As a lifelong vegetarian, I’ve had my fair share of conversations with people who are convinced that I must be lacking in protein. They often ask me, “But where do you get your protein from?” And I have to resist the urge to roll my eyes and recite the long list of vegetarian protein sources I’ve memorized over the years.
Instead, I like to keep things interesting and humorous by responding with something like, “Oh, you know, the usual sources: air, water, and sunshine.” That usually gets a laugh and allows me to segue into a discussion of the many health benefits of a vegetarian diet.
One of the most compelling reasons to go vegetarian is the numerous health benefits associated with the diet. Studies have shown that vegetarians have lower rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, a vegetarian diet can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of obesity.
And despite what some people may believe, it’s entirely possible to get all the protein your body needs from a vegetarian diet. There are plenty of vegetarian protein sources out there, from beans and lentils to nuts and seeds. Even some vegetables, like broccoli and spinach, contain protein.
Of course, there are some who still insist that a vegetarian diet is lacking in protein. To those people, I like to remind them that some of the world’s strongest animals are herbivores. Gorillas, for example, are primarily vegetarian and yet have the strength to lift up to ten times their body weight.
So, the next time someone asks me where I get my protein from, I’ll just smile and tell them I’m getting all the protein I need from the magical power of vegetarianism. After all, if it works for gorillas, it can work for me too.
