First of all, vegetarians deserve some credit. It's definitely not a choice made out of convenience- especially when you're in the south. Here are 7 things that are inevitable for vegetarians:
1. Someone asking "how do you get enough protein?"
Contrary to popular belief, meat is not the only source of protein on the planet. In fact, there are plenty of veggies that pack a powerful protein punch. One cup of white corn actually contains 16g of protein according to the USDA. Take that, meat eaters!
2. Having to pick the restaurant because you've been deemed a "picky eater"
Really, we're fine with any restaurant. Most places have a vegetarian option, and if they don't, a baked potato or salad are almost always an option. Just pick a place, because we're super hungry.
3. Being looked at like you have two heads when you ask for something with no meat
When we ask for a dish with no meat, it's almost always answered with "can we do that?" Look, sometimes we just want pasta or a baked potato and if there's not a veggie-friendly option, then we'll do what we have to in order to make sure our craving is satisfied.
4. Eating the same meals all the time
Being a vegetarian is not something we do out of convenience, in fact, sometimes finding something to eat is the most daunting task of the day. Some days there's nothing I'd love more than to just run down the road and get a cheeseburger, but that's obviously out of the question- which means I'm having cereal for dinner... Again, because I was too lazy to go buy groceries.
5. Rejoicing when you befriend another vegetarian
Not only does this mean you can talk for hours about all the ridiculous questions you've been asked, but you also have a new buddy to go eat and share recipes with. Pretty soon you'll have a lot of awesome new friends (vegetarians tend to stick together).
6. Spending hours looking at recipes
Honestly, I don't know how I would've survived the first few weeks of becoming a vegetarian without Pinterest. A life with no meat seems nearly impossible at first, but once you've done it for about a month or so, it becomes second nature. You'll be creating your own recipes in no time.
7. Handling the "eggs are meat" argument
Some vegetarians choose to not eat eggs, but those that do, hear this argument all the time. These eggs were never alive so please leave me be so I can eat my food before I start harassing you about yours too.
Although being a vegetarian is difficult sometimes, I don't know anyone that regrets making the choice to cut meat out of their diets. Being a vegetarian saves nearly 200 animals a year, so even though we look crazy, we are doing some good. Stay strong veggie lovers!