A vegetarian is someone who doesn’t eat meat or fish. They can still have a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains and other sources of protein.
With the growing popularity of this lifestyle, dating a vegetarian can be a wonderful experience. However, you need to be open-minded to their dietary habits and respect their lifestyle choices.
Be Open-Minded
There are many reasons why people choose to be vegetarian, from health to ethical concerns. If you’re dating a vegetarian who’s passionate about their cause, it’s best to respect their deep convictions. However, if they’re not willing to compromise on their lifestyle, then it may be best for you to move on.
Don’t pressure them to eat like you do, as this will likely make them feel defensive. Instead, live by example, and try to learn more about their lifestyle so you can better understand it.
Also, it’s important to remember that not all vegetarians are vegan. Some are pescatarian, which means they eat fish but not red meat or chicken. Others are pollotarian, which means they eat poultry and some red meat but not all types of beef, pork or lamb. These are the types of vegetarians who will likely be more flexible when it comes to eating out in places that serve non-vegetarian food.
Don’t Joke About Vegetarian Food
It’s important to be open-minded when dating a vegetarian, but that doesn’t mean you should make fun of their food choices. Joking about how many animals had to die for their salad is not constructive, and it can lead to resentment down the line.
Vegetarians are usually passionate about their lifestyle, and they probably don’t want to hear you question it. Whether they’re vegan, flexitarian, or just don’t eat meat, they likely made the decision for different reasons.
Avoid asking them why they’re a vegetarian because it can feel intrusive and judgmental. Plus, it’s impossible to know if they started their diet for health reasons or because of an ethical belief. Either way, they shouldn’t have to answer that question on your date’s first visit to KFC. Avoiding the question is the best way to respect their convictions and show that you care about them. Also, avoid making comments about their weight, since it may come across as insensitive.
Don’t Take Them to Places Serving Non-Vegetarian Food
Sometimes you want to treat your date to a night out at a restaurant that feels a little special and has dishes that are more than just a composed salad on a tennis ball-sized head of lettuce with a cheff-y riff on ranch dressing. And that’s okay.
Just make sure you’re not taking them to a place where they will inevitably end up eating meat. The cooks are likely to use the same kitchenware, such as ladles, for cooking and serving vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. And they are also unlikely to be able to separate their food and serve it on separate plates.
If you’re considering becoming a vegetarian, start by ramping up your meatless meals and gradually increase the number of meatless meals you have each week. Then, try to get more protein from plant-based sources such as beans or tofu. And don’t forget to add in some foods fortified with vitamin B12 to prevent a deficiency.
Don’t Ask Why They Are Vegetarian
A vegetarian diet, when carefully planned, can be as healthy as any other. It can help you control your weight and lower your risk for many diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It can also provide you with enough protein and some key vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, calcium, iron, zinc and potassium.
Those who are vegetarian do so for a number of reasons, ranging from compassion for animals and the environment to disliking the taste of meat to religious beliefs or cultural values. Vegetarian eaters, on average, have lower cholesterol and blood pressure than meat-eaters and tend to be more physically active. They also consume less saturated fat and more dietary fiber, vitamins C and E, folic acid, magnesium and phytochemicals (plant chemicals). Some people choose to eat fish or poultry but not meat, and are known as pescatarians; others are semi-vegetarians or flexitarians and eat meat on occasion or in small amounts.