'Awful' is quite hyperbolic - pulses (aka beans and lentils), nuts, and seeds all contain protein[1]. In the US, it's not like we're struggling to get enough protein[2]. So demanding to eat meat is a little like insisting that you don't just need to drive, but that you absolutely have to have a V8 diesel pickup for your commute to the office.

1: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you...

2" https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speak...