[finleye]

I'm also from the Southeast, and had the same issues. Ridicule from family and sometimes even strangers. I've been vegan now for 5 years. I've never had so many people concerned about my protein intake.

Moving to NYC changed all that though. It's not unusual here, and the food is a lot better.

[zacinbusiness]

Yeah the whole "but where do you get your protein" thing gets old after about 30 seconds. I have answered many emails and Facebook posts with this: http://bit.ly/1nQx8EQ

[PerfectElement]

I usually answer with this: http://veganbodybuilding.com