FROM THE OTHER SIDE: Veggie delights change social views

“This burger is so juicy and mouth-watering! How’s that salad?”

That is how my pursuit of a vegetarian lifestyle began — taunting by my friends, most of whom are religious meat eaters.

I was prepared to face the criticism with quick comebacks and fast subject changes. Considering my own criticisms of the lifestyle as little as two weeks ago, I anticipated my friends to give me hell – and they did.

And I would not want it any other way. It provided the ammunition I needed to jump the fence between flora and fauna.

I began my journey with a salad. I thought salads were all vegetarians could eat. I thought their toughest decision at the dinner table was which dressing to use.

Thanks to my readers and vegetarian friends, I was put in my place really fast.

“Do you know the epicurean delights you’re missing by having a one-track mind?”

That undemanding question presented by a close vegetarian ally of mine opened my door to the vast menu of vegetarian delicacies.

Who knew there were meat substitutes that tasted just like pork? Or vegan donuts that taste more divine than ordinary deep-fried dough? Who ever thought a spicy Thai pizza with carrots and cucumber would be a satisfying tastebud pleaser?

Not me — until now.

I was shocked by how many choices I had at every meal. My cravings switched from meat lover’s pizzas to Buddha’s brand feasts of ingredients from the garden. After my first four days, I felt as though my body was replenished, that it was cleansed and my habits redefined… until I got sick.

Over the Labor Day weekend, I had plans to visit family in Los Angeles, but that was derailed by a sudden fever and stomach pains. I don’t know if this was directly related to my abrupt change in eating habits, but I feel as though my body was reacting to the fresh food it’s now being fed.

Once I was back on my feet, I was ready to continue my exploration of organic fruits and vegetables, quinoa and hummus. My dinner plate was imperceptible among the mountains of fresh tropical fruits or grilled tofu with Chinese sauce. Mozzarella and tomatoes took the place of steak and potatoes.

By the middle of my second week, I found myself excited for each meal. I had never realized the scope of vegetarian cuisine. I urged my friends and co-workers to try grilled eggplant over grilled chicken. I begged my family to fry fresh portabella mushrooms instead of ground beef. I began to realize how great vegetarians really have it.

Finally, I had the answer I was looking for. Why do people choose to eat only vegetables?

Apart from the fact that it is a conscious lifestyle choice to respect animals’ rights while maintaining an understanding that they are living organisms and should have an equal chance of survival as mankind does, the vegetarian menu is as eclectic and diverse as the culture itself.

Vegetarians are not depriving themselves of variety or eating tasteless food. The past two weeks have allowed me to taste flavors I never imagined. The zests of mixing and matching earth-grown fare change by adding just one ingredient. Whereas chicken tastes like chicken – no matter what seasoning it’s cooked in – vegetables are like chameleons that adapt with every oil or spice they’re paired with.

Also, vegetarians have amazing self-control. Although many are disgusted by the mere thought of cooked cow or pig, they also have to read every ingredient label to make sure there isn’t an added surprise. When I went to order biscuits and gravy for breakfast the other day, my friend reminded me, “The gravy is a chicken base and probably has sausage.” A small detail I surely would have overlooked.

And yet, to be a vegan or vegetarian, one doesn’t need to go out and by new vegan shampoo or non-leather belts. It’s about adapting to the lifestyle, searching for purity within oneself and trying to reduce suffering.

In a world full of turmoil and bickering, a world where media has gone from reporting what happened today to who came out alive, we all need to take a step toward bringing peace back. Not eating meat is one choice to do so.

I don’t know if I will remain vegetarian, but I also don’t know if meat will ever have as strong a hold on me as it once did.

What I do know is that my opinions on vegan and vegetarian lifestyles have drastically changed and I will gladly have a salad over a burger any day.

From the Other Side is a column about understanding different ways of living. It documents the first-hand accounts of Shane Collins as he adapts to new lifestyles in order to better appreciate different perspectives.