I originally became a vegetarian in seventh grade for a Lenten challenge and I have stuck with it for the past seven years. Initially, I did not think that I would continue to not eat meat after Lent ended, but here I am, about to be a sophomore in college and still going strong. I was never a huge meat-eater, to begin with, but it was definitely a part of my diet. I cut all meat out of my life cold turkey, and besides bacon (R.I.P.), I never felt a desire to eat any of it again. A lot of people go vegetarian for multiple reasons: personal health, the environment, and animal rights activists. Personally, I was just never a big fan to begin with, so that's really why I decided to commit to it, but the environmental and animal-related benefits are what made me stick with it.

I think one of the obstacles to becoming a vegetarian, or at least trying it out, is family and friends who have a negative perception of vegetarianism. In my experience, some family and friends were automatically turned off from the idea because they thought that I was trying to convert them to some hippie agenda. However, they came around to the idea once they realized that I was not the stereotypical annoying and pushy vegetarian who proclaims their vow to vegetables during every meal.

Being a vegetarian is also easier to stick with when there are so many substitutes and easy swaps for meals that traditionally contain meat. I have tried walnut tacos, cauliflower wings, chickpea tuna and more simple options like veggie burgers and swapping beans for fillers in tacos and chili. Also, most restaurants tend to have plenty of vegetarian options, otherwise I am the queen of combining side dishes into a full meal. Being a vegetarian is easier and more accessible than ever before, so there's really no reason to not at least give it a try.

The environmental benefits of not eating meat is the main reason I feel passionate about everyone at least making an effort to cut back on their meat consumption. The meat industry contributes to deforestation, pollution of water, greenhouse gases and the list goes on and on. Not to mention the brutal ill-treatment of animals and even workers. I know that a vegetarian lifestyle may not be compatible with everyone's health needs or their lifestyle, however, I would strongly encourage giving it a chance and trying to incorporate aspects of vegetarianism into your diet.