10 Misconceptions About Going Vegetarian

We all know that eating fruits and vegetables is a healthy habit, which is why going vegetarian is the healthiest yet the most boring option, right? Actually, no.

Many have switched to living a plant-based life, from regular people to celebrities like Ellen Degeneres and Liam Hemsworth. Despite the growing popularity of vegetarianism, many are still confused about what it’s really all about. Here are ten misconceptions about going vegetarian.

1. Not enough protein.

It’s easy to get enough protein without eating animal meat. Yes, meat and eggs are complete proteins, and beans and nuts aren’t. But there are meat-free protein sources like seaweed, artichoke hearts, leafy greens, quinoa, and spirulina.

2. Vegetarian = healthy

Even though you don’t eat meat but consume high-fat meatless menus, then it’s still unhealthy.

3. Don’t have enough energy.

If you’re a strict vegetarian, you may be more likely to suffer from low vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause a number of symptoms, including fatigue. But the reason why you’re tired all the time is not because you don’t eat meat anymore, but because you don’t have a good replacement.

4. People go vegetarian to lose weight.

Going vegetarian has been associated with weight loss. However, it is also possible to gain weight as a vegetarian. It all comes down to what kind of food you are putting inside your body.

5. You should stop eating meat cold turkey (no pun intended).

The idea of completely giving up meat forms a big stumbling block for most. Drastic changes to one’s diet never last. Do not beat yourself up for eating meat. There is no need to give it up altogether.

6. Pregnant women should not be vegetarian.

Expecting women need double the iron, which is mostly found in meat. But that doesn;t mean vegetarians are not supposed to get pregnant. They just need to increase their consumption of spinach, lentils, and fortified foods. The should also take prenatal supplements.

7. It’s an expensive lifestyle.

Except for a few delicacies, pound-for-pound plant foods tend to be more of a bargain than meat.

8. You should be great at cooking.

Preparing a vegetarian meal is just like any regular meals, it’s all about trial and error. You don’t need to be an experienced chef to whip out a glorious plant-based dish, all you have to do is try something on your own, or check some recipes online.

9. You will never ever taste your favorite meat menus again.

There are so many meat-inspired vegetarian dishes out there that you don’t have to miss your favorite burger or steak. With many people switching to vegetarianism, there are now a lot of meatless versions of our favorite meals.

10. Being vegetarian is about protecting animals.

Although most people’s main reason for going vegetarian is to lessen animal cruelty, it’s actually not only about that at all. Vegetarianism is also about religious beliefs, and for health reasons as well.