I Was Actually ‘Missing Out’ as an Omnivore

A vegan diet expanded my palette and made me a less picky eater.

I hear it all the time. “Oh, man, you’re missing out on [insert meat or cheese filled dish here].” It’s a pretty common thing for a vegan or a plant-based dieter to hear, but in my experience, it’s an inarguably false statement. I’m close to three years into veganism, and I can’t stress this enough: I am eating a wider variety of foods than I ever did as an omnivore.

Sure, every once in a while, I still settle for a typical American meal — a veggie burger and fries, or vegan pizza. But because of my veganism, my palette has grown extensively. Back when I was eating without any “restrictions,” I wouldn’t so much as touch anything involving peppers, mushrooms, or cauliflower. Salad? Forget about it. Big chunks of tomato? Blech.

Now? I eat mushrooms as an afternoon snack, either raw or fried up. I make cauliflower buffalo “wings” when I’m feeling like a basic white dude. Onions and peppers have become staples in the dishes my partner and I cook. I’ve cooked entirely vegan meals for my mother, who I used to butt heads with over broccoli.

Did it happen overnight?

Oh, of course! …not.