Vegetarianism is becoming a much more common lifestyle in today's world, however there are still many misconceptions about it. I have been a vegetarian since the day I was born and I have frequently run into misunderstandings and even animosity towards this diet and I thought it would be fun to clear things up.
Myth #1: Vegetarians only eat vegetables.
Fact: This may seem silly but I really have had people say this before. In reality vegetarians eat a wide variety of foods -- essentially everything except meat. I personally haven't eaten a vegetable in days (I know, shame on me).
Myth #2: Fish isn't meat.
Fact: The short answer is if it used to breathe, blink, and walk or swim then it probably counts as meat. The long answer is that there are many people who consider themselves vegetarian who also eat fish. Technically these individuals would be considered pescatarians, but really, who needs more complicated labels?
Myth #3: Vegetarians are all health nuts.
Fact: Remember when I said I hadn't eaten a vegetable in days? Some people are vegetarian for health reasons, but there are many other reasons as well. Another common reason is religion, numerous religions forbid or discourage some or all meats. Other people choose to be vegetarian for environmental reasons. I personally am vegetarian because I was raised that way, as was my father. It's the only way I've ever lived and I'm happy with it.
Myth #4: Vegetarian and vegan are the same thing.
Fact: Nope. Remember that all squares are rectangles but not all rectangles are squares? It's the same thing with vegetarianism and veganism. All vegans are vegetarian, but not all vegetarians are vegan. Vegetarians only exclude meat from their diets, vegans exclude all animal products (although products like honey sometimes aren't included). I don't eat meat in any form but I have no problem with butter, eggs, milk, etc.
Myth #5: It's hard to eat out as a vegetarian.
Fact: This really depends on the restaurant. It's true that there isn't going to be much on the menu at a steakhouse that I can eat, but at the vast majority of restaurants there are many options that don't include meat. I actually struggle more at restaurants specifically catering to vegans and vegetarians than anywhere else because they tend to be geared toward the health conscious crowd (of which I am not a member, in case you didn't catch that).
Myth #6: It's hard to cook vegetarian.
Fact: It's actually really simple. If you have vegetarian friends coming over for lunch you don't need to stress and scour the internet or try your hand at cooking with tofu or other meat replacements (although you should, because they are delicious). The average vegetarian will be more than happy to eat things such as spaghetti, pizza, mashed potatoes, burritos, tacos, and much more.
Myth #7: Vegetarians hate meat eaters.
Fact: Yes, there are some people who feel this way, people are mean sometimes. However, most vegetarians really don't care at all if you eat meat so long as you don't care that they don't. Don't put your steak in my face (you know who you are) and I won't call you a murderer, it's simple as that.
