A Newbie

Hello,

I actually never in my lifetime thought I would hear myself say "I'm a vegetarian"!  I read a book 4 days ago that would change the rest of my life.  Just the thought of consuming any form of meat or meat products totally disgusts me.  I don't want to drink milk, or eat eggs either.  The yogurt is harder for me to give up - not sure why since I only started to eat yogurt 3 months ago.  Before that I would not have had a problem.

I was in full panic mode on April 7 - this is when I started to read the aforementioned book.  I was half-way through by 6pm.  I was so effected by what I read that I immediately cleaned out my freezer and fridge of all meat and dairy - except the yogurt.  I didn't have that much - thank goodness - as I really dislike throwing food away, but I was that moved to do so.

I hadn't been eating that much meat.  I had gone in spurts for about 8 months where I would not eat any meat for weeks and then a little for a couple days and then nothing again for a while.  I would have milk everyday but only with cereal and only 1/2C everyday. I would usually have 2 hardboiled eggs everyday for the protein since I wasn't a huge meat eater. I dont want to eat them anymore.  Like I mentioned, I still eat 3 - 100g yogurts everyday with raspberries and walnuts.  It is the favorite part of my meal.  I don't know if I can or want to give this one dairy item up.

So like I mentioned - panic set in.  Now what do I eat!  I have been a huge fussy eater ever since infancy.  I dont eat any kind of cooked vegetable or fruit. It all has to be raw. I have never eaten lentils at all and the only legumes I can tollerate is raw snap peas.  I am also fussy and pretty limited to the fruits and veggies I do eat.  Hence the panic.  Now what do I eat!  I do live very close to an Organic food store and will be going there today to try and seek out some alternatives.  I also did actually buy 1 can of chic peas and 1 can of mixed beans.  I am trying to not look at them with total disgust - but am really trying to work up the courage to open the can and try one.  I also bought some soy milk and have had 1/4C so far.  It will take some getting used to.  I had a very traumatic childhood in relation to veggies - it is very hard to overcome, but I am really trying.

I have also tried tofu in the past.  It was years ago, I didnt know what I was looking for or how to prepare it.  It didnt go over very well and decided I dont like tofu.  Now I'm not so sure and going to see what the new food store has and go from there.

Now - 4 days later, I find myself no so paniced, but more excited.  Even though I am eating more calories each day, I am well within my limit set out by CC and still managing to lose some weight.  I cant wait to see what the future has in store for my new lifestyle!!

D.