1. Myth: Vegetarians have to combine proteins/ don't get enough protein.
Fact: While it's true some vegetarians and vegans dont get enough protein, most do, and in a much healthier way. All the stuff about having to get enough of each amino acid is true, BUT there are many alternatives to meat in this area. Soy and Tofu are complete proteins, and almost every processed food has some soy in it. Nuts are also high in protein. Vegetarians get plenty of protein in dairy products. I did a report on this and I talked to a dietician at integris hospital, so i know my shit and dont come whining to me unless you have some hard facts with good sources. If you eat rice, have some beans with it. That's that. I promise your hair won't fall out (that's another myth thats way too stupid to address).
2. Myth: You can't be as strong without eating meat.
Fact: The four time winner of the iron man competition was a vegetarian. I have some big ass vegan friends. 'Nuff said. Ooo, heres a good story. I went to a show with one of my old friends (who thinks veganism is stupid). So we were chilling at the show. Now, my friend is tall and sorta strong, but not the size of my vegan friend Jim who was at the show. So anyway, we walked up to jim, i introduced them to each other. then...
Me: Jim, this guy hates vegans
My friend: Haha yeah
Jim: Really? I'm a vegan
My friend: ...uh...well..i just uh...joke about it with him...
It was funny as hell.
Sources
Interview with Mary Platt, R.D/L.D. (Clinical Dietician)
Protein Complements Exhibit 19 - 3.1.5
Dietician Patient Education Manual
Nutrition Institute of Maryland
Diet for a New America by John Robbins
H J Kramer, Tiburon. 1994.
Diet for a small planet/Hope's Edge
Frances Moore Lappe
Putnam, 2002.