There is a common misunderstanding in society that if you eat a lot of vegetables, you must be a “vegetarian.” However, I often tell people: “I am not a vegetarian; I just prefer a diet based on fruits and vegetables.”
This distinction might seem minor, but it’s important. Strict vegetarianism often carries religious or ethical connotations that can sometimes feel restrictive or judgmental to others. For me, choosing to eat more plants is simply a pragmatic decision based on health and personal taste.
We live in an era where people love to label each other. “Keto,” “Vegan,” “Paleo”—these labels often become tribes that people use to define their identity. But why must we be so rigid?
Enjoying the natural sweetness of a ripe mango or the crispness of fresh greens doesn’t mean you have to sign up for a manifesto. It simply means you appreciate what the earth provides.
The freedom to eat what makes you feel good, without the weight of an ideological label, is a small but meaningful part of personal liberty. So, the next time someone asks if I’m vegetarian, I’ll just smile and reach for another apple.