8 Answers For Everyone Questioning The Vegetarian Lifestyle
Start writing a post
Vegetarian Vegan

8 Answers For Everyone Questioning The Vegetarian Lifestyle

Yes, we get protein.

Abby Andrulitis
Apr 01, 2019
University of Rhode Island
148
plates of fruits and vegetables
Unsplash

As a fairly new member of the vegetarian community, I have already been asked, so many times, about my recent decision to switch over. Thus, I've compiled a list of questions that I have been frequently asked, and have answered them honestly and openly, from the bottom of my heart, to give others a bit of insight on this choice.

How do you get your protein?

Eggs, spinach, pinto beans, red beans, black beans, edamame, soy milk, Greek yogurt, tofu, nuts, oats, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, peanut butter, chickpeas…the list goes on and on.

Do you eat any meat?

For me personally, I haven't been eating any meat at all. However, vegetarianism is measured on an extremely wide scale. Pescatarians don't eat meat, but will eat fish. Vegans don't eat any animal products whatsoever. Lacto-vegetarians won't eat any type of meat, fish, or eggs, but will eat dairy products. There's even the flexitarian who has a mostly plant-based diet, with the occasional meat product included here and there.

What DO you eat?

Similar to the answer for what kinds of proteins I get: I eat a lot of good stuff. Becoming a vegetarian has not made me suddenly restricted to only eating salads three times a day. Although, I do love a good salad.

Don't you miss hamburgers?

Absolutely. Hamburgers used to be one of my all-time favorite foods. However, veggie burgers are a close second. And, the longer I go without having a hamburger, the less I miss it. Vegetarian meals are quite yummy too.

This is a temporary thing, right?

Quite possibly! Again, all of these questions are completely subjective depending on who you're asking, but for me, I'm not sure how long I'll be a vegetarian. However, if our planet's health does not improve anytime soon, I can assure you that I will remain meat-free. I'm not choosing to do this to be difficult or an inconvenience to anyone, I'm choosing to do this to make a difference and pursue a positive change.

Was the diet change hard to do?

It can be! This has been something that I've been wanting to do for a while now, so when the day came that I decided to try out a vegetarian diet, I didn't just cut out all meat completely. I did it super gradually, after doing a ton of research. By limiting my meat intake slowly, the process came a lot easier than I thought it would.

Aren't you harming your body this way?

Like I said in the previous answer, I did a LOT of research before diving into this lifestyle. You definitely do not want to deprive your body of the necessary nutrients that it needs by accidentally cutting out proteins or good fats. Thus, after doing my research, I made sure I was getting everything that I needed. Contrary to the question, I feel like I eat a lot healthier now. Since I am on the lookout to make sure I get enough protein, I've been eating eggs for breakfast almost every day, instead of sugary cereals, pancakes, or cinnamon buns. I also have easily replaced hamburgers and hotdogs with tofu and veggie wraps, and just overall feel really good in my own body now.

Why'd you choose to become a vegetarian?

This is one of the most common questions I get asked, sometimes with an offensive tone and sometimes out of pure curiosity. For me, I stopped eating meat because quite frankly it's just better for the environment. Every small action counts, and if me eating no meat means that the earth stays around for a few years longer, that's a tradeoff I'm very willing to take. However, there are a plethora of reasons for why people stop. Some do it for dieting reasons, since a lot of "bad fats" are found in red meats, while some do it purely for ethical/moral reasons. There are also some that just simply "felt like it." Whatever the reason, so be it. Just try to support others' decisions and keep on keepin' on.

vegetarian vegan
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
17500
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
295531
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
91257
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
153668
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
66365
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments