Semi Vegetatrian

So for those of you don't know, I consider myself a semi vegetarian, which basically means I don't eat meat very often. I still eat fish, seafood, eggs and dairy products and some beef but no chicken (I don't really like chicken anyway). This is a fairly new thing for me. I took a vegetarian nutrition class last semester and learned a lot if disturbing information about meat consumption and it freaked me out. Plus, I want to be healthier and honestly, I feel better when I do not consume much meat. I also try to stay away from foods that contain high fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenated oils. I try to only drink organic milk or organic soymilk and I try to only eat whole grains and lots of fruits and vegetables. I am not perfect and somedays I do eat something not so good for me but I always feel guilty afterwards and get right back on track.

I get so frustrated grocery shopping. You would not believe the foods that have high fructose corn syrup in them that are advertised to be healthy (ex: Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches). I also hate when a food states that is has ZERO trans fat but one of the ingredients is partially hydrogenated oil...hello that is trans fat!!! Just look at the ingredients in Crisco and it is partailly hydrogenated oil, would you want to eat that stuff, let alone, have it in your food? I wouldn't!!!

Another thing that bugs me is eating out. For example, I ate out at TGI Fridays on Tuesday with Zach and friends Marty and Josh. They had items that were good for you on the menu but barely any choices for vegetarians. I don't expect a huge menu but at least a few things to choose from. Most place typically do. And its not like I am a vegan who does not consume meat, seafood, fish, eggs or dairy products at all. I do at seafood but all their seafood dishes had chicken in it as well. I did eventually find a portabella mushroom sandwich which barely had mushrooms on it but it wasn't too bad. If they can cater to people who want to eat healthy, why can't they put a few vegetarian options on the menu too? Eggplant is a great choice or even a vegetable stir fry or veggie burgers. Vegetarianism is much more common than people realize. This was my first experience eating out and not being able to find barely anything to eat. At least the other restaurants I have eaten at have had choices for me and I have left feeling satisfied.

Ok, I think I am done complaining for today. I just needed to get some stuff of my chest. I feel much better now:) So, no more TGI Fridays for me!!!