Stupid!

Is that too harsh? Or is idiot more subtle?

I was at a gathering and this one person across the table was telling someone about a vegetarian he knew so well. Sitting beside me were two other plant-based eaters. On one side was a new member of the bandwagon. Basically, at that table were four plant eaters.

He was telling this other person that she (the vegetarian) recently gave birth to her second child, and sadly, the doctors immediately found out that there was something wrong with the child because the mother was vegetarian. According to him, the doctor said that the mother didn't have enough nutrients from her vegetarian diet.

How evidently stupid is that? 

If she was still a vegetarian while carrying her first child, why was the first baby normal? Her family is vegetarian for religious reasons. Why is she (the mother) normal if her mother is vegetarian? If the mother was born into a vegetarian household, why is she not sick? In fact, she's a professional dancer and a certified yoga instructor.

He said when she's around, they have a hard time feeding her, and most of the time, they only serve her a salad.

I held my tongue while listening to him. Did he forget that I brought a vegetarian dish at that gathering? Did he forget I am a herbivore? I have been telling everyone on Instagram, Facebook and this blog about it for years.

When we got home, he and his ignorance was our topic! Honestly, I am seldom exposed of his kind, and maybe that was the first time.

I don't agree with what an idiot will insist, but I think it was useless to argue with him. Although I was really tempted to pull his head out from his ass,  I just let him continue his stupidity. and eventually, I left the table. 

I grew up knowing a few people, both from family and friends, that had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, gout, heart diseases, and diabetes. As a child, I kept hearing them that they were told by their health care providers to cut down on eating meat, to portion control, to add more vegetables and fruits in their diet, and to exercise.

What doctor would tell a patient to cut down on vegetables and fruits to reverse diseases?

What doctor would tell a patient to eat more meat to be healthier?

I am not saying vegetarians and plant eaters are holier than thou,and would live forever. I just hated it when he implied that being one was the cause of her friend's daughter's condition.

The more plants and color in your plate is best. This is what I know, but didn't really followed it until in my 40s.

I was ignorant before about the effects of plants as a medicine and for reversal of diseases, but I never insisted that my being a carnivore was better and healthier. I just thought a meal without meat was...

... sad.

Filipinos are meat eaters. This is what I have observed. Now that there is Facebook and other social media, I have seen photos of tables of celebrations or even a normal meal that vegetables are usually used as garnishes on meat dishes, and fruits are table decorations.

Sadder.

Now, I am humbly apologizing to myself for it took me longer to treat my body kinder and nicer. Taking the plant-based diet was a decision I made years ago. I do not have any problems with the transition. It was not for ethical reasons, but solely for health. I am reaping the results of the diet now.

I knew growing up that as I'll age, I'll be having the same diseases as what my elders had. I didn't know that can be prevented with the plant-based diet.

Oh! And also, I think it's inconsiderate to invite vegetarians and plant-eaters to a gathering, and not serve even a single dish for them. I was at that gathering and there was nothing for me.

I was unsure of their menu, so I asked what dishes will they serve. I learned that it will be a meat only feast, but I still went because it was an honor for me to be invited at a gathering.

I don't feel loved and welcomed when I am served with salad. Just don't invite me anymore, or only invite me for potlucks, or maybe, include that in your party invitation that you have no vegetable dish at the gathering. I certainly would understand, especially most Filipinos who are clueless of all-vegetable dishes. I can bring my own food, if you really want me to be there at your gathering.

 Nothing for me on your table will make me feel that you don't really want me at your gathering. In my part, I will decline invitations from now on.

By the way, I ate meat there. Their food was all tasty and delicious, but I felt terrible after and suffered the consequence for days.

If you are ignorant, uneducated, or a complete idiot, read about the things you have no clue about, ask questions, and  please don't proclaim it! It's not contagious, but surely I will stay away from you.