THE LIFE OF A VEGETARIAN

“[Ten percent] of the world’s population follows some kind of vegetarian-diet.” Darko Jacimovic, a Deals on Health writer said.

But, why delete the meat from your diet?

Olivia Dempsey, a senior theater major from Homestead explains, “…[B]ecause I saw how animals were being treated in factories. And how much we mass produce meat.”

Not only are you harming innocent species, you are also contributing to the climate crisis!

“A lot of deforestation has increased animal consumption, so [being vegetarian is] an encouraging thing; you are doing your own part in helping this planet [because] deforestation leads to climate change.” Gaiatri Potdar, a sophomore from Bridgeville said. 

As important as it is to be any type of activist, you have to make sure you are not putting yourself at risk.

“In one serving, meat provides all the essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein), as well as essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins. [61] Most plant foods do not provide adequate levels of all the essential amino acids in a single serving.” ProCon.org writes.

A vegetarian speaks on this: “I think something to be cautious about is making sure you are getting enough protein, because if you are just eating fruits and vegetables and you’re not finding sources of protein, it can be very harmful to your body. And, you’ll start to become fatigued…” Hanna Herrmann, a sophomore musical theater major from Cranberry tells readers. 

Besides warnings, why should being vegetarian be worth enduring?

“You feel better…[and you have so] much respect…for your body as a whole. I don’t know; when I cut meat out, it just felt like I just got rid of so much toxic sh** in my body…” Dempsey, shared. 

Sometimes, you may not even know that you could have a food sensitivity and that it could be meat.

“…[B]ut once I stopped I realized that the digestive system issues I used to have went away.” Herrmann stated. 

“According to the USDA and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, meat is not an essential part of a healthy diet.” ProCon.org (LINK THIS) quotes.

This is very true. You can use substitutes like beans, protein powder, plant based foods, tofu, lentils, or eggs. Herrmann and, Potdar gives us some brands to look for and suggestions.

“My mom makes really good enchiladas, but we don’t do them with the beef or pork – we make it with the black bean filling and you get a lot of protein from enchiladas.” Potdar explains. 

“I also eat a lot of Morning Star plant based proteins like fake meat products. They have chicken nuggets, and chicken patties, and burgers and pizza bites…basically everything that is meat they have a none meat version, and there is lot’s of protein in that.”

The bottom line is, if you are thinking/are a vegetarian you must incorporate protein because other wise it’s just not healthy.