Since I turned vegan (or really since I first mentioned interest in it), I’ve been getting gruff (read word “gruff” like an older frustrated canine would) about it-

You’re not getting enough protein.

You don’t eat enough…

EWWW you’re going to eat that?!

Just the whole you can’t possibly get enough nutrients deal.

Mind y’all, I pay very close attention to the state of my health. And I don’t like my life style and my decisions being accused- I wouldn’t make a huge change in my life style without first thinking it over.

When I go out to restaurants, I don’t tell the wait-staff that I’m vegan. I don’t feel like I need to explain why I’m asking if the soup has milk in it, or the vegetables were grilled with butter.

I used to explain where I got each and every bit o’ protein, iron, zinc, etc- and even pull out a chart- a dietary assessment I did on my eating habits to back it up.

But sometimes, I just don’t feel the need to. I’m sad that sometimes some people are mis-understanding of my dietary choices, or that they don’t approve of it, but I am not changing my ways. Sometimes my family tries what I make and when they do, they usually like it. But sometimes it takes them a long time to even try it. Support is nice, and sometimes I wish I had more of it, but I’ll make do with what I have. I try to make dishes they might be interested in trying. I know it would be more convenient for the family and for family gatherings if I wasn’t vegan, but that’s not the point.

Edit: This is nothing against people who are genuinely interested in dietary differences. They are always welcome.