She laughs like God, her mind's like a diamond.

New Year's meal. Kale for wealth and Black eyed peas for good luck.

"Wait, so you don't eat meat? Is chicken ok? What about fish??"

"What do you eat?? Vegetables??"  

"Just try it! There's barely any meat in it!" 

And it goes on, and on, and on. I know other vegetarians encounter this and I'm sure it's tenfold for vegans. I don't mind when people want to know more. But it can get frustrating when you know you're being judged or thought to be "uneducated" on health and food.

People go nuts over vegetarians. I think recently it's become more popular and so you see more and more people choosing to have vegetarian diets or mostly veggie diets. This makes me happy - there's definitely more options now at Publix (popular grocery store) and restaurant menus. 

Everyone has a million questions, and it's interesting to hear what people consider "meat". So many ask if I can eat chicken or will say, "Oh, it's ok for you to eat. It's got chicken!" Or fish (no, I choose not to eat fish either). People also tend to think we only eat vegetables. While that would be quite possibly the healthiest diet - I don't. For the record - things like Twinkies and Oreos are free game (you can be an unhealthy vegetarian or vegan). 

When people aren't super intrigued,  I tend to get a lot of people pressuring me into eating meat. Bribes, bets, etc. I have fallen into this trap. I ate meat for six months before I realized I just couldn't do it. I constantly felt guilty, unhealthy, and physically sick. I think people just think it's "natural" and we've been doing it since the beginning of time, so I need to realize that and get on the meat eating train. Yes, when we were cavemen we needed it to survive. But we're much more advanced now. I can get all of those nutrients (and more!!) without killing an innocent animal, why do it? It's just not for me. 

I don't go around judging other's for what they choose to fill their bellies with. If you love baby back ribs and fried shrimp - more power to you! I won't be joining in the feast. But if you threw some kale and mushrooms with chick pea patties in there, I'm your gal! 

Happy Hearts, 

Alex

P.S. Happy Friday!