Today in Nutrition we were learning about the different types of foods in different cultures. I realized how many different types of food I have been exposed to, or have exposed myself to, and felt very fortunate to have had such a wide variety in my eating choices! There are so many people who have never heard of hummus, or falafel, or paella, never tried sushi, or even things like pomegranate! I love expanding my horizons and opening my palette to new and interesting flavors! It's unfortunate so many people in our country are so closed minded (or closed mouthed, I guess it is) about trying new things. Maybe if they tried something new they would be pleasantly surprised- I know I have been in the past, and it resulted in many of my favorite foods being discovered!
I am so excited to have the amazing opportunity this summer to be able to experience the culture and foods of Italy! The part I'm going to be in, Calabria, has a very healthy Meditteranean based diet, which I am very excited about! I love all the fruits, veggies, pastas, olive oil, wine... and of course the pizza, gelato and the like! Although the meditteranean diet is focused on a lot of grains and vegetables, they do include meats, fish and cheese as well, and they are almost unavoidable- so I feel as though I might have to make some big decisions regarding my food choices for my time while in Italy. As much as I would love to remain a vegetarian throughout my study abroad, it may be nearly impossible. So, I'm going to have to do some serious thinking in the next month or so about my approach to eating while I am in Italy. I have still not decided whether I should forego a temporary omnivorous diet, because I know that would be the most culturally relative thing to do, or risk missing out on the experience of the true food of Italy by remaining a vegetarian throughout my time there, and staying strict to my part health, part moral deicison to refrain from all meat and poultry, and limiting dairy.
It will require a lot of serious inner thought, and I know no matter what it will be a tough decision. I just hope whatever I chose will be the right decision for me, personally, and my situation.
However, I am considering making some even more extreme changes to my diet when I return from Italy, through the summer and into the next school year- those choices are also in the works, but first decisions first!
I would be welcome to any thoughts or opinions on my deicision, but know that whatever decision I make I will be making consciously, on my own, and will have thought long and hard about to reach a good resolution within the situation.
Just a few thoughts for the day!
Kristin
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3 comments:
Italy is THE place to tantalize your taste-buds, for sure - such fresh ingredients and amazing dishes!!
It's great that you're taking care to make the right choice, in terms of your diet. For the record, I traveled to Italy when I was just a vegetarian (before vegan), and I still got to experience such a wide array of foods - no deprivation!! But again, it's your decision, so do what you feel is right for you; not what's right for someone else :0)
I traveled when I was a vegetarian as well and it was AMAZING, so I'm hoping I can do that this time around... but unfortunately they feed us two meals a day so I'll have to be asking for some MAJOR accomodations... Its all so much to think about =/
I feel that a huge part of a country's culture has to do with food- especially italy! (I mean, have you watched Molto Mario and how he really goes into the regional cuisine differences? or am I the only food network addict, haha). Personally, I have travelled both as a vegetarian and an omnivore. Though I had great experiences both times, I feel that when I was free to sample local cuisines without any sort of lingering guilt or restrictions was when I fully experienced a city's culture. I mean, I still only had what sounded good to me (light on the cheesy stuff cause it makes me queasy, etc etc) and if a vegetarian option happened to sound best then I didn't hesitate to eat it (just because you *can eat a diet full of meat doesn't mean that every meal has to contain meat). Anyway, totally up to you, but I think that with your goals (steady, healthy gain) and your vigor to experience the culture, perhaps following an omni, but healthy, lifestyle would be the way to go. As you mentioned, mediterranean-style eating is generally very healthy eating so if you're concerned about health as opposed to only moral issues or whatever you shouldn't have too much of a problem). You mentioned tentative lifestyle changes in the works for after the trip too?
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