Being vegan isn't just what you eat, it's a way of life.... Meaning that you don't use any animal products in your life (no leather shoes/belts/etc, shit like that). Having a plant based protein diet is extremely beneficial for numerous reasons, however people don't have to be dicks about it. It could be by personal choice, or medically based why people stop eating meat... I have found that if it's med based (some sort of GI issue, or weight related, or whatever) people still want to enjoy the taste of meat, or a meat style option, hence why there are so many meat flavored vegetarian/vegan choices.
There are great plant based protein companies out there with delicious meat substitutes... Beyond Meat is my favorite by far (their 'Beyond Burger' is sold nationwide at TGIFridays, try it sometime), they have a wide range of awesome products. It use to be a lot harder 8-10 years back.... Hell 5 years back, to eat healthy as a vegetarian... It was pretty much shitty veggie or black bean patties everywhere... Now it's way easier.
Again, the health benefits of eating a plant based diet are well documented, and a lot of pro athletes and trainers are now embracing this dietary lifestyle.... Not saying that you have to throw out your leather shoes, grow dreadlocks, and head to Bonnaroo, but I suggest to try out a few of these options, you may be surprised.
