According to the VegetarianTimes, 7.2 million people in the United States follow a vegetarian based diet and 1 million of those people follow a vegan diet. There is a huge difference between being a vegetarian and being a vegan. Vegetarians eat dairy and eggs but no meat while vegans do not eat any animal products whatsoever. I am a vegetarian. I still eat my ice cream and cheese pizza, but I do not eat meat. I don't eat burgers, chicken wings or bacon and I am proud. Some people look at vegetarians and vegans like they are crazy, but I have five reasons why being a vegetarian is healthy and not really a crazy idea.
1. You save animals!
What could be better than saving animals?! The main reason I went vegetarian is because I love animals and I do not support what happens in factory farms. Animals are abused and tortured by people who work in the factories and their living conditions are disgusting. Some animals die before even being slaughtered due to the disgusting living conditions. There is no such thing as humane slaughter.
2. You will help reduce pollution.
Runoff from factory farms pollutes more than 173,000 miles of our streams and rivers! Factory farms also put 37 percent of methane emissions in our air. If we stop supporting these factory farms we can help our environment.
3. Being a vegetarian is actually healthy!
Whether you want to lose weight or be healthier overall. being a vegetarian is for you! Fast food restaurants are based off of processed meats. By going vegetarian, I have noticed that I can't each much at fast food restaurants so I have stopped going and it is a lot healthier to cook at home! Also is you want to be vegetarian you need to start eating foods like vegetables, fruits and foods like beans and nuts for protein, which is healthier in the long run!
4. You will save your money.
Going out to eat is expensive, especially when you see foods like steak on the menu. It is a lot healthier and definitely cheaper to buy your own food and cook it yourself and maybe you will find that you like cooking.
5. It is pretty easy.
I have been a vegetarian for three years and at first I didn't think I could go without bacon or buffalo chicken. But after a while you stop wanting it and when you see it, you would much rather eat your salad or your tofu. Vegetarian food is delicious and easy to find!
A special thank you to the Vegetariantimes for the great information!
