I know there are daggers going toward me through the screen right now just based on this article's title. But, hear me out, I have reasons behind my madness.

Throughout my life, my parents always had a million different types of food around me. I was never allowed to be a picky eater, and thank god. Picky eaters are now my biggest pet peeve because of this. I love all types of food and there are not many things I will not eat. Through all of this, I would classify myself as a "foodie". And honestly, being a foodie is something I pride myself on.

Not only am I foodie, I have a huge heart (Not that being one gives up the other... just stay with me here). I will not use makeup tested on animals nor can I stand to see an abused dog/any other type of animal. *Cue Sarah McLachlan* There are many things that can get to me, and seeing animals in danger or hurt is very high on the list. But I do have to say, I love being a foodie more.

I'm not sure what it is exactly about food that makes my world go 'round. We can say it's psychological from my childhood or maybe I'm a fat kid at heart. But what I really think it boils down to is that I'm a realist. And any realist will know that food is life and life is food.

The biggest dish I could not live without, and another reason I could NOT be a vegetarian, is sushi. Why yes, sushi is made with fish, and many people are pescetarians. Some would say this is an alternative to vegetarianism, and other vegetarians would scoff at the idea and say they are not one of their own. Even though this is an option, and does provide a lot of the same benefits as vegetarianism, I still could not give up regular meat. Even narrowing it down to fish does not allow myself to be a true foodie.

Since I have been flooded with information on why being a vegetarian is good for everyone including the planet, I've found a compromise. I have made the decision to decrease my consumption of meat on a regular basis. I know that I do not NEED meat with every meal, and I hope this is good enough for you die-hard plant-only people.

But please, understand that being a foodie means eating everything and anything. And it is a simple fact that 75% of foodie cuisine involves meat, which is here to stay for me. Sorry vegetarians, I hear you, but this girl is sticking to her meat-eating ways. For damn good reasons.