9 Things NOT to Say to a Vegetarian

I think part of the problem is that there is no standard definition for what is a "vegetarian"  It's a lot easier with vegans because they pretty much spell out everything they do not eat, but from my experience there is a lot of variance with people who self identify as "vegetarians"  I've met some who do think sea-food is fine, some who really don't mind picking certain meats out of certain dishes, some who eat eggs some who don't.  A lot of it comes down to people who are vegetarians because they have an ethical issue with eating meat, and those who do it because they simply don't like the taste of meat.  That kind of makes them set their rules differently.  That being said, yes some people are just rude and ignorant and make nasty comments and some are just trying to figure out where you fall on the scale.  Unless it's an ongoing problem...lighten up. 

I am getting really sick of these vegetarian articles that refer to non-vegetarians as "carnivores." Humans are NOT carnivores. Carnivores cannot physically digest vegetables, and therefore eating them makes them sick. Similarly, herbivores cannot physically digest meat, and therefore eating it makes them sick. Humans are OMNIVORES. Which means they can digest both meat and vegetables, no matter their dietary choice. And just because people are not vegetarians doesn't mean they have a diet that's all meat. I am not a vegetarian, but that doesn't mean my entire diet is meat. Half or more of my diet is vegetables and fruit. I love vegetables, but I have no desire to become vegetarian. Non-vegetarians are by no means "carnivores." Just like vegetarians are not "herbivores." If vegetarians want respect, they also have to give it. And recently, the vegetarian articles on The Stir are more insulting than anything else.  

I see your point, but your #7 is annoying and yes, judgemental.  You assume that meat eaters don't eat vegetables as well?  I eat meat, but I am a very health conscious eater and am sure to include veggies in every dinner I make for my family. 

My husband and I did some research and decided to challenge ourselves to being completely 100% vegan for the month July.  We plan to go to the doctor and see how our stats have changed within the month (bp, pulse, weight, etc) I am also curious about how my level of energy will change.  So far, we are really enjoying it even though we have had some comments.  Of course, all of this has opened our eyes to the mistreatment of animals & unsanitary conditions, so we have also decided that if we do go back to eating meat, we will purchase all animal products from local farms.  I would encourage people to open their minds and not be so judgemental one way or the other.  Live & let live! 

 

I HATE " if you were trapped on an island with nothing else to eat but meat, would you eat it or starve" ?

wow lol now this was interesting to read

Someone already said this, but when politely discussing food and diet and I tell people I don't eat meat for health reasons and people say "Oh, I don't eat red meat- only chicken and fish" ....THAT'S MEAT TOO!!

There is a crazy amount of protein in many, many veggies. Just because one isn't ODing on it doesn't mean it isn't being consumed. I was raised vegg, my parents had been meat eaters until they decided to quit eating meat because of health reasons, and felt it wasn't necessary. They were right! I eat meat now and happen to like it, but if it isn't around I sure as heck wouldn't miss it. Beans are high in protein as is Spinach (aka one of the best foods ever:calcium, iron, protein, micronutirents on and on). There is a wealth of food out there, including good carbs, it just doesn't tend to come from a McDonald's bag.

My husband is Vegan and I get SO tired of the "where do you get your protein" and "where do you get your calcium" questions. I think the one he is most sick of is, "if you were stuck on a deserted island/lost in the forest/whatever other disaster scenario and you didn't have any food, would you catch a rabbit and eat it?" I always find this one hilarious because even if he wanted to catch a rabbit, I cannot picture my husband managing that one (or most of us really. I am sure plants are much easier to "catch").