There are many misconceptions surrounding the vegetarian life; Some good and some bad. Over the years, like feminists, vegetarians and vegans have become lobbyists and now it’s no longer about healthy eating; just a dietary competition.

Many people end up being part of the vegetarian team, not because they want to, but because they have heard some interesting points about veganism and certainly want to check them out. Similarly, some vegetarians abandon their diets to embrace the life of meat, and these same misconceptions are often to blame. With that said, here are some of the most common misconceptions surrounding vegetarianism.

vegan food is boring

While it’s true that a vegetarian diet leaves you with few fast food options, there are plenty of recipes for making a wide variety of vegan food. The problem is that you are too lazy to research and explore them. On the other hand, non-vegan food usually involves meat, and if you think about it, non-vegans are actually the ones with limited options. But again, if your definition of ‘boring’ is synonymous with double standards, then be my guest.

A vegetarian diet will make you skinny

Okay, there is some truth to this belief, but it is not 100% accurate. His body is an organic lump and he can’t expect to lose 10 pounds just because he avoids meat. Staying in shape is not only subject to diet but also to lifestyle. If you really want to lose weight, going vegan should be part of the package. You should consider other tips for smart living, such as exercising.

Vegetarianism requires complete abstinence from any kind of meat or fatty foods.

This is a big one. Most people become vegetarians under the misconception that they have to be totally committed to the rather ‘unfriendly’ diet. But hey, this is not prison. It’s your lifestyle and you are free to adopt your own personalized eating habit. You don’t have to be so hard on yourself. Vegetarianism is a choice for a healthy life, not a dictatorship for your body. The real question is why you are doing it. If you can answer that, then you can choose what works perfectly for you.

Vegetarian food is deficient in protein.

If you think the only source of protein in the world is meat, you need to think again. I mean, sure, vegetarians have to work a little harder in their diet to increase their protein levels, but that doesn’t mean they’ll die of kwashiorkor. Foods like beans, nuts and spinach, high in protein and therefore excellent additions to your vegetarian diet.

Vegetarians are strict beings who intend to forbid people from eating meat entirely.

Contrary to what most people believe, vegetarians mind their own business. They have their own reasons for going full-time and are determined to stick with it. Sure, there are a few hotheads here and there, but for the most part, they hardly care what their carnivorous counterparts choose to take on.

You will never be full of vegan food.

Again, your laziness is to blame in this case. Foods like peanut stew and garlic soup, just to name a few recipes, are the perfect solution for your notorious stomach. It’s all a matter of how brave you are to be vegan.

Different people are for or against the vegetarian lifestyle for different reasons. But sometimes these reasons are based on false truths in society. It’s always important to do extensive research before trying something new, especially when it comes to things that have a direct impact on your body. My final word is simple. Being a vegetarian is a choice and you can approach it however you want. Just don’t let these misconceptions stop you.