Vegan…vegetarian…anorexic (not to mention the horse-beef scandal)

Illustrated cleverly at Fat Ballerina’s blog   Vegan.

Hilarious (or a bit sad maybe) timing for me as I just received my Go- Veg starter pack from PETA.

Nobody can be mad at me or question the sanity of my being against animal cruelty.

Nobody can have a go at me if I decline to eat something because I’m a vegetarian.

Nobody can question my limited appetite and apparent disinterest in food.

It’s dangerous ground for the eating-disordered. Free reign to cut out whole swathes of food (practically bloody everything if you’re vegan).

Socially difficult, but so is eating  all &^%£ all.

Looking at it from another perspective- if eating vegan or veg helps you to get control of bingeing, or helps you to find an acceptable way to manage your intake without wrecking yourself then hey, knock yourself out. As a “functioning” anorexic I condone that. Anything you need to do to stay healthy, happy and in control.

Also anything that encourages you to eat more veg is great.

Tofu though. I have tried, really tried to like this stuff but Jesus. Come on. It’s rank. Spongy. It tastes like damp. If anyone can convince me otherwise with a great recipe I;ll give it a go.

Also think of the animals. The little critters and the big ones. Factory farming ad slaughter techniques are ugly. Free range feels better. Tesco value burgers is going to be plain wrong. Don’t be surprised there is horse in there. Be surprised there is beef in there, or any meat at all. People are OUTRAGED at eating horse- being DUPED into eating BLACK BEAUTY!

This debate also has a grey area. Easy to get on your high horse (heh) and preach about organic, free range, stroked to sleep with velvet pillows every night meat but not everyone can afford that, and if it’s a choice between ethical eating and not eating at all you’re going plump for the value burgers.

Basically you could argue your way around these ones all day.

FYI- horse meat is much leaner than beef.

 

A Guide to Getting into Psychiatric Outpatients without Being Seen (based on real life experiences)

1. Feeling good today? Brazen it out. Walk purposefully, head held high, in the manner of a supermodel. Own that NHS lino corridor. So what, you have a mental health problem. Get over it! (this almost never happens)

2. There must be a back-entrance, right? Pick a random way round. Wander in some back gate and walk around in the rain looking for a way in. Pass through atmospherically deserted courtyards. Find yourself in some kind of linen room area. Look desperately for a door. Realise this ain’t going to work and go round the front.

3. Wear a hat and a big hood. Keep eyes down. Ski jackets good for this. Don’t attempt in summer months.

4. Wear really smart office clothes. People will assume you work there. A folder or clipboard may help. If you bump into someone from work have a ready excuse- checking something out, doing some research for my friend who wants to work here, visiting my friend who works here. Note- this approach won’t work so well on your way out of the appointment as you my have been crying and smudged your mascara.

5. Skulk. 

 

 

6. Rejoice when they move the ED clinic to a new building on the other side of the hospital, down a street outside.