Many big holidays are all about the big buffet: the ham, the roast beef, the gravy. The list could go on and on. So much time and effort is put into preparing these courses, that it truly feels terrible to not be able to appreciate them in full. The vegetarian diet means eating unconventional meals on holidays, as most have some form of meat as the main course. On holidays especially, a vegetarian at the table watches the other guests load up their plates with as much food as their hearts desire, while he or she most likely has as many as five options. This usually means resorting to taking double the amount of servings than the other members at the table.
A typical vegetarian plate at holidays such as Christmas may receive comments about how healthy it is or questions if the person is cutting back to try to lose weight. Rather than a full plate of ham and turkey, the plate will have only a few scoops of mashed potatoes and a side of green beans—not the most traditional of meals. This makes it impossible to fill up on dinner alone and can also lead to devouring more dessert than intended.
Unfortunately, this process also happens outside of holidays. It is an almost daily reality for most vegetarians as the options for proteins and certain nutrients are scarce if meat is cut out of a diet. Vitamin D, for example, is present in some plant sources. However, vitamin D3 is a version that is only found in animals. Low vitamin D levels, as well as low calcium levels, can lead to brittle bones. This is a disease called osteoporosis, which leaves individuals more susceptible to fractures. Zinc is another nutrient that is commonly found in animals, helping boost the immune system and metabolic rates. Fortunately, it can be found in vegetarian foods, such as sunflower seeds. A lack of protein can be dangerous if it is rarely reached. Protein, especially animal protein, is rich in iron, which assists blood cells in transporting nutrients throughout the body. Low iron levels can lead to fatigue, increased heartbeat and overall weakness.
Though scarce, there are a handful of protein-rich vegetarian food items. Any form of nuts are a good source, but many people either suffer from allergies or are simply uninterested in this option. If allergies are not the issue, nut butters tend to appease more appetites than the nuts alone. A handful of almonds, smoothies, protein bars and Greek yogurt are some of the few snacks that are full of enough protein to allow vegetarians to reach their daily intake.
The stigma surrounding vegetarians is that they are all “health freaks”. However, by taking a look at the daily diet of one, this stereotype can be easily broken. As previously mentioned, a lack of protein leaves the consumer to never feel fully satisfied. This brings an onset of craving and, in some cases, binge eating. In many cases, becoming vegetarian is linked to distorted eating; after all, it is a diet. Those who struggle with unhealthy eating patterns may choose to cut out entire food groups, such as meats, in attempts to keep weight off. This can be the same reason that many join extreme diets such as keto, juice diets, sugar free diets and many more.
Restrictive diets require willpower, especially in the beginning phases. Learning how to eat and make meals without certain foods can be a struggle, and fighting cravings can be an even bigger one. However, many diets can be looked upon as a joke. No matter how long or short a diet has been going on, cravings will come up and, sometimes, win. This does not mean that one is cheating on their diet or that they are faking it, but that does not always translate to those with no dietary restrictions.
Another inconvenience can be eating out with friends or family can be stressful, no matter the diet. Usually, it requires research on restaurants’ menus or even on restaurants themselves that accommodate for the diet. For vegetarians, the stereotypical and most common meal choice will be a salad. This is due to the common lack of meat-free foods that many restaurants offer. Besides a side salad, most will carry a plant-based burger or pasta. Menu items are scarce, which makes dining plans even more scarce.
Whether it be the daily struggles or those on major holidays, vegetarians are left to be cautious of their food intake while others get to enjoy their meals carefree. For those who are not on diets, it is important to remember that food related holidays can become big stressors for anyone who struggles with anxiety surrounding food.
