Being a vegetarian is definitely not for everybody. It takes some commitment, some practice, and a certain set of values. Some people think it is the best possible way to live life. Some people are vegetarians because their religion calls for it. Some people think it is crazy and love nothing more than to sink their teeth in some smokey BBQ.
Clearly no one is right or wrong here. The choice to be herbivore, carnivore, or omnivore is completely personal. It is a status many people consider changing throughout their life. It is something I have even been considering changing about myself recently, and have decided to voice my private debate so that you, too, may make your own decision.
The “meat” side: Complete proteins are essential. Especially for someone who works out or takes part in physical activity often. Meat is typically used to recover worn down muscles. Protein shakes can be used, but are not recommended as a prime protein source. It is also possible to pair incomplete proteins (i.e. veggies and beans) together to make complete proteins, but this takes a lot of research and meal planning. Both of these options are not absorbed into the body quite the same as meat, so affects on the body are likely to happen. Another way of looking at this is on an evolutionary side; humans’ teeth are shaped as omnivores, and not specific to meat or vegetables.
The “veggie” side: Animal rights are something that immediately comes to mind. You can easily find videos exposing the horrors of animals raised for meat. The awful living conditions, the mistreatment, and the slaughter of innocent creatures is enough to make you cringe. I highly suggest looking up “What Came Before, featuring Steve-O: The Truth About Meat and Modern Farms” on YouTube. It will be hard to even look at meat for awhile after that, but it is a must see. Animal murder aside, the amount of CO2 produced in the processing, packaging, and delivery of meat is outrageous. It’s hardly sustainable, especially when it comes from factories I other states. The health benefits are definitely in favor of vegetarianism (besides the protein factor) considering the amount of fat and cholesterol in various meats. Being vegetarian also promotes you to make smarter decisions when choosing a meal to make it most beneficial for you. I have noticed this in my trial run.
Long story short, I am easing my way in to the vegetable side little by little; making taste sacrifices for smarter decisions, and then eating meat when it is only absolutely necessary after a workout. Whichever way I decide; this has been a great learning experience.