Why do people always ask a vegetarian "So what do you eat, if you don't eat meat"?

Question

This question is usually asked to me right after I have to explain to someone that I am a vegetarian. I as a vegetarian personally eat the same things as everyone else except meat, poultry, fish, and I only have eggs and milk when it is backed into a pastry or some form of bread product.

Answer 1

You’re leading a different life style then most people so of course they are curious look at it as an opening to a conversation. I mean really if you saw Enigma wouldn’t you just love to ask him why? Same thing, you’re doing something a little different and they are just curious, trust me anyone who is doing something a little different gets this.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Enigma_(person)

Answer 2

I think people are naturally curious about something that is different than the way they live.
Additionally, meat eaters tend to plan a meal around the meat that is being served. There are certain vegetables, fruits, spices and even wines that are served depending on what type of meat the meal consists of.
So, planning a meal without what they consider a 'core' ingredient is a curiosity and perhaps they would even consider it a challenge. To imagine an entire meal without what some consider the main ingredient is a curiousity.
They may think that vegetarians and vegans have a limited diet menu, but when informed about the vast array of vegetables, fruits, and the possibilities for them, most seem to have a small grasp on it.
I make a mean vegetarian chili that even my carnivorous friends enjoy - so they can appreciate that any dish can be meatless if you have a good recipe.

Answer 3

It's not so easy to know what you eat, just because you say that you are a vegetarian. While I'm sure some people ask this question out of ignorance, I think a lot of us want some clarifiacation of what kind of vegetatian you are. The definition seems to be pretty loose. Some veggies eat nothing but vegetables. Others accept eggs and dairy. Some call themselves vegetarians, but also eat fish, and even chicken. I've known vegetarians that won't eat any refined foods, so white flour is out, or all wheat flour is out. Some wouldn't eat tomatoes, garlic, or onions. Some won't eat certain veggies in certain combinations. You can understand the confusion.

Answer 4

You are asking why people ask that question? The answer is that meat eaters see vegetables as an accompaniment to meat. It is difficult for them to see vegetables as the main part of the meal - even when you explain that you eat vegetables, pulses and nuts they still struggle with the idea of these products as a main part of the meal. If you say vegetarian sausages, they understand this idea of a main item with vegetables and beans as an accompaniment.

Incidentally - in discussion, I have noted that many mothers buy these replacement products, such as sausages or quorn cutlets, when one of their offspring become vegetarian. Again they seem to feel they are cheating their offspring if they serve up something without a traditional sounding main part of the meal.

The concept of not eating a piece of animal - or something that has a face - with your food is alien to most meat eaters - some even add ham to a macaroni cheese or cauliflower cheese, what a waste!

Answer 5

most people who eat meat cannot wrap their brain around the concept of being a vegetarian, as they think we do nothing but nibble on carrots all day. There is really no mystery to it at all. Like you said, you eat all of the same things that they do, minus the meat. When my daughter spends the night at a certain friends house, I have to send a "meat replacement" for her, because the mother wigs out about the fact that my daughter will just have a bigger serving of the side dishes served with meat. I usually send cous cous, or mac and cheese or something, but its so silly to have to. My daughter simply doesnt want the meat, but she will eat everything else. I don't know why its so complicated

Answer 6

For a project in fifth grade, I was a vegitarian for a week to observe how I felt. At my display board, I had a list of all the meals and snacks I had. I had quite a few vegitarian chicken meals, oatmeal, and lots and lots of cheese. So, when I tell people about my project now, they ask me what I ate. I just say that I ate veggie chicken, oatmeal, and cheese. Just give them a very breif description of what you eat. I think the reason they ask is because they can't really understand that you don't eat meat. Some people just can't fathom it. Hope this helped.

Answer 7

They are ignorant! I respond to the question: I eat Fruits, Veggies, Beans and Grains. Also Eggs and drink Milk. Some respond that I ain't vegetarian cause of eating eggs and drinking milk. I explain then
that Vegetarians just don't eat animals. It's vegans that don't eat eggs or drink milk!

Answer 8

I see a lot of meat eater bashing but I agree with one of the statements that people ask just to make conversation but may also ask because their diets have always revolved around meat. If you take away meat it makes you think about what else you can eat.

Imagine someone tells you you can't eat carbs, saturated fat, etc. It may take you awhile to figure out what has it. It time you get so adjusted to it that you really don't have to think about it anymore.

Answer 9

I was vegetarian for 15 years and i got that question often also. Dont get offended when people ask that because they just dont really realize how we just cant eat meat. So they assume "What are you eating then." It's really nothing i just say vegetables and tofu.

Answer 10

People usually ask this that aren't used to the idea of cutting meat out of their diet and they "love" the taste of meat. I ge asked a lot "Eww so you eat like, tofu?" Yes, yes i do.