If you’re vegan, you have your reasons, and it’s likely that you’re consistently ear-beating people into seeing things your way. They must understand why you have made your choice, and you know what’s best for them, damnit. I’ve definitely turned people off with this approach. You probably have, too. So why aren’t more people hip to a plant-based lifestyle?
On the face of it, most people aren’t as opposed to a diet change as you may think. But there seem to be a couple of hangups that if we can get over, more people will switch to a better choice for themselves and the environment.
In response to telling others that you’re vegetarian, you’ll get a few predictable responses:
- I could never do that.
- Why do you do that?
- Aren’t you worried about your health?
The phrasing will change, but the ideas are consistent. Each question is equally dumb, and poorly thought out. Not sayin’, but I’m jus’ sayin.
The biggest issue to tackle is people thinking that they could never become vegetarian. People feel this way for two reasons:
- They don’t think they have the strength to do it.
- They don’t have the knowledge to pursue it.
Both issues come from the same place– lack of information. They don’t know what to cook, and they are worried that they’ll be handicapping one of life’s great pleasures–eating. People in this camp may be the easiest to swing over because all they need are a few recipes and techniques in order to get on the veg train. It’s surprising how many people are receptive to the message. Some will even listen to you go on about how you can beat a turkey all day and still call it organic, or how all cows are fed grass for the first few years of their lives, resulting in the term grass-fed amounting to nothing more potent than “natural” or “water-based.” What we need to do for those that will listen is give them some tools that will help set them up for success. Reasons for being vegetarian only get you half way to the goal. The rest is all about systems and strategies. The right recipes and rituals are the best way to follow the results of your reasons. Arrrrgh.
Feed your friends delicious, cruelty-free meals and show them that we don’t lack pleasure, health or diversity in our diets.
Many people assume that vegetarians only eat grilled cheeses and that vegans are loonies chewing on raw celery and apple skins all day. This spell must be broken and the only way to do it is to feed people good food. If you have recipes, create a blog and push the recipes out there. Come out of the closet and show the world that your diet is rich and diverse.
Educate the curious. If someone thinks it’s unhealthy to be vegan, they’ll need facts, professional opinions and they’ll probably continue to believe whatever nonsense that the diary industry has been pumping into their soft brains. For this type of person, the best way to reach them is to be fit, healthy, enjoy your life and engage actively with those around you. Don’t push these people too hard. They’ll push back and then shut down the part ofthem that would otherwise be willing to listen to what you have to say.
Big changes start with your choices. B
e a fit, openly compassionate person, and the people that live on burgers and chicken breast will eventually ask for your help. You’re on the right side of health, ethics and environmentalism, so speak the truth plainly and follow the path you see fit. People will eventually grow tired of being tired, and they’ll start taking notes on how to get more aligned with a healthier lifestyle.
If we can frame the argument in a way that resonates with people, we’ll have a chance of helping people, animals and the planet. It’s easy to shove videos like Earthlings or Forks Over Knives in people’s faces, but they won’t make it through the first five minutes of a movie unless they’re motivated to do so. Be patient. Read the room. Spread the message.
Eat your veggies.
Be well,
Veg VA
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Vegetarian Virginia 