I was telling a good friend how I am now vegan and she does the whole "So, how do you get enough calcium now you're not drinking milk?" And so I went on to tell her about non-dairy milks and how calcium is in a lot of fruits and veggies and that there is no reason a vegan will have deficiencies provided they have a healthy diet and eat plenty of variety, she responds with:
"Ooh, I don't know about that! I know HEAPS of vegans and they are ALL weak and frail and walk like old ladies" >.<
I suggested they aren't eating properly and she said they are always eating vegetables, but for her, always eating vegetables could be 2 carrots a day (she lives off takeaway and ready meals, I don't think she's ever had a fruit or vegetable in her life)
There was no getting through to her at all.
She probably thinks I'm all weak and frail now, even though I'm obviously not!
What's annoying, is that, I expect people who don't know me to make crazy assumptions about me, but people who do know/should know me best also make assumptions about me. I have a problem with my left elbow, my arm is pretty much useless, I needed an operation and have being going to physio twice a week for almost 3 years, I've been vegan for something like 4-5 months and my family thinks that's exactly why I have a problem with my arm, even though the problem started 4 years BEFORE I was vegan!
*face palm*
I'm fortunate that most of the circles I hang with are skeptics so though the majority aren't vego/vegan, they know I do it on ethical grounds based on reason so when a discussion sparks, everyone is respected.
I do know one skeptic that likes to do the "well I'll eat an extra steak for you!" sort of guy. Always have to have one!
With my family, it was constantly, "You'll get sick!" My mum use to say grandma knew a woman that nearly died. Think it was to scare me but it didn't work!
Then they saw that from being underweight as a meat eater, I went to healthy weight + ate only healthy food instead of all the junk I use to, they backed off.
Then I got diagnosed with a chronic mental illness and they went back to the "You'll get sick! You have a condition!" Oh dear.
But to be noted, I find when you deal with strangers asking/dissing you about vego/vegan diets when you do have a health condition, you can have an advantage. They tend to be more sympathic and actually listen. So I usually explain how junk food impacts me and makes my condition much worse and then tell them what it's like by having a healthy vegan diet as part of my treatment plan. A personal story in most cases gets them to shut up and realises you're not just harping figures and facts you read of a PETA site.
I also don't get the 'vegan are crazy activists etc' thing much in person. I've worn a tiger ear headband for over 7 years. That distracts them enough to stop them getting into a rage at me, lol.
so loving everyone's responses. keep 'em coming guys - love the passion for every individuals personal beliefs/values. i have never come across such an accepting bunch of people - especially considering we really only have the one main thing in common.
