Reasons to Eat Vegetarian

When I tell people that I don't eat meat, they think I'm crazy (especially in the Midwest). Being vegetarian/vegan is gaining popularity in the U.S. and around the world for many other reasons than just wanting to "save animals." In fact, saving animals is not even in one of my top reasons for being vegetarian.

1. Meat is gross! I may be an anomaly in America but I actually don't like the taste of meat. Not only that, but when you're eating meat, you are eating the rotting carcass of an animal. Meat is often contaminated with feces, blood, and other bodily fluids, all of which make animal products the top source of food poisoning in the United States.

2. Save the planet! The amount of meat that Americans (and other developed countries) eat is completely unsustainable. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization reported that the meat industry is "one of the most significant contributors to today's most serious environmental problems." Not eating meat or just eating less meat is the single most effective thing you can do to reduce your climate change impact. More so than reducing your electricity and fossil fuel usage! All of the food that is grown to feed livestock could be feeding humans directly. One day, meat production will become so unsustainable that it will be extremely expensive, so you'll have to be a vegetarian unless you're rich.

3. Be healthy and have more energy! Vegetarians and vegans tend to be much healthier than meat-eaters. This is mainly because they pay attention to what they eat and eat many more fresh vegetables. Trying to lose weight? Substitute your meat with vegetables and beans and see what happens. Eating more vegetables and less meat will also reduce your risk of developing countless diseases. A very common myth is that vegetarians do not get enough protein. Actually, plants, beans, nuts, and seeds have protein! Read this post if you don't believe me: Do Vegans Get Enough Protein?

4. Save money! Vegetables are cheaper than meat. When I first stopped eating meat, I made the mistake of buying too many "meat substitutes," like veggie burgers, that tend to be expensive. I know try to make everything from scratch, which is not only cheaper, but also healthier.


You don't have to completely give up meat if you don't want to. I'm not perfect either, I eat fish and seafood occasionally. But, eating meat for both lunch and dinner everyday is completely unnecessary for your nutritional needs. Start with eating a vegetarian salad once a week and see how you feel...you might like it!