable headaches, dizziness and nausea. I didn't search any medical help, but instead was convinced by my family that it is all because I avoid meat. And that is the way how I started eating it again. To be honest, I enjoy the taste of it, and some of my favorite meals consist of meat (Satay Chicken Noodels or Tuna Mayo Wasabi Onigiri!), but then, I always think to myself that there must be a way to enjoy food WITHOUT having a dead animal on your plate. I know this sounded harsh, but that is only the way I see it. And I do NOT judge any meat eaters. Just to be clear.

Another problem is also, our traditions. In Serbia, people eat a LOT of meat, and there is not a single holiday imaginable without sarma, pecenica, and other meaty meals. So if I went to them and told them how I don't eat any meat, they would look at me like I was from another planet! Which is pretty weird but it is how it is. So for me, that is another problem. How to go to Bosnia or Serbia and ask my grandmother to make me something without meat?! Almost impossible! But for all of you who are from there, you understand me for sure.

Okay, so where is this entry going? Well, to my goal to become a true vegetarian and succeed this time, without almost ending in an hospital. The main reason why I am doing all this, is the way I feel about animals. My love for them is way bigger than any desire for delicious food that they are a part of. My willpower is also strong enough to endure this transition time, not only to change my eating plan but my whole life, for the better. Let's see where all of this will go.

Oh, one more thing - while I've been searching through DeviantArt for some nice inspirational photos to put here, I couldn't help myself but notice that many people think of vegetarians as of some hippie freaks or what so ever. Of course, there are many weird people, who would try to lecture you on animal rights and animal torture as long as they hear that you are a meat eater, but not ALL of them are like that! The majority is nice, and supportive but they won't try to convert you to vegetarianism. 

What are your thoughts on this topic?  Are you a vegetarian, and how did you decide to become one? I'd love to know what you think!

Sleep well and good night!

Photo credit: popoks.