I hate labels. I don’t want to be grouped in with anyone except other “Red-headed Mexicans named Monica Melinda Olivas”. I am in my own group and would prefer not to be labeled into another.
The only reason I call myself a “pescatarian” is to avoid having to answer questions about the lack of meat on my blog (or while dining with others).
I don’t want to feel guilty or apologetic for my food choices. But, since I present myself as a vegetarian I feel like I would be a liar if I ate meat. 99% of the time this isn’t an issue. 99% of the time I happily chomp on the veggie options of the world 🙂
I genuinely love beans and veggie burgers and tempeh. I never feel deprived. But, today I wanted a turkey sandwich.
So I made one. And I ate it. Shhhh! Don’t tell the label police!
And then I got worried that people would think I ate meat and force steak on me.
What? Doesn’t that happen to anyone else?
Anyways, I ate a turkey sandwich today. I don’t want to eat meat on a regular basis at all (unless I buy a farm and raise animals myself). In this case I listened to a rare, but healthy craving for turkey.
I felt like a liar, but now I’m over it. I never wanted a label in the first place. Unless that label is “Doesn’t eat meat 99% of the time – and only free range when it happens (well unless I’m in another country), and only eats organic dairy – except fro-yo…”
That seems a bit long to say when people ask if I am vegetarian, so I might just try and avoid the question…
I normally don’t care what people think, but eating ethically and healthy is very important to me, not because it’s socially cool…
Breakfast – Today is a rest day so I took a leisurely walk and then dug into breakfast. This is the same thing I had to dessert last night! I am obsessed.
Greek yogurt, Vitatop, Almond Butter…
I used this greek yogurt because it’s the only one at my local market. I’m going to hit up a few stores for my beloved G.Y. soon!
I have an appointment for a facial this afternoon. I’ve had a gift certificate for this since Christmas and am finally cashing in!
Question: Have you ever had a facial?
Did you like it?
Me: I think facials are usually painful at first, but they always end with relaxing massaging so you forget the trauma and keep coming back for more! I’d rather have a “real massage” any day of the week!
Katharine Fugh says
Awilda Holeman
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Beth @ DiningAndDishing says
I had a facial once and was actually shocked how much extraction can do! Lesson learned = exfoliate. If I had the money I’d invest in them a lot more regularly 🙂
Kelly says
I have never had a facial but have made masks out of avocado, honey, and eggs, although not necessarily at the same time.
I think you should start calling yourself a somewhat inflexible flexitarian..because it’s confusing and funny.
larry says
Here’s a good video on meat: http://meat.org
Amber K says
I have never had a facial.
But I hate labels too! I tell people I’m a vegetarian, but then I’ll have to hear “but haven’t I seen you eating…a hamburger, popcorn shrimp, etc.” Well yeah, on very rare occasions I eat meat I can’t taste (anything I can dip in a thick sauce or with lots of toppings) because I want to. The main reason being because I don’t LIKE meat, so that’s why I don’t eat it. I think it tastes disgusting!
But if I can cover up the taste with a ton of condiments and veggies, it tastes pretty darn good! But I hate having to explain myself to people! (like I just did….LOL!)
Laura says
I’m not able to put a label on the way I eat.
I guess i’m mainly vegetarian but I eat chicken, fish & dairy. i don’t eat red meat!
Caitlin says
I like what Melissa said – let the labels stick to jars and cans!
Although I eat my fair share of many different kinds of fare, I can totally see where the frustration comes from with the whole “label” thing, especially when it comes to food. Food is so central to our lives, so personal, so important that it can really take on any kind of connotation we let it. I say good for you listening to your body. After all, honesty is a great label to be associated with 🙂
Alyssa says
I really agree with this, I feel that “announcing” you are a vegetarian is like opening pandora’s box. This weekend someone asked about it and I replied that I eat fish, but not chicken. Another person at the table rudely snapped “right, because it’s ok to kill fish, but not chicken” while she chomped on her ribs. People don’t seem to understand that it can be a personal preference, just like saying “I don’t like olives” or whatever. I think if you say you are a vegetarian some people assume you are judging them for eating meat. However, I never judge people, I could care less what they eat, while on the other hand, I get tons of rude remarks about my “weird, healthy food”. I think I am going to have business cards made up explaining my views to avoid this….
Margie says
If people ask me, I just tell them I don’t eat a lot of meat. I pretty blunt about it, so I don’t get a lot of questions or comments. I eat pescatarian 90% of the time, but I will eat a piece of steak or turkey if I want it. Life is too short to be worrying about being labeled. I believe that eating less meat and/or eating quality meat is doing a lot for the enviroment than what most people are doing.
Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) says
Labels are good for cans of soup. 🙂 I get facials every now and then. I love them!
amanda says
Don’t worry I won’t judge you. If you don’t eat meat 99% I would still consider your a vegetarian. I love meat and will always eat and never give it up. I could be a vegetarian as well but I choose not too. So give your body what is craves. lol Now I sound like a meat pusher. ha ha As for the facial, yes I have had one before and I loved it!! I normally stick to do my own at home with LUSH products. Have fun!
lisa says
I’ve had a facial and I did not like it. It made my skin burn and hurt a bit. I guess I have really sensitive skin! I’d much rather get a pedicure. 🙂
Exercise and Eat says
I’ve had an extraction, which is a PAINFUL facial. No bueno unless you have to!
And ignore everyone who tries to put a label on you and eat what your body craves!
Sarah says
I’m with you on the label thing! I started calling myself a vegetarian when asked just because my explanation was so long and I wasn’t sure if it would really be appreciated.
I think it was last week that I was really craving turkey, so I went out and bought a vegetarian version. Not as good AT ALL.
April says
Sounds like you need to move to Portland, OR! Your eating “labels” or description sounds pretty normal. Here everyone is all about organic and local and ethically raised eggs and meat. I have a lot of friends who only eat meat that they know where it comes from (local farms mostly). I say there isn’t ever going to be a label that will completely explain what we are but the labels make things easier for OTHER people. 🙂
Liz says
You sound just like me (your food philosophy and feelings about labels)! That’s why I try to avoid calling myself a vegetarian because if I want to eat meat again I don’t want to have to explain myself.
ida says
I hate the labels too. I just tell people I try and stay low on the food chain. I think they have no idea what to say back to that and the conversation ends there:)
Karla says
I agree! I hate labels! I guess I’m a vegetarian but sometimes I eat fish, sometimes I eat things with chicken broth. The point for me is to reduce meat consumption. I hate having to explain myself to people all the time. Why does it matter what I choose to eat?
Amanda @ Nibble Food says
I know exactly where you’re coming from. I’ve decided to transition to veganism, but I don’t want to call myself a vegan. I will for the sake of other people who need me to define myself, but I know damn well that there will come a time when I want some cheese. And I will let myself have it and not care. I just won’t tell the label police. Just do what makes you happy and forget about everyone else.
Evan Thomas says
Labels are only good for attending weddings or airplane meals, that’s what I think.