I ever used to eat vegetables. Okay, that's a lie. Let's just say that I was very limited in my veggie intake. So much so that it's a wonder that it didn't stunt my growth. My basics were canned or fresh corn, canned green beans, bread and butter pickles, canned baby peas, mashed or fried potatoes and the occasional "salad" consisting of lettuce and carrots only. Yes, that's it.
It wasn't until after I gave birth to my oldest that I started eating a bigger variety of vegetables. It all started with onions and mushrooms and then the ball went rolling on from there. I will now eat broccoli (cooked, not raw), mushrooms, onions, asparagus (but only if it's in my stir fry), bell peppers, hot peppers, bok choy, cabbage, water chestnuts, cucumbers, celery, bean sprouts, all kinds of beans (no lima or wax ones though), squash, zucchini, and many more since my local Asian cuisine place tosses whatever they have on hand into my favorite dish... Hunan Chicken, and I can nver tell what some of the veggies are that are in there. But they taste good.
Chicken? But I thought this post was about turning vegetarian. Well, it's more about turning more veggie friendly than giving up my carnivore tendencies.
When I am out with the family or even at home I find myself craving more vegetables. I want salads. I am ordering veggie burgers off the menu instead of it's red meat cousin. I go back for seconds of vegetables instead of meat. I will order a side salad with my entree instead of french fries.
This has cause le Artiste much concern. She is the one who asked, "Mom, are you turning into a vegetarian?" Apparently a few of her friends have tried to go down this veggie only route but were thwarted by their love of steak and meat loaf respectively.
I assured her that I was not giving up on meat, but expanding my vegetable horizons. I then related to her that I was very anti-veggie like she is at her age. But that now they appeal to me, and I keep trying new things to see if I will like them. So far I have liked the vast majority. And that maybe someday she, too, will like more vegetables than she does now. She gave me a look like she very much doubted it, but now she no longer worries when I opt for a meatless meal.
