It seems like every fitness blog and posh delivery meal service cycles through fad diets faster than Katy Perry changes hairstyles, making it hard for even the most tech-savvy collegiettes to keep up. However, one stand-out diet plan that has stuck around is vegetarianism. Ever thought about cutting out all the meat products that supplement your daily diet? It may sound like the equivalent of giving up your bed, showering, or other necessities, but certain studies have shown that loading your plate up with veggies instead of meat can increase your overall health and help the environment, too.
According to personal accounts, vegetarianism can be an easy transition for some and more difficult for those who grew up around meat eaters. If done incorrectly, becoming a meatless eater can affect your protein and iron levels while increasing your intake of fats and carbohydrates. In other words, if one is interested in a vegetarian or even a vegan diet, they need to educate themselves on the importance of balance. For example, you cannot rely solely on instant mac and cheese, bread, and sugary foods instead of training your body to enjoy fruits, vegetables, and healthy grains. Carbs are super easy to find, relatively cheap and simple to prepare, but a healthy body cannot sustain itself on those alone. Some people use the excuse of being a vegetarian as a way to load up on unhealthy foods, but they’re not doing their body any good. In the end, they might gain weight or feel sluggish.
Finding the right balance is key to maintaining good health, but the environmental effects play a major role is the choice to be a vegetarian as well. According to ProCon.org, raising animals for food can contribute to the overall air and water pollution. Okay, just a fair warning, this is kind of gross, but…. The manure from livestock produces hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, as well as leaking poisonous nitrates into nearby water supplies. Not only is this gross, it’s harmful to our health and our natural world. Also, the meat packing industry is one of the most dangerous for workers. I’m not trying to steer you away from your next hamburger, but this is just something to think about the next time you’re out to dinner with your friends.
Unlike the time of our parents, many restaurants and grocery stores offer vegetarian and vegan options to satisfy your meat-free cravings. Boone boasts several veggie-friendly establishments like Black Cat, Hob Nob, and Our Daily Bread. Vegetarian protein supplements like tofu, tempeh, and a variety of beans can be found at the very “green” supermarket, Earth Fare. Luckily for broke college students, switching to a meatless lifestyle is affordable and readily available in our environmentally conscious mountain town.
For App State senior Hallie Kellerman, becoming a vegetarian was an easy choice. She gave it some thought, and after digging deeper into her major (Sustainable Development), Hallie learned the negative effects of industrialized meat production on the environment and decided to become a full-force vegetarian. “If you just can’t give up the meat, at least buy local, grass fed beef and free range chicken. It makes a difference,” she says. She’s stuck to her diet since April and thoroughly enjoys leading a sustainable, vegetarian lifestyle.
Going “cold turkey” isn’t for everyone, so try to limit your meat intake to at least twice per week. Can’t figure out what to try first? These websites provide great meatless recipes that are super easy to follow.
http://www.tablefortwoblog.com
Sources
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/vegetarians-vs-meat-eaters