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Answers: Okay, so first I should explain by saying that I am not, technically, a vegetarian because I still eat fish and sometimes cheese. I decided to give up beef, chicken, pork, and dairy for health reasons; my diet is not any sort of religion or anything. I'm not out to judge other's diet choices, meat or not.

But I've been this way for about a month now, and I'm starting to get to the point where people are starting to wonder why I'm not so keen on chicken wings and burgers anymore. I LOVE how much healthier and lighter on my feet I am, so other than a few rare occasions (i.e. Thanksgiving), I probably will keep up the meat-free diet.

But it seems kind of high-handed to tell the average person that I'm a "pesco-ovo-vegetarian"; most people don't know what that means and frankly don't care. But if they slave over a meal and present it to me, without knowing what I do and don't eat, I can see how it would be frustrating. "What do you mean, you don't eat meat? You eat fish!"

Any advice?

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Well, yours is a little harder to explain. I just say I'm vegan and that pretty much sums it up. In your case, if you need to explain your diet to people, I'd just say, "I'm cutting down on my meat consumption. I'm still eating fish, but that's about it." Any time you can let someone know this before the prepare a meal for you instead of after, do it to spare both of you awkwardness.

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If you are talking to someone who prepared a meal for you, then start with a complement such as... What a beautiful meal, I can tell how much care you took to prepare this for me. If they ask why you are only eating the side dishes and not the juicy rare steak, you can say that it looks and smells delicious, but for health reasons your doctor wants you to cut out the meat. Blame it on the doctor.. they'll never know and it will make them feel less like you are rejecting their carefully prepared meal.

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Most of the time i just say im not hungry.

Or that i dont like the taste of something.

Or that i dont feel like what ever it is.

I dont like getting into discussions about my personal life choices, as i dont feel the need to justify them to anyone but myself : )

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Most veger diets are very healthy. There's no arguing that.

ryan---"I dont like getting into discussions about my personal life choices, as i dont feel the need to justify them to anyone but myself : )"-----almost every answer you give has something like this. When you say something like this in the middle of doing the exact opposite, you come across as insecure. Be more confident in your beliefs and your answers will be more believable.

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I would just be honest, you said you don't eat meat for health reasons. Then tell them that, they are most likely going to ask why? Your reasons may be trying a low saturated fat diet, or low cholesterol, or for whatever other reason.

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Well, saying, "what do you mean you don't eat meat? You eat fish?" is correct on their part. It is understandable that they would be confused.

There is no need to use a bunch of fancy words. Just say, "I am working toward becoming a vegetarian, but I still eat fish for now."

Vegetarian = no eating dead animals, so they can understand that. And "trying to be," well, everyone understands that.

Let people know upfront so that you are not in a position to have someone cook a bunch of food for you so you can then turn down their efforts. Also, bring your own food so you have that to eat, and maybe you can nibble on the meatless (except for fish) side dishes too.

It can be difficult at first to let people know that you are making dietary changes, but they get it eventually. Also, they will be happy to have had this information before they have slaved over a meal.

Also, please do not use the word "vegetarian" because then you create confusion for everyone... especially actual vegetarians.

Good luck
:)

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Easy you just say...I no longer eat beef, chicken, pork, or dairy products period. There is no need to make a big special dish for me some pasta, rice, and veggies would be just fine. Or if you like I can bring a dish or 2 to share?
Chances are they are going to stare at you like you have 2 heads if you read them off your label so just tell them what you will and will not eat plain and simple.

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