I am going to be staying (and eating) with a host family in Mexico for one month...advice ¿por favor?

Question

I am going to be staying (and eating) with a host family in Mexico for one month...I am a vegetarian, but I eat fish, but I do NOT eat cheese...I don't want to be difficult and picky...I'm really not a picky eater at all aside from being a vegetarian and loathing cheese...but I have a feeling this is not going to be easy...and info/help/thoughts/suggestions/etc would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks.

Answer 1

I don't think you will have a problem. Our 'mexican' food is not completely representative of what you will be offered in Mexico. There will most likely be a dish at each meal comprised of corn, beans, rice etc. that contains no meat or dairy. These are very expensive items and only comprise such a large part of US, UK, and AUS diets because of pressure from Dairy and Meat industries on the government to alleviate their cost (for our health... or so they say... I know its a load of nonsense personally). You should have no problem getting a complete balanced diet in Mexico. Of course, it can't hurt to bring along some supplements e.g. Omega 3 flax capsules, B12 tabs... even the best vegans and vegetarians (and meat eaters actually) can always use a boost, and telling them what you don't eat will of course be helpful.

and I want to applaud you for your step towards making the world a more humane place. Others are quick to jump down peoples throats just to make themselves feel righteous. As a vegan, I am offended by people like this because in trying to point themselves out as an exclusive club of elitists they are excluding so many people who are just honestly trying to do the right thing... and it is only up to each individual person to decide what is right for them. It's such a small mistake to make- for many people cutting out the cruelty from slaughterhouses is such a huge step worthy of a title indeed- perhaps instead of criticizing those who eat mostly vegetables and some fish, we should come up with a nice name for them and offer it whenever we come across the mistake- henceforth increasing its usage and decreasing the potential for mistakes. Sorry for the rant, it was a good question you asked and I hope you have a lovely time in Mexico and enjoy all of the delicious food.

Answer 2

Maybe if you tell them you are allergic to milk products and are a 'vegetariana' they won't forget. I'm mexican and we eat lots of cheese.

Answer 3

I agree with Green- vegetarians (and vegans) do NOT eat fish! Fish is not a vegetable!

Fish suffer too, probably more so than farm animals at slaughter. When they are dragged out of the water, they suffocate. It's a horrible way to die.

Answer 4

learn to tell them you are vegetarian in spanish. (yo soy ___)

if they dont understand/respect that then just be very careful. having your parents on your side through this one helps.

Answer 5

Say to them: No como el carne y lechería, pero yo como  pescado.

Answer 6

Since you eat fish, you're not a vegetarian.  So why not just go down there and tell them you don't like cheese?  Then just eat as much as you can of what you're being served.

There's lots of things you'll be able to choose from.  But if you tell them you're a vegetarian and want fish, you'll just confuse them because it confuses everyone.

Remember, you are a guest in their home.

Answer 7

You are not vegetarian if you eat fish.  I think I may scream if I here one more person say I am vegetarian and I eat fish.  You simply don't eat pigs, cows, chickens or other land animals.

Answer 8

Your not a vegetarian your just picky with your food my brothers a vegetarian but he only eats chicken.