If you’re a vegetarian like I am, you’ve probably been asked these questions a million times. If not, you might have been the asker. That’s fine! I’m happy you’re interested. But to avoid wasting precious time in your future conversations with vegetarian individuals, check out these typical queries and impress your friends, coworkers, yoga instructors with your veggie knowledge!
1. "But what do you eat?"
Literally, every type of food that doesn’t contain meat. Pasta, peanut butter and jelly, almonds, pizza, burritos, avocados, sandwiches, black bean burgers, scrambled eggs, cake, ice cream, french fries, chips and salsa. Meat is one food group out of many. You probably eat at least one vegetarian meal a day without giving it any thought.
2. “I tried going vegetarian for a week, and it was impossible! Don’t you miss eating meat?”
If you’re serious about adopting a vegetarian diet, it’s going to take more than a week for your body to adjust. I spent three or four months eating increasingly less meat, but still ordering chicken fingers or eating a bratwurst, here and there, when the craving struck. Eventually, I didn’t even want meat anymore. Now, I don’t miss it at all.
3. “What made you decide to stop eating meat?”
When I was 12 years old, I felt bad for the animals. Now, I’ve discovered even further the abhorrent conditions many factory farm animals endure, and how negatively the meat production industry affects the environment. Many vegetarians make the choice for health, religious or environmental reasons.
4. “What’s the difference between a vegan and a vegetarian?”
Lacto-ovo vegetarians do not eat animals, including fish. Someone who eats fish, but no poultry or red meat is technically a pescetarian. Vegans take it a step further and avoid all animal products, including dairy and eggs.
5. “Mmm, this steak is so good! Oh, sorry. You’re not offended, right?”
Not at all! Just because I choose to abstain from eating meat doesn’t mean that you should, or that I’m disgusted by the sight of it -- except for raw chicken, but can you blame me?
6. “Isn’t being a vegetarian unhealthy?”
It can be, if you substitute meat for fatty, processed, or sugary foods. However, adopting a balanced vegetarian diet can help maintain a healthy weight and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, some cancers, kidney stones, constipation, and type 2 diabetes. Most of these health benefits stem from the elimination of red meat from the diet.
7. “How do you get enough protein?”
By eating a metric ton of cheese. But, seriously -- cheese, beans, nuts, legumes, soybeans, tofu, quinoa, seitan, eggs, hummus, and yogurt are all excellent sources of protein.
8. “What about iron?”
Getting sufficient iron is a real concern for vegetarians, but it can be done. I take a daily vitamin with 100 percent daily requirement of iron, but the mineral is found in many meatless foods as well, like spinach and other greens, whole grains, nuts, fruit, and beans. Also, iron absorption is increased by consuming Vitamin C, which is found in fruit.
9. “But we’re having a cookout! You like turkey burgers, right?”
Turkeys are animals so, no. I like veggie burgers, but don’t feel like you have to cater to my choices. I’ll be content with the pasta salad and fruit tray. Really.
10. “Hey, did you know your ice cream, pancake or broccoli has meat in it?”
Wow, good one! I haven’t heard that joke since yesterday!
11. “What about the poor plants? They have feelings, too!”
Again, your wit astounds me. Actually, there are some vegans (called fruitarians) who only eat what can be harvested from the plant without harming or killing it (so carrots are a no-go). I am not insane enough to attempt this.
12. “Are vegetarians allowed to eat chocolate?”
Yes. Indubitably, yes. Thank God.
