Telling someone you follow a plant-based diet can yield a few different reactions. Some people accept the fact that you follow a vegan lifestyle and go about their business. Others are simply unable to grasp the idea that a person would voluntarily make the choice to give up all animal products. Once we've gotten past the initial shock and horror, the questions I hear time and time again come pouring out. Having followed a vegan diet for over a year, I've gotten used to the different attitudes people have towards my lifestyle. Those of you who are just starting out may find this intrusive questioning a bit overwhelming, but don't panic! Here are a few questions you can expect:

1. Is that even healthy?

Of course it is! Just like any other diet, there are ways to be unhealthy, but simply factoring out meat and dairy doesn't mean you won't be receiving the nutrients you need! It's silly to think that there aren't a ton of vitamins in fruits and veggies. If you're still afraid of anything green there are plenty of supplements out there that will provide you with everything you need!

2. Do you just eat lettuce?

Is that a serious question? I swear some people think that vegans just go outside and graze on the grass. There are plenty of things to eat besides lettuce. Yes, vegetables make up a huge portion of your diet, but as the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle continues to grow there are so many meat and dairy alternatives out there that actually taste amazing. Almost any recipe can be altered to be vegan!

3. Don't you miss meat?

Personally, I never ate a lot of meat. For some people, this may be more difficult. Like I've said, there are so many meat alternatives out there that don't have a texture consistent with rubber that actually taste great, you won't even crave the real thing! Plus, how could you eat a cute little cow?

4. How could you not eat cheese?

Dude. It's just cheese. I will admit that Mac and Cheese is one of my all-time favorite foods, but there's no need to get your panties in a bunch over some cheddar. Cheese alternatives aren't the best, so it's easier to just go without it all together. How do I handle it? I simply don't eat it. Pretty simple, right?

5. Why don't you just buy free-range products?

Well, free range doesn't really mean the animals are free to roam around a beautiful green pasture. They're still packed in barns and warehouses with so many other animals they can't even turn around. "Free Range" simply means the animals are not confined to cages, but they're still treated horribly.

6. Why would you do that to yourself?

Please hold all judgments until the end, thanks. There are a few reasons people would choose to be vegan. Personally, my decisions are purely ethical. The way in which animals are treated in the meat and dairy industries are absolutely horrendous and I can't stand by that. Yes, buying local is much better than free range because typically the animals are treated humanely, but I feel a tremendous amount of guilt when I eat animal products so I choose not to all together.

7. Do you really think one person can make a difference?

This is hands down the most frustrating question you will ever hear. If you do a little research you will find that one person who eats vegan for one day will save hundreds of lives. When people ask you this, it is simply because they don't understand your choices and that upsets them. This is your chance to spread a little knowledge as well as really stand by yourself and your choices. Not everyone is going to support or agree with you, but that doesn't mean you're wrong!