I know there are only about 7 million people in the U.S that are actually vegetarians, but we're all sick of hearing the same comments every time we tell someone were a vegetarian. There are people that have been vegetarians since birth, there are people like me who have been vegetarians for a few years, and then there are people that are just starting out. We all have our own reasons for deciding to stop eating meat, but we all get the same questions and comments every time were out to eat with new people.
1.) "You're not going to be able to do it"
Four years ago when I decided to go vegetarian, I told my parents and friends, and everyone was like "there's no way you're going to go through with it." By the way, thanks for all the faith guys. But four years later, I am still going strong and to anyone else who has been doubted I know you can do it and keep doing what you believe in.
2.) "Don't you miss meat?"
In fact, no I don't. I like my fruit and vegetables, and if you know how to cook there's nothing to miss. For everyone that also thinks that we aren't getting protein, there are these things called beans that do just the trick.
3.) "What do you eat when you go out?"
People don't realize this, but almost everywhere you go there are now vegetarian options on the menu. It's not the unpopular that vegetarians are going out to eat and restaurants know to have other options for us.
4.) "Are you all about animal rights?"
I mean yes, I believe in animal rights and totally stand for it, but that's not my life nor the reason I became a vegetarian. I don't plan on posing for PETA anytime soon, but absolutely would if they asked.
5.) "Plants have feelings too"
Okay yes, we'll go with that, but not nearly as many feelings as poor cute little animals have. Nice try, though.
6.) "What about steak?"
Yes, steak was amazing before I became a vegetarian, but I'll be okay without it. While you're eating your steak dinner, I'll be having a wonderful pasta dish instead. I'm not missing out.
7.) "What do you do for holidays?"
Believe it or not but I don't need turkey on Thanksgiving or ham on Christmas. My mom is the shit and makes me different types of vegetable dishes instead so go ahead and go into a turkey or ham comma, that's something I don't miss.
8.) "I'm a vegetarian too I just have cheat days"
Okay, I like the effort, but if you're going to cheat then just don't call yourself a vegetarian. You just don't eat meat on the regular at this point.
9.) "Do you care if I eat meat in front of you?"
NO. I'm not going to cry because I see you eating a burger. We all do our own things, and I'm not going to make you change your habits because I did.
10.) "Do you really like salad?"
Well yes, I do like salad but I have plenty more options than just salad.
11.) "Tofu is nasty"
If you cook tofu right it's amazing, take a few lessons and you'll be eating it too. It all depends on what you cook it with, and if you mix the right ingredients, it's just as good as your steak.
12.) "Isn't that unhealthy?"
If you take care of yourself you can get all the nutrients and protein you need to survive.
13.) "What about bacon?"
I don't get the obsession with bacon. I didn't like bacon much before and I don't miss it now.
14.) "I had no idea you were a vegetarian!"
Considering I don't wear a sign on my forehead saying a vegetarian, I didn't think you would know. So don't act so surprised that I am when you finally find out, it's just as normal as being a carnivore.
15.) "I could never do it."
It's not for everyone and that's for sure.
