I figured I would start by telling everyone a little about myself and why I am here:

I am a student in my last semester of my undergraduate degree who is interested in health and fitness. I am vegetarian and have been since January 2013. Since then I have not eaten any animals and I also do not usually eat eggs. I drink rice milk instead of cow milk mostly because I do not like the consistency or taste. I am an avid runner and hope to one day run a long distance race.

I am here to hopefully gain support from other vegetarians. I feel that too often I am the butt of a joke or people are ganging up on me. Although I spend a great deal of time researching the topic of vegetarianism I feel like I often don't know how to reply and would rather avoid the topic. I also am hoping to get suggestions for new podcasts, find new favorite recipes, and hopefully find others who feel the way I do. 

Thank You

Calley

Welcome to our forum family, Calley! You will most certainly find the ideas and support you are looking for here at VeggieBoards. If you feel that it is difficult to discuss or defend your vegetarianism, perhaps this article by VB member Yingchen will be helpful: Discussing Vegetarianism and Veganism Using Difficult Conversations. If you have any questions or want to discuss a particular topic, feel free to post on the forum.

Aristede 

Hi Calley and welcome to VeggieBoards. I hope that you find Yingchen's article (mentioned by Aristede) helpful.

Interesting  that you're into drinking rice milk and running, not necessarily at the same time because so am I. I can currently run 6 slow miles but I'm hoping to build up stamina over winter and run a sub-2hr half marathon next spring. 

Leedsveg 

Hi Calley! Welcome to the boards!

Hi Calley and welcome!  You are definitely in good company here. 

I have a few favorite links I like to reference when I need help answering a question or concern/argument by an omnivore and don't know the best way to explain it (I am great with writing but as an introvert it's harder to express myself in spontaneous conversation).

http://www.carnism.org/responses-to-common-questions-about-and-challenges-to-veganism

http://www.upc-online.org/ethics_questions.html

http://www.veganoutreach.org/guide/qa.html

If I sense that an omnivore really isn't interested and is just going to continue to be obnoxious I don't pursue it any further.  I save my efforts for those genuinely interested in a better world or about vegetarianism/veganism and hearing from my perspective.

Congratulations on being close to finishing your degree!  I have one more semester left after this one myself.  Best wishes!

Quote:

Originally Posted by LovingGrl72 

Hi Calley!

I live in MA, too...I'm in Ware outside of Palmer. Whereabouts do you live?

I actually am in western MA too! Sunderland 

Also, thank you naturebound for the links! 

Quote:

Originally Posted by LovingGrl72 

Calley are you aware of the upcoming Veg Fest in Boston in a couple of weeks? Are you thinking of going? I am and I'm excited!

Thanks for letting me know! I will have to subscribe to their emails or something because I won't be able to go this year. I didn't know about and now its too late for me to go because I have other plans that weekend.