Becoming vegan was one of the most positive changes I have ever made in my life.
Many people struggle to see how not eating meat, eggs or dairy would leave anyone full let alone happy-- but trust me it does! While I have been in respectful conversations with people who are curious about how I live, I have been in my fair share of less respectful assumption- based conversations.
At first this hate and ignorance made it difficult for me to defend my lifestyle. This is not because I am not passionate or knowledgeable on the matter, but rather that I am a passive person who prefers to avoid awkwardly-timed and overall unwanted debates. I have been confronted in the middle of class, during holiday celebrations and even after a funeral.
I really do not enjoy the double standard of being put on the spot for eating veggie burgers and drinking smoothies while I am not allowed to make comments about anyone’s food choices of hamburgers and milkshakes (which I have never done, nor have I had the desire to do). Being vegan does not make me radical or crazy. In fact, I preach about how everyone is different and have even attempted life as a secret vegan to avoid conflict.
I have come to the point after a year of eating this way where I want my voice heard, and I am more proud than ever to live such a cruelty-free lifestyle. I want to stand up for other passive vegans just trying to do their thing.
So now without further adieu, here is my response to commonly asked questions misconceptions about veganism!
1. Where do you get your protein from if you don't eat meat?
I’ve been genuinely asked this question by each one of my family members, every friend since grade school and their mothers.
Okay world, here’s the low down on protein. According to the World Health Organization only 0.8g/1kg of your food needs to come from protein.This is about 10-35 percent of your caloric intake. Less than 3 percent of people in America have a protein deficiency, with vegan and vegetarian consumption averaging 70 percent over the recommended amount. In contrast 97 percent of people in America do not get enough fiber (which fruits and vegetables happen to be full of). Please realize that America is protein obsessed.
Too much protein puts strain on your liver and kidneys, so veg up and don't worry about it. Additionally, do not give into any of the food combining myths. You can get all 9 of your essential (our bodies can not make) from plant-based food. Legumes, nuts, seeds, tofu, are high in protein, but almost every non-processed food has a small percentage. Like any other diet, if you eat enough and you avoid downing overly processed garbage you’ll get them in. Trust me.
Pictured above is Vegan Gains. Do you think he’s getting enough protein?
2. Do you ever cheat?
No, I do not eat fish or seafood on occasion. I will not eat the tart if you only put one egg in it, or the cake if all it contains is a splash of milk. I do not eat animals or animal products for the environmental impact, for my health and most importantly because I do not agree with eating sentient beings.
This question is especially frustrating for ethical vegans and delves into the physiology of eating meat. It is a topic most do not like to think about. Why do people freak out at the thought of eating dogs in China, but are happy to slaughter a chicken in the US? For me I do not pick and choose which animals I eat and which I love.
3. But we were not made to be vegan!
We were not made to eat meat, eggs or dairy either. I will explain in three subsections. Warning… these sections are borderline sassy.
A. The meat debate: Our teeth were made to eat flesh.
Completely false. Yes we have canines, but nearly all mammals do. Even hippos, with their deceiving choppers are indeed plant eaters. Humans do not have no sharp front teeth and have flat molars which is indicative of plant eaters.
B. But eggs are a great source of protein, and they don't do any harm to the chicken by eating them.
Must we go over the protein again? Eggs contain 186 mg of cholesterol. The daily allotted amount by the World Health Organization is less than 300 mg per day. This means after two eggs you crack right over the limit. Additionally, your body regulates your cholesterol, so there is no need for eating more. The USDA does not allow companies or campaigns to call eggs “nutritious” or “safe”. If that did not turn you off, think about the fact that eggs are technically chicken periods. From an ethical standpoint, I do not want to eat what could have been a baby chick. Really I am just not interested in taking a bite of your omelette.
C. Why can’t you drink milk? It is great for your bones!
That's what the government wants you to think. We used to all be lactose intolerant at one point and only after a mutation did we start chugging the milk of another mammal. We are the only mammals to do so by the way.
I do not want to have female cows artificially inseminated continuously and have their babies ripped away from them while simultaneously supporting the veal industry. Also, I am not a fan of the pus and other hormones found in milk, and I can find my calcium in other plant based sources (such as dark leafy greens).
The China Study shows a strong correlation between osteoporosis being higher in dairy eating countries and dare I mention there is not one study proving it prevents osteoporosis. I dare you to find one.
4. You must spend a lot of money on food.
I have saved money eating vegan if anything. Fruits, veggies, grains, and tofu are really not foods that break the bank. Like any other diet, it can be as cheap or expensive as you want. I am a college student so I choose cheap and simple.
5. So what do you eat...lettuce leaves?
Okay I'm not going to lie; I enjoy a good salad … but when I say I eat everything except dairy, eggs and meat- I mean everything! I eat the stereotypical fruits and veggies, grains, bread, veggie burgers, salads and tofu stir fry. But, I also make every dish that we have ever made in my house and substitute for the meat, dairy and eggs. These include veggie bolognese, eggplant parm (with vegan cheese), eggplant veggie “meat” balls, salad/vegan cheese pizza, fries, sushi, cookies, cakes, brownies ice cream and more. Lastly, I have tried all the sketchy fake chicken nuggets and wings, as well as tofurkey. It’s lit.
6. Does it bother you if I eat my meat next to you?
I decided to end the article on a happy note with this one. This is a respectful question. As long as it is not shoved in my face (which has happened before) then go for it! Everyone is different when it comes to this question, but in my case I don't mind. As long as you let me do me, you do you honey booboo!
