(15, Az, USA) Anonymous - Mexican Vegetarian

I think one of the most fundamental parts of Mexican culture is our food. A Mexican parent's worst fear is for their child to stop eating. As you may guess, when I became vegetarian, my family was incredibly concerned. 'But you need your protein,' some said, while others mocked me by telling me to 'go eat the leaves on the trees in the backyard.' I think many people believe that calling yourself a Mexican vegetarian is an oxymoron because Mexican cuisine incorporates all types of meat into its food. It was also an inconvenience for my mother; I didn't plan on making her prepare an entirely different meal just because I would refuse to eat meat. I also couldn't bring myself to eat any of the meat. When I started abstaining from meat, I realized just how many vegetables are incorporated into traditional foods. As for the protein, I managed to include it by adding some protein powder to my arroz con leche. By becoming vegetarian, I didn't completely throw away my Mexican heritage. Instead, I incorporated it in new ways. Overall, I was shocked when I realized just how many Mexican foods are actually vegetarian and how I just take out the meat component to align with my vegetarian diet. I'm glad I became vegetarian, but more than anything, I'm glad I can call myself a Mexican vegetarian.