Anyone who follows a vegan diet knows that the hardest part about living a plant-based lifestyle is dealing with the repetitive questions and comments from those who eat animal products. Research has shown that vegan lifestyles promote health and prevent chronic diseases, yet us vegans still get comments about how we must be nutrient deficient.
A vegan diet doesn’t contribute to the suffering of animals, or widespread environmental destruction, yet the endless comments justifying these actions never seem to end. All we want to do is promote human, animal, and environmental health, while still enjoying our food. It's really quite simple. These are just some of the comments I’ve received, that I’m sure many other plant-based friends have heard a time or two.
1. "What about protein?"
The recommended daily amount of protein is .8 grams per kilogram of body weight. Most people in the United States get double this amount daily. If you’re eating enough calories and a variety of whole plant-based foods, it is nearly impossible to be protein deficient.
2. "I could never go vegan. I love cheese/bacon/ice cream too much."
What if I told you that they make vegan alternatives to all your favorite animal based foods? They taste good too! All cruelty free, environmentally friendly, and less harmful to your health!
3. "Do you just eat like….lettuce?"
Actually, no. In fact, I probably eat a greater variety of foods than most non vegans. There’s an incredible variety of grains, legumes, nuts, vegetables, and fruits out there, all with unique flavors and health benefits.
4. "What about organic meat, dairy, and eggs?"
Just because something is organic does not make it healthy. Just because something is organic does not mean animals don’t suffer. And just because something is organic does not make it environmentally friendly, contrary to popular belief.
5. "Eating plant-based is so expensive!"
Actually, it’s MUCH cheaper than eating an animal based diet. Ever notice how cheap beans are? Or grains? Or produce in season? You can easily cut your grocery bill in half by ditching the meat, dairy, and eggs.
6. "Plants have feelings too!"
*Rolls eyes*. Did it ever occur to you that the animals you eat consume plants too? Oh, and MUCH more of them.
7. "Is seafood vegan?"
Is a fish an animal?
8. "What about iron?"
Please google “plant based iron sources”, and then we can discuss this.
9. "Can’t you just pick out the meat?"
No…just no.
10. "You’ll have weak bones if you don’t drink milk!"
Again, please educate yourself on plant based calcium sources, and then I’ll talk to you about it.
11. "Why did you go vegan? That seems so extreme!"
What’s extreme is the number of preventable diseases caused by eating animal products. The way we treat animals and the planet producing animal products is extreme.
12. "Vegans push their beliefs on everyone else!"
I’ve seen far more meat and dairy eater push their beliefs on vegans, actually.
13. "Vegan food is gross!"
So is the dead animal on your plate.
14. "Some animals were put on this planet to be eaten!"
I’m trying really hard not to throw my sweet potato at you right now.
15. "Humans are carnivores though!"
Please tell me the last time you killed an animal with your bare hands and consumed it raw.
16. "It’s just a phase. It will pass."
Actually, no. It’s a health promoting way of life that connects me to the planet and those around me.
