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I’m That Weird Vegetarian Your Parents Warned You About

I’m That Weird Vegetarian Your Parents Warned You About

I grew up in Alabama, so you can imagine how vegetarian-friendly supermarkets and restaurants are there. While I became a vegetarian back in ‘05, it wasn’t until ‘09 (when I moved to Denver) that I realized how many vegetarian options there are and how easy my “lifestyle” could be. But no matter where I go, I still get the same questions. I’m tempted to make a card that lists common questions and answers about vegetarianism so I don’t have to rattle off the same responses. While “coming out of the garden” isn’t the same as coming out of the closet, it certainly has its share of frustrations.

“Are You Really Vegetarian?”

When I say I’m vegetarian, I mean that I don’t eat fish, but I do eat eggs, dairy, and honey. This is actually a fair question to ask, as there are different types of vegetarianism, and it can get confusing. Ovo-vegetarians eat eggs, but not dairy; lacto-vegetarians consume dairy, but not eggs; and ovo-lacto-vegetarians (like myself) consume dairy, eggs, and honey. There’s also fruitism (not referring to gay vegetarians), straight up veganism, and even raw veganism (insert sex joke here), but that’s an article for another time.

“Where Do You Get Your Protein?”

Black beans, quinoa, green peas, oatmeal, tempeh, edamame, spinach, broccoli, chickpeas. These are several items other than soy/tofu that contain the protein everyone’s so worried vegetarians and vegans aren’t getting. While soy-based meat substitutes have undoubtedly come a long way in terms of uses and flavor, they can get a little boring after a while. And trying different plant-based proteins adds some much needed variety to the diet. So don’t worry, your vegetarian and vegan friends are good on protein.

“Why Do Vegetarians Go Out of Their Way to Tell People They’re Vegetarian?”

I only tell people I’m vegetarian when I’m with another person or group of people and we’re deciding on what/where to eat. Imagine if I don’t and we go to a steakhouse. I’m gonna be stuck with sides. And I might get a “Why didn’t you tell me!” thrown into the mix. Sometimes it’s nice to make your friends feel guilty (mainly because they might feel as if they have to make it up to you), but I enjoy good food too much to jeopardize my dining experience. You only live once, so you might as well take every opportunity to have a magnificent meal.

“I Feel Bad About Eating This Meat in Front of You.”

Just as I don’t/try not to make people feel bad about the often incorrect and unnecessary use of “literally,” I don’t make people feel bad about eating meat in front of me. I don’t expect everyone to be vegetarian or vegan, and I don’t expect you to wait until I turn my back before you chomp into your burger or steak. Just as I enjoy my vegetarian meal, I want you to enjoy your steak ‘n’ potatoes. It’s even better if we can enjoy our meals <together.> Just as being gay is only a fragment of who I am, the same applies to my being vegetarian. Please, eat and enjoy your meat in front of me!

“Why Are You Vegetarian?”

Animal rights, health, helping to save some natural resources. Next.

While I know vegetarianism isn’t without its flaws and arguments, it’s something that works for me. I don’t feel I’m superior to those who choose to eat meat, but I will say I feel superior to who I was before I embraced a ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet.

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