Join the veggie revolution
I HAVE noticed in the Irish Independent recently a certain beating of the vegetarian drum. As a carrot- and-lettuce-muncher myself, I can only applaud your editorial stance.
First off was an article by Steven O'Rourke (Irish Independent, March 30) whose fortitude as a former steak lover was only to be admired. Fight the good fight, Steven!
Then, this weekend had two offerings -- what promises to be an exciting regular weekly veggie treat by Aoife Barry, in your 'Weekend' magazine; and an enlightening article by Suzanne Campbell in your 'Weekend Review', complete with a gruesome photograph of common fowl, waiting to be turned into chicken nuggets -- without doubt, a case of a picture being worth a thousand words.
I'm sure, after all that (coupled with Mad Cow Disease and the recent discovery of campylobacter in 98pc of chickens), there are many carnivores who would like to become vegetarian, but are still afraid to take the plunge.
But relax. There's no need to grow a beard, or rush off to buy sandals. Many veggies (although, it has to be said, not this one) are perfectly normal people.
So, what is involved in becoming a veggie?
It's not as hard as one might imagine. Remember, it is not necessary to be a veggie at all times.
No indeed, it is quite sufficient to restrict the practice to meal times. And, would you believe, some of you may already be one-third of the way there. Does your breakfast, by any chance, consist of a cigarette and a cup of coffee? Well done -- a perfect vegetarian start to the day!
Lunchtime may present a problem. After looking at last Saturday's photograph, a chicken sandwich will undoubtedly have lost its appeal, and rightly so. So may a tuna sandwich, even if caught in dolphin-friendly nets.
So why not settle for a salad sandwich?
Dinner will present the biggest hurdle. But fear not, it's myco-protein to the rescue!
This wonder fake food (made from mushrooms, I understand, and packed with vitamins and protein), is marketed under various brand names, and can satisfy the most exacting palate.
Furthermore, it keeps Daisy the Cow, Henrietta Hen, and Pinky the Pig safe from harm -- a win-win situation.
A new era of exploration is beginning. Go on, admit it. You can hardly wait.
D K Henderson
Clontarf, Dublin 3
Irish Independent
