Vegetarians | Why I Might Join the Ranks
Over July 4th weekend I was sick. (No shock, it always happens in our house for holidays or plans.) I didn’t really understand what was wrong–it wasn’t the flu and it wasn’t Strep throat like The Husband just got over. No, it was a bizarre mix of symptoms. I was exhausted, running a low-grade fever, had a non-stop splitting headache and the worst neck pain and stiffness I’ve ever had. I basically stayed in bed for two days. It was so bad that I commented to The Husband that I felt like I had meningitis symptoms.
And then I read about a meat recall and wrote an article for Prime Parents’ Club about listerosis–and it all became crystal clear. Listeriosis–found most often in lunch meats–is caused by Listeria bacteria and can result in the SAME EXACT SYMPTOMS I am having.
Before I go any further, I want to stop and say that I’m the polar opposite of a hypochondriac. I prefer to let my body see if it can heal itself before seeing a doctor or getting medications. My husband actually yells at me that I don’t see the doctor enough. So, if I’m going to the doctor, something is seriously wrong.
I’m not a person who reads something about an illness and the transfers it on to myself. However, I am having almost every symptom of listeriosis. The Husband was having the symptoms also, but we attributed it to his Strep, even when it started to clear up and he still had an awful headache. Not shockingly, we both had hotdogs and lunch meat the week before.
So, I’m headed to the doctor later to have it checked out and ensure it’s not something really serious (meningitis, encephalitis). However, this whole thing has triggered something that I’ve been thinking about for a while–becoming a vegetarian.
I don’t think it would be a huge transition for me. Sure I eat fast food burgers (because they’re convenient when you’re busy/running to a million kid events), but I haven’t eaten steak in around 25 years. (Crap, I’m old.) I eat mostly chicken–if I eat meat. Being a vegetarian means that I still get to eat the things that I love (and eat mainly anyway)–peanut butter, fruits, veggies, pasta, peanut butter, peanut butter. (Did I mention peanut butter?)
And bacon? Wait, does being a vegetarian mean I have to give up bacon?!?
I can still have Diet Coke, right? RIGHT?!?
Perhaps this whole thing needs more thought. Is there such a thing as semi-vegetarian?
PS–If you don’t hear from me, I’m in the hospital with some Listeria-caused illness. I’ll post pictures of the hospital jello pyramids I make.
Image: Scott Liddell
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I hope you feel better soon! I haven’t been thinking about becoming a vegetarian but I have been looking into places to buy “better” meat. (Organic, free range etc) It’s just pricey. And I am with you on the peanut butter, we go through about a jar a week. :)
Betsy – not sure if you eat red meal, but Laura’s Lean Beef (http://www.laurasleanbeef.com/) is a great, natural, ethical brand that is available almost everywhere, and they often have coupons on their website. i have found that it is not much more expensive than other brands (maybe 10 cents a pound or so).
for whatever it might be worth (probably not much) – my sister is a nurse and she says her hospital has seen a large uptick in vegetarians who are getting sick with e. coli from organic veggies (because they use manure as fertilizer). so just make sure you’re washing your fruits and vegetables well, even if that’s all you’re eating. even the stuff that comes from farmer’s markets. cook everything else properly.
diet coke is vegetarian. peanut butter, believe it or not, might not be — it’s not all vegan, anyway (many vegans do not eat products with added sugar unless they can source the sugar, and some vegans i know don’t even use honey because it’s an animal product), and some brands have added ingredients that are horrifyingly animal-based.
it’s a good time to go vegetarian now, though, because there are lots of fruits and veggies to be found everywhere, and even many “generic” and store-brand products label their vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, whatever products. not sure if you have a wegman’s near you (probably not since you’re in michigan) but we have one and they label almost EVERYTHING for special diets. i’m sure whole foods does somthing similar too, although i never shop there because i think it’s awfully expensive.
DOUBLE BONUS: tequila is vegan, and the alcohol can probably help kill food germs if you use enough of it. go for it! (i call dibs on your bacon.)