Why do people go Vegetarian?

There are many reasons to go vegetarian. Economic, social, cultural, health, environmental and so on. Many surveys say vegetarian and lower meat diets are on the rise. But why should you think about going vegetarian? If you’re curious about trying out a vegetarian diet you need to think of multiple things. What are the benefits of a vegetarian diet over a more typical western diet? Would I be ok with a Vegetarian diet? What would be a push toward it? Can I balance my meals? Is it sustainable where I live? Do I want to? To start, I’d like to say my reasoning and why I manage it. I am a vegetarian, not a vegan. I have cravings just like everyone else, but ever since I became a vegetarian, I have not craved meat, not once. However, as a child, I never liked pork, lamb, goat or beef so the switch was easier for me. I grew up as an omnivore, and living with foodies for parents I’ve tried so many different foods it’s actually odd that I’ve shied away from it. However, I respect others diets, and if you don’t think vegetarian is for you, then eat what makes you happy, but eat what keeps you healthy. I stopped eating meat as I completely disagree with eating something as intelligent as pigs, eating vegetarian drops your own eco-footprint (just like taking shorter showers or using cold water to wash your clothes), and it helps your body and helps maintain heart health. What are the benefits of a vegetarian diet? With a vegetarian diet, you intake more fibre, more minerals and vitamins than that of an omnivore diet (not in all cases of course, but commonly if you’re from America, or a lesser extent the UK, Canada and Mexico). The fibre will clear out your digestive tract and help prevent bloating. The minerals and vitamins can help keep your skin clear and hair healthier. Increasing complex grains, and reducing white and processed carbs is a good first step.

What would push me to a vegetarian diet? Health: Eating less meat and more plant-based food lowers your cholesterol, plaque in your veins, and helps your heart health. It also can help to clear up acne, reduce bloating, lower weight, and help with clearing out your intestines. It can also increase energy. As veggies are lower calorie and higher volume, you can eat more and it will fill you up faster than processed food.

Economic: Although this doesn’t hold true for everywhere (Far north for example), vegetarian diets tend to be less expensive. Meat is becoming more and more expensive, and although so are vegetables, in most cases its to a lesser extent. A rice and veggie stirfry (homemade) can cost very little.

Environmental: Many people refute what I’m about to say, but eating meat is bad for the environment. Not only the over-fishing or transport of the animals but the gases produced by the animals and the cost of feeding them. When you eat beef, you’re eating not only the meat but what that cow ate. The production cost of feeding the cow could have gone towards just producing the plants, rather than feeding, housing, cleaning and storing said cow,

Social/Cultural: Many vegetarians eat vegetarian to reduce the suffering of animals. Some do it due to culture and lower meat eaten in their culture (Look at India with 40% of the population vegetarian).

Would I be ok with a Vegetarian Diet? That is very much dependent on you. Are you willing to change? does your love of meat extend so deep into your roots it hurts to stop eating it? Then don’t do it. If you’re not happy with what you eat, you won’t stick with it. It’s the same as dieting, if you starve yourself or feel miserable, it won’t work. You have to have a reason and a want to change your diet.

Become a vegetarian if you want to. Don’t do it as a fad. It’s your choice and your impact. Be the person you want to be and have the impact you think is right. I am willing to take questions about my experience in food and diet if you have questions.

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