My good friend Lindsey Parmett is a very involved student at THE Florida State University. In the Department of Earth, Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, she is a junior majoring in Environmental Science and Environmental Education. Happily taking her education further, Lindsey has spent her free time in college as a member of different environmentally based clubs/programs: The Environmental Service Program, The American Meteorological Society and FSU Weather!
While Lindsey was easing into her sophomore year of college, she decided that she wanted to and was capable of making a change in her lifestyle that would have a positive effect on the environment. For her, this change was giving up meat and transitioning to a plant-based diet. She had been tossing around the idea of vegetarianism for a while and, when she began living on her own and cooking for herself, it felt like the perfect time to commit to the change! Some have a difficult time adjusting, but Lindsey explained that she was not much of a fan of meat to begin with!
Lindsey Parmett (LP): The meat industry is just extremely terrible for the environment, a couple of reasons being the extensive water usage and the carbon and methane emissions.
As the large and growing meat industry is a leading cause of environmental issues, Lindsey wanted to cut off her contribution to this issue. That being said, she understands that vegetarianism is not attainable for all, so she encourages Meatless Mondays for our meat-lovers that are willing and able so that they too can contribute to making a small difference in this big world! Lindsey also mentioned that the environmental impact is not the only reason she recommends cutting back on meat intake.
LP: I also feel better too! I sleep better at night and I feel more energized during the day. I didn’t realize before that eating meat was causing me to feel sluggish until I eliminated it. It was crazy and I was even going to the gym twice a day!
Her Campus (HC): There is this idea that vegetarians lack protein in their diet? How do you ensure that you are getting the proper amount of nutrients in your day to day life?
LP: I try to make sure that I am getting in my three meals a day, plus I snack a lot on things like nuts, seeds and spinach! I also eat a lot of tofu which is an inexpensive substitute for meat that has a bunch of protein.
HC: Do you think you lack options in food as a vegetarian college student?
LP: Honestly, I find it more difficult in my hometown in New York. In Tallahassee, many restaurants offer vegetarian options as it is more in demand with the younger population.
HC: Lastly, when you grow up and potentially have children, are you going to raise them on a plant-based diet as well?
LP: I think that I will raise them on a plant-based diet, but once they are older and able to formulate their own ideas, if they choose that they want to begin eating meat at any point, I wouldn’t deny them that.
Don’t forget to tune in to watch Lindsey and her friends on Monday’s from 6-6:30 with FSU Weather!
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