Do we ever stop and consider how many college girls feel intimidated or pressured by fitness-inspired blogs or posts online and all over social media? Ever so often, we stumble upon an awe-inspiring photo of a thin young woman graciously partaking in some sort of wholesome act (sunbathing, working out, etc.). Unfortunately, as the proliferation of these pictures expands, their negative influence on today’s youth increases. Where this “thinspiration” content is shared and increasingly exposed, new theories about ‘clean’ eating arise and respondents experience a decrease in self-confidence. Merely living in today’s society means keeping up with new trends and trying to fit in. Along with the usual survival hacks to college, girls are altering their eating habits whether it’s for weight loss, time management, or health benefits. One modern-day lifestyle, that of a vegetarian, has become quite controversial as to its true nutritional value and regards to animal rights. At one point in our lives, either due to peer pressure or some kind of propaganda, we are faced with the question: To be or not to be vegetarian?
The pro-vegetarian argues that her body feels cleaner after eliminating or substituting animal protein from their diet. In addition to the facilitation of digestion that comes from eating less protein-packed foods, the promotion of the endorsements of animal rights is also a contributing factor. In reality, for every meat product purchased, profits are used to further fund animal slaughter.
On the other hand, the non-vegetarian argues that the dedication to this specific alteration in diet is extremely time-consuming. At this age, our bodies are still developing and need the protein. Some may consider becoming a vegetarian in the future, but at such a stressful time in a college girl’s life, change isn’t that easy and other things may not allow enough time for it.
While the views towards becoming a vegetarian differ greatly, both focus on health benefit and physical development. Along with becoming a vegetarian, it is necessary to adapt to the change in diet and find substitutions for the eliminated protein. Depending on the person, this substitution may benefit or be detrimental to their health. Some might argue that more tofu and beans as a substitution will lower the risk of heart disease, while others argue that the substitution of unhealthy packaged junk food will just lead to an increase in weight.
The ultimate lifestyle change, altering one’s diet, proves to be a difficult one. As a college girl stressfully balancing her pending academic prospects as well as her striving social life, timing is of the essence. The hasty experimenter who decides to immediately wipe out all of the protein from their diet ends up reversing the intended results, while the progressive adjuster takes baby steps and careful consideration for the expected or unexpected outcome. The reality is that gradually embracing the vegetarian lifestyle is far from irreversible, so the college girl that needs a little spark in her life should ask herself again: To be or not to be vegetarian?