I am fairly new at this meatless lifestyle, I only became a vegetarian 2 months ago. But it did not take long for me to notice some really irritating things that come along with the decision to cut out meat. In a country that is meat-obsessed, you're going to end up missing some of the foods you used to love eating. Besides that, you have to deal with some criticism from your carnivore friends and family. Here are some of the worst struggles that vegetarians have to deal with that make you wonder if it is all worth it. (Disclaimer: These things definitely wont make me give up vegetarianism, it’s too good to go back)
1. It’s a whole big deal going to barbecues where they only are serving hamburgers and hot dogs.
You either bring your own veggie burgers (awkward) or stick to eating just the pasta and potato salad.
2. When your friends are going to a fast food place and you're dying for chicken nuggets or a burger, but you remember you made a commitment.
It’s not a good feeling to just drink a Coke while your friends chow down. The meatless struggle is real.
3. It’s a guessing game when you're trying out a bunch of different brands of veggie burgers, tofu, and other vegetarian foods before you find your favorites.
You have to have your staple meals in your fridge and finding your favorites is a tricky process.
4. Going out to dinner you have to prepare yourself to eat a salad.
Salad is usually the only option on the menu that doesn't have meat, and you get teased for always getting salad.
5. You don't know if you come off as rude when you are at someones house for dinner and don't eat their food.
Its not that you don't want to, so you try to eat the meatless dishes and not make a big deal.
6. When your ethnicity is known for making delicious meals that you cant have because meat is the main ingredient.
I’m Italian, and needless to say I miss chicken parmesan and meatballs everyday.
7. Watching cooking shows and craving the meat dishes that they're cooking.
The Food Network is basically just a big tease to me now that I am vegetarian.
8. God forbid someone orders a pizza that has pepperoni or other meats on it.
It is almost unbearable to watch everyone eat pizza that you cant have, make sure there’s a plain pie or something vegetarian.
9. When people think you are making a mistake because they believe vegetarians don't get enough protein.
Let me assure you, I get enough protein the healthy way- from vegetables, legumes, and more. Just because you get your protein from killing animals doesn't mean you are a nutritionist.
10. Getting questions from people who don't understand why you don't eat meat.
There’s a bunch of reasons that I made the decision to become vegetarian, and I knew people would ask me about it, but the 20 questions really aren't necessary. Let me eat my veggies in peace.
