This is not going to be a guide or saying what is right or wrong but I thought that it would be a good idea to put together a post with answers for the most popular questions I get asked about going vegetarian. To summarise the last few months have been challenging but at the same time extremely rewarding.
Let’s start with the most common question, which is; why I went vegetarian. There isn’t a one simple complex answer to this question so if you do meet someone who’s vegetarian or even vegan don’t ask them why because I’m sure there isn’t only one reason behind it and it would take a long time to explain every one of them, but the general answer to that would be because we care about ourselves, about the planet and animals.
Next thing that I hear a lot is ‘so what do you eat now’ or ‘where do you get your proteins from’ and excuse me if I roll my eyes at this but the vegetarian diet consists of literally everything except for meat and poultry so asking that question makes you sound very closed minded if you can’t imagine any other food than meat. Honestly you don’t have to just eat lettuce everyday in fact I can’t remember the last time I had lettuce. Moving on surprise surprise chicken isn’t the only food that you can get your protein from for example edamame which contains an amazing 18g of protein in one cup, there’s also tofu, lentils, lima beans, peanuts or peanut butter, wild rice, chickpeas and the list goes on.
One of the myths is that you’re gonna have to give up all your favourite meals I mean pizza, spaghetti, lasagna, tacos, burgers, wraps all contain meat right? Wrong! You can still enjoy all of your favourite meals it just takes a bit more effort than before which is what it comes down to if you’re if you’re willing to put a little bit more effort into it and if you ever have a look at the veggie section in any supermarket there is lots of replacements for meat like Quorn or vegetable replacements. Another myth is that you’re going to spend much more money and it is much more expensive than a meat based diet.. Again not true! As vegetables are much cheaper than meat (and healthier), when going out for meals my meals are usually cheaper now and most importantly I’ve cut down on takeaways (McDonalds please make an edible veggie burger) and make things myself instead.
Personally it always felt like the right decision for me to do as I never really enjoyed meat or the thought of eating or harming animals but it took me nearly 20 years to have to guts to go for it and you’re probably wondering why. My main concern was ‘what will people think’, like any big decision in life you worry how it’s going to impact your life and I didn’t want to be the awkward one on family dinners or social events but honestly if you feel like it’s the right decision for you then just go for it because if your family and friends really care about you then they will support your decision sooner or later and also you live for yourself not for your parents, friends or partner so do whatever feels right for you and makes you happy. I don’t judge meat eaters as it’s everyones personal choice but I require the same back, nevertheless it does make me happy when my family or boyfriend have veggie meals with me as I feel like they support my decision.
People say that it’s pointless because it won’t it change anything anyway because it’s never gonna happen for everyone in the world to go vegetarian and I am aware of that but the less meat is brought the lower the demand will be and honestly I would be happy with that as it would mean less unharmed animals, less pollution and more crops left for humans to eat which would finally lower world hunger.
If you are thinking of going vegetarian and would like to ask me anything or just have a chat then feel free to drop me a message through the contact section. Or check out these links:
Why is it better to be a vegetarian?
