I am not a hippie. I don't walk around hugging trees or picking up trash off the ground with my bare hands. I don't hold up signs for animal rights, screaming profanities at other people like I've lost my mind. I will not storm an animal shelter demanding the workers to let the animals free. I don't condemn those who don't share my same values. I simply believe what I believe. Ever since I was a child, I have been an avid animal-lover. Recently I attended a celebratory pig roast and I was completely horrified at the treatment of the pig, as well as the way in which everyone grotesquely ripped pieces of meat off of the roasting pig’s body; after such an experience, I immediately became a vegetarian.
1. Animals Have Feelings Too
In all the science classes that I've taken, we have delved into the world of food production and have discussed the dire living conditions of animals and cattle. How they live and are raised for no purpose other than to be killed and eaten as a meal later on.
2. Health Reasons
Some people choose to cut out meat from their diets simply because of the health risks associated with consuming meat. Our bodies were not built to digest meat or any other product of the sort. There are those who refuse to put a food in their body that was not meant to be digested.
3. It harms the environment
In order to own and sustain cattle on a farm, a substantial amount of land must be obtained and groomed in a way in order to support that lifestyle. Cows and other livestock are also the largest producers of toxic gases that will eventually enter the atmosphere.
4. Chance To Explore Other Options
Before I ever imagined completely cutting out meat from my diet, I had never tasted or tried so many different variations of fruits and vegetables. Cutting out one food group caused me to increase the consumption of others and now my salads are decorated in vivid color, my sandwiches stacked high with nothing but delicious vegetables.
5. Religious Beliefs
Many people do not partake in the consumption of meat due to religious beliefs and the inhumane treatment of animals associated with their specific religion.
6. Food Additives
In many meat processing facilities, there are additional minerals and steroids that are injected into the food, and because they aren't natural ingredients, they are bad for digestion. Many people oppose these additives and choose not to partake in the consumption of meat.
7. Economic Problems
There are some that believe that consumption of meat encourages world hunger. The land that is used for cattle and livestock growth could be better suited to grow vegetables or grain to feed a much larger group of people.
