The global slowdown in the economy impacts everyone (unless you're living in one of those communities which still has a barter economy - but then again, you'd not be likely to be reading blogs now, would you?), and the record high unemployment rates hits close to home for most. I have a friend who was recently laid off, and is thus, on a very tight budget. Nonetheless, I felt no qualms about inviting said person out to lunch, because I plan on (and usually go to) rather inexpensive ethnic eats establishments in the city.
"I don't eat vegetables."
There, in a matter of fact fashion, my friend dismissed an entire class of food as, well, not food.
I am really of mixed emotions about the matter. For one thing, I am sympathetic to someone who is recently unemployed, and I was prepared to treat for the meal. But on the other hand, under financial straits, eating less meat is a surefire way of being frugal and being sensibly healthy as well.
Perhaps I don't understand the plight of the adult picky eater. To their minds, most plants are simply inedible. And I have to admit, I encountered this mostly in America, where for many, a meat-heavy item is a necessary focal point of a meal - even to the point that when someone is a vegetarian, one must emulate the meat-heavy item (ie, veggie burgers, tofurkeys). The diversified "flexitarian" meal patterns of many other, less privileged, cultures seem inconceivable.
What do you think? Does one who is in enforced frugality have the choice to avoid vegetables in their diet?
Well, it seems like someone who is in that position has a choice, but it's up to him or her to make the smart choice. And like you said, vegetables are healthy! I've never been a huge fan of vegetables but my parents forced it on me enough that I feel unhealthy when I don't eat enough vegetables.
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