I’m Not Picky, I’m Veggie

We all have our own different eating habits. Some of us are picky, some of us will eat just about anything, and some eat Mac n cheese with ketchup, a eating trait I will never understand. However, our diets go deeper than this. Many are gluten free, lactose intolerant, and vegetarian. Now please don’t roll your eyes at that last one. It’s more than not eating meat, and I can attest to that. I myself am a vegetarian. Let me tell you why.

Let me start by saying there is a significant difference between vegetarianism and veganism. As a vegetarian, you do not consume any meat, however there are different types of vegetarians such as lacto-ovo and pescatarians. A vegan diet does not only exclude meat but all dairy and animal based products. I am a lacto-ovo vegetarian meaning I do not eat meat, however I eat dairy products. With that being said, there are many health benefits that come from being a vegetarian. For example, eating plant based foods and plant products lowers your blood pressure as these foods are lower in sodium, cholesterol, and fat. Not only that, but your chances of death or hospitalization by heart disease decreases by ⅓. Being vegetarian promotes healthy eating habits and in some cases can help you lose weight. These are just a few prime examples of the benefits being a vegetarian can have on your health.

Photo courtesy of Vardhanjp.

The most crucial and important part of being a vegetarian to me is the impact it has on the environment. According to Down to Earth and Natural, the amount of water to produce one kilo (35.274 ounces) of beef can range from 3,400 - 26,400 gallons of water. It is also necessary to take into consideration that the drugs fed to the animals and fish we consume can directly enter our bloodstream through consumption or by polluted water. According to the Vegetarian Society, following a vegetarian diet can also lower carbon emissions drastically. 37% of methane comes from cows and sheep and 26% of greenhouse gas emissions come from producing food. A vegetarian diet also requires 2.5 times less carbon emissions to produce than a meat eating diet would. To put things into perspective, according to the Vegetarian Society, eating a vegetarian diet would save the same amount as a family taking a small car off the road for six months.

Going vegetarian has many benefits to it. Although you may lack certain vitamins and minerals, there are several substitutes and foods that can take the place of those nutrients. Those who are vegetarian or even vegan have a reason and purpose whether that be for sustainability or for health benefits, there is a reason as to why they follow that diet. If you eat meat you are not evil and you are not a bad person that is not the purpose of this article. My purpose for writing this is to help others understand vegetarianism and veganism.

With the effects of climate change drastically affecting our communities, taking a change in diet can contribute greatly in combating the climate crisis. Our world’s environment is declining in sustainability and action must happen now. Whether you are vegetarian or not, steps must be taken to achieve a healthy and sustainable community, country, and planet. Vegetarianism may be the beginning or it may be stepping outside of your comfort zone a bit, but it is incredibly beneficial to your health and the world around us.