Since I have arrived at Carnegie Mellon, I have met more people than ever before who are vegetarian. But, I have also met many people who question and criticize my choice. I was raised vegetarian but always had the option to eat meat if I wanted too. After eighteen years of being a vegetarian, there is no way I would ever make the switch.
If you have ever considered being a vegetarian, even for a short amount of time I would highly recommend it. For many people, it’s a serious lifestyle change: but it’s a positive one. So, take a moment and consider the benefits.
10. It’s Humane- Billions of animals die every year under torturous conditions and are slaughtered in unjust ways. Additionally, many animals are given pesticides before they are killed.
9. It’s Heart Healthy- Fruits and vegetables contain many antioxidants and they also have no saturated fats or cholesterol. Meat contains cholesterol, and meat eaters are at a higher risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and some cancers.
8. The Savings Are Great- A diet that includes meat is much more expensive than one that does not. Your wallet (and college budget) will appreciate the switch.
7. It’s Green- Being a vegetarian creates less air and water pollution. Methane gas released from animals contributes largely to greenhouse gases.
6. Body Detox- Do you feel like you’re still gaining weight in college? Being a vegetarian can give your body the revamping it needs to get a fresh and healthy start.
5. It’s Easier Than It Seems- There are plenty of meat substitutes and plenty of options as a vegetarian. It isn’t all eating salads and fruit all the time. It’s about mixing fruits and vegetables with a variety of other foods.
4. You’re In Good Company- All around the world, people are vegetarians. Increasingly, celebrities have turned to vegetarianism as a source of healthiness including Brad Pitt, Shania Twain, and Drew Barrymore.
3. Live Longer- studies have shown countries with higher populations of people who live on vegetarian or mostly vegetarian diets have a higher life expectancy.
2. It Affects The World- animal farms take up valuable land that could be used to grow food to help sustain a dying human population. Every day, thousands of children die from starvation and an acre of land could make a difference.
1. Increased Stamina- According to the Yale College Vegetarian Society, athletes who turn to vegetarianism have increased their performance by three times as much.
Being vegetarian is a lifestyle change. It will affect many aspects of your daily routine. But, for me, the benefits outweigh anything that could be preventing me from making the switch.