Myth 1: Dairy products are a good source of calcium and are essential for bone health.
False – when it comes to healthy sources of calcium, dairy products can’t compare to beans, almonds, t
ofu, sesame seeds, soy milk, seaweed, and grains. A study of nearly 78,000 women found no evidence to support the claim that milk builds stronger bones. However, studies do show that the animal protein found in dairy products actually increases the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Myth 2: Eating fish and other sea animals is good for you.
False – if you wouldn’t drink seawater, you shouldn’t eat sea animals. The flesh of certain fish and shellfish has been found to be 9 million times more toxic than the water that they live in. Consuming toxic fish greatly increases the risk of birth defects and various types of cancer and can damage the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.
Myth 3: Vegetarians don’t get enough protein.
False – Protein is easy to get – it is abundant in both plant and animal foods. In fact, most people eat more than double the amount of protein per day than they need. Vegetarians who eat a balanced diet – like beans, vegetables, grains, fruit, nuts and seeds – have no problem getting enough protein in their diets.
Myth 4: Vegetarian diets aren’t good enough for athletes.
False – vegetarian and vegan diets are just as capable of sustaining elite-level athletes as omnivorous diets. Athletes can burn thousands of calories more than average exercisers and it may be difficult for them to eat enough food and get enough nutrients, vegetarian or not. Check this site out for a list of famous vegetarian/vegans!
Myth 5: Vegetarian diets are not healthy. 
False – vegetarian diets can be appropriate for every age and stage of life – even during pregnancy and infancy. Just like a diet that contains meat, meatless diets should be balanced and planned according to each person’s needs.
Myth 6: Vegetarian diets aren’t natural – humans are meant to eat meat.
False – humans are omnivores. We are capable of surviving on animal- or plant-based diets. The variety of diets around the world show that it is possible for people to subsist on only plants, while others survive on milk or meat. Culture, tradition, and food availability all help to dictate our diets. But this is an interesting article posted by PETA.
Myth 7: Vegetables aren’t filling enough.
False – most vegetables are lower in calories than meat and cheese products, so you may have to eat a higher volume of them to be full. But thanks to a balance of protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber, meatless diets can be rich and satisfying too. Not convinced? Try a hot bowl of vegetarian chili topped with sour cream, cheese and sliced avocado.
Myth 8: Vegetarian and vegan diets are boring.
False – vegetarian and vegan diets can be diverse and interesting. Western cuisine uses meat as a main dish; vegetarian dishes can follow the same plan, using meat substitutes. Branch out and try one-dish meals, soups, stews and stir-fries instead of having meat at the center of the plate. In my experience, vegetarians and partial vegetarians generally eat a much wider range of foods than the typical bacon loving meat-eater. This site is wonderful for vegetarian meal planning, yummy!
Myth 9: Vegetarians are freakish militants intent on banning all meat.
False – if you took the time to actually get to know some vegetarians, you’d find the vast majority of them are quite peaceful, and they certainly don’t lie awake at night worrying about what you just had for dinner. Most vegetarians quietly go about their business eating a healthy and perfectly satisfying diet, and they are okay with you eating meat if that’s what you choose to do.
Myth 10: Vegetarians can’t have successful relationships with non-vegetarians.
False – if people of two different religions can marry or coexist in the same home, a veggie lover and a carnivore can find a way to make it work too (and lots do!). Even though I may hate the smell of bacon cooking in my house, I know my hubby LOVES it and deserves his “treats” every now and then!
What have you heard about vegetarian/vegan diets?
The Vegetarian Wife 
I LOVE it!! I have been a vegetarian for 27 years…I am raising both of my kids as vegetarians and my husband is a meat eater. We live harmoniously and my kids were both over 10lbs at birth (I am 5’5″ and 120lbs so that was a surprise!) and they have both been in the 95th percentile, growing and blossoming. I especially like number 9 and 10. One of the things I find over and over is that people ask me a million questions about meat, non-meat, my thoughts, my beliefs etc…if I can make it through a group meal without having to justify and defend what is on (or not on) my plate I am thrilled. Do you find the same thing?
WOW! That is great news, thank you so much for sharing! My husband and I don’t have children yet but we are planning to in the near future. We have had a lot of discussions about whether or not we will raise our children to eat meat or to be vegetarians. Because I do all of the cooking and my husband eats mostly vegetarian, we will raise our children to do the same, allowing them to make their own decisions when they are older.
I don’t find that I have to justify why I am not eating meat. What I find is that once someone has realized you don’t eat meat meal time all of a sudden becomes a big deal and they feel that they can’t go to certain restaurants or make certain foods. I have chosen not to eat meat, it doesn’t matter where we are, I will find something to eat, and it doesn’t need to be a huge ordeal!
Thanks for dispelling some of those popular myths. My 7 year old is naturally inclined to be vegetarian and my husband worries she won’t get enough of the right nutrients to grow on if she doesn’t eat meat. He’s definitely a carnivore!! Love how you’ve improved the look and feel of your original site–it’s very inviting and attractive!
Thank you very much for your comments! When I was younger I never really wanted to eat the meant my mom put on my plate. When I was living on my own and still eating meat, I would have two bites and be done. There are MANY different ways to get all the nutrients you need, some ways are a lot healtheir than eating meat. My husband and I do not have children yet, but we will raise them on a vegetarian diet and let them decide if they want to eat meat when they are older. I have done plenty of research to know how to get the right nutrients into them.
I loved this blog! My mom is a vegetarian and although sometimes it can be difficult to balance having two different types of meals made she always is able to have it done! Sometimes I even like her meal items better than mine! Especially when flying on an airplane… Great post! 🙂
Thank you! My husband (the bacon lover) would 100% agree with you on the airplane food! He now asks me to order him the vegetarian meal when I am booking our flights. At home my husband eats mostly vegetarian… we thought we were done with the balancing act of meals, however; we now have two international students living with us and their favourite meal is beef.
This made me feel better about vegetarian – though I’ve never had a problem with it. I did have my first experience of vegan cheese a few weeks ago. Any idea what its made from?
I really enjoyed this post and was very interested in your point 10 about calcium. WOW. I never knew that almonds, beans, sesame etc were just as beneficial in this regard. I’m curious to get your perspective on tofu? I’ve heard some negative things about soy’s estrogen-mimicking compounds .