5 Things You Should Never Say To A Vegetarian

1. Where do you get your protein?

Meat is not the only source of protein...I will say it again, meat is NOT the only source of protein. In the 21 years of being a vegetarian, this is the question I am asked most often. Often times I do not have the patience to explain to people that protein comes from a variety of things, most of which most people already eat plenty of. Growing up in a Hispanic household meant BEANS and plenty of them.

Beans constitute the majority of my personal protein consumption simply because they're cheap, easy and delicious if you know how to make them correctly. Peas are also a great source of protein and a yummy snack if you just grab a couple pods and much on them. Nuts and seeds are also a great source of protein that is easily accessible. Soy is another source but fewer people are willing to eat soy products because they haven't been exposed to them and think they'll be weird...but let me tell you, Tofu (when prepared properly) is one of the best things on the PLANET!

2. I would miss meet too much!

So many people, upon learning that I am vegetarian, have said: "I don't know how you do it, I would miss meat too much." The thing about meat is that, frankly, it's a dead animal. So when you understand that you are no longer eating flesh, you don't really miss it. Having never eaten meat in my entire life I don't have the experience necessary to claim you never miss eating meat, however, my husband ate meat all HIS life until about 6 months ago on a trip to London. He says that while the flavor of the meat is delicious, it is easily replicated with meat alternatives because it is what goes into the meat that makes it taste delicious.

He has had a blast making some of his favorite foods but with meatless products instead. Also, there are quite a few meat alternatives on the market that do a great job replicating the flavor and textures of meat if you've got a serious craving. Some of our favorites include Beyond Meat Burgers (which are now being sold in Carl's Jr. nationwide!) Morningstar Farms who have a wide variety of meatless products but are still delicious, and El Burritos "Soyrizo" if you're a fan of the Mexican treat.

3. You choose where we eat since you can’t eat anything...

I hear this one ALL the time and it's becoming a bit of a pet peeve of mine. There's nothing I find ruder than making a huge fuss about whether or not someone can eat at a specific restaurant simply because they're vegetarian. So many people think they're being courteous when in reality it's borderline embarrassing for me. I can eat almost anything, almost anywhere...just not meat. It's not that hard. Pick a restaurant, lets GOOOOO!

4. Does it bother you when I eat meat in front of you?

While it is sometimes meant in a kind manner, often times people ask this as a way to draw attention to the fact that they're eating meat. I can't speak for all vegetarians when I say I literally don't care what you eat as long as you don't make a point to show it to me, mock me by waving it around, or make a huge deal about not eating it around me. If you're simply asking to be kind, it's one thing but it still brings it up when it's not something I am wondering about. Just sit down, eat your food and I won't ask if its okay that I don't eat meat near you.

5. Want some of my fish/chicken? (Or even better yet…”Oh, I’m vegetarian too but I eat fish/chicken”)

I haven't determined why it's so hard for some people to grasp the fact that when you're a vegetarian you don't eat ANY meat. That means ANY animal that was at any point in time alive. And yes, that includes chicken and fish. One time a girl even tried to tell me that chicken wasn't meat because it's "poultry" like….uh huh, okay, you keep telling yourself that. If a person eats fish but no other meat they are called a pescetarian. If you eat chicken, you don't get a special word because guess what...chicken is meat. So please, stop offering me chicken wings, fish, shrimp, crab, etc....I'm NOT INTERESTED!