I kinda Lost a Four-Week Bet in 1998

Many of my friends know this story.

I’m a rather untypical vegetarian — I haven’t eaten meat since 1998. Not because of animal welfare or health reasons, but simply because I didn’t like the taste. Some people can’t stand Brussels sprouts (I love them) or asparagus (love that too).

Animal welfare just turned out to be a nice side effect.

It actually started with a bet: “You won’t manage four weeks without meat.” Well… I kinda lost that bet — it’s been a bit longer than four weeks.

That’s probably why I can’t relate to the hype around meat-like products. Especially beef — I always found it gross. But give me a burger with a falafel patty? Heaven.

The only meat substitute I really enjoy is veggie bratwurst — ideally as currywurst, but only with a proper sauce.

So yes, it’s just ridiculous that the conservative language police now want to ban calling meat-free products by the same names as the ones made from, well… dead animals.

And while I didn’t stop eating meat for health reasons — no alcohol for Martin definitely was one of those decisions. But coffee and apple pie during a bike ride? That’s sacred. I’ll never give that up.

Originally posted on LinkedIn.