So, I recently became *gasp* vegetarian again.
I was strictly vegan for about 8 months when I first moved to Los Angeles…then Thanksgiving came around. I couldn’t bear the thought of eating Tofurky and vegan mac and cheese, so I slipped. And then it was just a downhill spiral from there. I got depressed, and ate my life away, gaining around 40 lbs in the course of a few months. And now, I’ve been trying to get back on track and lose the ‘depression weight’. I’ve been progressively eating healthier, first cutting out fast food, refined sugars and flours, sodas, coffee, etc. I watched documentaries on how much the Standard American Diet is affecting our lives, our health, and well being. So I made an executive decision to stop eating meat, again.
So now, I’m on a plant based, whole foods eating plan. No meat, and hardly any dairy or eggs. I guess you could say I’m vegan, but occasionally I’ll indulge in cheese or use eggs when making a recipe. I haven’t felt better! Now I’m not here to preach being vegetarian, because to be honest, I don’t really care what other people eat…unless it’s glass or couch cushion, then I’m judging you. If you eat meat, great! If you don’t, great! I love everyone. Do whatever makes you happy. But I know what has made me exponentially more happy, and that’s eating my wonderful plant friends. I have way more energy, my workouts are easier, my head feels clear, I’ve lost weight, and despite what people say, being vegetarian has saved me a LOT of money. I can’t cook meat for shit, but give me some squash, mushrooms, bell peppers, kale, spinach all damn day long and I can cook it. So on top of doing what I feel is best for my body, I’ve become a boss in the kitchen. Something about vegetarian cooking comes very natural to me. But here’s the kicker. What the hell do I do when I travel to Argentina, steak fucking capital of the world?
The thing is, I still like meat. I just don’t eat it for health reasons. It just makes me feel sluggish, tired, sad, weighed down. I’m not one of those people that’s completely repulsed by it, so that’s why I think being vegetarian will be something very hard for me to keep up on the road. Only because I’ll want to try everything! One of the most awesome things to do when traveling is to eat. Le sigh.
If you are vegetarian and you are traveling, give me your tips! Tell me where the plants are. And more importantly, tell me how to say “I don’t eat meat” in Spanish! 
image via NatalieMaynor
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I have a couple of friends who are vegetarian but eat meat when they travel because they feel like it’s part of the cultural experience (and because depending on where you’re going it’s just easier). But you can probably steal a bite of Johnny’s steak to get the bife de chorizo flavor and then get back to your own salad rather than having to order half a cow for your own dinner every night.
And the phrase you’re looking for is “soy vegetariana,” although you may then want to clarify that you don’t eat pollo or pescado either because especially in Latin America some people think vegetarian just means no red meat.
Yes! That’s basically how I feel about travel/being vegetarian. I never plan on eating a LOT of meat, but I don’t think I’ll beat myself up if I have a bite or 2. I told Johnny about what you said and he claims I can’t have any of his steak, but I’ll probably end of stealing just a bite anyways. I’ll be sure to add ‘soy vegetariana” to my vocab ASAP!!
When I arrived in Russia I was delighted to find “A Vegetarian’s Guide to Eating in Yaroslavl” – only to open it and read, “Go home.”
I’m basically here to sympathise – considering all I ever eat when travelling is bread and potatoes, I don’t exactly have any stellar advice to offer. It is really tough being a vegetarian on the road, especially in developing countries where you may often have to avoid salads, fruits and other uncooked foods. I have literally no idea how vegans manage it. I’d say if you’re not ethically opposed to eating meat then having some every now and then to make things easier or to fully experience the culture is fine. Just be careful not too eat too much at once – I hear the longer you’re vegetarian, the harder it is to digest meat again if you decide to try it. Good luck!
Ooooh yeah. The first time I went vegan, then ate a freaking Thanksgiving dinner, I was sick for DAYS. And as I was weaning myself off of meat, I could definitely notice how my body reacted differently. But I’m hoping once I get to Argentina, and I have a bite now and then, it won’t make me terribly sick.
I had the same problem when I was a travelling vegetarian. I gave up meat for similar reasons, and thus didn’t feel bad when eating meat as a cultural experience. I was able to eat whatever I liked, but it also gave me a good excuse to get out of some of the sketchier meal suggestions given to me.
I’ve since added meat back to my diet when eating out or at a friends, but like you, I prefer to cook with vegetables. It was just impossible to resist all the delicious sushi here!
LOL @ sketchier meal suggestions! That’s totally me. I’m the pickiest eater, so I’m sure I’ll be using my vegetarian excuse when someone is trying to make me eat intestines or something. blerggggghhhh!
You go girl!! Check you out with your renewed energy and losing weight *round of applause*. I’m very much a meat eater so I feel sorry for you knowing that it’s going to be so hard when you’re away. I’m going to suggest something that you might not like but bear with me….be a vegetarian in phases i.e. eat as many plants as you can/want but then try a steak in Argentina before going back to being a vegetarian. You’ll still be healthy etc because 90% of the time you’re following your own rules but I think it would be a shame to miss out on all the culinary treats. I barely drink and so didn’t have much alcohol when I backpacked through Asia until I went to Koh Tao in Thailand. I partied for 2 weeks drinking the buckets and put on weight but was okay about that because I knew when I moved on I would revert back which I did…the second I stepped on Koh Samui, I began to eat well and not drink alcohol. The weight dropped off and I felt great but still has the amazing memories of the nights out! =)
AH!!! Since college, I’ve slowed down on my drinking A LOT. It’s so obvious when I do drink a lot now, I get bloated and gross. Sad times. But like you said, it’s SO worth it for the memories. Dirnking brings out the best in me, I’ve always said
I live in Argentina and I do not eat mammals! So, I am not a vegetarian as I still eat chicken, fish and turkey (not that I eat much turkey here as it is balls expensive and sometimes hard to find). Honestly, it is not that big of a deal. I have to be careful at parties and I always, always ask about the contents of food.
Phrases you will need – “Soy vegetariana” – I am a vegetarian
“No como carne” – I do not eat meat
“Hay carne o jamón?” – Is there meat or ham?
Yes, ham is meat but a lot of times in Argentina, they assume you can still eat ham, so it is best to always say “no como jamón tampoco” – I do not eat ham, either.
I can help you with restaurants and good substitutes ate restaurants! I am sure I will still be here when you arrive.
YES! Thank you so much Rease! I cannot wait to explore the city with you. We’re gonna have a blast
I think I’ve eaten more chicken/beef here (in S. America) than I’ve ever had in the past 10 years – all accidental. My big suspicion is that they cook the beans (and sometimes the stir fry veggies) with broth – but I’m trying not to think about it too much
eek! I would assume they’d probably cook all their beans with some type of meat. I’m just gonna try to not be a complete crazy person about it, LOL!
I think it’s great that you’re taking on a vegetarian diet again, and are perfectly aware that Argentina is going to have tons of beef right in front of your nose. Taking a part of the culture – especially if someone offers you some meat in hospitality – is a good thing because you’re not shutting yourself off from it entirely. I like how you have an open mind about the whole thing, and I hope you enjoy *everything* you eat there!
OH girl, I will enjoy it! Especially the wine, thank goodness that’s vegetarian
You can’t NOT eat meat in Argentina! It is a cultural experience! Not to mention… they have some of the most amazing meat in the world. Now I’m not saying that you can’t eat veggies too, but make sure that you do indulge.
I’m going to, totally. When are you 2 going to be there?
Uh…. December? Maybe November? We are really shooting for November. I don’t even want to think about apt hunting.
I’ve been a veg for about 13 years and I’ve been travelling for 6 of those. I have to say it’s not nearly as hard as people say (even in Argentina), especially if you like cooking. Not just because you can cook for yourself, but because you can help people out when they don’t get the veg thing. Actually that would be my one big tip on the road: don’t say “I’m vegetarian”, because a lot of people will just kind of panic. Saying “can I have this with mushrooms/eggplant/whatever the local thing is” will get you a lot further. Plus you get a meal. Plenty of times I’ve said “I’m vegetarian” and end up with a plate of sliced tomato and lettuce. Not the end of the world, but when the guy at the next table is eating a pasta piled with olives, you kind of feel dumb (that actually happened in Argentina, or maybe Uruguay?).
Anyway, welcome back to the veg world! Good luck this time around, and let me know if you want any more advice….
I’m so glad that I’ve found a greater appreciation for cooking, because (excuse my language), I’d be fucked. I love making new recipes, and entertaining people.
I love your tip about “I’m vegetarian”. I’d totally rather have a big bowl of pasta than lettuce and tomato. Thanks!!
Hi Sheryll, just wanted to say that your blog is one of my new favorites! I have known the name and seen you on twitter for while but have just recently been catching up with your posts. I love your honest writing style, super engaging and it makes me feel like I am talking to you right there.
As for eating veggies, although I enjoy meat I’m considering it as well because my sister sings it’s praises for most of the same reasons as you. Definitely will consider it and am excited to continue following your adventures! Are you in LA for the summer? I’ll be down that way in August!
Hey Annie! Thank you so much, it really means a lot! And I’m totally going to be in LA in August. I’ll shoot you an email! I’d love to hang out!
Sounds great! Talk to you soon!
I just came upon your blog and totally love your posts. I had a quarter-life crisis, too, that set me on the path to wanting to quit my job and travel the world. It’s been so cool to find a community of blogger who are currently doing it!
We became pescetarians one year ago for health reasons like you, and miss steak/lamb/pork every now and then too. I was thinking about how difficult it would be to resist churrasco in Argentina or lamb in India when we go on our rtw trip next year. Personally, I’ll slip every now and then for something so worthwhile that I may never be able to try again. Otherwise, I’ll stick to plants and fish.
Good luck with everything, and I’m looking forward to following your blog!
-Mrs. T from Two Travelaholics
Hi! Thank you so much Mrs. T!
I admit, since I’ve been vegetarian, I’ve had meat twice. And the immediate effects were astounding. I had terrible stomach aches and bloating. I think I’ll have to slowly introduce meat back into my diet carefully and slowly once I start traveling.
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