The Vegetarian Chronicles: "so where do you get your protein?"

As a vegetarian I find not only the consumption of meat distasteful, but also my more militant counterparts who evangelize this diet and use tactics for eliciting shame from carnivores. Near fanatical proselytizing only engenders contempt, not conversion. What does tend to influence people to adopt a vegetarian diet are those who are no more vocal about their dietary habits than their choice of detergent and who, beyond a certain age, demonstrate physical well being, a level of healthiness surpassing their peers. The knowledge that they are vegetarians can be obtained through simply dining with such individuals.

Yet, the concept of the healthy vegetarian or vegan is often overshadowed by those who approach the diet in a foolhardy fashion and find themselves stricken with anemia, malnutrition, a generally sickly pallor and other maladies. Because of these cases, the oft-repeated question one receives is, "so where do you get your protein from?" The smart aleck in me wants to respond with, "Food! Where'd you think I got it from, copper wiring and topsoil?"

My foray into veganism began in January of 2010 and, ironically, has enriched my diet far more than when I was merely a vegetarian often relying heavily on dairy products as a source of protein. Once again, it is possible to call oneself a vegetarian if one subsists -for however long the body will allow it -on Ramen noodles, pizza and beer, but such a practice will sway few people, if any. The variety of a vegan diet made itself evident yesterday as I compiled a list of groceries for the weekly run to the supermarket. My list went as follows:

Garbanzo beans
Black beans
Pasta
Tomato Sauce
Potatoes
Brown rice
White rice
Soy meat (veggie burgers, salami, hot dogs, chorizo, etc.)
Lettuce
Vinegar dressing
Vegetable soups
Baked beans
Pinto beans
Hummus
Pita bread
Lentils
Soy sour cream
Soy mayonnaise
Avocados (for making guacamole)
Nachos
Salsa
Coconut milk ice cream bars
Soy milk
Tofu (can be made into a delicious dish using several recipes, particularly from Korean cookbooks)

These are just some of the items that sustain me. In addition to buying my own food, several restaurants are well suited to vegetarians/vegans, e.g., Ethiopian, Middle Eastern, Italian, Indian, and to a certain extent, Korean.

One issue that should be raised is excess reliance on soy. While studies are not definitive, an abundance of soy products has been shown to be a potential hazard to female health, thus moderation is essential.

The vegan diet has been profitable to me in terms of health, but to sustain it, regular consumption of multivitamins plus B-12 vitamins are vital.

Returning to the popularization of the diet, it is important to remember that you have undertaken something by choice. Excess preaching, badgering and attempts to induce guilt will only result in a backlash. As it is a choice, make sure that you reflect in your body itself just how healthy a choice this can be if undertaken in the right way. Most individuals are intrigued by those who appear to age slowly, thus a person whose weight is within normal range may exhibit that, and responsible vegetarianism is often a good way to stave off obesity. The point is to be an example, not a fanatical proselyte. The dietary choice you have made is one that will benefit this Earth and your conduct, if reasonable, may draw converts while its polar opposite may engender mistrust of vegetarians as well as disdain.