"But what do you eat?!"

Now, it should go without saying, but being a vegetarian is obviously a highly personal choice. And, for anyone who has made steps to cut meat out their diet – whatever their reasons might be – they would’ve been on the receiving end of an exasperating comment, question or side-eye, at one point or another.

After being vegetarian for my whole life (that's another story), it’s amazing how people are still constantly baffled, cornered and fascinated about what I am (and what I'm not) eating.

From dad jokes about me tucking into a steak, to genuine fears for my health, here are some of the comments I hear on a regular basis. Now... someone please pass me the stir fry.

1. Where do you get your iron from?

Legumes, lentils, tofu and cashews, for starters. And thank you kindly for your concern.

2. But will you cook meat for your children?

Honestly I haven’t thought that far ahead?

3. Do you eat tuna and chicken?

No. Next.

4. You don’t look like a vegetarian, though.

Sorry, I left my hessian sack and sage stick at home. One of those mornings, haha!

5. It’s fine to eat meat though, it’s the food chain.

Do I tell you how to live your life?

6. I once went vegetarian, but now I eat meat again.

That’s nice.

7. Did you know some plants can feel it when you eat them?

No but I’ll be sure to look that up in all the spare time I have!

8. But what do you eat?!

Thanks for your concern but do I look like I’m fading away? (Don’t answer that.)

9. “Sorry.” (Said while eating a steak.)

Ok?

10. So…. having steak for dinner?

Goodbye.

11.“No thanks, I’m vegetarian.” “Wow!”

Walks away slowly.

12. Can’t you just pick the meat out?

Like, physically I could but I’ll just order something else.

13. You have to eat this though. I made it!

No one forced you.

14. I’m vegetarian in theory, but I could just NEVER give up meat.

Cool.

15. I bought new crockery to make you this dish.

Thanks. That is really thoughtful but you really didn’t have to make all that extra fuss. I honestly just want to be treated like everyone else.