For years, I have been looking for the healthiest and happiest lifestyle. I have been vegetarian, vegan, pescetarian, etc.I have realized more about myself through this journey, but would not recommend it for everyone. There are many pros and cons to dietary restrictions, which I will discuss below.

Pros

• It teaches self-discipline

There is nothing harder than seeing your friends eat whatever they want, and criticizing you for not doing the same. I have had countless memories of looking at certain foods and struggling not to eat them. But, you begin to develop a routine that becomes easier, over time.

• It is much healthier

There is something called a “pudding vegan,” which is described as someone who is a vegan but does not eat the right way [they don’t fuel their body with the necessary nutrients]. These people are an exception. A vegan or vegetarian lifestyle is much healthier than a no-restriction diet due to the fact that there are fewer oils and artificial sugars put into your body. Most foods that vegans eat are fruits and vegetables.

• You can eat more and still get the same calorie intake

My meals used to consist of two pounds of fruit and vegetables.For this lifestyle, it is very focused on eating as much as you want, to your tolerance.I ate a lot of food while gaining little to no weight at all.I enjoyed that aspect most.

• You will look and feel better

It is proven that your skin will clear up, and your energy levels will increase. The best I have ever felt about my body was when I chose to be fully vegan. My body never looked or felt better.

Cons

• You get criticized every day

That is one important thing you have to remember and be able to keep a strong mind.There are many people who find comfort in making fun of others, especially ones with dietary restrictions. Every day I was teased for giving up meat, to the point where I stopped telling other people about my restrictions.

• It is hard to eat out with friends and family

You are always the one who has to choose where to go to eat, and sometimes it can be frustrating for others to go out with you, no matter how often they say it is no big deal. Eventually, people stop inviting you to dinner because of your restrictions.

• It is extremely difficult to experience other culture

I have wanderlust. I want to see the world and experience other cultures as much as I can. Most cultures do not have a true “vegan version” of their 100-year old traditional dishes. Many will disagree, but I feel as though one cannot truly experience the culture without experiencing the food of it, which is why restricting your diet would be a disadvantage.

• Veganism is considered more of a "trend" today

One of the reasons I became vegan was because many other people were doing the same. But, throughout my journey being vegan, I enjoyed it. Many people do not, however; it is hard to enjoy yourself when you do not do what YOU want to do.Keep that in mind.

At the end of the day, being a vegan and vegetarian was awesome, but it’s not the lifestyle I want right now. Maybe when I am older, yes. But, for now, I want to experience culture in what I feel is the most authentic way possible.