Fear of meat?

Question

Is there anyway to overcome a fear of eating meat? I don't eat meat, but not for the typical vegetarian reasons. I have nothing AGAINST eating meat at all, it's just that I get the heebie jeebies when I think about it. I'm always afraid of meat being spoiled (ie. maggots), undercooked, or things like that. Whenever I try to eat meat, if I bite into something like cartilage, I immediately want to puke. It kind of sucks, because I don't really want to spend the rest of my life eating soy and tofu. I like the *taste* of meat, I just can't get over my fear of it. Wtf?

Answer 1

I admit I am biased, but . . .

I used to have the same fear, of gristle and bones, especially, and I used to feel, like you, that it was something I needed to get over. I tried vegetarianism instead, figuring that I should take my *preference* (non-meat foods) and put in the extra work to fit my everyday diet around that (I know it is extra work).

I have never gone back--I'm vegan now--and it's incredibly freeing and empowering to realize that my old revulsion--the horror I did not understand when I bit into a piece of cartilage--fits perfectly in line with animal rights issues (even if meat-eating is okay, meat production has become cruel). Do a trial and see if you miss it. I never miss any of the foods I have given up--the gross-out factor works for me now, not against me.

--David

Answer 2

I've had that problem and I was never fully able to get over it. The 'low point' was when I started feeling weird about eating certain vegetables like lettuce because they looked like they had veins running through them. I realized it was probably some sort of OCD that was getting out of hand. I got over the vegetable problem and actually started eating meat again but I still can't eat certain things on certain days. I don't really have an answer on how to get over it completely since I can't. I do my best to block it out and try to concentrate on how good it tastes but sometimes it's not even worth it. I can deal with it better if the meat is already ground up and mixed in. That way I can taste it but not 'feel' it.

Answer 3

You are much healthier for NOT eating meat. You can buy lean cuts and cook them yourself (to make sure that they are well done), but whenever you eat meat, you run the risk of biting into ligaments, fat, cartilage, etc. because you are eating an animal.

You could also add a meat-flavored *kick* to tofu & mushrooms by using boullion (sp?) cubes & broth seasoned with beef, pork, or chicken.

Answer 4

Buy your own meat, and prepare it yourself. Get super lean cuts of chicken or beef, where you won't get bone, fat, or cartilege.

Or try veggie burgers.


It's like me with shrimp; I love the taste but the texture makes me queasy. The idea of eating that nasty little parasite makes my blood go cold... but the taste is awesome.

You could either prep yourself and just dig in to a lean cut until you get used to meat, or find alternatives, like veggie and soy burgers.

Answer 5

just don't eat it. get protein somewhere else. if you want to eat, try to talk to a shrink.