First of all, don’t be annoying. No, seriously. You have to learn to accept what other people are eating. I know it may seem hard not to make faces at Susie’s cheeseburger, but everyone has a right to eat what they want whether we like it or not, so spare her the story of how a cow was slaughtered so that she could enjoy its over-processed parts. Unless, of course, she asks. There’s no need to lose the respect of your peers by giving an unwanted lecture. Don’t worry, the questions will come by themselves.

Let’s start with one scenario: People are going to notice the differences between their wonderbread ham sandwiches (so it’s a generalization) and your tempeh wrap. By non-chalantly (and honestly) answering their inquiries, it becomes possible to get on this topic without being accused of pushing your views on others.

"What’s that?"

"It’s a tempeh wrap."

"What’s tempeh?"

"It’s like a combination of beans, very high in protein. It’s pretty good."

So, once people know that you’re veg, there is the inevitable why. For me, I was raised that way, and it’s how I’ve always been. Give your friend the answer simply: animal rights, personal health, dislike of meat, whatever your reasons are. This satisfies some, while some kids want to know more. If this happens, here’s some easy things to remember when answering.

"What can you eat?" Vegetarian doesn’t mean vegetables, it’s not eating meats. Now, depending on whether you are just vegetarian, ovo-lacto, or vegan, food groups vary, so improvise where necessary. Some kids may not know that you eat many of the same foods they do. Without sounding like an encyclopedia, simply inform your pals that favorites like pizza, tacos, pasta, sushi, burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream are available without animal products, or with a substitute. To someone who’s never tried them, Gardenburgers and Tofurky slices may seem gross, but if someone sees that you, a kid who shares many of the same interests, is enjoying it, they can overcome the stereotype. During my lunches, many of my friends learned to love tofu, phony balogne, or eggplant through sampling my food. Soon your schoolmate will see that a vegetarian diet goes far beyond salad.

"How do you get enough vitamins?" It’s not someone’s fault if they’ve been taught that the only way to get calcium is through milk, or that a diet is not complete without beef. Just remember to keep a friendly attitude when replying:

"Well, there are a lot of ways that I get my nutrition. I eat spinach and drink fortified soy milk for calcium, tofu and peanut butter have lots of protein, and I eat enough legumes, vegetables, fruits, and breads to get the nutrients I need."

All of the vitamins found in meats and dairies can be found in other foods, so you may want to do some research if you don’t know them already.

"Is it hard to go out to eat?" Nope. Most restaurants have at least a couple veg-friendly dishes. Use examples of Asian, Italian, Indian, Mexican, and fast food cuisine that don’t include meat. Name some local restaurants you go to, and ask if he/she has ever been there.

Vegetarian doesn’t always mean health freak. If your discussion seems to be going well, there’s always the topic of desserts and junk food. You can share the same love for chocolate, cookies, pies, and chips as ton ami without being a carnivore. It’s important for them to know that you enjoy the same things.

When the end-of-lunch bell rings, hopefully your friends are still your friends and don’t feel attacked. If people are defensive about eating meat, understand their motivation and don’t push it, but learn to give level-headed answers and gain the respect of those around you. As it has been said, "sometimes your best defense is a good reminder of your common sense."

--Angelina is a lifelong vegetarian who has been asked more crazy questions than she can remember.