The subject of giving up animal products can be a sensitive one. People react with all types of remarks, some praising what you do, some brushing it off. But let’s be real — most are critiquing you for your choice to live cruelty-free. And to be honest, I don’t entirely blame them. At one point, we were all in their position. We were not fully aware of the violence and inhumanity that goes on behind closed doors. And so, we too passed judgment on those who boycotted animal products, simply because we didn’t understand. But now, being on the other side of it and knowing what we know, it can be quite irritating to bring up the subject, as we are so often slapped with the same six responses.
1.” But where do you get your protein?”
There’s actually this cool thing called plant-based protein! OK — putting the sarcasm aside, animal products are not the only source of protein. Nuts, seeds, legumes… the list could go on. To keep it short, plant-based foods are some of the healthiest foods on this planet. They provide us with all of the essential vitamins, minerals, nutrients, fats, and proteins our bodies need to keep us living and thriving. In fact, I have never felt more energized and alive than now.
2. “I could never give up meat, I love (insert animal product here) too much.”
Once you educate yourself on the topic, you will slowly but surely lose that drool-worthy obsession with that particular food. It will be replaced with the knowledge of the cruelty that occurred in order for that greasy piece of bacon to be sitting on your plate. You will no longer care to please your tastebuds at the expense of another living being. You will realize that the animals our society consumes are only “normal” based upon the norms we have created. Eating a dog would probably land you in eternal exile, but in other cultures, that is acceptable. Our perception of animals meant for consuming is entirely socially constructed. Why does one animal have the right to live and be showered with love, while others deserve to be dinner?
3. “Vegans/vegetarians are so preachy and pushy.”
While I definitely cannot deny that some take a pushier approach, I think it’s also important to walk a day in someone else’s shoes. Imagine a topic that you are deeply passionate about. Now imagine that every time you attempt to bring up the topic, or someone asks you a question about it, you are immediately teased, attacked, or entirely shut down. It can become frustrating, but I definitely see the power in taking a bit of a more relaxed approach at educating people on the tragedy that is the meat and dairy industry. It can make people feel uncomfortable and this leads people to quickly reject the topic altogether.
4. “I hate vegan food; I would starve."
Do you hate fruits, vegetables, smoothies, potatoes, fries, beans, rice, pasta, pizza, ice cream, etc.? You consume the same foods that vegetarians and vegans eat, you just add in some chicken or top it off with cheese. Skip the cheese on the pizza next time and load on the veggies! If that’s not your style, then do not fret. The good part about living in this modern society is that there are so many vegan alternatives that can ease you into the transition. There are fake meats and cheeses, as well as delicious ice creams, cakes, brownies, cookies…OK, you get the point. You will never feel deprived, I can promise you that.
5. “But plants are living too!”
Do they have a nervous system and a heartbeat? Do they cry out in pain or fear? I have learned to just laugh at this ridiculous response, but I think it sometimes serves as a way for people to justify their animal-product diet. It’s a form of cognitive dissonance; they reason that because plants are living too, there’s no point in going vegan because they’re still killing something, right? Wrong. It is not the same and please do not get them confused.
