People's food choices depend on many factors which are independent of them. Considering myself, I can figure out how difficult it is to make a radical change in diet. The money I have, the family brought up me, the friends around me, the mindset instilled in me, all has a huge impact on everything have, including my food preferences. Once, I decided to become a vegetarian. I had read many sources, encountered many debates and came to a point where I believed it is sensible, moral and conscious to engage in vegetarianism. I had thought of climate change, enormous marine, air and industrial pollution, excessive carbon and water footprints, wildly raised and cruelly slaughtered animals, health consequences, etc. However, I was confronted with my parents and friends who would perceive vegetarianism as a new nonsense trend. I would need help to navigate smoothly through vegetarianism because I was quite inexperienced. No one around me would encourage or appreciate me. Putting aside that, I was unable to find a single restaurant, to join a small group, to immerse myself in a simple vegetarianism activity because of the culture and mindset surrounded me. I could not overcome the obstacles functioning independently and more powerfully than myself. For now, I gave up. However, now I am imagining to be that person once I dreamed of when I gain enough money, find real support and meet a better environment so that I will not surrender the truth I believe to the stark reality of life.
1
@Fatih Zeki Erkan Adopting a new eating habit can be challenging, especially if those around you don't share your views. A friend of mine is vegan and has a similar problem. Her mom keeps feeding her chicken because she doesn't consider it the same as meat! Fortunately, she found support online from a group in Kadıköy, and visits Istanbul every few months from her family home in Marmaris. The chance to be around people who are similar to her has made her far more courageous to be the person she wishes to be.
I have tried veganism and being vegetarian lasted a while but ended up not lasting. I didn't last because the holidays came around in my culture we eat meat. Lots of meat almost every meal in my culture has meat. So I would say it would be a little challenging to not have meat in my diet.
In my household, meat in my diet is quite important as some families around the world. In other words, I and my family do eat meat quite often but it is not something we eat every day but perhaps once a week or when there is an important celebration. However, when it comes to my family's cultural traditions, meat is quite important especially when we are celebrating special days such as Easter or a birthday party. Not only that but meat is something that we always get because it is important and something we all enjoy. My family would not be concerned about me giving up meat but would be a little spectacle as to why I cut it out and would ask me why I did so. On the other hand, my mom is quite supportive of me cutting out meat because she understands the negative outcomes and consequences eating meat brings along.
Meat is very important in my diet because I am Mexican and in my culture, a lot of dishes are made using meat and without the meat, it just doesn't feel quite the same. Yes, my family would be very concerned if I tried giving up meat because I would start lacking important nutrients, which would have my family concerned.
The majority of my diet is based on the culture my parents were brought up in. As my parents are Hispanic therefore the foods that my mom cooks and teaches us how to cook has and always will have meat, whether it be chicken or beef. Incorporating the use of meat within our dishes is something that has been passed down over generations, and while some might change a few things the presence of meat is always there. For example on holidays, it is a tradition to consume many meat-based dishes from our culture, often using chicken. In any case, I chose to go meat-less my family wouldn't be offended but I would be isolated from my family and my culture.
My immediate response to these situations is that yes eating meat might make people feel bad but it is all a part of nature.Yes i think posting the head of the pig is very inconsiderate and just plain disguiting.
Living for 17 years, I have never considered converting to a vegetarian (sounds likes a religion). Who doesn't like meat ( forget about vegetarians), even the fake meat from McDonalds is delicious. Literally the best foods come with meats. I will never consider being a vegan, if i will ever consider one in the future I know for a fact there is a mis-steak I committed. I have some friends that are vegans and it is interesting the way they "survive" as the majority of them have gardens, and they tend to be the most organized human beings (in some cases). I would have difficulties becoming a vegan as no one can resist that fill-up box at KFC, it is just amazing finger licking good. MEAT> leaves
I am vegetarian and I have made this choice from personal research. My family disagrees and thinks that everything in moderation is good, which I do not think is true. I Did not really plan on becoming vegetarian it just kinda slipped into my life and personally it feels really good knowing I am not putting any sort of meat in my body, just veggies, I feel comfortable eating like that and my family will not influence me otherwise. I plan to transition into being vegan but while I am vegetarian In slowly decreasing the amount of animal product i consume to blend the transition and make it unnoticeable.
"When it comes to the idea of becoming a vegetarian it is a debate. Human society has been built up on the idea that you get full quicker by consuming meats instead of plants. While the my plate website and many other health programs will tell you a diverse diet of the food groups is good for your health. Because of this it is good to be what humans are, omnivores. In conclusion I think that we should eat both meat and vegetables but cut down on eating meats."( A student from NY times)
The standard western diet, heavily laden with meat, dairy and eggs, is associated with increased risk of all of our chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. A low fat plant based diet is the most sensible option and is fully supported by available data. I was diabetic until I removed animal periodic from my plate and my story is not unique. Eat what you like but understand the risk and do not fall for food industry misinformation.
2
I became one for a little over 2 years. At the beginning I asked myself this question of course and over time I got more and more reason.
there are no reasons more important than others but for example the fate reserved for animals does not particularly affect me but I saw images that really worried me
2
Being a vegetarian seems quite intimidating at first. Cutting out meat from your diet is oftentimes a challenge because meat is usually the center of your meal. However, I have found that it’s actually quite easy if you slowly cut out meat little by little. I myself have been a pescatarian for about a year and a half now, meaning that for the last year and a half, the only meat I have eaten was seafood. In March of 2019 I started considering becoming a vegetarian. I had recently learned of how detrimental the meat industry is to the environment. 660 gallons of water are used just to produce a 1/3 lb. burger. Not to mention how many trees are being cut down daily for livestock to meet the growing demand of meat around the world. For these reasons, and for some animal cruelty reasons, I made the decision not to eat any meat. It was tough for me and my parents at first, as we had to determine other ways for me to consume protein. After doing that for about a week, I made the decision that rather than being a vegetarian, I would be a pescatarian to make sure I’m getting the nutrients I needed, and to make it easier on my parents. In my experience, I tend to not miss meat. The desire I have to eat meat does not compare to the detrimental impact the meat most of us consume daily causes on our environment. So making the switch to me, is an easy choice.
1
When I think about past family dinners, I smell the smoky char crusted over the grill as the hot dogs lay on top until they get splattered by ketchup, mustard, and the occasional relish. I taste the vinegary Carolina barbecue sauce soaking up the juices from the pulled pork in the crock pot. I even see the massive turkey that my grandfather is carefully carving on a crisp Thanksgiving Day. With that said, I have been vegetarian for 5 months now. I would always question my decision because I knew that meat was always the main attraction at the dinner table, and I did not want to disregard the meal. However, I finally found peace with my decision. At Easter, when everyone was gobbling down their sliced Smithfield ham, I realized that meat was not the craving that I desired. The craving was the quality family time around the dinner table with meat being the accessory. On the summer afternoons while the hot dogs were grilling, I loved to be the mini grill master and fill my dad’s shoes. On the nights when my family’s southern cooking roots were pouring out like barbecue sauce, I enjoyed laughing at my brother and his funny faces. And at Thanksgiving, I realized that I love the conversations with my family more than food. With being vegetarian, I realized that I just need quality time with my family to fill my heart, not meat to fill my stomach.
3
I remember one day in maybe 2rd or 3th grade at lunch, I pulled out some delicious lentil vegetable soup in a glass container that my mom had packed me for lunch. I pulled out my spoon and was about to eat when a boy at my table group pointed to my food and made a face. “EW! That looks like barf!” He remarked. His friends agreed and they all looked absolutely disgusted. My stomach dropped, I could feel pink spreading across my cheeks as I slowly pushed the container back into my lunchbox. I watched him chewing on his ham sandwich and decided I wasn’t hungry anymore. My stomach growled in protest. For almost the rest of elementary school, I would either hide my homemade vegan food behind my lunchbox lid and take quick bites when no one was looking, or put it away when someone complained about the weird smell coming from someone’s food. Being vegan is not weird. It’s not that hard.
There are so many vegan options and substitutes for animal products. I remember that one day for my afterschool extracurricular Spanish class, I made Cuban sandwiches for our small group. I changed the meat in it to seitan and meatless deli slices. My vegetarian friend tried it and she couldn’t finish her sandwich. She was shocked at how much it tasted like meat. Other friends of mine have had vegan products and said they taste no different then the “real” thing. Some ask me, “How can you handle this lifestyle?” “How do you live like this?” I’m living. I’m happy. I’m healthy. I’m me.
6
In my opinion, love is the feeling with the highest vibration and positive energy. The opposite is the fear, with the lowest vibration and negative energy. All these animals, the moment they kill them, feel fear and they have negative energy. So the meat we eat has negative energy that enter in our bodies. I also read that red meat feeds the cancer! For that reason I thought many times to become vegetarian but until now i couldn't. However, i eat red meat and fish once a month and chicken once a week. Eating all this i have negative feelings. I'm working on it!!!
1
When it comes to the idea of becoming a vegetarian it is a debate. Human society has been built up on the idea that you get full quicker by consuming meats instead of plants. While the my plate website and many other health programs will tell you a diverse diet of the food groups is good for your health. Because of this it is good to be what humans are, omnivores. In conclusion I think that we should eat both meat and vegetables but cut down on eating meats.
@Dogcat23982 i agree
In my opinion i prefer to bye fresh food from the marketa because is healthy. Meat is not my favourite meal . I eat meat once a week. I beleieve fruits , salads and fish are better than meat . I have thought sometimes to become to become a vegeterian but i havent decided yet.
In my opinion, it's completely against nature to not eat meat.
We are animals that eat meat. So, why shouldn't we?
OK you want to stop ill treating animals, but if you don't eat meat, people will eat it for you.
And meat is SO0oo good!
2
@Tim that's funny.
1
According to the article, tradition and culture can affect our diet and meals. However, it's up to us to decide our everyday life, including what we like to eat. In my diet, meat doesn't play a main role because, when I was a kid, I udes to spend many hours with my grandma, who didn't eat meat for some health issues. At present, my diet mostly includes vegetables and other sources of protein, like mushrooms and beans, but two or three times per month I choose to eat beef meat, cause I also have to keep stable my ferrum. In the end, I don't think I could become a vegetarian. I really enjoy my spaghetti meatballs with my family!
Part 2
We just take the meat and waste the rest of the animal. We keep the animals in tiny cages with no room to even use the bathroom. These animals are so squished there with plenty of other animals. It’s sickening. They are forced to use the bathroom on top of each other. Babies are raised in this toxic setting and if they don’t grow to be big enough they get killed and just thrown out. I am disgusted with the way these animals are treated and am still considering become vegetarian or even vegan.
4
From 2010 to 2012 I considered myself as a vegetarian. I skipped all kind of meet from my daily food. Although I love chicken on my dinner, I had to cut off it for few days. At the beginning, it was really hard for me stay away from meet, but little by little I get used to on it. I have start adding lots of fruits and green vegetables on my breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Being vegetarian is really good for health. Fresh food always provide us healthy body and it’s also helps to stay with fresh mind. For a green planet we should stop eating meet that can help us to save world from carbon pollution
1
Having a sense of independence, as explained in "Clash! How to Thrive in a Multicultural Society", Americans feel the need to be a minority while individuals intertwined in eastern cultures have a greater sense of feeling like the majority. Growing up in an Asian American household, Wittmeyer suggest that her taste are due to her heritage and culture she was brought up in. However, she explains that the independent lifestyle she has been living in since adulthood has given her friends with other ideas on the correct nature of what to eat. Living in a more independent society, she has willingly allowed herself to participate in vegetarianism, but she also socializes with her family through the practice of eating meat and showing togetherness. Particularly in my case, Lupus has depleted the temptation to eat meat due to its murderous side effects to my intestines. Having many friends like the author, Alicia P.Q. Wittmeyer, it makes it simpler to change my lifestyle to be more environmentally friendly and "abashed" when I look at meat I once thought about often. Not being able to eat it has let me willingly discover, over time, the benefits of staying away. As shown by my friend who is vegetarian, Peta.org has a vast reputable set of resources and videos that make the transition to vegetarianism easier on the mind. With the capabilities to choose what you eat, it's best to view your options wisely. I am now vegetarian, but I think it's an option everyone should consider.
1
A few months ago, I watched “Game Changers”, a movie about how a plant based diet can actually improve athletic performance. I learned that Serena Williams, Kyrie Irving, Colin Kaepernick, and countless other world class athletes, are vegan. I’m a varsity rower that cares deeply about her recovery and performance during practice—so I decided to give it a shot.
My family is also from southern China and meat has always been a central part of our diet; I’ve enjoyed some form of meat almost every meal.
But after researching the negative effects of animal protein, I felt guilty eating the dishes I grew up with knowing that they could be hindering my speed on the water and my splits on the rowing machine.
I’m lucky to live in the Bay Area, where vegan diets aren’t the least bit radical. And with countless meat, dairy, and egg substitutes available, and the privilege of having parents that have been incredibly accommodating and understanding, my transition to becoming vegan was pretty seamless.
Family gatherings on the other hand, really put my willpower to the test. I’ve learned to expect disapproving looks from my relatives on Thanksgiving, when I opt for the stuffed squash I brought from home instead of partaking in the roasted turkey my grandmother spent hours prepping. As much as I try to avoid imposing my inconvenient diet on my family and friends, it’s hard to make any slightly life changing decision without receiving unwanted attention— a truth I am learning to accept.
5
Headline: We Need Our Meats
I have never thought about going vegan or vegetarian. There just aren’t any good reasons to do so, burgers are so yummy too. Meat plays a huge role in my diet. I need protein and stronger bones. Some people argue and say to eat beans and other alternatives but we would have to eat tons of beans to equal the meat. I don’t feel uncomfortable eating any sort of meat with anyone.
Personally I can say that even though I'm against animal abuse and any sort of cruelty to them, I don't think that I would ever become a vegetarian. I've used to eat a lot of meat since I was a child. It also can be somehow connected to my religion and country I was raised in. Our people really love meat and that's the main part in almost all of our meals. So, if I would decide to give up meat then I would have to give up every other meal I usually eat. Maybe someday I should experiment with that and try not to eat any, but right now I'm pretty happy with my health and the things I consume daily.
While becoming vegetarian is a very healthy and environmentally friendly way to live, if done right, it is not for me. I could not imagine not eating meat or fish. Besides that fact that sushi is my favorite so many family occasions would be ruined. Food is at the core of every family it’s something that everyone can bond over, weather it’s enjoying a home cooked meal on Christmas or going out to eat with your family, either way it’s special. Specifically to myself and my family, food is at the core, it’s brings all of us together and when we are all eating together nothing else is better, and to try and imagine those meals without meat it wouldn’t be the same. Just imagine trying to enjoy a salad with your family, it’s not the same as a nice hunk of meat.
I will say, I have considered becoming a vegetarian. The concept of eating another animal makes me queazy, knowing how bad it is for the environment makes me want to make a difference; but in all honesty it just would not work for me. The term hangry is in understatement—I become a beast. For some reason if I don’t eat meat or get my nutrients I will become irritable, crabby, uncomfortable and just extremely off. People who can be vegetarian I have a lot of respect for, it’s a really great thing to do. It has so many environmental benefits and it saves so many animals from being mistreated. Of course there are supplements I could take if I really wanted to try and be vegetarian for the political aspect of it and try making a difference. But in all honesty, along with my health things, I’m not sure I could give up a good old cheeseburger.
Part 1:
Currently, I am not vegetarian or vegan. When I was younger my whole family decided to become vegetarians so I grew up without meat playing a big role in my diet. Eventually, I told my parents I wanted a cheeseburger. They gave in and that’s when we went back to adding meat into our diets. My sister has been back and forth with being vegetarian because at nine years old, it’s quite difficult. I’ve actually been thinking about going back to being vegetarian again, and I think I might soon. I know it will be difficult since I’m still young and can’t afford my own meals yet, but I want to try it again. I strongly disagree with the treatment of animals and I don’t want to continue eating them. There are substitutes for meat like instead of beef burgers, they have veggie burgers. They also make vegan chicken nuggets, which is very cool. Although it may not be the easiest thing to add to my family, I think it’s worth it. Animals are getting treated so poorly and getting slaughtered daily. Looking back when the Indians used to kill animals for food, it’s way different. First of all, they didn’t kill them like we do now. Secondly, they use all the parts and don’t waste the animal. They used the skin for clothing and materials as well as the bones for materials and ate the meat.
While I have never been a vegetarian, I can respect anyone who makes that decision. I don’t think that people should be ashamed if eating meat is part of their culture just because many other people have become vegans and vegetarians. I have considered becoming a vegetarian due to the cruelty in the food industry, but this would mean I would have to prepare entirely different meals than my family. Although eating meat is not important to my family’s traditions, my siblings are very picky eaters, so it would be difficult to get my family on board with not eating meat. I think that becoming a vegetarian or vegan is a great choice, however, I don’t think it is a choice that I could make anytime soon.
For many meat lovers in the world, the idea of becoming a vegetarian is almost repulsive. Removing meat from their diet is ridiculous to them, and they constantly ask why someone would do this to themselves, as if it’s some form of torture. Until recently this is the way I approached vegetarians, judging them without any knowledge of why they choose that path. It wasn’t until I met and became friends with a vegan that I began to understand and respect their decision.
Our conversation gave me insight on why she chose the path of veganism. It wasn’t for reaching a moral high ground, or to live a supposedly “healthier” life, reasons I still carry little respect for, but rather to help save the planet. She felt the meat industry was killing the planet, so becoming a vegan was her way of fighting for the planet.
Listening to the other side gave me a viewpoint that I have never seen before, a simple but vital part in coming to an overall better understanding. I became educated on why many people chose this lifestyle, and although I probably won’t choose it, I at least can respect it.
I know that meat is an integral part of life, and taking it out of my diet would be one of the last things I would do. Many dinners my mother cooks have meat in them, and to take out meat would mean a complete overhaul of what I eat. Is it possible, sure. Will I change, most likely, no.
Being Chinese-American, my Chinese side of the family never ate a large concentration of meat, but my American side of the family on the other hand, well you get it. I always believed that eating meat will bring you strength or will allow you to grow taller, this was until we watched the Netflix documentary “Game Changer” which completely changed my family's point of view on eating red meat. The documentary put out shocking facts like if we used all the plants that we used to feed cows, then we could feed a couple of billion people, or of all the protein a cow takes in only ⅙ of it gets passed down to the consumer. My Father having high blood pressure makes the choice of having a healthier lifestyle, transitioning into a plant-based diet. The rest of my family still eats meat at times but significantly less. Many people may argue that only eating plants can cause B-12 deficiency, or it doesn't give you enough saturated fats or choline, and I agree on some levels, I believe there should be a balance of meat and plants. Unless it goes against your beliefs or religion then I am not telling you what to do.
No I am not a vegetarian neither vegan but, sometimes I do consider being vegetarian. I have no friends that are vegan or vegetarian but, I think its hard since I love meat.
I think I would have a hard time giving up things like hamburgers and bacon, plus I see nothing wrong with eating meat in my eyes. That doesn't necessarily mean that everyone has to eat it, only if you can and want to.
@Mason Buckner
I am also not vegetarian or vegan, but I tried for 1 day and failed. Since it was so hard for me I respect anyone that has accomplished becoming vegan or vegetarian. Just like you I don't see a problem with eating meat, yes those videos on instagram on people slaughtering animals is very sad and I find myself thinking about going vegetarian but the same night I always end up eating some form of meat.
@Mason Buckner
I am also not vegetarian or vegan, but I tried for 1 day and failed. Since it was so hard for me I respect anyone that has accomplished becoming vegan or vegetarian. Just like you I don't see a problem with eating meat, yes those videos on instagram on people slaughtering animals is very sad and I find myself thinking about going vegetarian but the same night I always end up eating some form of meat.
At the end her article, Wittmeyer boldly claims that excluding some type of food that is cherished by our cultures will "fundamentally change who we are.” Blaming her belief on “modernity,” Wittmeyer excludes entirely the notion that food does not compose a culture, rather, the culture composes the food and its significance. Various regions of the world and the cultures within them are often recognized for their dietary habits, but these practices are not the sole composers of the culture. Individuals may identify with a certain group; however, the food they consume that makes up one of the many aspects of their culture will not jeopardize who they are in relation to the group. For example, an exchange student at my school once described the difference between her diet in Germany and her diet in the states. The alteration from consuming meat a couple times per week in Germany to having the option of meat with every meal here was stark, yet the basic composition of who she was in relation to her culture did not change as her food consumption did. Food is often regarded to be a communal experience, yet, to some degree, sustenance is just that: sustenance. Ultimately, the culture that an individual belongs to should not determine entirely the diet the person follows as food is largely subjective and, therefore, based primarily on personal preference, not obligation.
I am not vegan nor vegetarian but, sometimes I do consider being vegetarian. I'm not 100% percent sure that I do or do not have any friends that are vegetarians or vegans. I think when you are vegetarian it is hard because I love meat and probably everyone does to and not many people can stop eating it.
yes they're are some foods i wouldn't eat some i would with my family then with my friends. Because some people don't really like what i eat
Yes i would feel uncomfortable eating Sopes with my friends
I have considered being vegetarian because I've heard of the animal abuse behind the meat industry.Also about the chemicals put into the products we buy, which makes me believe nothing is really "fresh" as they say.
Throughout all my years, I have been on and off vegetarian. It started in middle school and to this day, I try to avoid meat. I think that the reasoning behind it is more targeted for the food industry and the pure animal abuse that is behind the meat (and dairy) industry. If everyone in the world became vegetarian and continued a sustainable lifestyle, our CO2 emissions would plummet, as well as greenhouse gasses and other harmful chemicals. For years I’ve been finding new ways to replace meat in my diet and I don’t miss meat at all -and that’s coming from a steakhouse chefs daughter. So yes, I think I could handle being vegetarian.
1
I have never thought of being vegetarian and I don't plan to. My culture and family traditions are tied to meat and I don't think I will let it go. There are benefits to both sides. One benefit of being vegetarian is the environment. Even if we do become vegetarian, there is only so much we can do. For example, if we gave up acres of land for livestock and made them for crops, there will be a surplus of food. But the bad news is that this can lead to the population to increase and carbon emissions to rise. "But in the future, we will have the technology to lower carbon emission". While this is true, not everyone will have access today. Solar panels are available, how come not everybody has them? If we did this in our country, it would do some effect. Carbon emissions in the US have decreased by 10%, while China and India have separately increased carbon emissions have risen over 300%. One of the only ways that vegetarianism or veganism works is if everyone in the world gives up part of their cultures and traditions and gets cool with a bunch of stuff really quickly.
@Oscar Limon-Zarzosa Yeah I agree, we couldn't make people go against their religion or beliefs.
I think many people should read this article. Maybe after they read it. They can have a clear and specific idea. Why everybody should become vegetarian. Honestly, I tried to be vegetarian twice long time ago. I have a friend vegetarian and sometimes he invited me at his home, and his wife cooked vegetarian food amazing. I loved it. Always they told me about many benefits of be vegetarian, as a great health. They were very specifics, about of the hurt that the human caused to animals. Really I care it. But fortunately I don’t seen when the people killed animals. I know these thoughts are wrong.
Also, I believe that each person change the mind when the health start deteriorate.
I am twenty three year old and all of those years, I have never considered to become vegetarian. All my life I was eating all kinds of meats and the food that comes from the animals like milk, eggs, cheese. I grew up eating like that because in my country to become a vegetarian can take more money and time than “regular food”. For me, meat is very important in my daily meals, because it is a protein for our body, to be honest I have never investigated about the benefits of vegetarian food. But, I think that can bring a better nutrients for our body.
In my opinion, I never thought about being vegetarian, because meat is important for the body. Healthy eating helps prevent and combat disease such as obesity, hypertension or diabetes. For my culture family is important to consume meat because contribute protein, minerals and this is good for the body health.
I am not vegan or vegetarian. But, I respect everyone's belief because I understand not all have the same belief. In my family’s tradition, during the Christmas holidays, we usually eat roast pork with other types of food for dinner. Even though I am not a fan of to eat meat, I find it difficult not to eat in those holidays. Further, my father loves to eat meat therefore he eat meat almost every day. But, my sister doesn’t like meat, so when my mother cook she has to make another thing for my sister. In my opinion, we just have to balance with food because is very important to have acknowledged protein for health benefits.
I’m not vegetarian or vegan. Although I am not vegetarian, I think that vegetarian people are healthier than people that eat meat. I have considered becoming a vegetarian, but I love red meat. I have tried to become vegetarian, but when I try, I forget it and I eat meat. I know people that are vegetarian and vegan. I have a friend and he told that he doesn’t eat meat because the meat isn’t good for our body and health. Eating meat isn’t a tradition for me, but I eat meat every day. Many people say that eating meat isn’t healthy. However, meat has many benefits for the body such as it makes your bones stronger, better iron absorption, retention of the muscle mass, reduced apatite, increased metabolism, and other things. Everything is your decision if you want to eat meat you can, but if you want to eat only vegetarian food you can do it.
Meat in my diet is important because has a good contributes to protein, minerals, vitamins and fat, and these nutrients are important for their beneficial effects for my health. For my culture family is important the consume of meat we eat a lot of beef so definitely my parents were not providing for me possibly they can be concerned if I ever try to give up eating meat and chance my eating habits to vegetarian. On my personal opinion, I don't think so I can change my lifestyle to vegan because I really like meat so I don't think that being vegan could be an option for me.
I was a vegetarian for almost two years, and I still don't eat red meat. I was the only one in my family who didn't eat meat, my dad's parents are cattle farmers and for most of my childhood I have hated the idea of eating meat, it was something that had never really been a choice for me. On my thirteenth birthday I decided that I was done and I had my mom take me to the doctors and make sure that it was okay for my body if I stopped eating meat, they gave me iron supplements and sent me on my way, and after that I didn't touch meat for a very long time.
My family tried to support my decision but it was hard for them to understand my reasoning and they didn't like preparing two separate meals every night so I had to do most of the cooking myself, if I took anything from being a vegetarian it was definitely a sense of independence. I had to make my own grocery lists and figure out my own recipes. After almost two years I had too much on my plate and resorted to having nothing on my plate because I just felt too busy to eat and it wasn't healthy for me. I then went back to eating chicken but i definitely would consider going back to being a vegetarian even though it was hard it was definitely worth it.
Of course I've considered it. Firstly I am a firm believer that animals should be treated with love and compassion, along side every creature on earth. I also believe that certain animals require meat to survive. We have surpassed a need for meat. Lucky us. In my short 16 years of being alive, I have found few foods that I enjoy, in all honesty, certain meat products are ones I have come to enjoy. So being a vegetarian or vegan isn't something I really would want to do. And I dont think that it will stop the problem of animal abuse and neglect by huge mass producing farms. Local small farms that actually care for their animals and offer them a healthy, normal life are the best way to protect animal welfare. Treat them with love and they will treat you with love back. The time we put into caring for animals will be returned to us via healthy and moral food. Animals are a key component to this earth. We should start treating them a lot (and I mean A LOT) better.
Ever since I was a child I have always eaten meat. There have been times i thought to myself “oh the poor animals they were so cute and sweet” and then i immediately think “but they are so good”. Most people I know that become vegetarian don't last long and it's usually for weight loss anyways. I have no tradition in my family food wise unless you would count thanksgiving.Even if i were to try it, I wouldn't last long because my whole family loves to eat meat. My grandpa hunts and fishes and my dad loves to cook it. I don't really have any foods i'm uncomfortable eating but i do understand how others would. If i were around someone who didn't want me to eat something for a valid reason then i would respect their wishes and listen.
@Madalynn Larson Yeah I agree, I think a lot of people have that same neutral felling in this argument and thus can't really weigh in on it other than by saying that they have no problem with it which is fine.
Why would you do that to yourself? Do you actually believe that you are doing anything? You're not going to get any protein? I hear the questions of people doubting vegans and vegetarians all the time. I am very far from being a vegan or a vegetarian, but can admit that I do have some respect for those that are. Other than the questions they get asked, they have to deal with the actual task of restricting a lot of food they can eat. I can't help but admire those who do things like this because of the beliefs that they hold.
Unlike the writer of this article, I do not hesitate or feel that tension before I eat meat. I also have no culturally binding expectancy to do so. However, I do think that being a vegetarian would be way too difficult to do. I eat meat almost every meal I have and always end up using some kind of byproduct from an animal. I understand why some people choose to not eat meat, either they feel bad after eating the animal, do it to be healthy, or believe that they are helping the environment. For me though, I have never felt any sadness or regrets for eating meat. Meat has been consumed by every single carnivore since they came into existence. We are omnivores, we were made to eat meat and plants. I think people see the cute faces of the animals and feel guilty, but they should also understand that eating meat is not a sin, it is just a natural part of life.
Plenty of my close friends are vegetarians. In fact, in my inner circle of friends, omnivores are outnumbered. I even tried to be vegetarian myself, but this only lasted for a short while. Perhaps this is because of what Wittmeyer explains as a traditional tie to food. My family and I don't necessarily adhere to any one cultural food tradition, but an amalgam of international cuisines. I was raised to be a foodie, to always try different dishes. I was also raised to consider food to be an art form, something to be relished, appreciated, savored. Naturally, I am an adventurous and curious eater, and my food cravings often come in more exotic forms than your average teenager. Instead of fast food, I crave Vietnamese or Indian food. Combined with my love for travel, my only hesitation with following a vegetarian diet is that it would hinder me from new cultural experiences gained from trying different traditional dishes. I, like Wittmeyer, have the utmost respect for vegetarians and their commitment to do their part to save the planet. That being said, I tend to agree with many vegetarians that Americans on the whole eat too much meat than what is nutritionally necessary and should cut back on consumption, but still believe that meat and animal products hold intrinsic cultural value in countless societies around the world. Food is among the best ways to understand traditions different than your own, and I wouldn't want to ever limit myself from a cultural learning opportunity.
@Luisa Metz I can somewhat relate to your story, because I once went vegan. My parents supported me and made me separate meals, but it only lasted a few months before I caved in and ate meat again. I know now how difficult it can be to be a vegetarian or vegan. But I do know I would definitely be vegan or vegetarian just for the sole reason of how animals are treated and processed in factories.
I am not vegan or vegetarian. Although, I consider myself a pretty healthy person. I run 6 days a week for track and do some strength and cross training a few times a week on top of that. As you can imagine, I am hungry. Alot. Whenever I get in the car after practice, the first thing I ask my mom is “What are we having for dinner tonight?”. We often eat balanced meals in my house. Pasta with broccoli and tomato sauce or chicken with rice and veggies, to name a few, are staples in my household. It is important for me to get enough protein to build muscle, and meat is where I get lots of my protein. My siblings are athletes as well, so meals in our household are normally rich in protein, and a good amount of protein comes from meat.
Everyone’s bodies are different. A friend of mine on my cross country team was on a vegan diet for a few months and she found herself with little energy and she was losing muscle. But I also have friends who eat vegetarian and are able to find enough protein to have energy and build muscle. So, as long as you can find enough nutrients to stay healthy and get enough calories, it doesn’t matter if you eat meat or not. And if you chose to take it a step farther and eat vegan, just make sure that you are able to get all your protein and nutrients.
I am neither a vegetarian nor vegan but I tend to eat plant-based for environmental reasons. My friends and family are neither vegan nor vegetarian but I have seen tons of benefits for eating vegetarian and vegan, especially for the environment and also health reasons, which are both something really urgent in this day and age. I applauded people who are vegan and vegetarian because they are doing everyone a favor especially knowing that the meat industry has caused a lot of problems. But meat is really important in my family traditions, as an Asian descent, meat is an essential part of the meal, especially around Chinese New Year’s with the pork stew and soy glazed pork. My family will be concerned if I go full vegetarian and vegan, even now as someone who eat majority plant-based, my family expressed concerned with my lack of meat and constantly think something is wrong with me for passing the soy glazed pork. Which plays a part of why I am not a full vegetarian or vegan. My family recipe is really unique and you can’t find it anywhere because it has been altered and modified through generation and I felt that it reflects my Chinese culture and history. It saddens me when I can't eat them anymore hence why I still consume meat to this day and will probably continue to consume it.
I am not a vegetarian or vegan, however I do observe a number of meat free and egg free (lacto-vegetarian) days for religious reasons. I am South African-Indian Hindu and take part in a fast that abstains from the consumption of meat and eggs, every Monday, Tuesday and occasional Hindu auspicious days. My family and I also take part in a month long fast from mid September to mid October in the Tamil month of Purtassi and we do not eat beef and pork at all.
In the past three years I have continuously contemplated becoming vegetarian for religious, ethical and environmental reasons, and it's a constant battle because living a vegetarian lifestyle comes with great benefits. My closest friends are also vegetarian and I always feel uncomfortable eating meat around them.
In my case Ms Wittmeyer is correct when she says that food is central to our traditions and culture and that giving up meat would cause concern in my family. Meat dishes and food preparations are a common thing in my family. The kitchen is a place of teaching. learning and family bonding. Food is not just sustenance to us but it's a form of spreading joy and happiness and showing that you care.
My family coming from a poor background grew up eating offals (sheep head, tripe, heart, etc.) and now I love the taste of these. Although my family prepares these dishes exquisitely, it still makes me uncomfortable talking about it with my friends and I don't think I'll ever eat any type of offal in front of them.
I am neither a vegetarian nor vegan but I tend to eat plant-based for environmental reasons. My friends and family are neither vegan nor vegetarian but I have seen tons of benefits for eating vegetarian and vegan, especially for the environment and also health reasons, which are both something really urgent in this day and age. I applauded people who are vegan or vegetarian because they are doing us a favor because the meat industry is responsible for a lot of things. Meat is really important in my family traditions, as an Asian descent, meat is an essential part of the meal, especially around Chinese New Year’s with the pork stew and soy glazed pork which are so good. My family will be concerned if I go full vegetarian and vegan, even now as someone who eat majority plant-based, my family expressed concerned with my lack of meat and constantly think something is wrong with me just taking a spoon of the soy glazed pork and eat cucumbers instead. My family recipe is really unique and you can’t find it anywhere because it has been altered and modified through generation and I felt that it reflects my Chinese culture and it saddens me how I can't eat them anymore hence why I still consume meat to this day and will probably continue to consume it.
I came from a Chinese family, so I’m in a similar boat with ms.wittmeyer. The foods i ate from my house are very different than foods outside of my house. I have been exposed to foreign foods and I think I have developed a different taste buds than my parents’ taste bud. There are certain foods from my culture that I disliked :porks and ducks for example. Not like ms,wittmeyer, I disliked not because it’s bad for the environment, I disliked it for my own preference. While foods does keep me and my family culturally linked, spending times with my family is more important. A person can change, but family never change. My family might scold me for not eating my foods, but they will probably forget after a while. To me, family is culture. Without family, culture wouldn’t matter and will be lost.
In my family meat is undoubtedly a central part of our diet. I can’t remember the last time I didn’t have meat at least 5 days a week. Every dish my mother made for me and makes today is full of either red meat or poultry, rarely ever fish. Meat has always been the main dish at every dinner and I can’t imagine a family party without a steaming tub of fragrant rice with huge chunks of goat meat inside. I think it is safe to say that my family very much enjoys meat. But I have often thought deeply about becoming vegetarian. Growing up in a Pakistani house hold it wasn’t unnatural that I would eventually see a goat slaughtered and made into food. But it was the crying of the goat almost women like the shriek of pain and agonizing yell that made the whole event horrid. But years later I would go on to slaughter a goat myself, and understand why we did so. I will say it is still as traumatizing and painful as the first time, except now I’m the one holding the knife. My reasons for being of sound mind after a slaughter are hard to explain, it sounds crazy to say but your head has to be clear of doubt before you take a life, because a mind in conflict leads to mistakes. You have to understand that you are taking another life and respect the life you are taking and understand why you are doing it, after that the knife does all the work. You have to realize that for me to live this life another life must parish because there is a cost for life and it is death.
Becoming vegetarian is a great decision can can help save our planet. However, I believe that people have the right to decide their lifestyles in the absence of other’s opinions. What you decide to eat or post should not be hindered by the opinions of others even with topics such as vegetarianism. I have learned a lot about the effects of eating meat on our planet so I am more inclined to become vegetarian due to moral issues. Although I do know a lot about vegetarianism, I am not ready yet to make the complete transition. I believe that it is easier to slowly cut certain foods out of your diet instead of making a quick and complete transition.
To me, anything meat, steak, chicken, fish, or any other animal, are essential to both my family’s traditional meals and to my personal preferences. Being apart of an Italian family, every Sunday we have a family meal of spaghetti and some type of meat either meatballs or sausage. I personally would never be a vegetarian or vegan due to the lack of protein found in vegetarian and vegan diets. Although both diets do include some protein, plants can only provide incomplete protein rather than complete protein found in animals. The more obvious reason for my decision is the fact that I love eating steak and chicken. I couldn’t see a future in which I went vegan or vegetarian.
Personally I tend to argue against becoming vegetarian or vegan. I find that I eat a lot of meat in my diet and giving that up would be a very difficult task. Having meat in your diet is very important due to the proteins. While there may be some alternatives to meat that still contain protein, most of these alternatives tend to not be as rich in proteins as most meat products. It’s also interesting to me that a large argument for vegetarianism is to prevent the killing of animals. I find this interesting because these animals have natural predators. Eating other animals is natural to them, so why is it so strange when we do the same, especially when it provides us with high amounts of proteins. At the end of the day I really don’t mind whether or not anyone chooses to become vegetarian, but I prefer to continue keeping my diet the same.
I love to eat meat but sometimes, I have considered being vegetarian for my health. I have had vegetarian dishes and they are tasty. I have had pasta with sauce and cheese, and it is amazing, or I substitute ham or turkey for avocado in my sandwiches, and it tastes good. Stop eating meat can be very good for your body because vegetables are easy for digest. One time, I tried to stop eating meat for a week because at that time, I was on a diet, but I could not do it for the whole week. I can stay away from meat for certain time, but I cannot do this often because I like meat in my meals. I can reduce the amount of meat in my meal, but I can’t eliminate it from my meal forever. In my culture, a special meal should have beef, chicken, duck, fish, lamb, or pork. I can’t imagine eat a holyday’s dish without meat. Definitely, I can’t become a vegetarian right now but maybe in the future I can change my mind.
In this time is very common how people adopt tendencies or styles about food. It could be a group of rules that society imposes. One example of them is when people decide to become vegetarian or vegan. I agree with that lifestyle if it is adopting from a healthy perspective. Having knowledge about benefits and consequences. However, I disagree, if people apply that kind of rules to feel comfortable between in a society. On the other hand, I understand when people have to eat or appropriate styles or food according to their culture. Some people are very strict about those beliefs. In my opinion I could not be a vegetarian or vegan, because I think you can get a balance in what you consume, and take advantage of benefit that food has.
From 2010 to 2012 I considered myself as a vegetarian. I skipped all kind of meet from my daily food. Although I love chicken on my dinner, I had to cut off it for few days. At the beginning, it was really hard for me stay away from meet, but little by little I get used to on it. I have start adding lots of fruits and green vegetables on my breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Being vegetarian is really good for health. Fresh food always provide us healthy body and it’s also helps to stay with fresh mind. For a green planet we should stop eating meet that can help us to save world from carbon pollution.
For now I am not a vegetarian, I understand why some people especially athletes have veganism. However, a have seen some people around me becoming vegetarian, and vegans. Sometimes some people become vegetarian because meats are not good for them. I think people in America choose to be vegetarian because that options is available to them. However, eating meats part of human culture.
I think that becoming a vegetarian is a brave decision. I have seen many people who are vegetarian and can keep their decision to do not eat meat at all, but I cannot. I consider a balanced diet that brings me different amino acids and minerals which are necessaries for my body. A balanced diet contains proteins, carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits, grains, and dairy. One of the proteins from this diet is meat that is important because it brings us iron, some essential amino acids, vitamins A and B12. On the other hand, some vegan people have told me that they feel light without animal products. I have never tried or considered this, but I think if some people can feel comfortable being vegetarians or vegans I respect their decision and reasons to do that.
I have never considered becoming a vegetarian or vegan, but I try to have control with my food. I like eat vegetables and meat, and I think both are important in my diet. Some people have decided become vegetarian for health, but sometimes it is not the best option. I know about someone who is very sick because he ate a lot of meat which caused him health problems. I have another friend who decided to be a vegetarian, but few months later she began to get sick. The doctor recommended she eat meat because it has a different protein than vegetables and our body need all that proteins. She started eating meat again and her health began to be better. I think we need to have a control of everything in our life that include our alimentation. Everything with control is good and everything in excess has consequences.
In the world, a lot of traditions and cultures exist. It may be not eating meats for a while or vice versa. It is true that both vegetables and meats contain bacteria, but eating meats and vegetables are healthy. Being honest, I am not vegetarian, but I do support people who are. Despite the fact that part of my family are vegans, often they consume meats, eggs and milk. I am glad of that because usually I balance my food. Though eating meats strengthens the body. A balanced food is essential for physical health, cardio disease, or cholesterol. Eating vegetables is important because nutrients and vitamins come from vegetables.
When I was a child, I was forced to eat a lot of meal because it was part of my culture. My parents had also forced me to eat vegetables too in which I got used to eat that type of food every day, but as I grew up, I saw animals being killed. From then on, I had started not eating a lot meat since then. Occasionally, I do eat meat but not every day. I only just eat a small portion because I had kept that in mind that I need to eat lots of fruits and vegetables so that I can improve my health. Health is very important in a person. I’m not saying that eating meat is not bad. It only depends on the person’s decisions and the importance of their health.
I have never considered becoming a vegetarian or vegan even though meat is not so important for me. I think we can eat everything, but with moderation. In my family’s tradition, we eat meat almost every day, but now I am trying reducing for health reasons. In my country, meat is very fresh most of the time without chemicals. However, in this country if meat is not organic which is very expensive meat has lots of chemical. I respect all the people who are vegetarian or vegan because is it a very healthy decision, it takes a lot of will and we have to respect other cultures, traditions or decisions.
To be honest, I have never considered being vegetarian because I think meat is necessary in your diet since it is protein and it is good to have a balanced diet. Being a vegetarian is good for the environment and good for your health because some meats have many bacteria. I had a friend who became vegetarian for a month and she told me that she felt much better with her health. I would try only one week because I do not like vegetables. I think I would not become accustomed to that lifestyle.
In my opinion, I would like becoming vegetarian. Becoming a vegetarian person is a challenge for yourself about having a good health. I am not vegetarian, but I like vegetable and fruit .I enjoy eating meat and vegetable. I remember when I was teenager, I have had a friend, he has never eaten meat, and he has only eaten vegetable and fruit. I wondered him, why do you ever eat meat? He says, he wants to become a bull that it is an herbivore. I say why you want to become a bull? He says a bull never eat meat .In addition, he says, enjoy eating beef not the best way to become stronger than others do, it is the vegetable that a bull eats to eat too. However, become a vegan is very important in daily life to people try to practice and that can avoid people catch disease by eating meat.
I am not vegetarian or vegan and I have not thought of becoming one. I do not eat many vegetables and I do not like all of them. Some members of my family are vegetarians and recently one of them became vegan. Vegetarians have a very healthy life because of what they eat. However, the challenging aspect about it is that it comes with restrictions on what you can eat. Meat is an important part of my meal because my family has become accustomed to that. In addition, my family would not be offended or concerned if I ever tried to give up eating meat.
I’m the kind of person who do not like meat a lot, but I also do not like vegetables very much. I have never considered becoming a vegetarian. Although, if I have to choose between vegetables or meat, I would choose vegetables because I think vegetables are healthier than meat. Because I have only eaten some vegetables, I would not know how to try them more often. All members in my family eat meat. It is a food that can never be missing from the table almost all the year. For me, it doesn’t matter if there is meat or not.
In my opinion I respect if people are vegetarians or not vegetarians. I have never thought of the possibility of being vegetarian, because I have been eating meat my whole life. I know that being vegan it’s a good way to stay healthy, help the environment, and prevent cruelty to animals. This article gave me a positive thought about being vegan because I can start to think about that or eat the least meat I can.
I am not vegetarian nor vegan. The main focus of meals in my family has been centered around meat (Beef, Chicken, Pork, etc.) since the beginning of my existence. I do have friends that have made the switch to becoming just vegan or just vegetarian and I very much respect that! What they choose to feed their bodies is absoluteley their choice and I will admire those who know what is best for them. My whole side of the family grew up raising beef cattle and hogs in central Iowa, that was the only way of life that we knew and that was fine! Personally, I don't think I will ever cut any animal products out of my life and my friends respect that about me. There aren't any foods I am uncomfortable eating in front of my friends because they know that is the type of food I choose and I know that that is the type of food they have decided to cut out.
I started my pescatarian diet when I was in fifth grade. I am the only person in my family who doesn't eat meat. This often creates tension with my family because two people in my family are chefs, including my dad. I am known for trying anything they serve me besides meat dishes, so my family does often teases me about it. I don't find it challenging to keep to my diet anymore because I started two years ago, but in the early stages, I did miss some foods.
Personally, I am not a vegetarian nor a vegan. Although I have thought of becoming vegan many times throughout my life, I usually never follow through with these desires due to many factors like criticism from family members and the difficulty for me to give up meat. I usually think of becoming vegan because of environmental issues that we currently face/will face in the future, especially harm from cattle farming. However, meat has been an essential part of my diet for as long as I've been alive. It is also an important piece in my family's celebration of holidays like Christmas Day because we make dishes like pozole, so giving up meat entirely would upset my parents when I pass on important meals like these. As a result, I've grown so attached to eating meat that if there is not a portion of meat in my dinner, I find it extremely hard to feel satisfied.
I'm not a vegetarian or a vegan. I thought about being vegetarian during ninth grade when my teacher brought the topic of knowing where our food comes from. I have friends who don't eat meat or at least a certain type of meat, however, none of my family members abstain from meat. I found the process of trying to create or researching food that are vegan-friendly interesting. I believe what's challenging is that our world right now has a limited selection, that is affordable, for the vegetarian's/vegans' diet.
I support the whole reasoning on how meat is connected to traditional foods. Many of our meals involve any type of meat, especially at parties. It is the best go-to meal as well. I support those who are willing to pull a cold turkey to stop eating meat, but, that is a choice I would never consider. Not only that, but I think becoming vegan would not met my full nutrients in meal and would be stressful to consume these vitamins and nutrients. Plus if I'm ever at a family gathering, they wouldn't consider those who are vegan/vegetarian, so I would just starve and that wouldn't be hard.
Although I see the merit in changing my diet to be vegetarian or vegan, I don't think it is realistic in my life. The majority of the meals at my house are cooked with meat and animal products in general and it would simply be too much to have to cook all my own meals just so I can avoid meat. Additionally, I am far too picky of an eater to try enough new things to meet the protein requirements a person needs in a day. I don't believe it is an impossible thing to do, I am just not at a point in my life where I see such a drastic change is necessary.
Growing up, I have formed the mentality that each meal should contain a source of protein—typically meat. I understand that there are many alternatives to meat, such as tofu, but I find it hard to believe that a meat substitute can really replace the overall experience of eating meat. I acknowledge the health benefits of a plant based diet and respect the dedication of those who succeed in this process but, personally becoming vegetarian or vegan is way out of the picture considering the amount of meat I consume daily. Although I wouldn’t implement vegetarianism into my life, many people embrace the idea. It has an obvious moral plus side of diminishing cruel treatment of animals and I respect those who are trying to make a difference, one meal at a time.
I've been vegan actually for four years now (since I was 12, I'm 16 now). I'm Puerto Rican, therefore meat is a big part of my culture. It's really easy and my family is very supportive. Whenever my parents cook they just make my own meal with vegan products.
Unlike some people in the comments would have you believe, if you eat properly you won't suffer any deficiencies. Whenever I get blood work done the results always come back normal. I workout everyday and I have no problem building muscle either. I think a lot people could benefit from a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle if they were willing to put in the effort. But that's my opinion. A meat-free lifestyle isn't for everyone though, and I don't feel like it's okay to push people to do things they don't want to do.
I went vegan mostly due to moral concerns and health benefits. I read an exposé and I could not support the cruel treatment of animals, the health benefits the lifestyle provided weren't that bad either. The way animals are treated in order to maintain our food supply is not okay. But, anyways.
@Alejandro I find your perspective very interesting. I am not a vegetarian, but I have considered becoming one for moral reasons. In a family of picky eaters, becoming vegetarian would be difficult for me because it would mean I would have to make separate meals from what my family eats. I think it’s interesting that you went vegan after mentioning how eating meat is a major part of your culture, but it is nice to know that your family is supportive of your decisions.
I’ve been vegan for about 6 months. Before, I was vegetarian for 4 years. By cutting out dairy and eggs I’ve seen a drastic improvement in my health. Ditching dairy in all it’s forms was a bit difficult at first, but once I stopped I could never ever see myself going back. After reading about the dairy industry and seeing the immense pain the cows go through just to supply us with a drink is appalling. Every female dairy cow is forcibly impregnated by (hand or with a machine) with bull semen. Once they give birth they are immediately separated from their children and are attached to painful machines to take the milk that should’ve gone to the baby cow. If the baby’s are female they go back into this process to suffer the same fate as the mother. If the baby is male he could be killed for veal but more often is just killed.
Many people think the cows produce milk naturally so why not drink it? It’s natural, why not enjoy it? But in reality there is nothing natural about the process. We are mass breeding these animals to torture them for a quarter of their natural like span and then kill them. Milk has the nutrient qualities for a baby cow! Just like human milk has the necessary qualities for a human baby.
It genuinely doesn’t make any sense to me and if you get a chance to research or look it up I would highly recommend you do.
Vegetarians don’t get all the nutrients suggested for ones diet. I believe it is a rather pathetic choice to make because you will not receive the healthy amount of protein you need to stay healthy. In my opinion I have roughly at least one piece of meat per meal because it is simply my way of eating. I would not be able to make it through a day without some form of legit protein in my diet.
@Charlie This is simply false. The average American actually consumes more protein than needed. And it's untrue to say vegetarians don't eat enough protein. Beans, for example, contain high amounts of protein. Being vegetarian doesn't mean you only eat spinach.
1
@Charlie I agree with your claim that vegetarians don't get sufficient nutrients during their meals. Don't quote me on this, but I heard somewhere else that you can get your proteins during a meal even though your vegetarian because most plants have protein. The only problem with this is that there is so little of it compared the usual meat choices that you would have to pay extra for more food to compensate for the quantity of protein. I also agree with your eating habits to eat some form of meat during each meal because for most of us it is a lifestyle. Just like you, I'm pretty sure many of us would struggle going a few meals without some sort of actual protein.
I was a strict pescitarian for about three months, meaning I wouldn't eat any meat but not including fish. I still ate fish but wouldn't eat any bacon, chicken, steak etc. It was really hard for these three months because my mom makes meat for almost every meal. But my dad is a pescitarian as well so when I was at his house it was really easy because he wouldn't make any meat. I call myself a non strict pescitarian now, I try my hardest to not eat any meat but I occasionally slip up. And I think that's fine, as long as you aren't eating meat like every day for every meal then you are helping the environment in some way. You could set a rule where you eat meat once or twice a week (that's basically what I do). It helps the environment in so many ways because the mass production of meat releases so many greenhouse gases into our environment. It also helps the animals out alot. They don't have to be tortured and killed to serve your needs. Becoming pescitarian, vegan,or vegetarian can help out the environment in so many ways but even just trying not to eat meat as much can help.
2
Personally I would never be a vegetarian or vegan. I have an iron deficiency so instead of benefitting me, it would be really unhealthy. In the past I have thought about it but it would make it harder for my parents to make meals. My family has no interest in changing their diet so they’d end up having to buy different foods just for me and making different meals also just for me. Not becoming a vegetarian or vegan is the best thing for my family and my health.
I never consider being vegetarian because since I was a kid I always eat meat and I feel I going to be very challenging and because of the vitamins that the meat have. I going to feel weird if I stop eating meat because all the time in my life I have been eating meat. I may can tried to be vegetarian, but I think that’s not going to be something that I would like because I grow up in this way also because I feel that we need a lot the vitamin that the vegetables doesn’t have. I may consider to be vegetarian because in that way we can save a lot more the animals an also because is more healthy.
Everybody have a deferment opinion about being a vegetarian but in my opinion I would never consider becoming vegetarian. I have always eaten meat in my life, and I don’t think I can have a diet whit out meat. The meat in the feedings have a lot of proteins to the others foods don’t have. The vegetarian life is more healthy and we can help a lot of animal to tray eat vegetable. The persons that are vegetarians are more healthy and also they life more time than many people, that’s why may become vegetarian to save the animals and be more healthy.
I am not vegetarian or vegan; however, I can see why others are. I can admit it is a noble cause to partake in this recent craze if one is doing it to benefit the environment. I like meat, but it has no strong connection to who I am—I just like the variation it adds to my meals. Even though it is a simple reason, it is the truth. My family has always eaten meat; I have trouble thinking of any extended family members who don’t. For this reason, it is unlikely I will ever become vegetarian or vegan.
@Maya U I can also see why becoming vegan or vegetarian can help not just the environment, but the millions of animals held in cruel conditions. I would seriously consider becoming vegetarian or vegan if I move out because my mother cooks with animal based protein almost everyday, so I’d have to cook my own food if I were to become vegan or vegetarian. Before, I would never have considered giving up meat, but after learning so much in my Environment science class I have learned about the damage the meat industry causes not just on the environment, but also the way these companies trap farmers in debt and the awful conditions of slaughterhouses and feedlots. I strongly recommend exploring vegetarian options, especially since you have no particular attraction for meat, so plant-based products can replace meat. For example, I love burgers and the other day I had a burger made with Beyond plant-based meat and I can assure you that it tasted the exact same as beef, so consider vegetarian options for you meals.
@Maya U I agree completely with you statement, I myself have never fully committed to being a vegetarian, but I can see the factors that draw other people in. I have tried to become a vegetarian, but it only lasted a few weeks. It became difficult to find things to eat, as my entire family continued to eat meat. However there are many environmental factors that are in effect because of the massive meat consumption in the US, so I have a lot of respect for anyone who has fully committed to becoming a vegetarian.
Being a vegetarian or vegan seems very difficult in my opinion but when I run across run in high school, i’m very impressed because I could never. I did know a very committed vegetarian in my middle school and somewhat felt bad for eating meat in front of her. My family majority of the time has meat for dinner everyday so it would be a major change in my family dinners.
I am not vegetarian or vegan. Yes, i have considered being vegetarian at one point. I have grown up eating certain dishes that contain meat, I'd find it super difficult to cut them out. Especially since a lot of meat contains many proteins that are useful for developing and retaining muscles, some which the ptoducts vegetarians and vegans eat may not contain.
Becoming a vegan or vegetarian is something I have never considered for myself. In my family there is always some sort of animal protein on the table for my whole life. This would be a factor of why I don’t consider being a vegetarian or vegan, but mainly when I have ever thought about it before I think to myself “I could never give up bacon.” Other members of my family are on the verge of becoming vegetarian. My mom was a vegetarian before I was born. Although she isn’t anymore, she has talked about it in the past. The reasons she thought about this kind of fell under the environmental category, as she doesn’t like the idea of animal abuse. As of right now my mom decided to buy eggs that said “free-range” on them, or “grass-fed” cows to support businesses that are with her views. I think this is a great alternative, especially people who are considering becoming a vegetarian, but they don’t think they can.
Personally, I come from a family of meat eaters who every other fall go hunting and eat our game, so in my humbled opinion there is something about being a vegan that is unappealing. When we look into an ecosystem there is always predators and there is prey, as humans we tend to be apex predators whom hunt our prey and supply our family with food, which has been happening since the start of human evolution. Humans are also prey too, to bigger animals like bears, or aquatic animals like sharks, where if we are unarmed we could be in danger. Just think about it, we refrain from killing animals and eat alternative foods, but would the animals that we are “saving” do the same for us? Would the Black Bear that’s hungry let you live because he respects the ecosystem, or would he maul you to death because he has to provide for his cubs?
I have never been a vegetarian or vegan, and I haven’t really considered it. Although my mother has been a vegetarian all her life, and many might assume that I am as well due to my Hindu background, eating meat actually plays a large role in my culture. Although I limit my consumption of red meat, many Indian dishes contain chicken, and other types of meat. I have grown up eating certain dishes that contain meat, so it would be hard to completely stop eating them. Despite this, I definitely believe that becoming vegetarian is possible, because growing up with a vegetarian mom has caused me to be exposed to different types of food that taste good and are vegetarian. On the other hand, I feel that it would be a lot more difficult for me to become vegan, because dairy is a large portion of my diet, and I could not imagine taking it out. I understand why people choose to be vegetarian and vegan, but I personally would not pursue this lifestyle.
It has always been a thought in the back of my mind to become vegetarian, however I have never actually gone through with it, mainly because my entire family eats meat and it would mostly be a challenge for all of us. Whether certain foods are a strong part of ones culture or simply something they eat to survive, everyone views it differently and should be allowed to have opinions on whether or not they should eat certain s items like meat. I do believe that preserving our earth for future generations is extremely important and I try to do whatever I can, which is why I limit my meat consumption, however I will not force those around me to do the same or become vegan altogether because I most likely do not know their entire background especially when it comes to food.
I am not vegetarian or vegan, and I don’t believe I would ever consider becoming either. I do not have anything against vegetarians or vegans, I have plenty of friends who don’t eat meat or animal by-products. The only reason why I wouldn’t become a vegetarian is that I love meat too much, I’ve been eating meat for my entire life and many of my favorite dishes from my dad’s side of the family contain meat. My dad’s side of the family is mainly Italian and one of the most important dishes from his family that we eat every Christmas is my Great-Grandma Angie’s beef and sausage meatballs with spaghetti.
One of the main questions that I always have for my friends that used to eat meat and now they don’t is, do they ever miss it? And most of my friends say yes, at times they miss eating meat, but they made the choice to be vegetarian so they say it doesn’t bother them too much. I really respect vegetarians and vegans who decided for themselves that they were not going to eat animal by-products because it is a complete change in your lifestyle and sticking with it shows - to me at least - that they are serious about not eating meat or dairy and that they aren’t just doing it because it’s the next new thing.
I have never considered becoming vegetarian or even vegan. Meat is a big part of my diet, I have some time of meat or fish every night for dinner. I can't even eat a salad without it having some type of meat in it. My mom has a friend who is vegetarian and she has told me that she couldn't see herself becoming a vegetarian either. I am Haitian and alot of are foods have meat in them. We have them in soup, we eat them in food, we have it in our breakfast. While I see the appeal of going vegetarian to better the environment and I admire them for giving up meat wouldn't be able to go through with it myself. But if I did make the decision to go vegetarian my friends and family would support me. Likewise if one of my friends seriously wanted to turn vegetarian I would support them.
I want to start off by saying this: I do not eat vegetables. I seriously do not eat any vegetables ever. I do not think it will be a huge struggle to become vegetarian, however. Lots of the foods that I eat aren’t meat. The only time I eat meat is at dinner time, and I’d be happy to give that up because it usually doesn’t taste good. I would have to give up some good foods I like, such as chicken tacos and fried chicken. I love chicken, but I can live without it. If I became vegetarian, it wouldn’t be because of the animals and their well-being, it’d be for health reasons.
I am not a vegetarian and much less a vegan. I have tried going vegetarian for this month but I immediately forgot about my decision when I woke up on the third day. One of my friends that I met when we first came to our school, whom I value more than most of my acquaintances, is a vegetarian. I sometimes ask him if he would like meat as a joke, but we are used to him being a full-fledged vegetarian. What I find challenging about going vegetarian is that I consume meat on a day-to-day basis and have it or an alternative to it, albeit rarely, with my dinner. Meat is one of the most essential parts of my native cuisine, though it is not the part that steals the spotlight. My mom would slightly appreciate it if I became a vegetarian but in general, my family does not care about it. In my maternal family and nuclear family, we have a potato dumpling recipe that’s eaten in the colder months. The wrappers are made from sweet potato starch, eggs, mashed potatoes, and seasoning of our choice. The filling consists of pork, soy sauces for both seasoning and coloring, scallion, and et cetera. If I were to give up my family foods for any reason, it would be potentially a loss of my Identity. My parents love to eat shiitake mushrooms when they are served, but I have developed a hatred for the distinct taste.
Meat has a significant impact on my life, much more so than I thought. As an Asian, more specifically Korean, my family eats meat daily. If I were to be a vegetarian or vegan, I would become a burden on my family. My mom would have to change her grocery plan to fit my specific needs on top of the rest of my six-person family. When visiting grandparents or aunts and uncles, whether it be for a reunion or holiday, meat is served in almost all dishes. I would either have to ask them to make something specifically for me, bring my own meal, or simply not eat. Food is a big part of bonding as well. Korean barbeque is a frequented holiday meal and I can become detached from my family if I do not participate. Vegetarianism and veganism may also very well be detrimental to me because of a predicted poorly planned diet. Without animal meats I can become deficient in protein, vitamin b-12, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. These deficiencies can pose major health problems such as neurological disorders, deteriorating bone strength, and anemia.
@Sophia Lee
I have considered becoming a vegetarian but haven’t for reasons similar to you. I think my biggest reason is that I’m not independent enough to be able to plan my own meals, buy the products, and make my own food. I find it easier to cook with what I already have at home but because my family isn’t vegetarian it would limit what I’m able to work with. I wouldn’t want to make my mom change the way she grocery shops just to cater to me. I’m also a pretty picky eater so finding new foods to make and eat is hard. In the future when I’m forced to have to cook for myself I’ll have more freedom to make what I want and maybe then I’ll consider changing my diet.
I would never consider, even a little, becoming avegetarian. This is because in my culture and family, all meals revolve around mainly meat and spice. If I give up meat, I'd have to give up my whole diet and change my meals altogether. In my case, what I eat represents a very big part of who I am.
I have always respected the idea of becoming a vegetarian. But at an age that you are still growing, I worry that fully cutting back on meat might be problematic. Hence, this might cause children to have a lack of protein, stunting their growth which can be very unhealthy. So, I am neither a vegan or vegetarian, but I try to cut back on meat as often as I can. I have tried giving up meat multiple times, but meat has always been a main part of my diet, causing it to be very hard for me to become fully vegetarian or vegan. Additionally, my family has many traditional dishes that connect food with family members which might be something I am unwilling to fully give up.
I am neither vegan or vegetarian. Once I tried being vegetarian for a few weeks a few years ago, and it wasn’t too hard but eventually I stopped. Everyone in my family eats meat. I have met some people that are vegetarian, but I have never met a vegan.
Part 2
But meat is a very big part of my and my parents' culture. When my parents were little, they had meat and fish every single day unless it was lent. So I would never consider being vegetarian cause it's a very big part of my culture. Also, whenever my mom is cooking, it’s most likely that everyone is in the kitchen. And usually, it ends up us all helping out in one way or another. Even if it’s peeling some onion or something bigger like mixing a spice paste. So when it comes to food, it’s almost like a tradition. In conclusion, meat and food, in general, are a very big part of my family and my culture.
I have respect for the people who stand up for what they believe in to make the world a better place. I don't think that I would ever go vegan or even vegetarian but I will make sure that I am getting my meats and eggs and dairy products from cows who are grass fed and chickens who are cage free. Though I may not go vegetarian I will certainly try my hardest to refrain from feeding the pockets of farmers and corporations that abuses their animals.
For my family, eating meat doesn't really have to do with our culture but just my specific family's traditions. We eat meat almost every dinner and removing it really would shake one of the most important times we have together around the dinner table, and possibly not in a good way.
As a person of Asian ancestry, me and my family value each morsel of food on our plates. I was taught to ALWAYS have three things on my plate, Go, Grow, and Glow foods, if I didn't have vegetables, my father would grab the bag of spinach in the refrigerator and pour a handful on my plate. I grew up loving all sorts of food and have learned how to balance my diet in my teenage years.
Vegetables are as important to us as any other food, we have dishes full of it! I wouldn't become vegan because I can't let go of the taste meat brings, but I am constantly amazed by variety of food vegans create.
I believe that what a person eats is a personal choice. Unlike the author, I never grew up around vegetarians or vegans and to this day I do not know of anyone in my life that is a self-proclaimed vegetarian or vegan. I grew up eating Filipino food, to which meat is often a central part of the meals. I do not think that I could ever become vegetarian or vegan because I am so used to eating meat and prefer to eat meat. I think in order to be successful at giving up meat, a person needs to make the choice themselves without any pressure from those around them. Just like with anything, people are more successful when they have the motive to do something for themselves rather than it being imposed upon them. Becoming vegetarian/vegan can also be costly as vegan products tend to be more expensive, therefore going vegan should be personal choice because it affects a person financially as well.
“Am I vegan or vegetarian?” And my answer is that I am neither the first or the second. And the reason for that is not because I don't want to be vegan or vegetarian but because It's quite difficult and hard to not to eat meat and fish. And it's even harder when no members of your family want to stick to the diet with you. But anyway, I did have this one experience of being vegetarian. And I did it this past summer (for about one week). At first it was very very difficult not to eat meat at all. But day by day I felt better and it got much easier. So,by the end of that week I felt much better, mentally and physically. I mean, it's hard to describe this feeling when you just feel like you aren't hungry anymore after a plate of salad. And you don't have a headache and any other illnesses. In conclusion, going vegan/ vegetarian is an amazing way to give your body the right nutrients, you just have to stick with it.
I’ve never been a person who’s gone to a restaurant and thought, “I think I’ll order a steak”. And while I do think that meat is a good part of my diet, I wouldn’t call myself a big meat eater, sometimes shunning ribs or fried chicken that tend to make my stomach churn. When I was first introduced to vegetarianism when my older sister decided to go vegetarian, my idea of vegetarianism was that of an endless purgatory consisting of boiled vegetables and sadness, so it didn’t seem very appealing to me at first glance. But recently seeing all the coverage on meat consumption and how much it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, it made me think twice. I felt really guilty about the fact that I was contributing to this problem (along with the fact that I had seen so many videos of baby cows and pigs on social media that made me regret ever going near meat), so I mulled over the idea of me going vegetarian. And while I did realize I would have to give up certain dishes that I eat regularly, I realized that it wouldn’t be as difficult as I think. Finding out that a vegetarian’s diet can have as much variety as a meat eater’s diet and that I would choose some vegetarian dishes instead of eating a bunch of red meat really made me compelled to try vegetarianism. I really think that going vegetarian would not only benefit me health-wise but also environmentally, and I’m hoping that I am able to switch over sometime in the near future.
Part 1
I’m Indian and a very big part of my culture is our food. Indian food is very known for its spices and taste. When September comes around there is an Indian holiday called Onam, and we have this really big feast on a banana leaf and it’s all vegetarian. It tastes good with rice and all the curries. So the idea of vegetarian food not being delicious is very false. But I’m also Christan, and holidays like Christmas and Easter are a very big deal. And when it’s those holidays, we have a big party with friends and family and we usually have meat like chicken or beef. And always have fish. I'm not a big fan of fish, but I still eat it because it’s a very big part of my culture. But leading up to Easter there is the Big Lent, where you should try to fast. It’s similar to fasting in Islam where you have to not eat or drink any food or water until night time. But even at night, you can only have a simple dinner. And this goes on for 40 days. But for younger people, it’s not as intense. So I usually just don’t eat meat or fish and eat very simple meals. So the idea of becoming vegetarian is not that hard to adjust to.
For my whole life I was taught to be a man and that men eat meat. So, I’ve always eaten meat with the vengeance to use the ‘It's not a meal without meat’ phrase. I’ve just always done it! However, it's not the lack of meat that keeps me staunchly away from veganism. It’s the persona that Vegans carry with them everywhere they go. I know a vegan (who will remain unnamed) and he is one that falls square under the vegan persona umbrella. If you enter a conversation with him you will almost immediately know that he is vegan and feel lesser than him for consuming meat. It is as if he wants to recruit people to become vegan and save the world by being stuck up and mean towards the people he is trying to recruit. So a little advice to unnamed vegan persona’s: People don’t want to be vegan, not because they want to eat meat (although that is a large proponent) but because they don't want to be associated with the way vegans act. And for self proclaimed “world savers” that's unacceptable.
1
Although I acknowledge the health benefits and positive environmental impacts of becoming vegetarian, I don’t think I would be able to become one. I’ve grown up eating, as well as enjoying meat, so completely cutting it out of my diet would be pretty difficult, if not impossible. But obviously, nothing is impossible, with enough dedication and willpower anything is possible. My sister, for example has been a vegan for almost a year now. At first she decided to quit dairy, then meat, then at a point she was even pescatarian! However, eventually she got to the point where she was a full blown vegan. Sometimes it amazes me how devoted she is to her diet and lifestyle choices. How can she not be tempted to eat my moms freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, or that icy cold bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream?! I would never be able to control myself. One thing I do notice is that she usually makes her own meals and snacks, and surprisingly they’re really tasty! The best part is that the food is very healthy which means there isn’t a lack of nutritional value. I hope to one day be like my sister and follow a strict diet that benefits myself and the environment. But for now, my life is too busy for me to even consider any major dietary shifts, and becoming a vegetarian is the least of my concerns.
No, I would never consider becoming Vegetarian. While I do respect animals right and think the food industry is filled with corrupt and unjust corporations, I simply cannot wrap my head around a plant based diet. As a student athlete at Glenbard West Highschool the competition level is very high within the school and the conference. Getting bigger is something that is a necessity in order to keep up, and building muscle requires a protein heavy diet. It’s simply not viable to not eat meat. Also, life is short and you never know which day is going to be your last. I believe one should not limit themself with their meals and should try as many foods as possible.
I have been vegan for almost two years, and I was vegetarian beforehand for over three years. I find it hard to relate to this woman in this article because I grew up in a Mexican family where meat was so prevalent in the food we ate, yet, my parents and I quit meat back in 2015. Not eating meat would mean alienating ourselves from our histories and traditions, but I would argue this is a good thing. It’s these past traditions that have put our planet in this harsh, urgent condition. I disagree with the notion of placing our personal wants before an issue which is or will impact everyone: climate change. We somehow value our taste buds that much? To me, the cultural aspect of meat and food itself is little compared to our ideas, our languages, our music, etc. The reason her and her family gathered was not to praise a dead pig, it was to celebrate the end of her chemo therapy as she was is with breast cancer. I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but red meat is a group one carcinogen like cigarettes and plutonium. Doesn’t in seem kind of ironic to celebrate with a pig? A major excuse for not going vegan/vegetarian is that one single person wouldn’t make any difference. The meat would be better if not wasted. How much food and water do you think is wasted to make that chicken breast? And when did one single person ever change the world? Like anything, the hardest part is getting started. How much do you value life on earth?
1
Although I recognize the health benefits and positive environmental impacts of going vegetarian, and praise the vegetarians who decide to take on this lifestyle, i would find it very difficult to be able to become one. I’ve grown up eating and enjoying meat, so cutting it out of my diet would not be easy. My sister recently turned vegan but she took small steps to reach there. First she quit dairy, then meat, then for a short time she went pescatarian, and eventually became a full on vegan. It surprises me how easily she can turn down my moms delicious freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, or even ice cream! Who can say no to ice cream!?!? I would never be able to. She mostly makes her own food and they seem very appetizing. She seems very content with her diet choices and also appears to be very healthy, not lacking any nutrition at all. I think that if I really tried to and put a lot of emphasis on it, I could become a vegetarian. But right now I am so busy with everything else going on in my life, and trying to become vegetarian is the last of my worries.
I work at Chick-Fil-A, which means I eat chicken… a lot. Honestly, I don’t think I could ever become vegetarian or vegan. I’m a picky eater already as it is and the only vegetable I’ll eat without gagging is corn which some people don’t even consider a vegetable now. I admire people that are vegetarian and think it is great but I just don’t think I could be one.
@Christian Cammack
I can relate in eating chicken a lot. While hearing many problems with eating red meat, I limit my intake to a very small amount. While I differ in thinking I could last vegetarian for a short period. I could never do it as a full lifestyle because i too am very picky in vegetables. However I wonder if the transformation would force me to enjoy vegetables more. I would struggle in that I hate processed or fake food therefore i could never eat that fake meat stuff vegetarians eat.
I feel for the woman in the article, because she obviously has a weak identity if not eating a roasted dead animal would “fundamentally change” who she is. I don’t think she should be vegetarian if she doesn’t feel it’s a healthy choice for her, but I don’t think she should dismiss the idea because she feels she can’t keep an equally rich culture and identity. I respect this woman and her Chinese Malaysian roots, but many people with diet restrictions have to struggle in social situations. For many though, its worth the uncomfortable questions and explanations.
In my southern American household, our family rarely eats meat, but when we go to extended family’s houses, we’re always served pork, chicken or burgers. I was vegan for about a year and recently started eating eggs and chicken again. It was incredibly difficult, and still is, to find things to eat on such a strict diet and its much more expensive to eat a balanced vegan diet, than a normal one. To successfully be healthy as a vegan, you have to have the right support financially, socially, and mentally. For some, its simply not an option, but I chose to try it because I could.
I hope soon this kind of diet will become mainstream with meat alternatives and more inclusive vegan options for every socioeconomic class. I think in the future we won’t have a choice to eat beef, because more than just scientists and liberals will realize just how damaging the cow industry is to our environment.
2
@Mollie Brinker I completely agree with your hope for mainstream with meat alternatives and many more vegan inclusive options, as this is the future of the food industry!!
@Mollie Brinker, Just like you, I've tried the vegan lifestyle. I found myself malnourished and decided it would be healthier and easier for myself to resort back to meat and eggs. I believe I could have worked hard enough and incorporated more plant-based proteins into my diet but I chose the "easier" decision and went back to meats.
I am from a French and American household that has some interesting foods including polenta, which is a grain blended patty, but my plate rarely has any "big meats' which can include steak or roast beef. I wouldn't change my origin or family for anything but I wouldn't mind a new dinner lifestyle. I wish my family could plan more vegetarian and vegan meals even if they don't want to fully transition.
I hope that one day it is "normal" for more people to be vegan or vegetarian and that everyone was aware of the dangers of the dairy and meat industries.
I am veganish and have been for nearly seven years of my life. My entire family is. My mother found out about it, watched a documentary or two and made a split-second decision that, she being the sole cook in the family, affected us all. We used to eat vegetarian at home, and eat chicken occasionally at restaurants. My mom found soy at the market and was thrilled, because being mainly vegetarian, milk and milk products were the main door-stopper. I would say, being seven years old, I didn't have much of a choice. But I have been convinced over time that this is the best choice to make for the environment and for moral reasons. Even when I leave home, in 4 years, I think I will remain mostly vegan, especially because of the wide variety of options that are present today.
2
@Sami P
It's so interesting reading a comment from the perspective of someone who's been vegan/ vegetarian for a long time and did so not of their own accord. I know so many people who have tried and either succeeded or failed at being vegetarian despite their families being meat eaters. I have one friend who started to cook his own meals at a surprisingly young age until his family took him seriously about being vegetarian. Another one of my family friends took a tour around a butchery for a foods class and hasn't eaten meat since. It's interesting how we all have our reasons for becoming vegetarian; yours is that you grew into it, but there are infinitely other circumstances that cause people to make this essentially life altering decision.
Some studies have suggested that going vegan can be the single biggest way to reduce your environmental impact on Earth. Global farmland use could be reduced by 75% if everyone adopted this diet, and each individual’s carbon footprint could be reduced by 73%. Obviously it is an unrealistic goal for every single person on Earth to go vegan, but the environmental rewards would be worth it even if just a few individuals did it.
Before this year, I had never really considered going vegan or vegetarian. I figured that removing meat from my diet wouldn’t be any healthier as I would probably just replace it with sugary substances rather than fruits and vegetables. It would also be hard for me to change things now while I still rely on my parents to provide most of my meals. When my brother challenged me to be vegan for a week, that’s when I really started thinking about all the junk that I eat. After that week was over, I realized that while it did take a few days to adjust to basically changing everything I eat, I didn’t feel like I needed to eat meat or junk anymore. I still do eat animal products occasionally, but I feel better knowing that I am being much healthier for myself and the environment.
2
@Skye Solomon, that's a very interesting statistic! I can't believe that being vegan could reduce your carbon footprint by 73%. Maybe I might consider being vegan now, but the idea of bacon is still very tempting!
@Skye Solomon
In many cases, a person going vegan can have a positive impact on their health, and if that be it then that's great, and they should continue to do so. I just wanted to bring up that going vegan isn't going to be the fix-all health solution that it sometimes gets made out to be There's lots of junk that is vegan, and a person can very much be vegan and unhealthy at the same time, and vice versa for those who are not. I believe in general, when talking about diets too improve health, there always needs to be a factor of balance included and finding where you can properly source your nutrition from. I agree with you that going vegan and vegitarian is a positive thing which should keep happening at people's will, but I believe that those reasons for turning vegan/vegetarian should be turned more towards factors besides health, such as doing good for the enviroment.
My family could never go meatless. I know this because my Dad and sister have already tried to be vegan and couldn’t last two weeks. I know this because I could only go as far as pescetarianism. I know this because my Mom thinks that meat runs the world.
I understand Wittmeyer’s reluctance to convert to vegetarianism. Being First-Generation American, there’s a culture that goes behind eating meat. In other countries, it’s the norm to eat meat at every single meal. It’s just something that those from diverse cultural backgrounds can’t let go of. It might seem silly to another person, but something that seems insignificant to them might be a lifestyle for others.
Today, in a time where 8% of our population doesn’t eat meat, there’s bound to be toxic outliers. Apparently they’re always shoving it in everyone's faces. Apparently they think they’re superior to others. I know that’s not true for everyone. A friend from middle school was vegan. She never shoved it in anyone's face, and she never made us feel like we were less than her because we ate burgers. These are the vegans that the media doesn’t see. These are the ones that will make more changes than force-feeding the meatless mindset onto others.
What I’m trying to say is that while vegans and vegetarians are technically doing the right thing for the environment, that doesn’t give them the right to shame others or make them feel uncomfortable for not doing the same thing. Toxic meatless eaters won’t earn any converts.
Nine months ago I decided to become vegetarian. While I’ve eaten meat my entire life, I felt better without it. The thing is, it hasn't made this drastic impact, my family continues to eat meat, I don't feel the need to pressure others into not eating it, and I continue to go out to eat wherever I want. Becoming a vegetarian can be for your own reasons, for me I felt healthier without the grease, as well as the impact the meat industry has on the environment. For others like Alicia in the essay, where meat comes from, and the animal mistreatment bothers them greatly and they prefer to not partake.
While yes I am very happy as a vegetarian and stand by my beliefs, I will never force others to stop eating meat or make them feel bad if they do. It isn't for everybody and some people cannot live off a vegetarian diet. You have to be smart about substitution and the nutrients you are getting.
1
I have a very complicated relationship with being vegetarian/ a meat-eater. My family is Hindu meaning that we are vegetarian, although my mom is solely vegetarian, on some days and eats meat on others. What I mean is that on Saturdays, Mondays, and Thursdays I don’t eat meat, while on the other days I do. Certain days in Hinduism are dedicated toward gods and by not eating meat I respect them. My sister and I don’t eat any other meat than chicken. And sometimes for me, that doesn’t even digest well.
Throughout my life, many people have asked me, “How do you do it?” Well, first of all, my family and I drink and include many dairy products in our meals. On some days we could go through ¾ of a milk gallon a day. Second, our daily diet includes a lot of beans and vegetables. We get the same amount of necessary nutrients that we would get from eating meat.
I have tried meat other than chicken but my stomach doesn't take it. I've been eating chicken since I was young and I get cravings for Cook-Out chicken nuggets with Polynesian sauce all the time. I will eat chicken when I am forced to, but I will look for the vegetarian option first because I know that my stomach will be happy if I do.
Being vegetarian or not is your own choice. Whether you want to make a difference or not. I don't see myself not eating chicken because the food options from here on are going to become more limited. But I always enjoy telling people my story with being a vegetarian.
The urge to become “more” vegetarian has increased for me in the past couple of months. I say “more” because I don’t think I will ever become fully vegetarian, but I often think about making an effort to eat less meat.
My mom made me watch a documentary that was discussing the plant-based diet and all the benefits of it. At first, I gave some push back because I had this fixed mentality that nothing is ever going to convince me to only eat plants for the rest of my life. To my surprise, it was really convincing.
As an athlete, I have been told my entire life that I need to eat lots of protein so that I have enough energy and can grow to be strong. This documentary researched the diet of Roman gladiators who were extremely strong soldiers. Roman gladiators were known for their great strength and fighting ability, but they didn’t eat meat- their diet was plant-based. The researchers found that a plant-based diet is the diet that humans will perform the best under and are made to eat.
Along with many other health and performance benefits, they found that having a plant based diet is not only healthier for you, but it can make you stronger, increase your endurance exponentially, and give you so much more energy during the day.
I know that I will never be able to cut meat completely out of my diet, but I cannot ignore the fact that eating less meat is going to do nothing but help me.
1
I am currently pescatarian, which means that while I don’t eat meat like pork, beef, or chicken, I still eat seafood. I’m planning on going fully vegetarian pretty soon, and while I don’t know if I’ll ever go vegan, I’m certainly not ruling it out. I don't really have a specific reason for why I stopped eating meat aside from when I stopped i felt really good about myself. But I don’t think that anyone should feel ashamed about eating meat. There are plenty of reasons why people eat meat, whether it's an integral part of their culture, for health or financial reasons or simply because they just like it, and none of those reasons are less important than the reason someone may have chosen to not eat meat.
I do however, think something needs to be done about the meat industry. Because not only is it’s treatment of animals horrific, but it releases high levels of greenhouse gases. So I definitely believe that it's something as a nation we should work towards getting more strictly regulated. But as an individual, something you can do to help is try to cut down on the meat you eat and support local farms or businesses, as they are much more humane than meat that is mass produced. The main point is just that everyone does what they can, even if it seems small.
Right now, my family is not vegetarian by any means. Sure, there are countless videos that show the environmental damages of a meat eater's diet which motivate me to try to be a vegetarian. Although filled with good intentions, I am often forced to "abandon ship" when I hear the dinner plans are not compliant with my new "lifestyle". In my family, as in many others, food is something that brings up together. It is a daily excuse to momentarily leave our mundane lives and spend time with each other. Due to this limited time together, the food presented rarely accommodates any special requests. That's why I consider vegetarianism a family choice rather than an individual one.
No, I would never consider becoming Vegetarian. While I do respect animals right and think the food industry is filled with corrupt and unjust corporations, I sim
Although I understand some of the sentiments behind the vegetarian/vegan movement and how they aim to protect animal rights and fight against the mistreatment of animals in all areas, I would never go vegan or vegetarian. Especially now, as I approach my 18th birthday, I want to set up healthy eating practices for the rest of my life. I am not at all saying that vegetarians can’t be healthy, it just has more challenges. I’ve been a picky eater my whole life- struggling to incorporate vegetables and other healthy foods into my diet- and it just seems to difficult to remain healthy while pushing away meat or animal products. Meat and the proteins it provides our bodies with our very important and there are not very many other options that provide as strong of a source. It would also be ignorant of me to say that my only reason to not become a vegan is health. I love meat. On average, I have meat in two out of my three meals every day. To cut that out seems near to impossible. Of course, I support the protection of animals against mistreatment on farms, I just couldn’t become a vegetarian.
Although becoming vegetarian is an extremely healthy way to live (if done right) and also has a tremendous effect on the earth, I could never do it. Growing up my sister was vegetarian and she constantly struggled with health issues (not getting enough protein and the such). She was eventually able to create a diet where she consumed all needed nutrients, but i could never do it. The commitment it takes to not only eat plants but prepare every meal so it will taste at least half decent is too much for me. I myself am a meat enthusiast, i consume my protein through a variety of meat and I love it. It helps me eat healthy and build muscle mass while also tasting great. When I get home from a hard work out or day at school i want to eat some seasoned chicken, not steamed vegetables. Being a vegetarian is a great thing for some, but with my beliefs and values i don't think i would ever be able to survive the lifestyle of a vegetarian.
No I would never take meat out of my diet. I really do enjoy eating meat. I applaud the humans that do turn vegetarian because it takes a lot of effort and holding back. Meat is in my every meal and I do understand the consequences that producing beef has on the environment. After reading some comment maybe I can make a schedule to have meat days and semi meat days.
I would not consider going vegetarian because I could not stay on that type of diet. My sister is a vegetarian and she is always making dinner for herself at home and I could not bare to eat that. I respect that she can go vegetarian but for me, Chicken and beef are eaten very often by me. I can not see myself going vegetarian anytime soon but I respect the people that do so.
While I respect the dedication people have when they decide to commit to being vegan or vegetarian. I don’t feel like it’s for me I have also grown up eating meat it’s a huge portion of my diet and without it I would lose a lot of nutritional value in my diet and especially protein, and I know there are ways to compensate this but the challenge I would have to go through to make this a habit I don't feel like would be worth the benefits especially with how busy I am, so unless there was a way for me to keep my caloric intake about the same while still getting the same amount of protein and nutritional value I need quickly I don’t think becoming vegetarian is right for me.
While I see the appeal in becoming vegan or vegetarian for the health benefits and environmental impacts, I feel this type of diet we be almost impossible for me to do and actually stay true to. In my big Italian family, food is the center of every occasion, event, and party. My family as well myself love to cook and we sit down and eat dinner with each other every night and even have family dinners with my uncle, aunt, and cousins on Sundays. I can’t imagine a major holiday like Christmas without seafood or meatballs, it just wouldn’t be the same. Also, when we eat dinner there’s always meat or fish involved and I know my family would not be able to give it up, so I think It would be very difficult for me to always be around it and stay true to not eating it.
@Josie S. I was a vegetarian for almost two years and I completely understand what you are saying, thanksgiving and Christmas dinners where very awkward. It was also difficult to go out to dinner with friends and family, most of the time I would find myself not eating just because there were no vegetarian options. when I made new friends and went to there house it was hard to tell them that I didn't eat meat because I felt like it was a burden.
I am not vegetarian or vegan, however, I have considered becoming vegetarian. I think that both the environmental impacts and health benefits are very enticing reasons to make the change. Ive watched many documentaries on the meat industry, and after watching the production process, i strongly feel against meat. Although, making the change go vegetarian seems very intimidating. As a person who also avoids gluten, my diet already has restrictions and adding no meat would create very limited options. While i would love to go vegetarian, it might take me a while to make the change and stick with it.
Yes I would definitely considering going vegetarian. I currently eat meat every day at most meals, but with the new vegetarian products coming out, such as realistic veggie burgers, I would be open to supplementing meat out of my diet. I’m not the biggest fan of vegetables and other greens, but I think with time I could grow more accustomed to them, and with the wide variety find the ones that I do really enjoy. I would also consider going vegetarian due to the negative environmental impact that consuming meat has. Producing large quantities of meat creates lots of carbon emissions which is helping to speed the global warming process. I do try to be environmentally conscious, but eating meat is one of the places that I’m lacking. Becoming vegetarian could help me to lessen my carbon footprint even more. In conclusion, I do not think I will currently turn vegetarian, but once I’m older and move away from home it is probably something that I will do.
As someone who has been an omnivore for their entire life, I can applaud the efforts of those who turn to vegetarian and vegan diets, even if I could not do so myself. Meat has been such an integral part of my family as it was able to bring the pickier eaters together and prevent complications at the dinner table. It doesn’t help that I also have come to enjoy cooking meat. I have considered going pescatarian as that is a more doable choice, but the main aspect of fish comes with some minor social repercussions. In my family, my siblings detest the smell of fish, and some of my friends as well. Therefore, if I wanted to cook fish, I would be very limited to the times when I could eat it. This in turn would essentially make me a vegetarian which I could get by, but would still be difficult. If I could get my whole family behind a vegetarian diet, the transition would probably be easier, but it’s much more difficult to change the mind of a group than your own.
Everyone has their opinion when it comes to a vegetarian diet. Some think it is the best diet in order to save the animals, while others think it is the best diet for them health wise. There are also critics when it comes to this diet because some believe in continuing the diet of our first ancestors, and others think eating meat is the best source of protein and for some it is even a cultural tradition. All in all many people have different views on this topic.
In my everyday diet I do eat meat. My family always cooks meat with any dish we eat for dinner. I do admire the people who are vegetarian but I do not think it is suitable in my life. I am trying to eat more protein in my diet and yes I know you can do that with a vegetarian diet, but I find that by sticking with the diet I have now, I can incorporate more protein by allowing myself to eat meat.
As an initial thought, I definitely support veganism and vegetarianism, and would even consider doing it myself; plenty of people say it makes them feel so much mentally and physically better, and it has an obvious moral plus side of diminishing cruel behavior of animals. However, when I think about actually engaging in a vegan lifestyle, it truly seems difficult to me. Animal products and meat are a central force to many cultural dishes and traditions, and to fully abandon those would also mean possibly losing touch with many traditions. A definite highlight of traveling comes with trying the food that the country has to offer; with that being said, I would find it extremely limiting to be restricted to solely vegan options, and it would mean missing out on those experiences of trying something new. While I definitely support veganism from a moral standpoint, I would imagine it very hard for many to partake in this culture, because it may mean giving up some of their own culture.
I am vegetarian, and I have been for almost 3 years now, I get the question asked to me everyday, how do you do that, and why? And my answer is always the same; I don’t eat my human friends, so why should I eat my animal friends? A lot of people question the fact if veganism is healthy or not, they don’t consider that there are substitutes for foods that contain meat products in them. Most of my family eats meat, but some like me, and most of my friends, wish to save animals, not eat them for our benefit. I believe we can change our world, by considering becoming vegetarian, and living in peace with the animals of today, that way we can prosper and live longer happier lives coexisting in Harmony.
I would consider going Vegan because it seems like a healthy lifestyle that could benefit your life in the future and your health in the future as well. It seems very beneficial to the human body. With this being said vegetables and fruits are very expensive and some people can't afford this lifestyle so if everyone affords this someone could make it more affordable or plant gardens to keep people thinking about interpreting this lifestyle in this everyday life.
While I do see the many reasons why an individual would become vegetarian, I myself would struggle having a diet without meat. I am aware that there are many alternatives to meat products that either result in similar tastes or provide a consumer with similar nutrients, but I believe meat is some what a necessity in my diet. Being someone who is active and needs food that can fuel my body for long periods of time, proteins such as chicken, fish, and ground beef prove to be very useful. There are many positives when it comes to eating vegetarian such as helping the environment and animal cruelty, but when it comes to my own personal diet and needs it would be too hard to push animal products out the window.
The switch to vegetarianism has long been in the back of my mind, and many people I know advocate for its benefits, the environmental impact, and for their own health. Their efforts have been far from inciting a conversion, but have certainly influenced how I view the food I eat, and I constantly notice what I am eating, and it’s effects— occasionally causing me to change from a red meat to a alternative. Despite the numerous reasons to switch to a vegetarian diet, a few things keeps me from switching. Firstly, meat is delectable, and tempting. Secondly my family has tried laboratory grown meat, eliminating the animal cruelty aspect of the appeal of vegetarianism, and although expensive, was no different from any naturally grown meat product. And lastly, meat is convenient. For me, and for most people, meat is readily available and very easy to add to any meal for a source of protein or just an easy alternative for the preparation that goes into vegetarian meals.
Becoming pescatarian is a goal of mine, because of its gelato benefits and connection to the environment. My family has majorly cut back on meat intake in the past 3 years. Part of it is because being a dancer it is important to keep my body healthy and safe for the sport. My mom always looks out for what I’m eating and what will help my muscles for dance and keep my energy high for long rehearsals even without meat. It is also very easy to find substitutions for meat in your everyday meals.
I have never considered becoming vegetarian. I get why people become vegetarian; they are against killing animals and the abusive nature of how they are raised. I can see why people don’t like that, but in my opinion refusing to eat meat won’t change what’s going on. If you go into a store and refuse to buy meat, then someone else after you is going to end up buying it. If the meats already in the package and in stores, you might as well not let it go to waste. That’s my philosophy, but I also believe the meat industry is very cruel and they should find other ways to operate their industry. Additionally, meat is something most people, including me, have all the time. Just eliminating that aspect of our diets proves to be very difficult for most people to achieve. Ever since I was very young, chicken turkey and other meat has just been extremely common in my life. That’s why I just never considered it.
Though I am not currently vegetarian, I experimented with vegetarianism for a few months last year. As someone who does not particularly like meat, it was not very difficult. My family grills and eats meat frequently though, so I found myself cooking my own meals more often. As a result, I became a better cook and tried many new recipes. I also discovered many vegetarian alternatives that I wouldn’t have typically eaten that I really enjoy. Like I said previously, I am no longer vegetarian, but I eat less meat than before and believe being a vegetarian for a few months was a beneficial and educational experience. I do not regret being a vegetarian for the time that I was and I have many friends who really enjoy it, so I would recommend that anyone who is interested try it and see if a vegetarian lifestyle works for them.
Over the past couple of years I have noticed that more and more people around me have become vegetarian. I give these people a lot of credit because it’s something I can never do. I understand how vegetarians think; I agree that the way us Americans kill mass amounts of animals in an unhealthy way is wrong, it’s just that the food these animals produce I need to survive. I think if I become vegetarian although I will eat much healthier, I think I will eat less and suffer from eating less protein in my diet. Even though there are other ways to get sources of protein to be in my diet, becoming vegetarian makes it much more challenging. Instead of becoming vegetarian, I think I can try to limit the amount of meat I eat and look into the ingredients I put into my body.
Becoming vegetarian, or vegan, is a commended choice and many who stick with it often remark about how they’ve never felt better and, despite a new limit on food items, they don’t regret it. I wholeheartedly wish I had the willpower to go vegetarian, or possibly vegan, however I know it’s something I’ll likely never go through with. I’m not a die hard meat fanatic and it’s not engrained in my culture, however I tend to be a very picky eater. I wish I could survive on just salads and smoothies, but I know I’d become bored very easily and I wouldn’t be getting all the nutrition that many vegetarians find in healthy alternatives that I can’t bring myself to eat. However, despite not being a vegetarian, I do make a conscious effort to limit the amount of meat I consume. For example, almost everyday for breakfast I make myself a fruit smoothie with granola and peanut butter (they make it more filling), whereas in past years I used to eat pancake sausages every morning before school. For me, the biggest challenge in becoming a vegetarian is that, being in high school, still live with my parents, and thus I do not have control over the meals we eat or what options I’ll have for lunch, and my family, especially my dad, loves meat. I hope that as I get older and have more control over my meals, I’ll make more meat-free choices, especially because of the increasing popularity of vegetarian alternatives to meat products, such as the Impossible Burger.
I haven't eaten meat in almost three years, and I've now been vegan for nine months. Considering the fact that this exact prompt doesn't fully fit with my viewpoint because I'm already vegan, I thought I'd explain my thought process in becoming vegetarian/vegan, as well as why it's actually easier for me now. My initial reasoning for becoming vegetarian was the inhumane treatment to the animals used for our consumption. However, I also wanted to for the environmental factors such as reducing my overall carbon footprint, hopefully reducing the amount of fossil fuels released from meat production factories, and many others. The longer I was vegetarian, the more I realized there simply was no appeal of ANY animal products because no matter what, in most situations the industry slaughters and collects these animals for profit, not for the best interest of the animal. Thinking about supporting this industry at all began to make me sick, which is when I decided I'd take the plunge and go full vegan. The health benefits alone were enough to convert me, however the bettering of our planet also spiked my enthusiasm as well. The switch from vegetarian to vegan was honestly easier than going from consuming meat, to not. Once you've been vegetarian for a while, you learn to cook for yourself a lot more, and find more and more substitutes, when eventually there isn't anything you can't replace, making becoming vegan a logical next step!
I chose to become pescatarian for a variety of reasons, the first being the health benefits. As a ballet dancer I have to be very careful with what I put into my body to power myself while maintaining how I look, so I decided to cut out red meat, then chicken and now I am left with fish. I have found that by doing this, my body has responded in a positive way, lending it towards dance more. While the main reason for cutting out meat was to improve my performance in dance it also benefits the earth in terms of sustainability and CO2 emissions, and that makes me feel better about my decision. When some people try to go vegetarian or vegan many find it is difficult because of the expectation to eat meat in public or family settings, however I thankfully did not face this challenge. My mom being the health geek that she is, joined me on my pescatarian quest as did my brother after being influenced by the health culture of Los Angelos. Even though my dad still eats meat he has cut back on the amount of meat he consumes and we are proud to be taking care of the earth as well as our bodies.
Although I am already a vegetarian, I do have quite a bit of input on life as a vegetarian. If one is thinking about converting it would be ideal as eating meat isn’t very healthy and there are many alternatives that taste the same as meat or, even better than the real thing as well as the health benefits that come with it. Everyone knows that being a vegetarian is healthy but it’s not what everyone looks it up to be as. Being vegetarian doesn’t mean eating fruits and vegetable 24/7, but there are wide varieties of meals you can make even if you’re not a fan of vegetables, for example: me. There are some side effects that come with being vegetarian like constantly checking food labels for any animal contents-excluding dairy which is called veganism-and having friends display their meaty goodness to the face of the newly reformed vegetarian. Even though being a vegetarian may seem tough, it’s really not. Being able to eat nutritiously everyday while eating a delicious meal serves right for not only you but the environment as well. Converting is a good choice to make, and I would highly recommend it!
I have been trying to become vegetarian and even vegan for some time now. I haven’t had red meat for about a year. Right now, I only eat fish and chicken. I really want to become vegan because a couple of months ago I was vegan for two weeks and I felt so healthy and energized. Going vegetarian is something I genuinely want to do and sustain for the rest of my life because for myself, I don’t feel right eating animals. I feel it’s unethical and I love animals too much. I’ve also read various benefits about going vegetarian and vegan. Meat in America is all processed and mostly unhealthy. Dairy is also not meant to be consumed by humans, and I’ve noticed I have a sensitivity to it. The only issue about going vegetarian or vegan is that my family makes meat sometimes and I feel bad not eating what my parents make. I don’t want to be high maintenance, so for now I just eat what they eat. I do know that when I live on my own, I am going to be vegan for the sake of being healthy and also for saving animals.
Over the course of the 21st century vegetarianism has become widely accepted by various cultures and people. Reforming your diet could be a very beneficial plan, but I could never become a vegetarian. Meat has become the key component in my high protein diet. Throughout the week I will eat meat in two thirds of the meals I consume: lunch and dinner. At this point in my life, even though it may be very healthy, I don’t think my body would thrive on a vegetarian diet. Also, being an athlete of a contact sport, I have created weight gaining diets that I consume with large amounts of meat which are very high in protein. Overall, while the vegetarian diet is a healthy solution for people worldwide, I would not ever make the lifelong switch for my diet.
Personally, I have never considered becoming vegan or vegetarian. I know I wouldn't last more than a day being a vegan, but I might make it 3 days vegetarian. Meat is such an essential part of my diet and I love it. I cannot imagine not being able to eat steak or chicken or burgers. My mom has been vegetarian for a few years and she has started to make less meat at the table. You can get protein from many things other than meat, but meat is by far my favorite. I have never wanted to stop eating meat and I may try a week of it or something, but I would never go fully vegan or vegetarian.
In addition to many of my peers, I have also put serious thought into becoming a vegetarian. The main reasonings going through my head being “I don’t eat meat that often,” “I know people who are successful vegetarians,” “it’s good for the environment, I can make a sacrifice.” The trouble is that no matter how convinced I may be one day, the next day it seems my mom has already bought chicken and fish for dinners during the week. Realistically for me, I don’t think I could ever be a full vegetarian partially out of respect for my family wanting to share a holiday meal (which always have some sort of meat) with me but also for my own convenience; I will be going to college in two years where I’ll have to learn to be independent and cook my own food so having a cooking restraint could be challenging or even expensive. Although I could definitely see myself cutting back on meat consumption and eating vegetarian alternatives more often (as I try to do now), as of right now I can’t commit to being a full time vegetarian.
Vegetarian and Veganism has always perplexed me. Perhaps I am not informed enough, but the main reason people seem to go vegetarian or vegan is in reaction to the animal cruelty that is involved with the meat industry. Others might become vegetarian or vegan for the health benefits, which is understandable, but some of these diets include eating fish, or other animal products, which is why I don’t consider them to be truly vegetarian or vegan. The way I see it, eating meat, and being opposed to animal cruelty are completely separate topics. Eating meat is the natural diet of many species, including ours. It is not inherently cruel to feed on other species, as that is simply part of Earth’s ecosystem, and considering that inhumane is just illogical. Now there is a clear problem with the way animals are treated, before they are killed. Trapping animals in cramped, unsanitary areas, and feeding them horrible, unnutritious substances as food is extremely cruel and unjust, and should be dealt with. Many people, however, fail to see the distinction between them. Those who refuse to eat meat, in order to protest animal cruelty, are drawing false connections, and foolishly protesting the natural human way of life. While I am in full support of the elimination of animal cruelty, I do not consider eating animal meat or other animal products to be a part of this, which is why I have never considered becoming vegetarian or vegan.
It’s natural for a lion to eat a smaller animal, it has very sharp canine teeth, they have a significantly more acidic digestive track and they are a 4 legged predators.
Humans cannot naturally kill other animals we need weapon and tools. Even if we could catch something with our hands, like a rabbit, we wouldn’t instinctively dig our teeth in it and eat it up. Which makes it seem un-natural for us to eat another animal. No other species needs to cure or cook or process it’s food.
I have been vegetarian for a little over 5 years now. Before that, I had always enjoyed eating meat, but throughout my life I like to randomly challenge myself to do things I normally would not do, and one of those things was becoming vegetarian. It was a New Years resolution i thought up while I was brainstorming ideas. Anyways, pretty much my entire family wolfs down meat with every meal. At sometimes it can be frustrating having to separate meals between the family, but it isn't too hard.
I don't have a problem with anyone who eats meat, and I don't mind people eating meat around me either. Being a vegetarian is more of a personal thing in my case, not some sort of protest against the meat industry or anything, so I don't try and convince people to become vegetarian or constantly let everyone know that I am.
Obviously proteins and nutrients you can get from meat are important, but there are so many other alternative foods that include those things that I don't think I would have tried if I wasn't vegetarian, and I really enjoy them. Overall, I think being a vegetarian, while sometimes challenging, is a fun experience.
Personally, I could never see a future version of myself where i am a vegetarian. I never have been before, especially growing up a picky eater—and still somewhat being one now— I have always resorted to more “easy” foods for me to eat. I’ve seen videos showing the truths of the meat industry, and I definitely find it unsettling to see what really is happening to those animals, and I’ve gone a few days eating no meat before, but I think that there is somewhat of a comfort food in meat. Over the summer, having a barbecue with family and friends, even eating dino chicken nuggets with my little brothers after we all had a long day at school, it is something that my whole life has been surrounded by. Also my family would get frustrated very quick, I don’t see a world where my parents don’t make me pay for my own food if I’m going to be the only one who starts to cut out meat for other alternatives. And hey, maybe when I’m in my 30s and starting to understand that maybe eating meat isn’t the best thing for me to do in order to reduce my carbon footprint, I will swap out my eating habits. But for now, I think that it just isn’t the lifestyle for me. And that’s okay.
I myself am not a vegetarian, but I have considered becoming one at some points of my life. I have thought about becoming a vegetarian because taking meat out of your diet can have a very positive effect on both our environment and your personal health. But the reason I never go through with becoming a vegetarian is because in Pakistani culture meat is a very important part of our cuisine as most meals are centered around it. The importance of meat in my culture would make it very hard to transition to a vegetarian diet since I would not be able to eat most of the meals that my family makes. Also during Ramadan my family always makes samosas—a type of pastry filled with beef—and I feel that not being able to eat those anymore due to becoming a vegetarian is breaking both a family and cultural tradition. Furthermore, another factor in why I haven’t transitioned is because I also feel that since I’m not living in Pakistan, eating Pakistani dishes is the only way I truly feel connected to my culture.
On this subject, Ive always found myself to be very conflicted. ON one hand, I’m an animal lover in almost every way. I love to learn about them, I love to take care of them, I enjoy their company, and I find them to be utterly beautiful and precious. When I hear of the endangerment of certain species, It awakens my sympathy like few other things, and I don’t think I personally could ever intentionally kill any animal unless it was vital to my survival. But with all That being said, I find little interest in limiting my diet to only plant based food as I don’t find it nearly as appetizing as beef or chicken or pork, and I feel I would have great difficulty sourcing and consuming enough nutrients on a daily basis. Additionally, if larger and larger amounts of people rely on solely plant based food, I can imagine that there could be a shortage of crops. At the end of the day, I think the reason that I can justify the systematic oppression of some animals and find the oppression of other animals unacceptable, is ultimately decided by their population relative to the rest of the world and in vast expansive numbers their killing is justified if it is going towards feeding the people.
I actually have considered becoming a Vegetarian at some point in my life but it's just not the right lifestyle for me. I’m so used to eating meat and I personally cannot go without it. I also don’t fully understand the purpose of becoming vegetarian because people say the reason they are vegetarian is due to the fact that the Meat Industry tortures the animals. That is a good point but as I see it, the animal is already dead when I go to purchase it, me not eating it won’t stop the industry from torturing animals. If the harming of animals makes you want to become vegetarian then you should just become vegan instead— you can watch videos on youtube and you will see that the Dairy Industry tortures the animals as well.
4
I come from a family of 8, I have two brother and three sisters. Nutrition and fitness are huge aspects of our lifestyle. I am the odd sister out in my family as I am the only one who is not vegetarian. While I do enjoy meat, my reason for not giving it up is not taste based but rather nutrient based. As a runner my mom is against cutting meat from my diet as I am iron deficient. Furthermore, being a vegetarian is a expensive lifestyle which I’ve seen my sisters struggle to maintain once they stop living at home. When my family comes back in town sometimes my mother makes two different meals to cater towards their diet preferences. This isn’t necessarily a bad consequence, since my sisters diet changes I’ve seen my family transition into healthier more conscious eaters. We have learned many new recipes and have discovered a new appreciation for vegetables. While, I respect people who are vegetarian and understand that being a vegetarian can have many positive impacts on the environment, the vegetarian lifestyle is not one for me.
Personally I am neither a vegetarian or a vegan, though the thought of becoming a vegetarian has crossed my mind a few times. In the past few years my mom did become a vegetarian but every once in a while be a pescitarian and eat seafood but that is on the rarer side. Something that I find compelling about being a vegetarian is that they are able to find a new way to support their body with all of these food combinations to replace whatever is lost when they stop eating meat. Even if it might not be as tasty as a steak might be I know that some vegetarians are on the creative side and try to make their own vegetarian versions of meat, such as a burger made of all vegetables. One aspect that I would find challenging is living at home with my family and they all eat meat but I have to sit there and eat a chickpea burger or if i were to go out to dinner and all my friends were ordering a selection of meats I would just have to get a salad.
Meat plays a big part in my diet and life and as an avid athlete I am always active and am burning calories so I like to have meat as a main source of my protein. Meat also plays a big role in a lot of family holidays; we have turkey for Thanksgiving, prime rib on Christmas, burger and ham for Easter, and will have some kind of chicken, pork, steak, or barbecue at family dinners. It’s hard to find a family event that we have where some kind of meat isn’t prepared.
Food is food, whether you like it or not. If the animal has already been killed, then honestly, it’s worse to let it go, than it is to eat it. And I know some people might argue that, “if you eat it, then you’re just enabling farmers and hunters and fishers to kill more food.” My response to that would then be, “I don’t believe that I, one person, am going to change their habits, and they don’t expect the world to rapidly change theirs. Meat is an important part of a lot of people’s cultures, and unless a VERY significant amount of people change their habits, then neither will those farmers, hunters, and fishers.”
It is too easy to say that one person will make a difference in the world, and then execute on it. Yes, it has been done, but so very rarely compared to the ratio that it has been said will happen.
Another argument for this is that a lot of athletes rely on the protein in meats to recover from workouts and games so although vegetarianism has a good idea about saving animals, it is too unrealistic and I would not be willing to become vegetarian.
@Nick E. Your argument against vegetarianism is inherently flawed. You just said that because you, yourself, could not slow down the farmers and cagers of animals around the world, it is not worth it to try to stop immoral treatment of animals or unhealthy practices of meat companies.
While one person becoming vegetarian won’t suddenly stop the global sales of animal products, one person choosing to not be complacent and content with the status-quo is all it takes. If you become vegetarian, then there’s at least one person you can inspire to do the same. Just because no one is protesting with you does not mean your protest will be unsuccessful. It just takes time and dedication.
I’m sure lots of would-be-abolitionists felt the same way about slavery- that the institution couldn’t be destroyed by one person refusing to participate-, but those that overcame that fear and uncertainty were, after all, the ones that made the difference.
1
@Nick E.
There are a lot of healthy alternatives to meats. Tofu, nuts, beans. With a bit of research, you'll find that everything you gain from eating meat can also be gained through a more ethical source. A lot of famous athletes are vegan and still manage to succeed, in part do to the healthier, more food-conscious diets that come with the lifestyle.
Kendrick Yahcob Farris, Venus Williams, Carl Lewis, Mike Tyson, the list goes on. Yes, you may struggle to get as much calcium and protein as you can get from animal products if you aren't thinking about what you're taking into your body, but nobody NEEDS to eat meat. Humans are capable of it, yes. Humans are omnivores, yes. But we do not need meat in our system for any real reason.
While I am not currently vegan or vegetarian, I can definitely see myself making that shift in the future. I’ve never really been the biggest fan of meat and hate cows milk. I eat primarily chicken and fish, with the occasional steak to keep my iron levels up, and I really think I could live without meat. However, the rest of my family loves meat and many of my moms dinner include it.
To start off, I eat meat and I have my whole life, pretty much without too much of a second thought. I do think that I’d be willing to attempt a vegetarian lifestyle. I do believe that as a society in general we eat too much meat. What was once something of a luxury food item, has become more and more normalized as people have begun to try and live in higher quality simultaneously. I think that eating meat is completely okay, as if animals weren’t meant to be eaten, why would they be made out of food. But it isn’t something that has to be consumed at every meal or even everyday. I think people tend to have this image of what a proper meal should look like, which might come from the food pyramid we were all taught about as kids, which has a form of meat as the main part of a dish. If we can realize that we can get our proteins and other forms of nutrients found in meats from better, more environmentally friendly sources, I think that other options will begin to be sought out. Especially as things such as impossible meats, which are contrived completely of items that aren’t meat, begin to become cheaper as that economy grows, I personally will probably begin to head in that direction as it is overall more healthy for the planet. Meanwhile I’ll still eat meat, but I’ll view it more as a luxury, rather than a necessity.
@Jacob W.
This is a really good viewpoint! There's nothing wrong with eating meat, we’ve been doing it as long as humans have been around. But it’s the over-consumption of meat and the pollution and cruelty attached to it that's the problem. There are a ton of meat substitutes, if it’s specifically the taste you don’t want to give up, but if you just need the protein there are other options there like eggs, nuts, beans, and tofu. Less meat from better sources is a really good way to cut down on overall meat consumption.
Throughout my whole life my dad has always cooked elaborate meals with some sort of protein, which more often than not was meat or fish. Growing up I would always joke to my family how there is no way I could ever go vegetarian because without meat my diet would be left with little to no protein due to my extensive list of allergies and picky eating. However, a few years ago I decided to try it out as my New Years resolution and was shocked by how much I enjoyed pushing myself to not only try new foods but to incorporate more vegetables into my diet. Besides the benefits to my lifestyle it also helped me to feel much better about my moral decisions. Going vegetarian was far from easy but in the past two years it has become routine, although once in a while I do miss steaks and hamburgers. This year I decided to try going vegan to push myself even more. This was significantly harder, yet I woke up feeling not only refreshed but so much better about my self because of the limited yet healthier options I was given.
While I would never force someone to do something they’re uncomfortable with I always encourage family and friends to try it out, because you never know you might even like it.
This topic can be somewhat sensitive to people, I personally love meat, I have it with almost every meal. I also think it is tough to go from eating meat to vegetarian. My sister has been off and off with being a vegetarian, I always see her eating chicken when she comes home from college. I ask her, “I thought you were trying to be vegetarian?”, she responded, “I try but it’s too hard and I love chicken nuggets”. I laugh and walk away. My big thing is how long people have been vegetarian and why. I understand if they started in middle school or earlier and have made it their way of life, it’s extremely hard to start when your in college and high-school almost at the peak of growing about to be done. Protein is a huge food group everyone needs. Yes there’s way to get protein besides animals, but what’s the difference in all the protein that doesn’t come from animals? People are vegetarian to save animals? For their own health? One could bring religion into this but I don’t want to do that. It’s a subject that is hard to argue about because both sides have valid points. I respect vegetarians because they are getting by that way. I will continue to eat my natural protein for my personal health and I have nothing against vegetarians.
I have never considered becoming a vegetarian due to meat being a substantial part of my diet. Even if I wanted to become a vegetarian I feel that it would annoy my family because I would have to eat something completely different from my family.
My parents tried to start a vegan diet several years ago, they lasted 2 months before breaking down at the Thanksgiving dinner and eating some Thanksgiving turkey and ham. They did say that the vegetarian diet made them feel more refreshed and energized but they also said that it's hard because you have to eat the same food over and over, and whenever I was eating chicken or another type of meat it would bother them that their diet did not permit them to eat meat. I have several friends who have made the decision to become a vegan or vegetarian, they did a lot better than my parents did, probably because they started at an earlier age and they ate mostly vegetables anyway. I respect their decision but I don’t think I could make that switch.
Being a vegetarian helps the environment with CO2 emissions and the treatment of farm animals and will probably have to be applied to some people everyday diet due to the growing population, but for the time being I am going to stick to eating meat.
When I was younger, I was vegetarian. Not for any reason, I just couldn't stop imagining a small little chick or teacup pig when I ate meat. But after a month I stopped because i was tired of salads and at the age of 10 you don't know how to make cool fun vegetarian meals, and I missed my oms cooking. But recently, my dad has been making a lot of vegan meals for our family. He is almost all vegan I am not. My diet consists of mac and cheese, so with out milk, I would barely eat. Anyway, I have considered being vegetarian. I already rarely eat meat, so it would not be a massive change in my diet. But I think that it would be more for a moral reason cause of the missed treatment of animals on these meat farms. But also it would be better for the environment.
Right now I am not vegan or vegetarian and I have never been before. I do feel like sometime in the future I will gravitate towards becoming vegetarian. One of my friends used to be vegetarian but she recently started to eat meat. Not eating meat is something that I strive for. It helps the environment and helps you become healthier. I find it very hard because I grew up eating Arabic food which I enjoy very much. I feel like it would be very hard for me to stop eating some of my favorite meals. My family eats meat constantly but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if I stopped eating meat. My sister has a severe dairy and gluten intolerance so they are use to dietary restrictions. My grandma was from Lebanon so my family eats a lot of lamb. There are plenty of ways to make some of our favorite dishes without lamb. I can also still help them prepare the dishes. I have noticed that when I eat steak I feel really weird and uncomfortable about it. I just tend to have chicken instead. I don’t think any meals I enjoy with my family would make me or my friends uncomfortable if we shared them. I just wouldn’t feed some meals to my vegan and vegetarian friends.
@Lilian I am personally not a vegan or vegetarian person right now, and while I don't think I will chose to do it in the future, I agree that it is good for the planet. My dad was a vegetarian for 10 years and it wasn't very hard for my family to accommodate to his dietary restrictions. He now eats chicken and fish, which sounds similar to your friend!
I personally could never see myself becoming a vegetarian. I eat a lot of meat everyday and it would be a drastic change. I’m aware that people become vegetarian because of their beliefs and also for environmental reasons but I don’t ever see myself doing that. Meat is a such an important part of my diet and I doubt I would be as healthy if I didn’t eat meat because I wouldn’t be getting as nearly as much protein. I honestly can’t think of a day in my life where I didn’t eat meat so I think being a vegetarian would be miserable for me.
This seems like an ongoing debate between my friends and I, whenever to be vegetarian or not. One of my friends has been a vegetarian most of her life and was a vegan for part of last year. She encourages it in a way to be healthier, but I find it hard without meat. My family has always encouraged meat as the main sources of protein to build strength for the sports my sister and I are in. Currently my main sources of proteins are grilled chicken and sandwich meat, but I feel that thought I don’t eat that much meat, I feel like when I stop I would be missing out on something. My friends and I like to think of ourselves as flexitarian. This is a normal vegetarian diet but you can eat certain things. This is a great chance to experience the diet but without giving up too much of the meat you love. I really respect vegetarians, but personally I couldn’t do it.
1
“What are we eating?” I ask desperately.
“I don’t know how about kale and sweet potato” she says, as I internally gag. I turn to her fridge scanning for sustenance, and find it empty.
I turn to her and ask, “What about meat?”
She replies with a sigh, “Oh I don’t eat meat anymore.” My gaze immediately drifts to her as I notice her threateningly thin frame. My worry for her grows as I see my friend standing before me depriving herself from the food and energy needs.
The truth is she can eat anything and still be skinny, but veganism and vegetarianism has been broadcasted across the media, as the pretty-stereotypical -blond- beach life that everyone, especially girls aspire to be. I’m aware of being vegan, and vegetarian as a way to help the environment but for many girls that is just not the case. It’s mainly an excuse to try to be the “perfect” girl of their dreams, with dirty blond hair and a bottle of kombucha always at their side. This idea, this image, this fantasy, has damaged the minds of developing girls, pressuring them to change or be something they were never supposed to be.
In high school and today, it is usually easy to identify a girl, especially, who is vegan. They usually wear the same type of clothes, dye their hair blonde, and overall relatively skinny. Veganism has become a sort of culture or clique among teenage girls. They have become a mass of vegan clones.
@Ava Espinoza
If you ever come across a vegan or vegetarian clique or person, eating in front of them tends to be a period of self torment. You begin to compare their meal to your own. Their vegan option seems to mock your selection of cheese puffs and other items. Many would feel the same pressure, as the writer did in the article while she hesitated to post the picture of the pig.
Lastly, the choice to be vegan or vegetarian is mainly only available to the privileged and wealthy. Junk food is far less cheap than a head of lettuce. No low income family, or anyone trying to save money with a large family is going to sacrifice a smaller quantity of food for more money. It just isn’t fair. And people must realize that it can be rude to lecture someone to become vegan, or flaunt their food when the other simply can’t afford it. Therefore being vegan can be a symbol of many things, such as a statement, such as a change, and mainly a mask.
I would have to disagree with your statements. I believe you're spreading a false and stereotypical image of those who chose to become vegetarian or vegan. It is true that there are some who chose to become vegan/vegetarian just because they see it as a trend, but that does not define the true intent of why most become vegan or vegetarian. I think it's very demeaning to categorize an entire person and their persona by their looks and what they wear, and I find it harmful that you are. Most of the vegetarians and vegans I know are nowhere near the box you've decided to put them in, and just because someone try's veganism/vegetarianism, it doesn’t mean they’re automatically doing it to become a "pretty carefree blonde girl" that you depict.
@Sydney Pugh
The same vegans who berate and judge others for eating meat are just as bad as the meat-eaters who judge or make fun of vegans for not eating meat. My mom’s a vegetarian while I am not. She has never tried to force me to become one, and whenever I ask for Chick Fil A, she happily drives me to Chick Fil A, or when I request something from the grocery store which contains meat she’s never cared. The majority of non meat-eaters understand that it is a choice, and not something that they expect everyone else to follow. More people choosing to eat non-meat are not doing so to make others feel bad about themselves , and I would never see why under any circumstances someone would feel offended about a person posting a picture of the food they are eating, even if it doesn’t match their dietary restrictions (and if they do, they have bigger issues to deal with). There are extremists on both sides of every lifestyle, and although the outliers tend to scream the loudest, please don’t let them define the entirety of the group. Maybe getting to know someone before tearing apart their every life decision would be a more effective way in determining the intent and character of that person.
3
While I have considered being a vegan, I have not really thought about being a vegetarian. I think that cutting out meat in your diet is not as healthy but you're also eating cleaner. There's pros and cons about being a vegetarian or a vegan. Since I was in elementary school I've seen many people be vegetarian or vegan but I just don't really think I can do it. I do not think that my family would think differently about me just because I decided to change my diet.
I have considered being a vegetarian before, and I almost was, but it only lasted a day. My mom made chicken for dinner that night and I realized that becoming a vegetarian would only be an annoyance to my family, since I would always have to make something different for myself. I was also in sixth grade, so I didn’t really know what I was doing and I should’ve known I wouldn’t go through with it, because that’s a big decision for an eleven year old to make. A lot of my friends are vegan or vegetarian, and I respect their decision and think they’re doing a really good thing for the environment. Our population is getting bigger every day, and eventually we’re going to have to find an alternative food source, but people being vegan are reducing carbon emissions and the amount of land we need to raise livestock, so going vegan could be a way to save our planet.
@Victoria Fey
I have considered being vegetarian and I probably would be if my parents were not providing for me, which I greatly appreciate. I see so many benefits in becoming vegetarian to our environment, I wish it was a change I felt able to make.
@Victoria Fey, You bring up a good point. When you are under your parent's roof, it's hard to pass up a home-cooked meal that smells fantastic. That's why I think its a struggle for younger generations who want to be vegetarian cant cause who wants to make a meal just for one person
@Victoria Fey
I have not thought about becoming a vegetarian before and you have a good point about how hard it is for those who have to always provide for themselves at dinner. I wish I could make that change not only for myself but to help the environment.
Becoming a vegetarian would be a massive change for me. My meals mostly consist of meat as I am italian. My family loves to make spaghetti and meatballs. Not being able to eat meat would be a nightmare turned into real life. Using meats like pork, and fish there are so many good dishes that you can make a serve that everyone loves. Some may make the argument that eating meat is killing animals. But the way I look at it is that their purpose was when they were born into the world was to give us food. If we all try to eat greens then there would be no food for any of us.
I am not a vegetarian but I do support people who are. I don’t think that I could ever become a vegetarian because of my culture and some family traditions I have. Being that I’m Italian, I eat a lot of beef, pork, and fish. I also just really like meat. There are so many good dishes. But with this being said, I do think that vegetarians have a valid reason to choose what they eat. There have been some times when I have thought about what it would be like to go vegetarian or vegan. It's not that I am against it, it's just that I would have to change a whole lot of my diet if I did choose that route. All of my traditions have meat in them. Christmas Eve dinner we have seafood, and lots of it. For Easter we eat lamb, and for Thanksgiving we eat duck and goose. Lots of pasta dishes I eat have some type of meat or seafood in them. My family, especially my dad's side, would be sort of offended if I gave up meat just because it is such a huge part of our diet. I would be open to try being vegetarian but I really don’t think that I could pull it off. I don't know anyone that is vegan or vegetarian but I would love to talk to someone who is to see what it is like and see how they pull it off if they used to eat meat in the past.
I cannot say that I have thought about being a vegetarian. I would also say that I enjoy more fruits and vegetables than most teenagers. Being a meat eater, I know that we need meat in our diets but at the cost of a lot of animals being slaughtered for our consumption. I don't think the way we raise, kill, and gorge meat is very good for the planet or our population. I think people in America choose to be vegetarians because that option is available to them, but you don’t hear about people in third world countries wanting to be vegetarians because that lifestyle and it’s luxuries are not the same for them.
@Katherine Lennon I think you're very right about how slaughtering animals is bad for our planet. The plants where this occurs produces mass amounts of greenhouses gasses such as carbon dioxide and methane, and it is not very good for our environment.
I am not vegetarian or vegan, although I have considered not eating meat. The main thing that I think would make it really hard is that I live with my parents and I don't feel like it is fair for me to ask them to accommodate such a difficult change, and I am not at the place where I can do everything myself. The main reason I have considered being vegetarian is for environmental reasons, mass production of meat is not good for the environment. I would not say that I have a cultural tie to eating meat, but meat is a big part of most of our meals in my home. I think that if I did decide to be vegetarian it would not be a problem because of family traditions, it would just be a very difficult change to make. I have stopped eating beef and most milk products but that has not caused any sort of strain, we don’t eat those things on a regular basis in my home. I think it is totally your choice whether to eat meat or not eat meat, I have never felt very much pressure by the people around me to stop eating meat but even if I did, changing my lifestyle needs to be my choice.
I went through a phase a few years ago where I would find a way to make a joke about vegans at every opportunity I was given. I enjoyed reading posts on Instagram that shared my amusement in finding different ways to make fun of them, and I definitely made it a point to share them with those around me. The idea of not eating meat because an animal was hurt seemed ridiculous to me, but since then I have learned that there is a lot more to it than that.
Aside from moral reasons, I've learned that a lot of people make the change in their lifestyle to become vegetarian or vegan because of environmental concerns. A meat eater is responsible for the consumption of thousands of liters of water a day, animal agriculture is responsible for 91% of the deforestation in the Amazon Rain forest, and producing meat from chickens takes up three times the land as farming soybeans. Going vegan or even vegetarian cuts down on all of these numbers and many more by a large percentage. With the climate change that our world is dealing with, eating vegetarian would make a huge difference.
The title of the essay in the article is "I Admire Vegetarians. It's a Choice I Won't Ever Make." I think this about sums up how I feel about the idea of becoming vegan or vegetarian. Meat is such a big part of my life, and it would be hard for me to leave it behind. However, I have moved past the point where I see it as something to joke about, because I've really learned the benefit behind it.
I’m not vegetarian or vegan, but I have considered becoming one multiple times. I have a few vegetarian and pescatarian friends and one vegan aunt. My aunt’s diet is somewhat questionable healthwise, but it does meet the requirements to be vegan. I like the moral and environmental beliefs of vegetarians. I think the data was that twenty pounds of vegetables are needed to produce one pound of meat. So if more people were vegetarian, more food would be able to be grown. Also, cows produce greenhouse gases, which is leading to the infamous global warming. I care strongly about climate change, and going vegetarian is an effective way to help. Additionally, many animals are brutally slaughtered for food, and of course, it breaks my heart to see an innocent pig get fattened up and then murdered.
On the other hand, I don’t know if I could get pork out of my diet. My mom only cooks culturally traditional foods on special occasions. The meals my family eats every day aren’t culturally significant, but they aren’t used to cooking anything else. My parents don’t have much experience with vegetarian cooking. It’s something I would like to try, but they may not be open to the idea. I want to try to be vegetarian for a short time to experience it. Then, I can decide whether I want to go full-on, or maybe only eat meat on certain days.
@Cyrus Fisher I found what you said about how cows add to our greenhouse gasses very interesting. It had never occurred to me that cows would produce a lot of greenhouse gasses especially enough to increase global warming. I agree with you I have a big heart when it comes to animals and I couldn’t stand to watch one be killed, though I know it is all part of a process. I don’t need meat to survive but eating meat is how I chose to survive. And I agree with you about how hard it would be to get meat out of my diet especially for family events and gatherings, though I do have a mom that is mostly vegetarian so I know that I would have someone to help me say on the vegetarian path if I were to choose that.
My family roasts a turkey on at least three of the major holidays, and I just consider it a given at this point. I could not imagine eating rice and yams for Thanksgiving dinner. I have never in my life considered vegetarianism, because the human race has eaten other animals for thousands of years, and those animals have eaten other animals, and so on. The food chain is part of nature, and however grotesque the slaughtering of farm animals may be, it is part of human culture to eat other animals.
Certain meats remain considered traditions by many families, integral to the culture of their people. Mrs. Wittmeyer talks about how her family roasts giant pigs for important celebrations, and her family has done it for decades, but she does not want to post it on instagram because she considers the people making resolutions to not eat meat. She is also amazed by how smoothly people transition into vegetarianism, and I am too, I have a couple vegetarian friends and I jokingly badger them about it from time to time but I respect their decision because I know it is about morality.
@Evan Peña
I agree with you that becoming a vegetarian can be near impossible for people due to meat being such a big part of some peoples traditions and diets but I believe some people do it to help the environment, I would also attempt the diet if meat wasn't such a substantial part of my diet and my family tradition especially during the holidays.
1
I personally would not become a vegetarian because I believe meat is a very important source of protein in your body. As humans our bodies need protein to survive, most natural proteins come from meat. Although being vegetarian is said to be more environmentally friendly, is it really safer for our bodies? I've gone through phases where I wanted to be vegetarian just because my friends were and I felt uncomfortable eating meat around them. Also, I think meat can be very central to certain cultures and families. Thanksgiving for instance, the food you eat is mostly based around turkey. I'm not against vegetarians or vegans because it's their choice and no one should affect that.
I can understand the thoughts and feelings of the author. It seems to reflect what all of us think on a basic spiritual level.
2 studies have come out lately show that vegans are one of the most dispised groups in the world. Yet it was only the vegans who were doing it for ethical reasons who were truly hated. The author touched on this when her consciousness was rejecting eating meat, yet her culture and social situations overcame her conscious.
It will be a few generations in western society that eating meat is truly taboo. As for most Asian cultures, perhaps this time frame is a bit aggressive.
While I am not a vegetarian, nor a vegan, I can understand why some people, especially pro athletes, have endorsed veganism. Not only does it reduce injuries, but many athletes, such as Kyrie Irving, have contributed their plant-based diets to their fast dribbling ability. Their is also a myth that becoming a vegan or vegetarian decreases your total body strength. That is so, totally wrong. Take a look at apes. They are some of the strongest animals in the world, and what is their diet? Plants!
Although I have explained many benefits to being vegan or vegetarian, I myself could never do it. My family eats meat at every single dinner (except for nights we grill fish), and I don't really know if my father would be accepting of me going to a plant- based or animal free diet, since meat is such a staple in our household kitchen. Also, nothing can compare to that juicy, medium-rare steak that I enjoy eating so much. It would just be too hard to give up.
For as long as I can remember, steak has been my family's celebratory meal for any special event. The first day of school, the end of school, finishing a sports season; these were all celebrated with steak. It was not until middle school, when I learned about everyone's ecological footprint, did I learn that meat was bad for the environment. Americans have ecological footprints which are much larger than other countries. The ecological footprint per capita of an American is one of the highest in the world, over twice that of a person in Brazil and over three times that of a person in Mexico. And a large cause of this is meat consumption. Livestock farming creates one-fifth to one-half of all artificial greenhouse gas emissions. It is clear that there is a problem with us eating too much meat.
Though I am not vegan or vegetarian, I now see why many do so to help the Earth and lower their ecological footprints, and there is no doubt the environment would be helped if everyone stopped eating meat. However, some cultures and traditions involve consuming meat. Who are we to say Wittmeyer should not prepare her native roast pig or that we should not have turkey on Thanksgiving? Meat consumption should clearly be lowered, but traditions must be considered as well. This can be done by only eating meat at certain special times, reducing consumption overall. Doing this will lower greenhouse gas emissions and make for a greener, more vegetarian world where culture is preserved.
I cannot say that I have thought about being a vegetarian. I would also state that I enjoy more fruits and vegetables than most teenagers. Being a meat eater, I know that we need meat in our diets but at the cost of a lot of animals being slaughtered for our consumption. I don't think the way we raise, kill, and gorge meat is very good for the planet or our population. I think people in America choose to be vegetarians because that option is available to them, but you don’t hear about people in third world countries wanting to be vegetarians because that lifestyle and it’s luxuries are not the same for them.
I have grown up eating meat. In my culture, a lot of the popular foods are ones that contain meat; not eating these foods anymore would feel as if I was losing part of my culture. Sure, I have considered becoming vegetarian, as vegetarians often have a healthier diet, and their dietary choice is more helpful for the environment. I might even be considered a partial vegetarian due to my religious dietary restrictions prohibiting the consumption of meat in certain circumstances. However, it would be too hard for me to become a full-time vegetarian because non-vegetarian foods are one of my biggest connections to my culture and my family. Eating food we enjoy really does allow us to bond. The recipes are even passed down from generation to generation, ensuring that our culture lives on. While I respect the decision of vegetarians and vegans and admire their moral and/or environmental reasons for sticking to a strict diet, I would not be able to give up meat because it has been—and will continue to be—a significant part of my life.
Me personally, am not vegetarian or vegan but I have considered being vegetarian. One of my best friends was vegetarian and went to being vegan. Meat is a staple in my diet on an everyday basis. I typically eat a meat with my dinner 5 out of 7 days a week so going without it would be a massive change not only for me and what I like to eat but to my body because of the change in protein intakes. With my family one of our traditions is having an Irish ham on Christmas Day for dinner along with a turkey, without this the whole dinner would be different and our tradition would die. For some people it wouldn't be that big of a deal but for others like me and my family it would be quite a big change.
There is an old joke that asks, “How do you know if someone is a Vegetarian?” The answer is, “Don’t worry, they’ll tell you.”
Today, more and more people around me are trying to cut meat out of their diet or just eat less meat. Last year, even my parents started a plant-based diet to help with my father’s heart disease. Suddenly tofu, beans, and almond milk appeared in our pantry. In earth science class, we saw a documentary concerning the impact of factory farms on the environment that also addressed animal cruelty - almost blaming meat-eaters for the harsh treatment of agricultural animals.
While I think it is fine to make people aware of dietary options like veganism that will help prevent animal cruelty or harm to the environment, I do not think it is the correct approach to cram veganism down the throats of people who like to eat meat. There are a lot of reasons people eat meat from cultural practices as the article mentioned to the need for protein to simply enjoying the flavor. Omnivores do not deserve to feel bad every time they bite into a baloney sandwich.
I enjoy meat and animal products like cheese and eggs in most of the meals I eat. I respect that some people choose to just eat plants. But, I like meat and will continue to enjoy hamburgers, cereal with milk, fried chicken, and ice cream.
1
@William Hudson I think your joke is the basis of my main opinion on Vegetarianism it is way over talked about. I cant stand how vegans and vegetarians constantly feel the need to tell everyone their diet. They also seem to look down on those who don't appeal to the same diet. While I honor the hard work and dedication a diet like this I cant say that they always do it with respect.
When I have seen videos online of the treatment of animals in factories, I get sick to my stomach. The animals are crammed by the thousands into filthy, windowless sheds and stuffed into wire cages or metal crates. They will never raise their families, root around in the soil, build nests, or do anything that is natural and important to them. Most won’t even feel the warmth of the sun on their backs or breathe fresh air until the day they’re loaded onto trucks headed for slaughterhouses. The issue is that the factory farming industry strives to maximize output while minimizing costs at the animals’ expense. However, I face my own dilemma: I like animal products. I love bacon, cheese, hamburgers, fried chicken, and ice cream. Baked goods, milkshakes, pizza, all become impossible to eat in their natural form. My only hope is that as technology develops, faux meat (such as the Impossible Burger) and dairy will become cheaper, accessible, and realistic.
@John Goodman I agree with you on the animal cruelty. I think that it is outrageous and scary. It makes me sick to my stomach as well and sad for how these helpless animals are treated. I am not a vegetarian but I do think that there is an alternate way to treat these animals. I don't think they deserve to be thrown around and live in the dark. I have never had faux meat so I don't know how I would feel about it. But if it is good for the environment and these animals then i would rather have companies produce this than having to kill all these animals when they deserve to live just as much as we do.
@John Goodman I too am upset over the way we treat animals, how we keep them locked up in tight spaces sitting in their own filth. I think that if we are going to raise them up only to eat them then we should at least let them live a happy life. I also have the same problem as you and I hope in a couple years we will have more and better options.
@John Goodman
I was once in a Home EC class where the teacher was describing in detail how parts of the animals were cut off in order to fit in tiny cages, how they were gorged on food to fatten them up, and lived in horrifying conditions. She said this jokingly, but I actually had to leave the room because it made me so upset and sick. The quality of life for these animals is horrific and you can eat meat and understand that they deserve better than the way they’re forced to live right now. I think that the best way to do that would be to set regulations in the FDA for quality of life for the animals. Of course, that’s not something that is very easy to do, but I hope at some point we can get there.
1/3
I like to consider myself a very environmentally conscious person since I've been noticing how our eternally evolving planet appears to be on a long walk off a short pier. This fact has been leading me through a cycle recently that I do not know how to break.
It starts with my guilt; my everyday actions contribute to the spew of filth into our atmosphere, oceans, and environments which I'm constantly made aware of. I feel truly awful thinking, "how can I do my part in preserving what is left of our mother nature?" I can't bike or walk to school since it is too far away. I can't afford all the biodegradable products on my average unemployed teenager net worth. I can't drop out of school and join the protests. I can't disappear off the side of the earth and forage for berries. Realistically when it comes down to it I have little to no influence on the overall well being of the environment, but with more eco-conscious efforts becoming mainstream I feel as though I could be part of a greater movement. The thing is that I could easily give up meat, right this second in fact. The only problem is that my family is unwilling to do the same. Now I can't even control what goes into my food.
Next comes the cognitive dissonance; there are only so many family dinners a person can avoid, and thus I must succumb to the meat eater ways. I get to thinking that the meat has already been purchased and prepared, so it is essentially already done it's part in the capitalistic conveyor belt that is consumerism. Because of this it is worse to let the meat go to waste than to eat it, which means that I must eat it right? That is exactly what I do.
Finally my head space becomes cluttered with thoughts about how I'm a bad environmentalist. I've set out to do one thing for the betterment of our world, but I can't even achieve that goal. I tell everyone in my life that I am trying to be a vegetarian and yet here I am eating my mother's chicken pot pie. It would be so much easier to just say that I can't become a vegetarian just yet and move on with my life, but I will not let myself give up. I have the privilege of being able to choose to completely cut out a source of nutrients and work around any side effects. If that is the one thing I can give up I should certainly do it if only to hep the environment. This gets me thinking right back in the same way I was at the beginning of the cycle.
The meat industry is a major contributor towards the large scale destruction of our one and only planet. Cows produce a whole lot of methane, and they consume to much water. Hog waste which is dumped into retention ponds often finds it's way into our waterways during large storms. That's just part of what we deal with to keep the animals alive; after that a mass amount of energy goes into butchering, packaging, and shipping the portions of the animals we don't throw away.
All in all the meat industry very obviously causes problems, and the only way to stop it is to cut off the demand for these mass amounts of meat products. While we have a long way to go I can only hope that us environmentalists can eventually make a dent in the greed filled industry, and that I can do my part to make that happen.
I would and have considered becoming vegetarian, but it would be hard in my family because none of them would consider doing the same, except maybe my mom. My mom has stopped eating dark meat for health reasons, but she has chicken included in her lunch or dinner almost everyday, so I doubt she would be willing to give up meat completely. With my family meals almost always consisting of meat, it would be hard for me to completely avoid it, but I could see myself giving up dark meat like my mom.
I’ve tried before to be vegetarian for a period of time to test it out, and I was able to stick to it for about a month. The only thing was that I was on vacation for most of it, and it was sometimes hard to find good options so I would have to eat something i didn’t like very much. One time I had to order off the kids menu to find something without meat, and it was a grilled cheese. That’s when I knew that it probably wasn’t for me or if I wanted to stick to it I would need to plan ahead more.
I also have a friend in my life who hasn’t eaten any meat in life except seafood (she’s a pescatarian). Her mom is a pescatarian as well so she just grew up with a meatless diet. While her mom allows her to eat meat if she wants to, she just sticks to seafood because she doesn’t like the taste of meat.
In recent times, veganism has seemingly reached all-time highs in terms of popularity. Despite this exponential surge, I just wouldn’t be able to bring myself to conform to this way of life. Meat is a part of my daily diet, and finding substitute for the crucial nutrients it provides would be a monumental task. Even if these alternatives to meat were readily available, I’m sure they would be extremely cost ineffective. Additionally, as a high school student, my dad cooks mostly all of my dinners. I often don’t have control over what the meal is and when it comes time to sit down and eat, I am at the mercy of my parent’s will.
I’m not a vegetarian and I wouldn’t consider becoming one. I wouldn’t become a vegetarian because I don’t really like vegetables by themselves, I usually only eat them when they’re cooked in a certain way with meat, but one thing about being vegetarian that seems good is that it’s good for heart health. Meat is very important to my diet, it makes up about 50% of what I eat/my meals. If I were to give up meat, my parents (mainly my mom though) would freak out and likely be offended by it, because like I said most of the food that is cooked at home involves meat. A good 85% of the meals that my family and I eat are meals that they used to eat when they lived in Haiti, they’ve made many memories while eating these foods and I’ve made many memories while eating these foods, and giving them up would seem just disrespectful. Giving up these foods would just seem like i’m giving up those memories.
@Mitchell
i enjoyed reading this. i would've never thought that a family would've been offended of what you eat. maybe its just the way our parents are.
I am not vegan or vegetarian. I have though, considered becoming pescitarian which is the same requirement for dietary needs as a vegetarian, but you are also allowed to eat fish. I never followed through with the thought, but I think it’s still on the table for the future. I do have many friends who are pescitarian or vegetarian. I think that having this diet is healthy but also good for the environment. This is because if there are less people who eat meat, then the production sales of meat will go down. This will cut down on the slaughtering of animals and will make the environment healthier. But all in all, I think that converting to these diets would create a good lifestyle for yourself and everyone.
I personally am not vegetarian or vegan, and I have never considered being one. I don’t have any friends or family members that are vegan or vegetarian, what we be challenging for me is that eating meat is very much apart of my culture. Almost all the traditional foods that I have eaten has contained some sort of animal product. My family would not be offended if I became vegan, but they generally would be very surprised considering the diet that I have. I generally eat whatever my family prepares me, that food that they prepare does not make me uncomfortable. My friends are mostly from the same culture and traditions as me, meaning that we share the same foods that our family prepares for us. This means that I am comfortable eating whatever my family prepares around my friends.
It would be very difficult for me to become a vegetarian and give up meat centrally because of how much I consume some type of meat on a daily basis. It is how I get my main type of protein almost every day. I also feel that becoming vegetarian would just become more work for me to eat, I would have to go out por my way and look for specific items that would go nice with each other in a meal. I already understand how delicious meat is, so it would be very challenging for me to give up something that I crave I almost continuously on a daily basis, I do not believe that there is a non-meat product that could deliver the same type of satisfaction when it come to the chew and the flavor of the meat.
I am currently enrolled in an Environmental science course at my school. Yes, I can name all the types of soils but there is more to it. We study how humans are affecting the earth through numerous different activities and if it’s too late to save the planet we live on. One of the human disturbances that stood out to me was the accumulation of greenhouse gases due to eating red meat. Another one is the way that livestock is treated on farms. Recently, a video of dairy company Fairlife surfaced revealing the abuse the cows endure. I am not vegetarian or vegan, but every day I consider it a bit more. It seems useless if just one person (me) went vegetarian, so I would try to get a large amount of people to try it with me so we can actually see a huge difference.
@Jessica C Animal cruelty and the environment have been the reasons I’ve considered going vegetarian before as well. I agree that it seems useless if just one person changed to a vegetarian diet, and it depends on the influence they have on others to do the same.
Previously I believe I would have been opposed to becoming a vegetarian, but over the past few years I have throughly thought about it. Since all the horrific information came out about the meat industry came out I haven’t been totally opposed to becoming a vegetarian. Although I do love meat and I feel like it would be somewhat difficult to cut out of my diet, I think it’s a great way to learn how to meal plan better and really reach the overall goal. Being a vegetarian is very environmentally friendly and we could use that right now.
Personally I can say that even though I'm against animal abuse and any sort of cruelty to them, I don't think that I would ever become a vegetarian. I've used to eat a lot of meat since I was a child. It also can be somehow connected to my religion and country I was raised in. Our people really love meat and that's the main part in almost all of our meals. So, if I would decide to give up meat then I would have to give up every other meal I usually eat. Maybe someday I should experiment with that and try not to eat any, but right now I'm pretty happy with my health and the things I consume daily.
While I am not “officially” vegan or vegetarian, my diet is considerably different compared to the conventional omnivore diet. I decided to stop eating dairy almost a year ago because of how I felt about its health drawbacks (while there are benefits, in my opinion the disadvantages outweigh the advantages). This was probably the most difficult adjustment I could’ve made to my lifestyle, because before that, every food I enjoyed and ate frequently involved some form of dairy, from cheese to chocolate. Since then, I’ve stopped eating red meat, then white meat. Currently, I am pescatarian and still dairy free. While I don’t have a concrete explanation as to why I’ve decided to give up eating these foods, I know that I’ve dramatically enhanced my nutrition and in turn, I’ve seen a lot of positive changes in my physical and emotional health. I also feel better about myself knowing that the reduction of meat and dairy intake is a good decision for the environment as well as minimizing participation in potential animal cruelty.
Within our ever-evolving society, vegetarianism and veganism have become mainstream conversations that have sparked my interest. As someone who currently identifies with neither of these labels, I believe that many people’s reluctance stems from being either misinformed or simply uneducated on the topic. Personally, I am someone who does enjoy meat, but I have also partaken in my fair share of meatless meals. As a Muslim, we have to slaughter our meat in a specific way that ensures that the animal in question endures the least amount of pain possible which renders me unable to consume meat whenever I go out to restaurants. Through my experience as a pseudo-vegetarian, I believe that a large part of the issue is how difficult and, in turn, unachievable being vegetarian or vegan seems. Until recently, many restaurants did not take into consideration the various dietary needs and restrictions that many individuals live with. Furthermore, people are likely to conform to their family’s beliefs on the matter and many are unwilling to deter from the preconceived biases they have developed. As for me, I make an active effort to support those who do choose to make these lifestyle choices while also minimizing the amount of meat I consume whether that means opting for the sofritas at Chipotle or basking in the glory of Panera’s mac n cheese.
While I have considered becoming a vegetarian multiple times, it never really amounted to anything. Despite that, I would still be willing to give it another try. This is partially due to the dietary restrictions my family already faces due to my mom’s struggle with celiac disease and my recent intolerance to gluten. These experiences have made me more willing to face dietary changes, which may lead me to look into vegetarianism in the future. This is difficult to achieve when living with your pareNow, but it definitely seems like something I could look into after graduating high school. I morally agree with the ideas of vegetarianism, so it’s definitely something I’d consider. Despite that, I would likely not consider being a vegan, since dairy products are a major part of both my life and the food that is cooked at family occasions.
@Sarah Baab I enjoyed reading this comment because it reminded me that there are endless dietary restrictions people can have, whether it's by choice or for health reasons, that can make someone more or less willing to become vegetarian. I think your openness to the subject is so good because most people close themselves off to the idea completely. I agree with what you said about not likely becoming vegan, while I would consider having some vegan meals from time to time when I live on my own, for now I would have a difficult time maintaining my health and getting the nutrients I need if I became vegan right now.
If you had asked me a couple months ago whether I considered becoming vegetarian or vegan, my answer would have easily been no way. Since then, my mom and I have started eating a healthier diet and part of that has been including a lot more vegetables and less meat, and I am finding it easier to eat less meat so it is no longer an essential part of my diet. However, I still would find it very hard to completely eliminate meat from my diet because I feel that there are some meals that I couldn’t give up and some that would be very difficult to give up, especially because I would struggle to find enough protein to eat everyday. A lot of my friends have been becoming vegetarian recently, whether for health reasons or for environmental reasons or even for moral reasons, and I respect them a lot for that because that’s something I just couldn’t do yet
I have been a vegetarian my whole life. It’s not like I can't have meat or anything like that, but I chose to be a vegetarian just because I don't like the fact that something is dying for me to eat when I totally rely on other things and still survive. I also feel this way I am giving a major share to the environment and the ecosystem keeping it healthy.
I jokingly despise those who are vegetarian/vegan. As a meat eater myself, I could never become a vegetarian because I love meat. I do understand that a lot of animals are slaughtered for our consumption, but that's kinda what natural selection is about, the fittest survives. Obviously, we are no longer in huts and having to spear down our prey with our weapons, we can simply just go to the superstore and buy pretty much buy whatever we want. But! this is not true for everyone in the world. Countries like Africa are stagnate off of what can be harvested and imported into their towns. Africa's main meals are based on yams, rice, and millet which is not enough because it doesn't give them the right nutrients to sustain a healthy body. The only reason why we have vegetarians and vegans is because of how spoiled they are. I bet you you've never seen a third world country vegetarian because they CHOSE to be a vegetarian. Those who have the option to choose between meat and vegetables are those who can afford it. I have a friend who is vegetarian and I've seen some of the things he has to buy to sustain a healthy diet, and it doesn't come cheap either. Let me make myself clear though, I do not approve of the factories they use to slaughter animals, but I also have to say, meat is a necessary part of your diet.
@Soen McCormick As you do, I love eating meat. However, that love has started to wane recently. I could see myself becoming vegetarian in the future but I don’t feel like now is the time. While natural selection is about the survival of the fittest, being raised in captivity only to be slaughtered is not natural selection. There is no choice in that circumstance. However, I do agree that being a vegetarian or vegan is a choice based on certain privileges. Many poorer countries around the world don’t have the resources to become healthily vegetarian. These diets are exclusive to rich countries like the U.S. The amount of options and opportunities to change our lifestyles here is immense. I know some vegan people and things can get pricey sometimes. It doesn’t seem to be a problem with them but I know many people who don’t have the luxury to do so.
@Soen McCormick
Of Course it is a necessity in your diet, and people who are becoming
Vegan or vegetarian to try and help the world become more eco-friendly, but people need to understand that some, or even a lot of people are not going to become vegan or vegetarian, as they dont feel that it is necessary for them in their lives. Whatever you eat is up to you and those that are looking down on people who eat meat need to get off their high horse and look at places like Africa, like Soen said which i agree with, those who casually chose to be vegan or vegetarian are spoiled and do not appreciate that they even have a choice to eat whatever they want in the first place. African peoples living in the grassland still go out and hunt down their food everyday. Sometimes no food is caught even after 6 hours of walking miles to run towards prey and not catch anything. They survive, because they cant walk a mile to the nearest supermarket and pick up the freshest greens or fresh caught salmon.
I have considered becoming a vegetarian at one point in my life but it never blossomed into anything. I mostly just ate what was in my household or what my parents had cooked. Every other week, we have a meal that has no meat in it. Last week, my family and I had beans, legume, and white rice. Legume, a Haitian dish, is basically vegetable soup and is a common occurrence in my family’s meals. This week, however, we are having steak, which happens to be my favorite meal involving meat. If I were to become vegetarian, my mom would support me because she says it’s my choice and it’s not a bad thing to not eat meat, considering we eat it every other week. She also says that making a meal with no meat is quite easier to make, so that is reassuring. In the end, meat is still very savory and a good, easy source of protein and while the cows, chickens, and turkey are indeed suffering, there’s a lot to go around. I would most likely not become a vegetarian or vegan.
Meat and dairy play a crucial role in my meal plan, and becoming a vegan or vegetarian is something that would be difficult for me to do. I've always been underweight for my age and my parents tell me that I should never become a vegan or vegetarian, otherwise I'd be dangerously skinny without the calories from meat and dairy. I’m also a picky eater, and have a sensitive stomach so finding the right foods for me would be hard. Because of this, I never really considered it. However, in recent years, as I'm slowly coming closer to the age where I stop growing, veganism/vegetarianism doesn't sound like a bad idea. As I have learned in school there's a lot of abuse in the dairy and meat industry, and feel bad for the animals when I consume something from that grouping. As much as I would love to convert to a vegan/vegetarian diet, I think that for right now it would just be difficult. However, doing so in the future may not be a bad idea.
1
@Thalia
This is very similar to my opinion. Although I don’t think I would ever seriously fully commit to vegetarianism, it is something that’s been in the back of my mind as a “what if?” I also see that you’ve mentioned animal cruelty and the mass consumption of these byproducts as one of your concerns. This is a main reason that many people resort to vegan and vegetarian diets. If you care about this issue, but find it hard to fully commit to one of these diets, you could try shopping locally or only buying cruelty-free, organic, or grass-fed products. This can help eliminate the consumption of these products while still maintaining your usual diet!
My sister has been a vegetarian since she was ten and she is now nineteen. She became a vegetarian because she simply found meat disgusting. However she has now come to realize the terrible impacts the meat industry has and that vegetarianism is a healthy and environmentally friendly decision. I have often thought about becoming a vegetarian and I believe in the environmental benefits it has. However, I would find it difficult to cut meat out of my diet and also consume enough protein especially because I am lactose intolerant. From my experience of watching Eve vegetarianism seems to take more time into meal planning in order to assure that you get enough protein. I do one day wish to make this decision, but due to my intense high school schedule I don’t believe it is a realistic goal for myself currently.
I am not a vegan or vegetarian and I have not considered trying. Meat is very important in my diet because I eat it every day. In my family we always have some kind of meat during a holiday but if i tried to be vegan they wouldn't mind. Giving up meat for moral or environmental reasons has not really crossed my mind. I would feel a little uncomfortable eating wings with friends because they are messy.
I am not a vegetarian or vegan.
In recent months, my parents have been considering going vegetarian, a thought that is terrifying to me- I have never had to go without meat before- and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to do that. Actually, that’s not true, I’ve gone without meat before. Two years ago, in 2018, my parents decided to go vegan for a month. They went to the library one day and brought back at least ten vegan cookbooks, made me and my sister Calliope read them, and declared that we would not be consuming animal products for a month. Naturally, this was a huge blow to me, who frequently gets cravings for goat cheese and honey-cured ham (those two specifically), and my sister, who drinks milk with every single meal. Somehow we made it through the month, and I even discovered a love for dairy-free brownies and almond milk. Since that month, we eat at least one type of animal product with dinner, and usually for dessert too. If absolutely need be, I think I could go without meat- given the degrading state of our environment- and go vegan or vegetarian, but until, no. Honey, maybe not. Bees only produce 1/12 tablespoons of honey in their lifetime- That’s a dozen dead bees every time you decide you want something other than sugar in your tea. And with the bee population decreasing, going honey-free might be a good idea. But dairy, and meat? I think just for now, at least, I’ll keep those. Would I become a vegetarian? Maybe. It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
I have been a vegetarian for four years and while it can be hard to find food sometimes in such a carnist society, I can't say that I regret it. To me, it's a matter of having as little impact on the Earth as I can. Over a year, a vegetarian will use 3 fewer acres of land, be responsible for 60% fewer emissions, and save up to 270 animals. In a growing population, turning to vegetarianism and veganism is the only way that we will be able to feed our entire population because of the huge amounts of land we use to grow grain for livestock and graze them.
I am tired of hearing the excuse, "But I really like meat." Yes, ideally, it would be great if we could all eat meat, but we are currently in a climate crisis. Big problems require big solutions and changing your diet is the single biggest thing you can do to lower your emissions. I understand the reasoning of the author of the article. Foods that we ate growing up do have an amazing way of connecting us to our culture. That being said, meat substitutes do exist and many dishes naturally come without meat. For the majority of us, our cultural foods can be manipulated to fit a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle and I believe that not attempting at least once to be vegetarian is selfish.
The future of the planet is riding on us being environmentally conscious. Forests like the Amazon will keep burning, sea level will still rise, unless we act to stop it. Cutting meat is the best way we as individuals can make a difference.
5
@Cooper Hyldahl Wow, that's cool that you've decided to make such an environmental choice. The numbers you use to back your point that one person can change the world with their diet is astounding. I would struggle because most of my family members are all meat eaters, so it'd be hard for me to find those alternate sources.
I haven't precisely tried to become a vegetarian, and maybe if I got into the habit, I might turn out to enjoy it. You made some compelling points about how the environment takes the hit for human's cravings and wants. Since you did such a good job showing how to combat the issue of real meat, I might try going green for a bit.
@Cooper Hyldahl As someone who is not a vegetarian (and definitely not vegan), I appreciate reading your comment on the benefits that changing your diet can do for yourself and the environment. Additionally, that was a nice rebuttal for my meat-loving self.
I agree that climate change is an issue that we have to actively fight, but I don’t like saying eating meat makes you selfish. You can also use renewable, clean energy, reduce your use and waste, and reduce your transportation emissions.
3
@Cooper Hyldahl That's amazing that you have been a vegetarian for four years now! I have been vegetarian off and on my whole life, but in 2017 I started to commit to being a real vegetarian. My dad is vegan, so for me it isn't as hard to find other food supplements for protein and to work around having meat products. The main reason I'm vegetarian is also because it helps ensure environmental solutions for the Earth and its future.
I agree that cutting meat out of our diets really is the best and most efficient way to prevent rapid environmental change that's in most if not all ways, extremely negative. However, I would never be judgmental of someone who does choose to include meat in their diet because I know that it can be a hard change to make, and meat is heavily involved in a lot of traditions, religions, and cultures throughout the world.
Choosing to be a vegetarian is a wonderful and sustainable choice to make for many, and I definitely think it's worth both saving the environment and saving innocent animals.
This article shows the importance of being a vergetarin because it shows the consequences that come when people eat meat and animals that are killed . And if people were vegan it could save may animals and this could help with obesity ad prevet it. And becoming vegan must be har to resist the temptations of meat because it is so could but it is ot worth the price fro them being killed
I am not vegan or vegetarian but if my friends wanted to be vegan or vegetarian,I'll support it. To me being a vegan or vegetarian would be hard for me because I like meat but if people become vegan or vegetarian and they are still being vegan or vegetarian,their will is pretty strong.Like I won't last a day being a vegan or being a vegetarian.
@Josalyne I agree i could not be a vegan for more than at most a few days
I feel like being a vegetarian is good but not amazing because meat is healthy and its good.I never thought of becoming a vegetarian because I like meat and I never tough of giving it up.
I have never and never will even consider the possibility of being a vegetarian, unless to impress a vegan girl in the future. I understand that some people do it for the environment, however this is not a good reason as it has a minimal impact on the earth.
I think this article is kinda challenging because a lot of people will consider going vegetarian and people sort of need meat for their body, and eating meat is important.
Reading this article maid be think about how I always ignored or never thought about becoming a vegan. I always thought about how difficult it would be to be vegan and how people can not eat meat. But once I started to see why people make this big choices it made me have a diffirent point of view on vegans. They dont always do it for the health but for the enviorment.
I, myself am not a vegan or vegetarian. However, my aunt started going vegetarian at a young age. I've always understood why people decide to be vegan or vegetarian but I have never considered to do it myself. I think it would be exciting to try out for a while and see how I like it.
Would You Ever Consider Becoming a Vegetarian?
18 February 2020
Maybe later I will be considering to become a vegetarian, right now no, because I love to eat meat all my family likes eating meat. It’s a family tradition, we have a lot of dishes of our culture we prepared with meat. I think without the meat it’s not going to taste the same as usually but, I don’t have any problem with someone if they want to become a vegetarian. To become a vegetarian it’s a choice, some people don’t like meat for some of reasons. I know it’s healthier when you eat only vegetable, I eat both. Both of them have protein.
I am not vegetarian or vegan,this article has not changed my thoughts about being vegan.I think meat is a good source of protein but i would want to experience the changes or differences would get if i didn't eat meat and became vegetarian.
Me personally, I really don't think I could be vegan or even vegetarian. I love meats and it would be a major struggle for me but that doesn't necisarially mean I wont ever do it. I've never considered being a vegetarian but in the future I could see myself at least attempting it.
I have thought of being a vegetarian myself once to get away from cow, and pork. I have never considered turning into a vegetarian. I think meat is the best way to eat healthy in my opinion.
I've never thought about being vegan I have been eating meat my whole life being vegan could help the world and hurt fewer animals. Also being vegan can help with obesity and overeating all the time. So I would like to try to be a vegan.
I have never been or will ever be vegetarian or vegan. Meat is big in my diet like any other food in my diet. Giving up meat in my diet would not be enjoyable for me. I understand if someone else doesn't enjoy meat or can't eat it, and I won't force them to enjoy it. Everyone just has their own taste in food.
I know one or two veterans but had never considered being one. After reading the article I have to reconsider not being vegetarian. I feel like it would be fun to try for a week or so then if I like it keep doing it. It would be really hard to not eat meat though.
I am not necessarily a vegetarian, but there have been times when I have had to do so because of religious beliefs. Every time there is a full moon, my family and I do not eat meat or go vegetarian for a day. We choose to do this because we believe that by not harming the animals the Gods will return us a favor in the future. My family and I rarely eat red meat, but we do have a lot of chicken and fish. I think that if we tried to go vegan or vegetarian it would be easy because our meals already consist of a lot of vegetables.
My mom and aunt are Vietnamese, so in their weddings, they had a giant pig that was roasted and brought in a red wrapping ( Red stands for happiness, love, luck, celebration ). It is a tradition for the groom to gift a whole roasted pig to the bride’s family. The roasted pig is indicative of virginity. Since red is such an important color to my culture, the food served is important too. Red lobster or Peking duck is usually served because of its color ( Peking duck is more traditional and red lobster is more western ). I think these foods are good for bonding and creating memories since it is a big part of my culture.
I think being a vegan/vegetarian is very important for the environment. Vegans change the way people eat animals and use them to survive. I found interesting that people make changes every day to not make animals suffer and put them in pain. Vegans show just because you cant eat meat/dairy doesnt mean you cant have a delicious meal. I am not a vegan i would like to become a vegan one day and tell people to stop eating meat/dairy products.
I have thought about switching to complete vegetarianism. I play tennis 4 days a week for at least two hours, and then the days I have off and occasionally days that I have tennis, I go and workout for around an hour and a half. My doctor has told me for the amount of physical activity I participate in, I need to be eating loads of protein. And I understand there are many other ways to get the protein I need, but meat is just the easiest way to do so for my lifestyle. And for that reason, I have chosen to monitor my meat intake because I do understand how it impacts the environment.
I am not vegetarian or vegan and have never really considered becoming either. Even though I cannot see myself not eating meat, it is probably better to be vegan or vegetarian because of the health risks. I eat meat every day and don't think about it because it is not only a comfort food but just part of my life. It is also quite good for me as I run and meat delivers a large amount of protein that I need.
I found it interesting that becoming vegetarian/vegan is very important for the environment. I also found it interesting that they can also change the bad eating habits of other people. I thought that is important for people to think about if they should post something involving an animal twice because you never know if you might affect someone's feelings. I have not considered becoming a vegetarian or a vegan but I might want to try it some time to see if there is a difference.
I'm neither vegan or vegetarian. I have never really considered it. I have thought of all the health benefits and how going vegan might improve daily life. But when it comes down to it I think a diet with varieties of food can help give you all the necessities for your body.
@Jaydin Laughlin I agree being vegan could make you feel better but is it really benefiting the overall health of your body with the lack of protein?
Although I respect vegetarians I don’t think I would ever be one of them since I indulge in meat in almost every meal. After rice meat is probably the food I consume most. I have considered going vegetarian before. When I was younger, we owned 3 chickens in China. I loved those chickens and I would feed and play with them. One day after school, I returned home to find one of them missing. I asked my grandparents and they said that the chicken had flown away. This saddened me greatly but I didn’t think much about it. We had chicken that night. I think when the realization dawned on me that I was eating my friend was the only day I truly considered becoming vegetarian. Then I realized how tasty they were. Unfortunately, I really enjoy the taste of meat so I have no intention of ever becoming vegan or vegetarian.
I have been a vegetarian for a year. It wasn’t a big step for me because before that I had been a Pescetarian for almost two years. My mom is a pescetarian and I became one to have an excuse to not eat meat. I hated it, and my mom said that I could be a pescetarian with her. My parents both expected me to grow out of it, but I ended up becoming a vegetarian after earning about the benefits for the environment. I am not religious, so there was no problem in that category, but my entire dad’s side of the family loves meat. My grandparents complain that I make things complicated, but they just don’t get it. Plus, I love vegetables, so I eat a lot of those. People say “Why not just become Vegan” or “so like can you have dairy?”. There is a big difference between Vegan and Vegetarian. Vegan is when you have no dairy, like no milk, ice cream, yogurt, cheese. Vegetarianism is no meat, like beef, pork, fish, crab. I would not go vegan because not only is dairy a big part of my diet but also it can be difficult to always find healthy substitutes for nutrition.
2
@Isadora Monteith I have had similar struggles with my family. I am the only vegetarian in my family. Both my parents and my sister eat meat, which often forces me to have to fend for myself and find food. When we go to see extended family, they often do not know what to cook for me or know what being vegetarian exactly entails.
Though it can be hard sometimes, I firmly believe that the numbers of vegetarians in the world will continue to grow, especially with generational overturn. As that number grows, restaurants will be forced to cater to the needs of vegetarians, making it easier to become vegetarian, further increasing the number who decide to make the switch.
Dealing with the ignorance of others can be difficult, but when people ask questions like, "Why not just become vegan," or "Can you eat dairy?" I always answer because it makes people more educated and more likely to become vegetarian in the future.
Though being vegetarian or vegan is often very hard, in the long run, it does make a difference. The environment will thank us down the line and thousands of animal lives are saved by vegetarians every day.
I am vegan! I have been one since I was 7 years old. Being 17 now, I’m extremely healthy, I’ve never had any health concerns. I do it for the planet and the animals! Animal cruelty is extremely prevalent in every country and slaughter houses effect the health of our country because of methane gases being released and heating the Earth. Also becoming Vegetarian/ vegan is really beneficial regarding health concerns because every protein/ nutrient you need really does come from fruits and vegetables. Go vegan!
When I was little I always have grew up around vegetarian because my dad is one. For me it didn't seem like that big if a desition because most of the time we ate veggie met anyways. Recently it has became easier to be a vegetarian because its so popular and there are so many options and some of my favorite food is fake meat. I think it is a great idea to do be a vegetarian or eat meat because its in a lot of cultures but it is also not in a lot of cultures.
I am not a vegan or vegetarian but I've thought of becoming one before. For me, this article was some what interesting. I didn't realize that it can be difficult for people to find foods that don't contain meat. What I thought was interesting is that, it can be difficult/challenging becoming vegan or vegetarian.
I'm really amused by the idea of people becoming vegetarians or vegan, knowing that people want to do it is pretty interesting and something very hard if it is something you don't have a reason to. I feel that being vegetarian will help environmentally and have great play in me and for other, ut i think meat, wich is habit is going to be really hard to break, and also i will have no reason to become vegan, but it's respecte if anyone does and it's something really good to do if it's the right or culturally thing to do.
I feel like when someone shares that they don’t eat meat or dairy people compliment them on how strong they must be to look past temptations everyday. I am not vegetarian but I have eliminated red meat from my diet. I hope to be full vegetarian by this summer. I think that the meat industry severely harms the environment as well as being abusive to animals. I wish I could have a diet that does not include meat, but it's difficult for my parents to make 2 separate meals if the primary dish contains a type of meat.
I didn't realize how much of an effect that being vegetarian, vegan or meat eater has on ones social life. My brother is vegan and has been hassled by my grandparents on one side for not eating a certain way, but I didn't realize this was a universal problem. And becoming vegan is something I plan on doing, but it is nice to know this to help inform my dissension.
I used to be vegetarian a couple of years back simply because I don't like the taste of meat. I say 'used' because I eventually switch back to a diet with fish. Something that I observed when I was not eating meats with my family was uncomfortable being that my family loves meat. Now I do eat meat but just fish but refusing meat still gets some sideglances. It shows something as simple as not eating meat can already create stereotypes that are presumed about you.
I'm not a vegetarian or a vegan. I have never even consider becoming one nor do I now, but this article is interesting and gives point of way being vegan is good. In addition, this article doesn't tell you to become a vegan since at the end it say that it would change who we are.
Meat is extremely important in my diet as it is present in most of my meals. I am a bit odd in that I don't eat breakfast and I eat a very light lunch consisting of some cheese, beef jerky and veggies. I do this because when I eat breakfast I tend to feel nauseous throughout the day, and since my lunch is so early my stomach is still gets upset if I eat to much. However when I come home for dinner there is always a huge meat dish whether it be sausage, steak or hamburgers. This is true because my parents really believe in eating lots of protein and healthy fats contained in meat. I know that if I really wanted to go vegetarian my parents would support however they would be a little concerned about my protein intake and would probably make me take some protein filled supplement.
No, I am not vegetarian or vegan and I have never considered becoming a vegan or vegetarian. Even though I am not a vegetarian I have some friends who are pescitarian, or fast based on a vegetarian diet. These friends either have a religious fasting that tells them not to eat meat. Others it is a decision they chose to make about becoming vegetarian. One of my friends is sort of vegan, he doesn’t eat anything made from animals except milk, fish, and cheese. For me I really like and enjoy eating meat. My culture uses meat in almost all of their foods, I guess that is why I really like consuming different types of meat. I'm Mexican and I cook and I usually make dishes with meat. I think for me at least cooking meat comes as a natural trait, for example cooking steak for tacos is so much fun and I really hope that everyone has a food they enjoy cooking, but for me it is meat.
I am currently vegetarian, and have been for about a year, not only for health, but because meat was never really a big part of my life, and I have never enjoyed it that much. The idea of eating an animal is not my favorite, and going plant-based was not hard for me
I myself am not a vegan or a vegetarian. I have tried to become a vegetarian for a week, but I've always failed. I have a really close friend of mine who is a vegetarian and he's attempting to become vegan. I really like red meat and I do a sport so I need the extra protein. I know there are different types of vegetarian protein, but I don't really want to eat beans and tofu for protein. Another downside is that you have to check the ingredients label on everything just to see if you can even eat it. If I were to become vegan or vegetarian, I would probably do it just to help the earth. I wouldn't become one on my own, but I wouldnt die if I was forced to.
I am vegetarian and its really nice to read an article that shows the positive sides to being vegetarian, not just the downsides. I understand how some people may feel pressure towards becoming vegetarian or vegan but trust me when I say, it's completely your choice and you should definitely research the benefits of becoming vegetarian before you make any final decisions.
I'm not vegan or vegetarian. I don't eat pig but I do eat ever other meat there is. When I tell people I don't like pig they ask me if i eat meat which I do. I feel like it would be hard to not eat meat for some people because it's a big part of their meals. I would consider becoming vegetarian.
What i found interesting about this article was that alouth of people actually do turn vegan some of them do it for a nice diet or to be heftier some other people do it because they think its bad eating animals i also found out they eat fish because i did int expect them to eat fish. Im also not a vegan or vegeterian because i think its deficuolt to do all that .
Going vegan or vegetarian is something you should really try if you are able to. Many people can't due to cultural or health reasons and they shouldn't be shamed for eating meat. Not eating meat helps with combating climate change, but if you don't want to or can't stop eating meat, there's many other things you can do to help save the planet.
In my opinion, I think that being vegetarian or not doesn't really affect how you are. Some people think being vegetarian is the way to be more healthy when people who eat meat think they can grow stronger and build body strength.
i feel like that i could never go vegetarian, even though it could be healthy for you, but not all meats are bad for you.I don eat all meats like pork and others but i still wouldn´t go vegetarian
Are you a vegetarian or vegan? Have you ever considered becoming a vegetarian? Do you have any friends or family members who don’t eat meat? What do you find compelling about vegetarianism? What would you find challenging about it?
I am not vegetarian or vegan. I have never considered becoming a vegetarian because I think that you need a mix of different foods in your diet. I don’t know any family members that don't eat meat, but I’m sure there are and no, I am not friends with anyone who doesn't eat meat. I don’t think that vegetarianism is that compelling and I guess that the challenge of being vegetarian would be to be able to find foods that don’t contain meat.
How important is meat in your diet? How important is it in your family’s cultural traditions? Would your family be offended or concerned if you ever tried to give up eating meat?
Meat really isn't that important in your diet, but I just think that you should have a variety of different foods to eat. In my family, having meat isn’t really that important, but close to all of our meals have meat in it. I think that my family would be concerned if I gave up eating meat and would probably even try to force me to eat meat again.
I am not vegetarian or vegan, and have never really considered becoming either. Even though I cannot see myself not eating meat,it is probably better to be vegan or vegetarian because of the health risks. My sister isn’t vegetarian or vegan but she is a pescatarian, meaning her only source of “meat” is seafood. Personally, I don’t know how she can repeatedly eat fish and other “healthier” dinners daily. Vegetarianism seems hard to me because how are you only consuming things that are non-meat related. It would be especially hard for me on holidays such as Thanksgiving,when my family has a big dinner where turkey is the main dish.
I have gone vegetarian once over the summer, but I don't think that I would do it again. I wouldn't consider doing it again because meat is an important part of my diet and it was just too much of a hassle to plan out my meals every day. When I started being vegetarian at the beginning of the summer, I had been used to meat and it was a key part of my meals so, I got meat substitutes like vegetarian chicken nuggets which I didn’t really like because of the flavor and they were very expensive. I think that it was much easier to stick to my regular diet than to go vegan. I don't think that I would try it again but, it could help some people eat healthier and it could allow for some people with allergies to certain foods eat which are upsides of being vegan.
I am not a vegetarian or vegan, and I would never consider becoming a vegetarian because in my culture meat is used a lot in some popular dishes, like biryani, and a lot of curries. My mom and grandmother know how to cook these dishes very well and they always hold these foods close to their heart as they always tell me. This means they would definitely not give up this part of our culture, so in this way I agree with Ms. Wittmeyer. Another reason why I would not become a vegetarian is because meat is a very good source of protein, and other sources like beans are not my favorites, and therefore it would be hard for me to get protein through food I like. One thing I would find challenging is the self-control aspect of being a vegetarian, meaning not eating meat even if you are tempted. I have never been good with self control and therefore trying not to eat the meat dishes I love would be painful and very hard. Something I find compelling about vegetarians is how much self-control it must take to not eat meat if you like it.
A lot of vegetarians I know say it is good for the environment if they don't eat meat, but I disagree with this because there are more 330 million people in the USA and more than 7 billion people in the world, if only a small portion of that many people decide not to eat meat than I highly doubt that it would save that many animals, or help the environment because farmers would decide to satisfy the majority of the population, not the vegetarians.
(Part 2) About a year later though, We did a project on factory farming. We saw how animals such as cows or pigs were slaughtered evilly, how the methane gases they released were heating the Earth, and how red meat can cause health problems. I wanted to help, and so I tried something different this time, ovotarianism. Ovotarians only eat white meat, so pretty much poultry and seafood. This seemed to be working out fine, but after a while, I started feeling bad that I couldn’t eat traditional dishes with beef or pork, I started lagging in my swimming again, (red meat isn’t actually bad, it’s pretty important. Only when you eat too much, or meat that has been processed the wrong way, does it become unhealthy) and I started questioning whether me being ovotarian was really helping anyone. After a while, I stopped. I’ve concluded that really, eating meat isn’t bad, it’s just eating bad meat that’s bad.
(Part 1) I have made many attempts at becoming vegetarian, or at least eat to support the environment more. My family already only eats Organic, fair trade, humanely processed food, so there didn’t seem to be much point in becoming vegetarian, as we were supporting small farms by buying their meat. I also didn't really eat much beef or pork, which is generally considered meat that is “bad”, unless it was a cultural dish, like dumplings or baozi. Despite this, I still wanted to become vegetarian, and a couple years ago, I did. It was fine at first, though I felt sort of light-headed and malnourished. After a month or so, I started to get extremely sick. I began throwing up. I couldn’t walk or raise my head. I knew things like this could happen if you didn’t eat enough protein, but I’d been trying to eat more nuts and other high-protein foods. Since I was so sick, I immediately started eating meat again. I got better pretty quickly, but I was really falling behind at swim practice and races, because I was still rather weak.
I am neither vegetarian or vegan. My family is not very religious or strict at all with what we eat, so I do not pay much attention to it. Meat isn't actually in all of the dishes we eat, but I could definitely not survive without eggs or milk. Therefore, if it came to a point where I decided to make lifestyle changes, I would become vegetarian at most.
I am not vegetarian or vegan. The main reasons for this are that animal products taste really good, and a lot of the food that my family makes on a daily basis contains animal products. I can’t imagine not eating meat or not eating animal products at all. It seems like it would be really hard to find good protein, and to find food that really fills you up.
Meat is a very important part of my diet and family/ cultural traditions. I eat meat on a daily basis and every major family/ Jewish dinner that my family eats has meat. My family bonds over these foods, and the meals wouldn’t be the same without them. These recipes have been passed down from generation to generation. All in all, I could never be vegetarian or vegan.
Although I respect those who chose to be vegetarian, I wouldn’t choose to become one. Meat is a big part of my life, and is important to my family. Every year, on President’s Day Weekend, my family goes drives to my grandparent’s farm. There we butcher two hogs. We do everything needed to butcher the hogs, from my dad and uncles shooting the pigs, to me helping case and smoke the sausage. This is a family tradition that I take part in every year, and it’s important to me. One of my aunts is a vegetarian, and she still helps out every year. I respect her decision, however meat is too important in my life to give up.
I’m not vegetarian or vegan, but I have given up all meats that come from a typically 4 legged animal species (even if the animal it came from had 3 legs due to a mutation or something like that). I still eat chicken, turkey, and sometimes fish. I want to become a vegetarian because I want to give up fish because I don’t like fish and don’t want to be forced to eat it by my family, but my mom says I can’t give up fish unless I become vegetarian first, but I’m having difficulty giving meat up all together. One of the friends of my family is vegan, and her wife is vegetarian, but other than that I don't know very many vegetarians.
My family always makes a Christmas crumb-cake which we eat on christmas for breakfast every year, and my mom’s mac & cheese which we usually have on one of my family members’ birthdays, or sometimes she’ll make it randomly.I would give up the crumb-cake for health, environmental, and moral reasons, but it would take A LOT to make me give up mac & cheese.
Sometimes my family meals are a little uncomfortable because everyone else will be eating a hot dog, and I’ll be the only one eating a veggie-burger. Or sometimes it’ll be a family reunion and someone will have brought some food that I’ve given up already, and I’ll have to tell them that I can’t eat their food, and that sometimes offends them.
I am not a vegetarian or vegan and I have never considered it. I don’t have any family members that are vegetarian or vegan, but I do have one or two friends that are. I could never be vegetarian or vegan. I love foods like bacon, burgers, and others like that. Also, if I stopped eating meat my family would be concerned because as I said I love those foods and they would wonder if I was going crazy or something.
I have tried being vegetarian for a few months, and it wasn’t good. I ate meat a lot so giving it up like that was a rash decision. But throughout that period of time, I would eat meat substitutes and when I would check what’s in them, half of the things were random chemicals I never heard of, and most of the vegetarian meat substitutes weren’t appetizing. When I did find a good substitute, it was never very healthy. Meat is just one of those things that isn’t easy to give up and you have to have a very open mind to try out different vegetarian foods. Most of them were bad and always left me hungry after any meal. It wasn’t filling. Massive props to people that are vegetarian or vegan that don’t eat meat substitutes. Most of the time when someone makes the switch, they can’t really give up meat which is why they go for meat substitutes and it takes a lot of willpower to completely give up meat and meat substitutes. I don’t see myself becoming vegetarian or vegan any time soon.
I am not Vegetarian or vegan. However, I am kosher. Being kosher is a choice that I make because of Judaism. Being kosher restricts the amount of meat I eat. Many people keep kosher in many different ways. My family will eat foods that are ingredient kosher. Kosher meat has to be killed in a certain way and it has to be certified by a rabbi. In addition, There are some meats that I cannot eat no matter how it is killed. This means that there is not allot of meat that I can eat. In addition, being kosher restricts me from eating meat and dairy in the same meal. When I tell people about being kosher, they often ask, " If there are so many rules, Why do you like being kosher?" I always tell people that being kosher makes me watch what I am eating. I like this part of being kosher. There are some downsides. For example, I have never eaten bacon or a cheeseburger.
I know what it is like to be vegetarian. My brother and sister are vegetarians and my mother is vegan. In addition, our house is vegetarian. I have considered being vegetarian because sometimes I don't like the thought of eating once living animals.
There was a time where I started to dislike meat. We have this celebration in yemen where men would kill a goat so they could eat it and I first-hand witnessed it happen at a young age when I wasn’t supposed to. After that I began feeling uncomfortable with eating meat, fish, chicken, etc. Even though I felt uncomfortable I still ate meat because meat is such a big part of our culture and you are sort of looked down upon if you don’t like/eat meat, chicken, and fish. My mom wanted me to keep eating meat because it was healthy, so I technically wasn’t a vegetarian I just didn’t like meat. In the end, I got over that trauma quickly and began loving meat, chicken, and fish.
I eat meat almost every day, so I would never consider becoming a vegetarian. One of my best friends is vegetarian, and whenever she spends the night at my house, my family always makes sure we have a dish with no meat for her, which the rest of us will also eat. I do not really see a point in being vegetarian unless you do not like meat since the animals are going to be killed anyway, so there is not really a point, which is one of the reasons why I am not vegetarian.
I consider becoming a vegetarian a lot. I don't eat red meat (by choice) or pork (religious reasons) and I don't eat a lot of fish. That only leaves chicken, which I love. Many of my meals are already vegetarian and I eat lots of alternate meat and chicken options so there isn't anything really stopping me. I've eaten the same veggie masala burger at lunch for the past five years. I always praise veggie burgers and look down on meat. So much that people frequently ask if I'm vegetarian. Meat is pretty important in Middle Eastern culture but not necessarily in my household. I highly doubt my nuclear family cares about giving up meat, my extended family? For sure. Whenever we have Middle Eastern dishes, we always share stories or compare it to other versions of the dish. My family definitely bonds over food. A lot of these meals are plant-based so I don't think there'd be any reason to give them up. Pretty much any meal at home would be awkward to eat in front of my friends. Trying to explain Middle Eastern food can be really aromatic and you can't find many of the ingredients in the U.S. Even regular vegetables, like okra, aren't popular because of their slimy consistency. For example, a common dish called Bamia (okra stew) is okra with tomatoes. If I brought that to school, I'd never stop hearing questions and comments.
I was a vegetarian in the past and I personally I love vegetarian food in general. The diet is a bit healthier for you because you are cutting out high saturated fat red meat and it helps you recognize the different varieties of dietary foods. Honestly, just eat a well balanced diet and of fruits, veggies, nuts, whole grains, and 1 to two servings of animal product a day.
I have never considered become a vegetarian. I have a cousin who is a vegetarian and I respect his decision. When we are in a family celebration, we make a lot of type of food that does not make him or someone else feels like outplace if do not eat meat. However, is not a thought that never has crossed my mind. The reason I do not think becoming a vegetarian, at least not in my present, is because I do not think is significant for my health. In our days, there are a lot of bad food that we certainly might not eat, but the best choice is make a healthy balance between all the good foods provide for the earth.
I never considered becoming a vegan or vegetarian. Even if i try to become one it going to be hard. Meat is important in my diet but still i can't eat too much. Every time i had dinner meat is always there. None of my family member I know is a vegan. Food we eat include dumpling, baozi include meat in it. Almost everyone eat dumplings during Chinese New Year Eve, because dumpling mean wealth, since it is similar to ancient gold or silver ingots. My parent told me that eating some meat is important because meat contain nutrition. And make sure that i eat more vegetable and fruit than meat.
I think it is a hard but a good decision ,because in my opinion be vegetarian it is like contribute and save the animals’ life. In my experience, I am not vegetarian but I consider that, because sometimes I think on the animals and their pain. In other side, it’s too difficult to left something you are used to since you are a child ,and it’s part of your culture for example in Christmas or birthdays, I think it’s a good idea be vegetarian because don’t eat meet sometimes it’s good for your health.
I am omnivore. I like to eat meat and vegetables. I have a teacher who is a vegan and she taught and showed us why she is vegan. I understand a vegan dietitian can help the environment. Our planet is warming and we are effecting more than just one aspect of climate change. Vegan people care greenhouse gases, land use, water and our oceans, etc, those gases burning hole in the ozone layer makes our planet warm and falling our life dangerous. My family and I used to eat meat. When I knew about the pollution of environment from the eating meat that time I try to eat less meat and try to eat more vegetable. However, I also agree, meat has a great source of protein more than vegetable. I think if people eat less meat then our environment pollution will be less and people will get good protein. I wish I will be a vegetarian.
Some people choice a life style that they feel better all day. I think that each persons can choices a life style no matter others persons, each body is different, and each decisions are diverse. I have friends that change their life to vegetarian because their health was not better, and also they are environmentalist, they love the planet and animals, in first days I was understanding this decision but I fought with their because they became in a toxic persons, and all days I had critics about my life style . In my case, I love meat and my diet is in base of meat and their proteins. All my life in my family we have eaten meat of animals as a cow, chicken, hens, fish, pork and others derivate products by animals. I think that if a person takes a decision of change their life, no need change others life or criticize “The bad practices” of life. Your life is your and you decide if you are vegetarian or a person who loves meat.
Answering the question, no I have never consider becoming a vegetarian. It is not only because meat is really good and I am a meat lover, actually I consider people who are vegetarian have been a big process and changes in their life. Became a vegetarian have responsibilities, one of this is vegetarian people should study their own body and learn how to make a balance of vitamins, proteins, minerals, and other components of our body have. That doesn’t mean that people who eat meat should not know about their own body, all people should try to know how to be wholesome even though they are vegetarian or omnivorous. Became a vegetarian can be really hard but like Wittmeyer writes people have reasons to do this. Despite in the world are many unconscious people, they are also people who take care of the environment. Sometimes people became vegetarian because they want to contribute with the environment, so they decide do not be a part of the industrialized and polluting world of the meat. But I am still in my position, although I admire vegetarian people, I cannot be one. I can try to help the environment with other actions but definitely became a vegetarian is not on my plans.
I am no vegetarian but in my opinion the food is very important for everyone and having a balanced diet is the best thing to have a healthy body this includes eating fruits, vegetables, and meats all this influences to have a healthy life. The vegetarian people have a different style of life in which you totally change your eating they have a good diet but is not the excellent because meat is one of the sources that provides more energy and fitness healthy and stop eating meat is not the best option but if we should decrease the amount of meat because it is necessary for our organism.
Would You Ever Consider Becoming a Vegetarian?
18 February 2020
Maybe later I will be considering to become a vegetarian, right now no, because I love to eat meat all my family likes eating meat. It’s a family tradition, we have a lot of dishes of our culture we prepared with meat. I think without the meat it’s not going to taste the same as usually but, I don’t have any problem with someone if they want to become a vegetarian. To become a vegetarian it’s a choice, some people don’t like meat for some of reasons. I know it’s healthier when you eat only vegetable, I eat both. Both of them have protein.
Sometimes I considered becoming a vegetarian, but not in vegan. I know is a hard decision especially I have eaten meat for my hold life. I try many times stop to eat meat but it is impossible I need meat I have three children at home, and they need the protein for grow up. I believe if I try to become a vegetarian but with someone from my house, it would be easier. I have a friend who’s become a vegan his says the process is difficult but when he learn the reasons why is good to become in vegetarian, I think he was convinced by his girlfriend because they share a lot time together. When my children group up and leave the house. I would try one more time with my husband, I try to convince to him, but for convince to him I need to learn about how to become in vegetarian why is import the benefits and I need to cook vegetarian food.
I understood the author of this article that I have read- because I have friends that are vegetarian and I am not. They respect me but sometimes I do not feel comfortable eating meat while they are eating some salad, sweet potato, or beans. It is not because they tell me something about her habits but it makes me think their reasons. They usually tell me the moral reason it helps to protect the environment- both are their reasons to do not eat meat. Sometimes I think about this idea to become a vegetarian, but It would be hard for me because I came of a family where for parties or family sharing always we cook a lot of food it includes meats. I understand the concept of why vegetarian people do not eat meat but I think it is a choice that people make with the heart and because they have clearly their decision. I admire them because they can choice and still walking in a way that for me it is difficult.
There are many point people which can collect to have the best version of everyone’s life. One of the most important puzzle is about to get healthy and stay healthy. This is why many times in my life I try to become and Stay a Vegetarian. I have my uncle who is a priest he didn’t eat meat by some adept of his faith but me i love work out at the gym, being an athlete like Cristiano Ronaldo, a good model, help my body prevent some diseases and stay healthy forever. I think these few reasons will compelling me and keeping me in the challenge everyday.
I am not a vegetarian, I try but I can’t. Becoming a vegetarian it’s hard work to give up especially for those who eat meat. I have one sister she considers became a vegetarian, she does not eat meat for diet and also doctor advise. Well, red meat has huge fat it’s caused by a lot of diseases. So I think it should eat limited like ones twice in a week. In spite of meat have energy but it’s harmful to our health when we eat over. It is challenging because those who eat meat every day can’t give up easily.
In my opinion I don’t think I would never consider myself a vegetarian. Meat play an important role in my meals every single day and in my family. Sometimes as a humans being we get tired of eat every single day the same thing “meat” sometimes what I do is when I get tired of eat meat like chicken or beef what I do is cook fish for somedays but the other days I have to eat meat because my body miss the protein that the meat contain. In my family they all eat meat, they love to cook roast pork, do barbecues, and others families’ traditions parties and will be very challenging for me to stop eat meat because in my family there is not vegetarians. Will be challenging because I will be the only one in a place where I am always around people eating meat and I am the only who will not. Also is difficult to stop something that you like for just a reason. I know that be vegetarian and vegan is good because you are eating heathy things but think I cannot become vegetarian I love meat!
I would like to be vegetarian, but it is so hard work for me. I considered many times to become vegetarian after analyzing what are the advantages not only for my health and my family, I think about our planet and the others living being, everything is meant to kept a good environment. Ours countries are growing in industrialization and with it the food is becoming toxic in animal and their derivatives because they are not natural and a lot of them are abused animals. When we buy a lot of meat the company have to produce more products and it development bad techniques of reproduction and lot use of chemical and transgenic not only in animals, even in the growing of fruits and vegetables.
In my case is so important to give up the meat because I suffer constantly imbalance hormonal every time I eat meat or any food with hormonal substances like estrogen and it products increment the possibility of development cancer or infertility, skin problems and etc. I am trying to change my nutrition but in my family does not give meat up because they enjoy to eat and sometimes I cannot resist to eat pork. We trying to consume organic food.
Becoming vegetarian would be a hard duty to me, because I’m strictly love of meat. Even though I support anybody who make that decision, I can’t do myself. There are so many reason why I could consider becoming a vegetarian and one of them are for being a wholesome person. It is natural person who eat healthy can have more energy and are more active. I’m meat lover because since I have knowledge I’ve been eating chicken, beef, seafood, etc. and it is hard you stopped it when is normal for you. The peculiar taste is that it has. It is important to have a balance in our lives, because to eat a lots meat can be dangerous to people. People who are vegetarian helps the environment and also they are saying that they do not support the fact to eat animals.
I’ve always thought about being vegan, or at least starting to eat more vegetables than the unusual, this is like a personal goal for me. I don’t have too many friends that are vegetarian, but I have a cousin and she is vegan, she being this style of life two year ago. I personally admire her because being a vegan take a lot of discipline, and some of the food are expensive too. In the future I would like to be vegan, because it can be healthier for my body system, for animal’s cruelty and for environment reasons.
I am not a vegetarian nor a vegan and have never truly considered becoming one. Although I know many people who do not eat meat and I am aware of the benefits, I do not think I that I could give that part of my diet. It seems like it could be a simple decision to make but I have lived most of my life growing up eating meat without giving it a second thought. I have always been taught that it is an essential aspect of nutrition. Not only that, but my family has always had a tradition of eating some sort of meat and every special event or gathering, and nobody in my family is vegetarian or vegan. I understand why people would stop eating meat and I praise them for doing it, because it would be very hard to transition, but it wouldn’t sit right with me to eliminate such a big part of my diet.
No, I would consider becoming a vegetarian. I like meat and I see no reason to leave it, especially because it contains many proteins that are useful for developing and retaining muscles. It is also necessary to maintain other basic functions of our body in general, keep us healthy. Another thing about being a vegetarian is not easy because to maintain a balanced diet, vegetarians have to watch what they eat and how much. The vegetarian does not eat anything from an animal. There is a lot of variety of vegetables, which they use for their diet. They only exclude meat from the eating plan, people who choose to be vegetarians should be careful what they eat and make sure their diet is nutritious.
I’d ever considered to be a vegetarian because I thought meat will make me fatter. However, I found it is difficult and my parents won’t allow me to be a vegetarian because they don’t want me to lost weight. After I deliberately eat less meat in every meal I realized that meat is important for people. I started to eat less meat every day, I discovered I feel hungry easily and I cannot focus on anything when I was hungry. What’s more, eat more vegetables also not let people lost weight because protein can be extracted from vegetables, such as beans, peanuts. If people eat meat appropriately can help their bodies system or extracted the amount of calories every day, and obtained normally, it is good for their health and gives people energy. being
I do not think would do vegetarian or vegans. I think that each person choose his way eat, all food in excess be bad for health of people. The people must eat in portions necessary for their body such as vegetable, fruit, proteins, and carbohydrate. The body needs of all a litter to function properly. Is true that eat a lot of meat is bad for health us. I think and meet many people are vegetarians but has sick so not only sick meats. God for some reason sends animal for eat is for the human can survive in the earth. The bad thing is that people who raise the animal get many chemicals that is affect to health, it is for this reason that the people less eat meat. For other side now the people want to eat all animal that see, when God some send animals for be eating such as chicken, pork, cow, and fish. The healthy does only is for us eat also is for has an active life. Exist many people vegetarian and vegans that see bad to the person who eat meat and not respect their decision. I only say all food in excess is bad in us life.
Make changes in your life is a big deal and take the decision to become a vegetarian or vegan is really hard, for some of them the process or the transition is so difficult but nothing impossible. I have a couple of friends and they are a vegetarian, someday they invited to me for a dinner I was so nervous and anxious for the food and I don’t expect too much for the dinner that night because I imagined only vegetables in the table, but the food was really delicious and really I do not fan to the vegetables but I remember that day my plate was empty and I enjoy the vegetarian dinner, but I really miss eating a piece of meat in the meal. However, I considered reducing the consume of meat in my lifestyle to prevent disease and incorporate more vegetables on the menu except for the cost because eat healthy in New York is very expensive and especially organic food.
I feel that people shouldn't be judged based on what they eat,but we should be judged based on our character. I personally feel that everyone should be a vegetarian. People argue that they cant cut off eating meat because of their traditions, but the truth is everyone should be healthy, and in shape, just by cutting off meat you can see a dramatic change in yourself and others. A vegetarian diet would improve everything including your mental state as well, eating healthy would increase your mood as well. There is so many things wrong with consuming meat, and so many health problems that someone with a good vegetarian diet would never face.
No i am not a vegetarian I feel i could not change to be a vegan. Meat has alot of protein which builds muscle and i like to work out and be active. Meat is very important in the food period and to me i like a home cooked meal, i like my food being warm and being a vegan i just do not feel vegtables are as good as meat. I eat meat every day but i wont lie Vegans live the best life because vegtables are that good for you. I just do not feel i would ever be able to go through with it. I love traditonal food I feel and i am always comfortable eating with friends that does not matter to me. I eat anything i feel all food is good i just perfer a Burger or a nice warm steak.
Being vegetarian has never been something I aspired to be. Yeah there are various reasons as to why being vegetarian is beneficial, but there are people who despise the fact of killing animals for food. Meat is a very good source of protein, and I wouldn't replace it with something else. There are certain meats that are worse for your diet than others like red meats, and sometimes pork, but if it came down to it, I would choose meat as a simpler option. I wouldn't say meat is the healthier choice, but I wouldn't change my diet to preserve something that will eventually die off anyway, when it could be used for beneficial purposes.
No, i am not a vegan or vegetarian. I've thought about becoming a one, but I cannot go with out meat. Meat is very important to my diet because without meat with my meal I don't feel full. If I gave up meat my mom would be concerned about me and why would i wanna be a one.
In today times, many people are considering to become vegetarian. The first reason it health. Many diseases come from the meat and it time to open our eyes and take our health seriously. I think to become vegetarian very soon because every day I learn about the hormones and antibiotics in the meat. I’m scared about these think pass to my body. It is very difficult to take that decision because I’m a mother and I need to make family meals. I want to offer my family a good alimentation and that’s why I make that decision.
I would love to be a vegan i would test and try it but its a very hard thing to do . im more of a meat person i love burgers and steaks with a nice side of fries . But being a vegan takes hard disipline and will to really keep it going how you want . so i would definally stay on the meat side cause i know id give in .
i feel like that i could never go vegetarian, even though it could be healthy for you, but not all meats are bad for you.I don eat all meats like pork and others but i still wouldn´t go vegetarian. it´s many people that are vegetarian and i don´t see how.
A part of me can’t stop eat meat but, I eat different proteins intend of meat because I know eating it every day is bad for your health. I think everything you eat with moderation will help in your system. However, for some cultures if an individual eats a lot, it will be healthy for the rest of his or her life. My aunt give a whole plate for my 5 years old nephew like he would be capable to eat everything, her adage is he will be healthy if he eats everything from that plate now he suffers overweight. Kids are not like the adults even though I am a young teenager is difficult for me to finish my food imagine for a kid. I get it some of the fast food here in America the way they cook it are not healthy, for that reason is better for us to prepare our meal at home. We have to consider the result for our unhealthy is our fault and nobody else.
I have always wanted to become vegetarian, that’s always been a personal goal of mine. I am close to many people who are vegetarian and are immensely happy with their choice. I’ve always wanted to do it because of animal cruelty reasons and environmental reasons. There’s a plethora of studies that depict how eating meat is detrimental to the environment.
Meat is claimed to be healthy, but it isn't all the way healthy. Becoming a vegetarian is a great way to lose weight and become healthy overtime. There are good foods to eat instead of just salad and you can still get good protein being a vegetarian. Meat is good to eat, but overtime is not a good choice.
I would not be able to change my diet and become a vegetarian. Meat plays a big role in my diet, it wouldn't be possible for me to stop eating it. After seeing and watching the animal cruelty that comes with processing meat, i still wouldn't consider cutting out meat.
Of course, like most people after seeing those animal cruelty videos and how meat is made, I thought about it. But after awhile I couldn't go through with it. I certainly respect those who do decide to make that decision, but I've grown up with meat in my diet and I don't think I would have the willpower to just stop altogether.
I will never go vegetarian nor would i go vegan. But I do have certain things that i don't eat in my diet like I don't eat pork. I have a reason for this though, when i was going through my socials I seen this video or pig animal cruelty. It really hurt me and i figured if i don't eat pork they will stop killing them as much.
Personally I do not think that it is possible for myself to change to a vegan or vegetarian diet. I feel that meat plays a big role in my diet and cutting it out would be very difficult. Beyond that the planning for a vegetarian or Vegan diet would be very difficult and is just something I cannot do. While I’ve considered turning vegetarian in the past due to animal cruelty videos and information I simply cannot due to how hard it would be. While things for me might change in the future right now I simply do not think I could switch.
1
I have never considered going vegetarian before. I did have that week where I didn’t want to eat hotdogs or chicken nuggets after watching a video clip on how they are made. Meat has so much protein that is needed in the body, that I don’t think can be supplemented. I believe that animals are on our planet to be eaten by humans. That’s how the first humans survived, and how the food chain is organized. I feel like eating meat with the posible negative downsides, is still healthier than not getting enough protein. I also think meat tastes great, it would be a heartbreaker if I were to give that up.
1
@Nick Jones
I’m a vegetarian, and it didn’t start out because of animal cruelty or saving the Earth. It’s simply in my culture to not eat meat, and I am perfectly happy with that. Meat offers protein, that’s correct, but it’s definitely not like you can’t be healthy without it. Protein is in milk, beans, nuts, etc., so it’s not correct to say that protein can’t be supplemented. Also, meat isn’t exactly the most healthy thing when it comes down to eat. It’s proven that vegetarians live a longer life which is ironic since people think they can’t live without it or wonder how vegetarians live.
I respect your decision to eat meat, and it’s great that you think it tastes good and love it, but being a vegetarian is also a sustainable lifestyle. A lot of people are really surprised when they find out I’m a vegetarian. They gasp like it’s a crime and their minds go into a deep cycle of thought on my whole life. They say I’m missing out, but their minds aren’t open enough to wonder what they’re missing out on too. Humans survived by eating meat back then, but people forget that that’s not all they ate. Plants were still a big part of their diets.
1
My family and I are vegetarians. At school, people are flabbergasted by this fact, as they cannot imagine a life without meat. However, with a world being threatened by overpopulation and overconsumption, the fact that the consumption of meat is environmentally detrimental must be seen by all. Although meat is an important part of many cultures, the current mass production of meat could eventually limit our future’s survival. What matters more, people’s freedom to eat meat or the survival of the world. This is the “Tragedy of the Commons”, by Garrett Hardin, in 1968. In school, we are reading the “Tragedy of the Commons,” which exemplifies and emphasizes how individual freedoms can detrimentally impact overall society, which, in essence, detrimentally impacts the individual. If an individual thinks that they are the only ones who are eating meat, then they state that their lone consumption of meat virtually does not impact society. However, this is the mindset of all “rational” humans, thus leading to the “Tragedy of the Commons”. Meat may be morally crucial to one’s culture, but does this come at the cost of the overall survival of humanity. My family and I have done our part, but will everyone do theirs?
I am not vegetarian, and I don’t think I ever will be. I did consider it though once in 7th grade, after my teacher showed us a video of how chicken nuggets are made. I didn’t eat chicken for a week after that. I believe that meat is important in my diet, because it gives me the protein I need. Those who are vegetarian often eat beans to get protein, but I’m not too fond of those. My family would not be offended if I were to give up meat, but I don’t feel the need to. I don’t eat meat too often, and when I do eat it I eat a normal portion. I believe that everything can be good for you as long as you have correct serving sizes. My family eats your standard foods, such as vegetables, fruits, meat, pasta, typical things for families to eat. As long as you’re keeping up with your health and staying in shape, eat whatever makes you happy.
I have considered going vegetarian a few times. I’ve even considered going vegan. However, both of these lifestyles require more work and time than I want to use for cooking and planning. Also, it’d be difficult to be vegan in my house because I am not the one doing to grocery shopping, so someone else would have to figure out what I can eat. While it’s beneficial for your body and the environment, I think completely cutting out animal products is much easier said than done. This does not mean that I won’t ever try it, but for now, I would need to think about it seriously a little more.
Call me fearless but the act of eating or not eating meat does not make me worried about offending my family or friends. I have gone through vegetarian phases in my life and I hope to one day be vegan. But it’s rather hard to do when your family isn’t. I can’t relate to Wittmeyer in regards to not eating meat affecting my culture and my roots due to the fact that my family does not have strong cultural ties with food. My problem is more so that me being vegetarian entails that I have to cook my own food. Which is hard to fit in with a busy schedule. But I appreciate this new perspective I learned from this article. Wittmeyer looked at the situation with a point of view I had never thought about. I admire her allegiance with her roots and traditions. I think preserving that culture is important and if eating meat is apart of it, then so be it.
I have considered becoming vegetarian before, but never vegan. Vegetarianism is beneficial for the environment, and I squirm whenever I think of the process of getting the meat off the animal and into our mouths. You can also get the protein you need from other foods. There are a couple reasons why I wouldn’t become vegetarian. To be honest with you, it would be hard for me to give up my McDonald’s chicken nuggets and Burger King chicken fries. I would never become vegan, I think vegetarian is a good choice but vegan is a little too far.
I have thought about being vegetarian but I never bring myself to do so. As I get older I find myself more aware of the food I eat and I see the pros and cons of both sides. As I thought about it more I realized that I cut meat out of breakfast and normally lunch. The only time I generally eat meat is at dinner time. I believe that after having a long day of school and sports it’s needed more to have a hardier meal which includes meat. I think meat can be a great source of protein and gives you lots of energy in small portions. After a long workout I think eating a lean source of meat is good for your body in keeping your metabolism high. On the other hand I can see why becoming vegetarian would be helpful to the environment and how mass farming can hurt the surrounding ecosystems. I think it’s important to keep in mind where your getting your meats and how they were cared for. In all, even though I’m not vegetarian I see the benefits of becoming vegetarian in the future.
I may consider becoming vegetarian one day, as I feel the environment is being hurt from meat being eaten so often, and that we should at least limit the amount of meat we eat. Meat isn’t extremely essential to my diet, but it is a part of my culture. However, I am certain that if I were to become a vegetarian, I would be supported by my family members, and those I am surrounded by. In this modern age, it is very common to see people who are vegetarian and vegan, but it wasn’t always this way. Before, many people considered not eating meat very unhealthy, and there weren’t that many substitutes for it. Some cultures may also be so reliant on meat that they couldn’t live without it. Therefore, many people can’t become vegetarian or vegan nowadays because their close ones don’t deem it good for them. Either that, or people may have trouble receiving substitutes or making meatless meals. All of this is the same with dairy. I do think that vegetarianism and veganism should be promoted more, as it would help our environment, but I don’t think we should do it in such a way that people feel forced to switch. Listing the pros and cons around local areas could make the change much more of a choice. I also think that not everyone has to be vegan or vegetarian, I just think we (humanity/society as a whole) should at least attempt to cut back on meat consumption for the better of our planet, which is what many of us hope to achieve.
I have considered being vegetarian. My sister and a couple of my friends are vegetarian, and they have influenced me a little. I know it’s better for the environment, and I don’t eat much meat anyways. I don’t enjoy steaks like some other people. I only ever eat meatballs or chicken nuggets as a side to my meal. I have learned to find protein in other places, like milk or cheese or beans. My family also doesn’t have any cultural meals, so I don’t have to worry about that. For now, I’m not a vegetarian, but that doesn’t mean I could never be one. But I definitely could not become vegan. Milk is a daily need in my family, and we drink several gallons a week.anyway
@Isa Kennedy, I completely agree with your response. I also have a few friends and family members who are vegetarians. While I could not become vegan, I could consider becoming vegetarian for solely environmental reasons. However, I do like BBQ foods and steak, so I imagine that it would be kind of a stretch. Adjusting to a new diet such as becoming a vegetarian also means that I would have to monitor my protein intake, which could be a bit of an inconvenience. However, becoming a vegetarian is not out of the question for me!
I have considered becoming vegetarian, maybe not vegan, but my mom is defensive about me doing so. Meat is a large part of my culture, but I don’t know if I think that is a reasonable excuse to not give up meat, or at least be more cautious about my consumption of it. I think everyone should make an effort to eat less red meat because it does make a large impact on reducing carbon emissions. Sometimes I feel like people will use the excuse “I could never live eating salads for the rest of my life” but that’s not all that a vegan is limited to in terms of choice. There’s vegan pizza, pancakes, waffles, gravy, tofu (which is actually really delicious if someone knows how to cook it properly), burgers that mimic the taste of beef very closely, and much more. There are some foods I feel uncomfortable eating around my peers because I always feel like they will stereotype me because they are not used to my culture. Even if they do not judge my food, sometimes I feel isolated compared to the people who bring pasta and peanut butter jelly sandwiches for lunch. In Asia, it is uncommon to find boneless fish or plain salads as a meal, and my family almost never eats anything without a side of rice. It is quite ironic, even if I did conform to bringing more “American” foods, I would be called white-washed. I can’t win, so I stick to eating my own culture’s foods.
Once when I was younger I gave up pork and beef because my aunt influenced me. She is a pescatarian. Eventually, I don't know when but I started eating beef and pork again. I feel like I probably couldn't become a vegetarian. Mostly because of chicken. I could give up most meat other than chicken. I think the easiest thing for me to give up could be beef though. I don't eat beef too often and even when I was younger that I didn't even like the taste of beef at all. Of course there are other types of meat like lamb and goat that I still eat occasionally. I think the main focus is cows though because of how much CO2 they produce and how they really harm the environment. I think it would be possible for me to just not eat meat with some meals more often or have days where I completely don't eat meat.
,
I might want to become vegetarian but I don’t think that I can actually do it. I like meat, but not because of any cultural practices. I’m just used to eating meat my whole life. I know how people say that they started being a vegetarian because of how they learned about how meat is processed. I know that people kill animals in a cruel way to access all the meat, but when I eat all the meat, I don’t really think about it as much. I’m sure that many people don’t think about what they’re really eating when they’re eating, too. Sometimes I feel that I eat too much meat, and my mom would say that we should become a vegetarian for a few weeks, but we never really carry out the idea. I know that the way people get to the meat is cruel, but I still like the meat. I don’t really think of much about being vegetarian.
I have considered becoming vegetarian many times for environmental reasons and one day I think I might. However, I think it is more important to limit meat and especially beef consumption than to cut it off entirely. If everyone just limited meat a little bit, the result would be amazing. Personally, I don't eat beef because of the monumental consequences. It has really worked for me so far and I hope I continue.
I am not vegetarian or vegan nor have I ever been. I’ve considered becoming vegetarian multiple times for different reasons. Once when I was younger because I felt so bad for the animals on farms. Of course, I was too young to go through with it and forgot about the idea within a day. Another reason I’ve considered it more recently is to limit my environmental impact. Vegetarianism is a major way that one person can limit their negative effect on the environment. I still found it difficult to figure out how I would be vegetarian if my whole family eats meat. Many of our family dinners are based around a meat product. I think if I had enough motivation I could go vegetarian but it would be very difficult. One reason it would be challenging is that I eat meat products in almost every meal, whether I realize it or not. It also would be hard because I’m not sure if I would be able to cut meat out of my meals while maintaining a healthy diet. If I did become vegetarian I would have to put some thought into what I’m substituting for the protein meat would normally give me.
People are increasingly becoming vegetarian. But I am not going to be one of those people any time soon. It’s not that I see anything wrong with being vegetarian. Actually, I think it is a pretty positive thing. I totally understand if it is a culture or religion that prohibits meat. And I admire people who become vegetarian for environmental reasons, since usually they have had meat before, probably miss it, but want to do what is best for the Earth. It is also probably a healthier option. But I eat meat practically every day. Chicken, beef, pork, fish-- you name it, I will eat it. I love to cook, too, and when you cook meat you can add so many variables. Last week, my mom tried a spinach-ricotta chicken recipe, and it turned out great.
I am half Italian, and one food I love is prosciutto, which is basically dried ham.The other side of my family makes patties sometimes, and the ones we make are often filled with beef or chicken curry. I love to bake these myself, and when I eat them elsewhere I think about my grandparents.
I am not usually uncomfortable eating around other people, as I respect what they eat and assume that they do the same.
I am not vegetarian or vegan. I was once vegan though, but it only lasted a few months. I do often consider becoming a vegetarian. Everyone in my family eats meat though, so it's hard to want to be a vegetarian. The main reason I want to be a vegetarian though is because I feel bad for the way the animals we eat are treated. But I know even if I become a vegetarian the animals will still be treated the same. Also it's hard becoming a vegetarian when everyone around you is eating meat. I eat meat with at least one meal a day, plus my family makes every dinner meal with either beef or chicken. My family wouldn't be offended if I became vegetarian though, if anything they would help me become vegetarian, but they wouldn't become vegetarians too.
Thanksgiving is the one holiday all of my family gets together and eats turkey. But I would give it up for the environment and moral reasons.
Whenever I eat beef or chicken though I don't enjoy it, because I know how the cows and chickens were raised. There are no foods I feel uncomfortable eating with friends. But I do feel bad eating meat in front of friends who are vegetarians.
Yes, I have contemplated becoming a vegetarian many times, but a lot of things have prevented me from making that choice. One of the reasons I think it’s so hard for me to become a vegetarian is because I’m young, and I’m not an expert at balancing my meals. You have to know how to get specific nutrients without eating meat, and that’s a tall task to pull off for someone my age. Vegetarianism isn’t just eating salads and veggie burgers, and there are many delicious and healthy meals that you can eat as a vegetarian that are balanced and nutritious. But it’s hard to do all of that by myself, because nobody else in my family is a vegetarian. It would also be hard to become a vegetarian because of my connection to meat. My grandmother is from Liberia and incorporates a lot of meat-based gravies and sauces into her dishes. I feel as if her cooking connects me to my heritage, and by not eating it I’d feel like I’d have a weaker link to my roots.
Another thing I consider is that I feel like a hypocrite when I consider vegetarianism. I will be quick to think that eating cats and dogs is wrong (which happens sparingly in other countries), and I will get upset over the koalas and kangaroos that died in the forest fires in Australia, but I continue to contribute to the mass slaughter of animals every year without much of a defense. Whoever decided that dogs would be favored over pigs, or cats over cows?
While I am not currently a vegetarian, I have been at points in my life, and I still make the conscious decision to avoid meat when possible. Not only for environmental reasons but also moral and health reasons. I am part of an environmental group where the majority of the people are vegan, vegetarian, or even pescitarian. I’ve grown up in a family where meat is the main course in almost every meal we eat together, so I don’t think that should be any reason someone is to say they can't” reduce their meat intake. If you’re passionate about something then you are able to find a way to accomplish your goal.
@Mackenzie Wernicke The most compelling part of being vegetarian is the satisfaction that, as one person not supporting the meat industry, you have a great impact. Meat is an important part of people’s diets but it is not essential. You can find the same nutrients in foods like eggs, soy, beans, and more. In fact, our bodies are not made to handle the amount of meat we eat in this day and age. Our ancestors hunted for their meat, therefore, eating it less often, whereas now, we have an endless amount of meat products in stores. I understand those who can’t change their diets due to family traditions even though my family has no overbearing traditions that keep me from making this decision. In fact, my family has been nothing but supportive, altering the meals they make to suit my needs. Using vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth, using a meat-less alternative in their dishes, and never complaining about it. I have reintroduced meat into my diet for health reasons but I am still picky about when I will eat meat and prefer non-meats instead. I am completely comfortable with my eating habits and with what others choose to eat.The type of diet someone has is personal choice and you need to be respectful of that. Don’t shame someone with the idea that they aren’t making a difference by changing their eating habits but also don’t force someone to do what you’re doing for the reasons you’re doing it.
I don’t think that I would ever become a vegetarian because then it would be taking away so many amazing foods that I enjoy every day. Becoming vegan is kind of the same to me and it takes away more foods that I rely on every day. I think another thing that would be kind of annoying about being either vegetarian or vegan is the fact that whenever I ate a food, I would have to ask the person who made it if it has any meat or products restricted by being a vegetarian or vegan. Although I would never become either of these, I do see the reason behind it. Most of the meat that we eat on a daily basis, is coming from animals who have not been treated well. Another reason somebody might choose to become a vegetarian is for health reasons. Some people might see being a vegetarian as essential to becoming more healthy. I think that there are many good reasons to become a vegetarian or vegan, but meat is just too essential to my daily life and taking that away would not be good for me.
@Ezra Beidler-Shenk I can see why you would never become a vegetarian because I don't see myself ever becoming a vegetarian either, but my father is currently transitioning to becoming mostly vegetarian. Almost every meal, when my mother or father cook a meal for the family, there is a vegetarian option for my father because it is healthier. He struggles with hereditary cholesterol problems, and unfortunately one of the only solutions is to cut the amount of red meat in his diet. We joke about my father only being able to eat vegetarian, but we still feel a little bit of that regret that Wittmeyer mentions in her experience.
When it comes to my personal experience, I completely agree with you. I could never give up meat because I would lose not only the ability to eat some of my favorite foods, but also an essential way for me to consume protein in my diet. Sure, you can eat different protein-rich foods as a supplement, but I feel as though I would get sick of the foods as well. Meat is too essential to my life as well, and taking it away would be impossible for me even though I have a family member that has had a smooth transition.
I am neither a vegetarian nor a vegan. There has never been a time where I wanted to be a vegetarian. I am from India and I am a Hindu. My religion does not restrict people from having meat, but there is a high percentage of Hindu vegetarians. In Hindu religion, it is prohibited to eat beef, but there are many people who don’t agree with this and still eat it. Most of my friends eat meat, including beef, except one of my friends is a pescetarian, meaning they don’t eat meat but eat fish. I have always liked meat like pork, goat, and chicken, so I find it hard not eating that for an extended period of time, if I were to try out vegetarianism. There are always upsides to becoming vegetarian like making less animals die. In my culture, meat plays an important role because during some of the many celebrations, there will be a lot of meat to be eaten, particularly goat and chicken. Of course, there are the celebrations where we don’t eat meat and stay vegetarian, and there are the holidays that we fast and don’t eat for one whole day.
I could personally never go vegetarian because I’ve eaten meat my entire life and since my family uses it in almost everything we eat, being vegetarian wouldn’t work out. My mom always said that I shouldn’t be vegetarian because it’s a dumb lifestyle but I don’t have an issue with vegetarians, plus if I were to go vegetarian my parents wouldn’t change the food we eat just to cater to me. In my eyes I don’t see an issue with eating meat because many people go vegetarian because they feel bad for the animals, but it’s just the circle of life and in the end we need to eat. Yeah they are treated badly in most cases, but it’s how it has to be.
I am not vegetarian, but I have considered becoming vegetarian. It wouldn’t be too difficult to become vegetarian because I don’t eat meat in my house and I only eat meat once every two weeks to a month. My parents are both vegan so we don’t have meat in our house. I find that vegetarianism is much healthier than when you eat meat but it is hard to be vegetarian because foods like steak and chicken are too good to never eat.
I don’t think I could ever become vegetarian because I eat meat in every meal, and I can’t imagine eating salads everyday or only eating fruits and vegetables. I respect vegetarians because for me, it’s really hard to not eat meat. Meat helps my appetite and without it, I wouldn’t get as much protein. No one in my family is vegetarian or vegan, so even if I did want to become vegetarian, it would be difficult for my parents to cook meals without meat.
Headline: We Need Our Meats
I have never thought about going vegan or vegetarian. There just aren’t any good reasons to do so, burgers are so yummy too. Meat plays a huge role in my diet. I need protein and stronger bones. Some people argue and say to eat beans and other alternatives but we would have to eat tons of beans to equal the meat. I don’t feel uncomfortable eating any sort of meat with anyone.
In my case I would never be vegetarian. Chicken and beef are a big part of my culture and I eat chicken almost everyday. Being vegetarian must be very hard because you have to control yourself so much. Besides you have to always be careful. Personally I like to eat whatever (I’m not really careful) so being vegetarian will really pull me down. Plus I won’t be able to eat many traditional foods of my culture. The only bad thing is that I’m killing animals.
Last year for about 6 months I actually was vegetarian. I saw this video about how they processed meat in factories, it was heartbreaking seeing what they did to the animals. When I was vegetarian I couldn't even fathom eating meat. I'm very lucky to have a family that supports me and were more than willing to cook separate meals for me that didn't contain meat. But after a few months I started to want meat again, I was craving it because I was missing the majority of protein in my diet. So then I just caved and ate chicken. I wouldn't say I would never become vegetarian again, but if I did I would make sure I get the proper amount of protein I need as an athlete.
@Bailey Hughes I can somewhat relate to your story, because I once went vegan. My parents supported me and made me separate meals, but it only lasted a few months before I caved in and ate meat again. I know now how difficult it can be to be a vegetarian or vegan. But I do know I would definitely be vegan or vegetarian just for the sole reason of how animals are treated and processed in factories.
In this generation more and more people are becoming vegetarian or vegan to the point were it’s not a surprise when someone shares about their choice diet. I feel like when someone shares that they don’t eat meat or dairy people compliment them on how strong they must be to look past temptations everyday. I myself, am not vegetarian but wish I was. I think that the meat industry severely harms the environment as well as being abusive to animals. I wish I could have a diet that does not include meat but My mom doesn’t want to cook a separate dinner that doesn’t include meat or spend the extra money on food that substitutes its protein. That’s why I think highly of people who do manage not to eat it, because rarely families support it. I know that meat is an important part of my families Greek culture as during holidays when we’re together the main dishes are always lamb and ham. My family loves to bond over preparing holiday meals as it’s the only times we’re together and I would never want to give them up. Along with meat I find dairy as another harm to the environment along with not always being the best for your health. As someone who is lactose intolerant I always try to avoid dairy but like meat it’s everywhere. I wish that being vegetarian and vegan was so common that when you go out to eat you always know there will be something you can order or that everyone cared how much it impacted the environment that meat substitutes became less expensive.
1
No. I would never go vegetarian in my life. I like cheeseburgers, steak, and chicken and I couldn’t imagine only eating salad and veggie burgers. If anything I would minimize my meat intake but I’d never stop eating meat and become a vegetarian. With the new impossible burger from Burger King I think it would be interesting to try to new plant based burgers and chicken and everything but I would never not eat burgers, steak, or chicken.