Clearing Up Some Common Misconceptions About Vegetarians

Although the numbers of vegetarians are growing larger every day, there are still many people who don't properly understand vegetarianism. It is as if some meat-eaters see vegetarians as a completely different species that they cannot understand. I gave up meat almost 10 years ago and I still encounter people on a daily basis who assume things about me. Hopefully this article will help clear up some of these misconceptions and help everyone realize that you can't judge a vegetarian by what they eat. I can't speak for all non-meat-eaters, but I can speak for one of them - myself.

Vegetarians are all PETA-lovers or Extremists

This is one of the biggest annoyances I come across in my daily life. People assume that a person who doesn't eat meat is also very much into the extreme tactics of places like PETA. I can assure you, I am not one of those people. While I support organizations like the Humane Society and ASPCA, I in no way support the extreme things that PETA does. A lot of their tactics are downright disgusting and I don't believe their commercials showing a dead dog in the pound or their advertisements to "drink beer not milk" are helping their cause in the least. They might be causing a "buzz" but they don't cause people to change their mind about animals.

Vegetarians want to change everyone else into a Vegetarian

I find it funny when someone feels the need to explain to me why they are about to eat Meat. I don't feel the need to explain why I DON'T eat it, but I've come to realize that many people expect me to try to talk them into the vegetarian way. Don't worry, not all vegetarians are like that. While I may offer up some benefits of my diet, I will NEVER tell someone "don't eat that!" I might offer you some veggie-products to try, but usually only as a supplement to your regular diet not a replacement.

Vegetarians look down on Meat Eaters

Along the same lines as above, some people feel like they shouldn't eat meat in front of a vegetarian, as if I'm going to run and cry when they take out a hamburger. Don't worry, I don't think what you are doing is evil. The truth is, I understand how life has been for the past 100s of years and I understand that it's the circle of life and yadda yadda yadda. If I don't think it's evil for a shark to eat a smaller fish, then I can't possible think badly of you for enjoying a steak.

Vegetarians only eat Vegetables

A lot of meat-eaters out there still haven't fully grasped the concept of being a vegetarian. Many of them confuse Vegetarian with Vegan and think I eat nothing but veggies and grains. In reality, there is a variety of vegetarians out there. I am actually what is called a pescetarian because I eat fish. There are also certain vegetarians that don't eat eggs, but they do eat milk, or vice versa. I actually eat eggs and milk. Vegans are the ones that don't eat ANY animal or animal product. Basically, I don't expect everyone to know the different diets by heart, but I do expect you to ASK me what I eat instead of just assuming.

Vegetarians only eat Junk Food

Another misconception about the food is that vegetarians eat mostly Junk. When a meat-eater tries to plan a vegetarian meal, they suddenly think there is nothing healthy about it. A lot of people can only think of Pasta and Snacks, but there is a large variety of meals you can make for a vegetarian. In addition, there are many vegetarian products on the market now that are sort of like meat knock-offs. I actually think it's funny that people think a vegetarian diet is so unhealthy considering that a lot of meat-eaters I know hardly ever eat veggies and fruit. Read my article here for some ideas.

Vegetarians don't get enough Protein

Many meat eaters can't wrap their head around the fact that meat has protein and they assume vegetarians are not getting enough. There are, in fact, many sources of protein besides meat. Beans is a big one and it's something that most vegetarians eat a lot of. Check out this article on Happy Cow for more sources of Protein.

Vegetarians love Tofu and Soy Milk

NO NO NO NO! I hate Tofu and I hate Soy Milk! I once had a friend cook me up some Tofu claiming it tastes like Chicken... it didn't, not in the least. I also had a friend give me a Soy Chocolate Bar claiming it tastes like the real thing... it also didn't. I've only tried these two things a few times and both ended with a real bad taste in my mouth. Tofu and Soy Milk are an acquired taste and not all vegetarians like them. Please don't make me Tofu the next time I come over. I'll take an Easy Mac if you really can't think of anything else to make me.

Vegetarians can't eat at Most Restaurants

My friends used to always worry about which restaurant they would pick, but after all these years they have learned they do not need to worry about me. Almost every restaurant has at least one vegetarian option, and if they don't, I can have one custom made. All I have to do is request the quesadillas without the steak in it or the ceaser salad without the chicken. In fact, most the time when I do this I get charged a few dollars less than the price of the entrée so it actually works out for me in the end. In my lifetime I have yet to find a restaurant where I can't find something to eat. If worse came to worse I could always ask for a plain baked potato and a salad. Although I appreciate the thought, please don't limit your choices because of me.

Overall: There may be more misconceptions you have about vegetarians that are not mentioned above. I hope this article helped you to realize that each and every vegetarian is unique just like meat-eaters have unique diets. I don't assume you like pickles so you shouldn't assume what I eat either. Finally, the vegetarian diet does not define a person's beliefs in life, it just defines what they eat. Make friends with a vegetarian today :)

Although the numbers of vegetarians are growing larger every day, there are still many people who don't properly understand vegetarianism.