Thanksgiving is making its way back into our lives (and stomachs) once more.
The happiest time of year, the start of the holidays and the only acceptable day to stuff yourself until you fall asleep. Mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, corn, bread, stuffing, turke- wait, turkey? How can vegetarians enjoy a day that revolves solely around meat? Not to worry, there are plenty of delicious and creative plates that are better than any old turkey. The following are some things all vegetarians are guaranteed to hear around this meat loving holiday.
"You don't eat meat?"
No. I do not. I have not for the past few years, you know this, so why are you still asking me?"
"Not even today? It's turkey day?!"
Yes. Thank you for reminding me, I almost forgot what Thanksgiving was really about- turkey of course. Not the whole "being thankful and giving to others" part.
"What are you going to eat?"
Nothing. I am going to starve to death on a holiday where there is enough food to feed an entire army. If worse comes to worse, I'll just have to fill up on all those delicious meat free desserts.
"You are so skinny, you don't need to lose any weight. Everyone eats meat today."
I'm sorry I was not aware I was a vegetarian to lose weight? Would you like a side of, Preservatives, Animal By-Products, Antibiotics and Hormones with your turkey?
"Why are you a vegetarian again?"
See answer above, add in inhumane slaughter of animals and I think you'll get the idea.
"I could never be a vegetarian. I love meat too much!"
If you actually thought about, or god forbid, even saw how all that meat you eat is cooked, then I think you could be. Those piles of frozen turkey carcasses do not just appear in the grocery stores out of thin air you know.
"So, how do you get your protein?"
It may be hard to believe, but the truth is, most Americans get way too much protein, and vegetarians can easily get more than enough protein in their diet as well. We are not cave men anymore, if you haven't noticed. If people can print things in 3-D and ride around on hover boards, I think we can have a way of getting protein without meat.
Beans, lentils, soy, tofu, quinoa, nuts, seeds, tempeh, I could go on fer-dayz.
"Can you eat the stuffing?"
"Can you eat the fish?"
"Can you eat the potato salad?"
"Can you eat the ___________???"
Is it made with meat? If the answer is yes, then no.
"What would you do if I put meat in your food when you weren't looking?"
Probably throw up. Because at this point my body cannot process it anymore and I would try to point in your direction at least.
"Vegetables are just gross."
Not when they are cooked right. Also, eating a dead animal ultimately wins the gross contest. Sorry not sorry.
