I have been a vegetarian for a little over a year now, and I really couldn't ask for a better lifestyle. The benefits are so amazing, I really don't know why more people don't do it. We could get into the argument about whether or not I need to go full vegan, but let's just talk about reasons why you should (at least try!) being vegetarian.
1. It's better for the animals.
This one is obvious, but the animals are obviously better off if they aren't being eaten! The unfortunate truth is that most animals aren't treated well in today's agriculture businesses. From blending up male baby chickens that can't lay eggs to giving "cage free" animals a small patch of dirt to roam around in. (FDA policies are very loose for cage free and organic foods). The farms that treat animals right are far and few between and not everyone can afford them. Fortunately, you never have to worry about ethics when it comes to your vegetables.
2. It's better for the environment.
Livestock represents 20 percent of the methane emissions in the U.S. alone. If every American stopped eating meat for one year we would have enough grain and produce to feed 8.7 billion people and end world hunger. We as humans already have such a big carbon footprint in our daily lives, why not cut back a little?
3. It's better for your body.
Several studies show that deaths from heart disease is lower in vegetarians than in omnivores, as well as other bodily illnesses. Vegetarians also tend to weigh less and be healthier people. We as humans may not be meant to eat meat; our teeth are most like that of an herbivore than any other diet type. Furthermore, the fact that we can't eat meat raw off the animal without getting sick is further proof that we aren't meant to eat meat. Carnivores in the wild don't need a George Foreman grill to enjoy their food. With all the added antibiotics and hormones, going veggie is one of the best things you can do for your body.
Whether you are a die hard meat eater or someone considering vegetarianism, please take some time to research on what eating animals really does to our society. You may be surprised what you find. (Read "Try Eating Animals" by Johnathan Safran Foer if you're looking for a good book about what eating meat does to us as a society.)
