I used to think being vegan or vegetarian was all sunshine and rainbows, but boy was I wrong! Don’t get me wrong, I love eating my veggies and fruits, but there are definitely some downsides to living a meat-free lifestyle.
Here are 25 disadvantages of being vegan and vegetarian:
1. Limited Restaurant Options
Going out to eat can be a nightmare when you’re vegan or vegetarian. Most restaurants have limited options, and even those that do offer plant-based meals often don’t cater to specific dietary restrictions.
2. Social Isolation
Eating with friends and family can be tough when your diet is different from theirs. You might feel left out or judged for your choices, which can make socializing difficult.
3. Nutrient Deficiencies
Certain nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and zinc are harder to obtain through a plant-based diet alone. Supplementing may be necessary for optimal health.
4. Higher Grocery Bills
Organic produce and specialty items like plant-based meats can be pricey compared to conventional options.
5. Time-Consuming Meal Prep
Preparing plant-based meals from scratch takes time and effort compared to grabbing something quick at a drive-thru.
6. Difficulty Traveling
Finding suitable food options while traveling can be challenging and stressful.
7. Constantly Explaining Yourself
As a vegan or vegetarian, you’ll likely encounter lots of questions about your lifestyle from curious (or judgmental) individuals.
8. Judgment From Others
Speaking of judgmental people…some folks just won’t understand why you choose not to eat meat, and they might not hold back their opinions on the matter.
9. Temptation To Cheat
If you weren’t always plant-based, it’s easy to crave old favorites like cheeseburgers or chicken wings once in a while.
10. Limited Protein Sources
Protein is an essential nutrient, and while there are plenty of plant-based sources, they may not be as high in protein or as bioavailable as animal products.
11. Difficulty Gaining Muscle
Without sufficient protein intake and regular strength training, building muscle on a plant-based diet can be a challenge.
12. Social Stigma
Vegans and vegetarians have long been the butt of jokes and stereotypes, which can make it difficult to take your lifestyle seriously in some circles.
13. Misinformation
There’s a lot of conflicting information out there about the health benefits (or drawbacks) of veganism and vegetarianism, which can be confusing for those considering the lifestyle.
14. Eating Disorders
Some individuals may use veganism or vegetarianism as an excuse to restrict their food intake, leading to disordered eating patterns.
15. Weight Gain
While a plant-based diet can be healthy, it’s not necessarily low calorie. Overeating on vegan or vegetarian foods can lead to weight gain just like any other type of diet.
16. Limited Fast Food Options
If you’re in a hurry, finding fast food options that fit within your dietary restrictions can be tough.
17. Cooking Burnout
After a while, preparing meals from scratch every day can become tedious and exhausting.
18. Guilt When Making Exceptions
It’s natural to feel guilty when you make exceptions to your dietary restrictions – even if it’s for something important like someone’s wedding or birthday party.
19. Restricted Dessert Options
Many desserts contain animal products like butter, eggs, or cream cheese making dessert options limited for vegans and vegetarians
20. Label Reading Fatigue
When grocery shopping label reading will become necessary habit especially if you want to avoid animal byproducts but this activity could cause fatigue
21. Digestive Issues
Switching up your diet drastically could cause some digestive issues until your body adapts to new foods
22. Elimination Of Comfort Foods
Comfort foods like Mac and cheese, hamburgers, hot dogs or even good old chicken soup will have to be eliminated from your diet and that could be hard
23. Judgement Within The Community
There’s also a fair amount of judgement within the vegan and vegetarian community itself – one person’s definition of “ethical eating” may differ greatly from another.
24. Lack Of Convenience
When everyone else is chowing down on pizza or burgers you may find yourself in a situation where there are no plant-based options available
25. Feeling Like An Outsider
Sometimes being vegan or vegetarian can make you feel like you don’t belong at social events or family gatherings where food plays a central role
According to research carried out by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, vegans and vegetarians are at higher risk for nutrient deficiencies such as vitamin B12, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.
FAQs:
Q: Can I still get enough protein on a vegan or vegetarian diet?
A: Yes! Plant-based sources like beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, nuts and seeds can provide sufficient protein if consumed in adequate amounts.
Q: Is it expensive to eat plant-based?
A: It depends on what kinds of foods you choose. Some plant-based items (like fruits and veggies) can be affordable while others (like specialty meat alternatives) can be more costly.
Q: Do I need to take supplements on a vegan/vegetarian diet?
A: It’s recommended that vegans supplement with vitamin B12 as it is primarily found in animal products. Depending on individual needs other supplements might also be necessary. Consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regimens.
In conclusion, being vegan or vegetarian comes with its own set of challenges but these setbacks can be overcome with proper planning and education about the lifestyle. Remember that every person is different so one person’s experience may not be the same as another.
