How do you avoid having to discuss vegetarianism every time you eat?!
How do you avoid having to discuss vegetarianism every time you eat?
I've always been a veggie and I'm proud of it and I have a lot of good reasons, but I'm really bad at arguing the point. I don't need to convince the world that it's a better way to live. How can I avoid having to explain myself every time I eat out and request the veggie meal? I travel a lot and in other cultures they really don't get it and I'm sick of trying to explain it, or having to go through the same conversation a million times over... any ideas on how to just skip over the issue and talk about something else?? Thanks :-)
Answers:
When I'm not in the mood, or I think it's going to become a discussion of sorts, I just smile and say, "It works for me." I find that works really well when I'm traveling and interacting with people from other cultures. It comes across as my choice and it doesn't seem like I'm judging them for their choices. Sometimes I say, "Cause I'm crazy." That generally spells out what they're thinking and gets a laugh.
If I'm in a rude mood, I say something cryptic like "It's really difficult for me to talk about." Then get teary eyed and look away. Or "because!"
I generally just say that I don't eat any meat that can't express appreciation. It's a joke, a quick laugh, and then we move on. But I understand that won't work in all situations.
you know people are laughing at you they just like to make an issue of it to embarress you
try a bit of bacon or ham they are delic.
:-) This is a great question. I've been around people quite enough to understand your situation. People are always asking what it means to be a vegetarian, why you choose to be a vegetarian, etc. I think the best thing to do is, when people ask, let them know that you chose to become a vegetarian and you're very comfortable with your choice. Say it firmly enough, and maybe they'll leave it alone. If not, just bring up some other topic not related to food....if that's possible. Good luck.
I usually say that I find the whole idea of eating flesh gross and give a little shiver. People usually understand then that it's a sore subject.
Or you could pull the religious/moral beliefs card.
dear guys:
i have this discussion several times &
i wanna enjoy my meal
i love that you asked for good reasons to vegetarian. i have a professor who in every lecture, always tells us that we should be VEGAN. since if you are a vegetarian to not hurt the animal or eat meat, you are still consuming dairy products produced by constantly impregnated cows. but hey i eat meat, just not tons of it.
but in ways to skip the conversation - just say "i dont eat meat" or wear a sticker or a button on your shirt, then when you order and make a fuss you can say "hey, im wearing it on my shirt i still have to tell everyone?"
I don't even mention it anymore.. Its such a bore to repeat myself all the time.. So I just do the "Veggie food hunt" quietly!!
say you have heart or cholesterol problems, or you can convert to Hinduism.
I've been a veggie for years. I just don't like meat. It's not for political reasons or to save animals, so when people ask me I say "well, animals have to die some way, but I'm not going to eat them!" That isn't the answer that most people expect to hear so it usually disarms them a bit. If someone persists, I usually say "I would tell you, but I don't want to spoil your love of meat for you." That usually works.
Simply say, "I have my reasons but I'd rather not
get into them." This seems to work for me. If
they persist after that just say, " I don't like the
look of it, I don't find it very appealing".
Just order what you want and don't worry about what everyone else thinks. And if someone asks you why you ordered what you did, just tell them it sounded good to you and leave it at that. Spare your companions any vegetarian pontificating and they'll give you less grief about your choices, too.
Just ask them why they enjoy eating meat and if they like what it does to their body. Or just say because it's my life and I can do what I want. End of subject!!
You might try saying you're watching your weight or counting your calorie intake. Or you've been advised to lower your blood pressure. Or you've been advised to lower your cholesterol.
It's much easier for girls. I've noticed this. If I order a veggie meal, no one says a thing. Folks just assume that since I'm a girl I'm probably dieting. No one asks.
And of course, I'm the one who can and will talk about it all day...
Hmm. Maybe you could say "I don't ask you to justify your choice to eat meat, so why do you expect me to justify my choice not to?"
Hi. When I am travelling, and forced to eat in restos, I tell the wait staff/chef I am deathly allergic to animal products, to ensure they are hypervigilant...Regarding dining companions, say nothing, but simply order your food. If anyone asks, casually tell them you're a quiet herbivore. If a debate ensues, tell them you are respectful of others' choices, and hope they can be respectful of yours...Then promptly change the subject...
I say, in the most non-judgemental friendly way possible, that I just think the meat industry is too cruel to animals for my liking, that's all.
This tends to satisfy people- they don't want any more details about animal cruelty, and they can't come back with "humans are supposed to eat meat" arguments- if they do, I just tell them that's not really the point for me, I just think the industry is cruel and I am healthy enough without it. Tends to stop that one in it's tracks.
My daughter is a vegetarian and when we go to out to eat she ALWAYS makes sure there is absolutely no meat in whatever she orders. I'm proud to say she handles it very well. "I don't eat meat, period!!!!"
It is no-ones business what you eat or don't eat, therefore, you don't have to explain yourself to anyone. Keep it up, you are eating healthy, don't let anyone sway you otherwise. Good luck.
You sound a little crazy to me Meat taste great enjoy it with Veggie then you don't have to try and explain yourself so much