For all you vegetarians out there?

Question

If someone you know wants to become a vegetarian, but isn't sure how or when or whether they can do it, how do you convince them?

I know about the whole animal rights thing.

In addition, what do you say to people when they ask you why you're a vegetarian? I can't get them to shut up/stop criticizing!!!!

Jodie B
for ur information, i'm vegetarian by religion. i don't care if u think the animal reason is stupid.

Answer 1

When anyone asks me why I am a vegetarian, I always say more than just one thing, because I think it's important for people (both who want to be vegetarians and who are simply trying to understand it) to realize that it is a lifestyle choice with many advantages (and a few disadvantages), not just a spontaneous decision based on some far-out opinion. I usually tell people:

1. I have the privilege to find alternate sources of protein. There are many places where this is simply not an option (perhaps there are no alternate sources, they are too pricey, etc.). Since I have this privilege to eat alternate foods such as tofu, tempeh, etc, I feel better taking full advantage of it. By no means to I think vegetarianism is a must-have for all people, but if you are able (and most important, willing), to get your protein without sacrificing another life, why not?

2. Being a vegetarian helps prevent you from developing a load of problems directly associated with eating meat, including certain types of cancers, heart disease, obesity, and heart attacks. This is because you consume much less cholesterol, toxins (especially if you go organic), and calories when you elliminate meat. In addition, you're eating a higher quantity of nutrient-rich food that comes mainly from fruits and vegetables.

3. When people ask, "how can you stand to give up meat?" I always make sure to remind them that I have never been a big meat eater. Also, (in my opinion) meat never has much flavor. It is actually the seasonings, spices, and foods cooked with meat that flavor it. It is just as easy to get delicious food without the meat.

4. Being a vegetarian only has one flaw- lack of vitamin b12. This is the only thing that you cannot get from eating fruits, vegetables, and grains alone. However, it can be obtained by a vitamin. However, by eliminating meat, you are pretty much forcing yourself to consume many more nutrients that you would otherwise not consume. Simply,

vegetarian= lack of one vitamin, easily obtained by vitamin supplement (which many people take anyway)
not vegetarian= general lack of many nutrients (because less fruits/veggies are eaten, plus increased risk for diseases.

There are no other downfalls associated with being a vegetarian. Contrarily, vegetarians live an average of 7 years longer than non vegetarians, and are generally slimmer, with healthier immune systems and more toxin -free.

I always make sure to clearly state that I don't think it's necessary or even reasonable for all humans to be vegetarians. If I do not criticize people for eating meat, I expect them to not criticize me for choosing not to. It is a personal choice you make, and must be willing to make sure you are continuing a balanced diet (not just eating bread all the time..). It is also not as easy and in some cases, more expensive. Hopefully, the more people become vegetarians, the more it will be accepted and perhaps in the future, after more people show interest, it will be so simple and cheap that many more people would be interested.

I hope this helps! Of course, there are many moral reasons people choose to be vegetarian, but I tried to leave those out for cliche reasons!

Answer 2

If someone *wants* to become a vegetarian but isn't sure I let them ask me questions. Maybe I'll even ask them what stops them. If my reasons sound convincing to them, then good. If no - I let it go.

When people ask me why am I a vegetarian I look who's asking. Sometimes I say I don't like meat, that's all. Sometimes I say I do it for health reasons - they tend to respect your body needs more than your opinion. Often enough, people ask you just to start a futile argument. No need to waste my time in those conversations, because all they want is an argument, not your opinion.

Most difficult part is actually your friends and people who care about you. You can't just blow them off. With parents and close friends, you have to find the time and calmly give all your reasons. They'll always try to offer you meat at the holiday dinner anyway. Don't get irritated, don't think they don't love you. I just say, "no thank you" and lower my eyes. If somebody asks "are you a vegetarian" I say "yes". Don't strart this flame about animall rights on them, they will leave you alone too. Don't challenge people's beleifs, they won't challenge yours.

I don't cook meat in my home because I feel that's not good food, why would I want to give it to my friends. Despite, people seem to enjoy parties and dinners at my place all the same.

Answer 3

if someone wants to be a vegetarian...
how: when dining out, order meals without meat. at the grocer's buy only grains, veges etc. pick up a recipe book and learn to cook for yourself a healthy and hearty meal.

when: there is no best time then NOW. lots of literature and reports suggests that vegetarian is not just for animal rights. It is also better for our health and for the environment.

whether they can succeed: sure. many people are vegetarian. some famous (Albert Einstein, James Cromwell, Scott Jurek etc), others like you and me.

If people ask me, I just tell them the truth (religion, health). I do agree that there are some that tries to find fault with vegetarianism. They are either ignorant- then I will discuss with them the benefits of going green. Otherwise, I will ignore them - they are only trying to justify their "crimes" of adding sufferings to the earth.

Answer 4

Being a vegetarian isnt really difficult to start
just finish final meat products from your refrigerator and the
next time your go grocery shopping, just buy all natural, organic, or vegetarian foods like veggie burgers, veggie sausages, veggie chili, etc.. that's how you start.

when someone asks me why i'm vegetarian i say because im helping prevent global warming and meat tastes disgusting and it still smells like a cow or a pig(even when cooked).

well, if they dont stop criticizing, you just ignore them and tell them that their food it mooing at them and they better do something about it because it annoys you!!! (it always works)

dont worry about what people think about you, the meat eaters are just a bunch of meat heads that care about killing poor animals and having them for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Answer 5

Someone who asks the particular question, "Why are you a vegetarian?" are probably just jealous, because of not being able to be healthy, and maybe they are just extreme meat eaters and have something against vegetarians... you never know.

Convince them by inviting them to your home, and preparing a wonderful vegetarian meal! As if you eat like that everyday! =]

Answer 6

can i just say one thing? i think its a stupid idear to become a vegetarian just because of the animals (YES I LOVE ANIMALS) but at the same time im not saveing them from being killed for food because i think theres more meat eaters then vegetarians out there. i just become a vegetarian because i truely think that meats full of crap and it not good for us

Answer 7

Just tell them i am a kind person and do not wana eat animals....if they ask any lame questions,there is no nid to keep on quarreling with them

Answer 8

LOL i just say i wouldn't eat my brother so i won't eat something else that was alive and moving around