“So, why do you no longer eat meat? Where do you get your protein?” Ask any vegan or plant-based eater, I can guarantee you that people have approached them and inquired about their diet – let alone given them unsolicited advice or shared their unasked opinion.

I know that this can be tough, especially for new plant-based individuals. But don’t worry, I have a few key remarks when it comes to these situations. I first ask myself:  

• Are they coming from a place of genuine curiosity or judgment? 
• Is this going to lead to an argument?
• Does this person really want to know where I get my protein?
• How do I respond?

It can be tough to navigate comments or questions from others when you’re new to plant-based. And you don’t have to deal with all of them, which is why I created this little filter for myself.

So, ask yourself: What kind of questions would I like to interact with? 

You could be polite and just say that you don’t want to discuss your food choices at the moment. You can blame it on a doctor, dietitian or medical professional and dodge the question that way. Or you could point out – in a friendly way – that you’re not inquiring about their food choices either, so why do they need to discuss yours?

On the other hand, you can become more transparent and ask them whether they are really curious and open to an honest talk about it, or not. That might catch them off guard, but perhaps they can reflect on their agenda and, in the end, the two of you can have a more authentic and open conversation. 

But please know that you never have to answer anyone when you don’t feel like it. The truth is that almost everyone has an opinion about nutrition, but that doesn’t mean they know what they’re talking about. 

I am sure that with time you’ll find the right way to deal with situations like these. And when you ask yourself, “Is this question coming from a place of genuine curiosity or judgment?”, you’ll be better prepared in how or if to respond.