Subtle vegetarian?

I eat chicken like twice a month.

Other than that its grains, dairy, starches and fruit.

I like meat, i just rarely eat it.

Would this make a bit vegetarian-like?

Haha, this might have come across as stupid, but oh well.

Lots of meat tastes dry to me, and i prefer not to slather it in grease, animal fat or sauce. so i just prefer not to eat it.

I could never eat meat for the rest of my life and not really be bothered by it.

By definition, vegetarianism has nothing to do with ethics or morals. Its just someone who doesnt eat meat.

So, is there a bit of vegetarianism in me? Without me even realizing? lol

I don't think you really need to label yourself... I'd just say you eat a mostly vegetarian diet. 

If you do need a label, I think there is also a term called flexitarian...

Does it really matter? It's all just labels, omnivore, vegetarian, vegan, democrats, republicans, etc, used to separate "us" from "them".

UD

If you want to refer to yourself as vegetarian go ahead.  I didn't become a vegetarian for moral or ethical reasons (well, not at first), I did it for my health.

If you only eat chicken, and no other meat, then you're a pollotarian.

If you prefer to eat vegetarian meals, ask for vegetarian meals, a vegetarian menu, whatever. If you're having a discussion, it doesn't make you a vegetarian.

If you labeled yourself a vegetarian to others who are unfamiliar with the lifestyle, it might be easier for them to understand. Especially to people who work in restaurants.

But to other vegetarians, I'm pretty sure they'd get a little mad that you eat chicken (doesn't matter how seldom) and label yourself as a vegetarian.

I don't really think you need to label yourself, but if anything, call yourself a flexitarian.

What you are is an 'omnivore' that just doesn't eat a lot of meat.  You're an omnivore that enjoys vegetarian food.   I'm the same way.... and I've never really felt the need to give myself a label.   I have a friend that eats all foods except fish (because she doesn't like fish)... there's no label for her. 

Enjoy your choices....

Original Post by gi-jane:

What you are is an 'omnivore' that just doesn't eat a lot of meat.  You're an omnivore that enjoys vegetarian food.   I'm the same way.... and I've never really felt the need to give myself a label.   I have a friend that eats all foods except fish (because she doesn't like fish)... there's no label for her. 

Enjoy your choices....

 

Sure there is.  Your friend is a picky eater! 

i don't understand why you care whether or not you can call yourself a vegetarian. I HATE this craze that has made 8 out of 10 people almost eager to claim vegetarianism..why? to what end? who cares? 

if you like meat then eat it. don't apologize for your food preferences or feel ashamed of them. 

sorry if i'm coming across as mean...i don't mean to really. I just don't understand why you have the desire to be labeled vegetarian. it's okay to eat meat if you like it. it's okay to eat veggie dishes as well. just eat! :)

I guess it's in "fashion" now.

UD

Yes, but it's also tricky to be stuck in the middle of absolutes if you aren't, yourself, a militant absolutist.  People generally expect other people to eat meat.  If you don't, there must be a reason for it.  "I'm vegetarian" is easy and people accept it.

I think it is less about being "cool" (although there's certainly some of that) and more about dealing with the rest of the world that seems to take it as a personal affront if you decline their hamburger ... unless you're a vegetarian.

Original Post by luhluhlovesongs:

If you labeled yourself a vegetarian to others who are unfamiliar with the lifestyle, it might be easier for them to understand. Especially to people who work in restaurants.

But to other vegetarians, I'm pretty sure they'd get a little mad that you eat chicken (doesn't matter how seldom) and label yourself as a vegetarian.

I don't really think you need to label yourself, but if anything, call yourself a flexitarian.

I second the idea of just calling yourself a flexatarian and putting it out of your head until someone asks and then you'll have the term.

People are more familiar with the vegetarian term, though, so when eating out you could simplify everything by saying you don't eat meat at all and keeping to yourself that you're actually a flexatarian-- that'll confuse 99% of people.

Original Post by lysistrata:

 People generally expect other people to eat meat.  If you don't, there must be a reason for it.  "I'm vegetarian" is easy and people accept it.

 

I often work in Belgium where vegetarianism  is not quite so popular.  When I was asked recently how the catering could be improved at staff events I suggested more meat-free options because I don't eat a lot of meat.  "Are you vegetarian?" was the assumption.  "No, I just don't eat a lot of meat" was my reply

It's not necessary to adopt a label to have an easy answer.

Original Post by gi-jane:

Original Post by lysistrata:

 People generally expect other people to eat meat.  If you don't, there must be a reason for it.  "I'm vegetarian" is easy and people accept it.

 

I often work in Belgium where vegetarianism  is not quite so popular.  When I was asked recently how the catering could be improved at staff events I suggested more meat-free options because I don't eat a lot of meat.  "Are you vegetarian?" was the assumption.  "No, I just don't eat a lot of meat" was my reply

It's not necessary to adopt a label to have an easy answer.

I think that's true in Belgium, but here in cow country it isn't that easy to gracefully decline the steak dinner or the hamburger BBQ.  The "vegetarian" explanation only works well around here because our community has a lot of seventh day adventists, so folks just assume it's part of your religion.

this sounds like me, I like chicken and fish, and a good burger every once in a while, but for the most part, I don't like meat much. Generally I tend to eat vegetarian meals on a regular basis without thinking about it, I like fruits, grains, and veggies so I eat them... when people ask me if I am a vegetarian, I say no, but that I love vegetarian foods

"vegetarian" foods? I had no idea fruits, grains, and veggies were only for vegetarians.

Original Post by luhluhlovesongs:

"vegetarian" foods? I had no idea fruits, grains, and veggies were only for vegetarians.

lol. My co-workers thought I was vegetarian (probably not seriously) because I eat salad with my lunch every day, and my sandwiches have tons of veggies on top.

UD

I have to wonder why other people care so much what we do or do not eat.  Why do we have to come up with a justification for why we're eating something or refusing food that's offered to us?  And this isn't just about eating meat.  I see posts practically every day from people who are just trying to eat healthier and their friends/family/coworkers push unhealthy food on them and then ask for a "valid reason" why they're not eating what is offered.

I have to admit that it is easier to respond when you have a label to apply to yourself.  I keep kosher, so that's often an easy response when people know what that means.  People like being able to apply labels to other people.  But I also don't eat mammals for my own reasons.  And I eat chicken and fish about once or twice a week.  Otherwise, I pretty much keep Morningstar Farms in business.  And when I'm among people who also keep kosher and ask me why I'm not eating the veal, I often end up having the conversation, "Oh, are you a vegetarian?"  "No, I just don't eat mammals."  And they look at me weird.  Oh well.  Not really my problem.

im a 13 year old teen who is a strict vegetarian.

no fish

no meat

no eggs

no chicken

no gelatine

but i do eat milk products:)

x.

eka:)

Yikes.

We should really have an age limit on this site.