For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been on the cusp of becoming a vegetarian.

I enjoy being the rebel of my carnivorous family, and seeing them tease my cousin for being a vegetarian only makes the diet seem more appealing. I’ve also always thought vegetarians in pop culture, like Phoebe Buffay, were so cool and similar; strong headed hippies who love the Earth against all criticism.

I tried to become a vegetarian my freshman year but failed miserably. My health tanked, I was tired constantly, and I hated eating. But since freshman year I've become much more open to trying new foods and I already avoid red meats whenever possible. Thus, I've begun to reconsider turning back.

Before I jumped on the green machine again, I figured I would do some more research. I expected to see overwhelming support the diet, particularly about how healthy it is for the environment. Surprisingly, vegetarianism heavily debated. What I’ve discovered are five realities, many of which I didn’t expect.

1. Vegetarians are not saving the Earth, but they are doing less damage

It's true that animal husbandry is disproportionately more harmful to the environment than crops are. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimates that feeding the livestock industry requires 149 million acres of cropland, 167 million pounds of pesticides and 17 billion pounds of nitrogen fertilizer. Water usage is another issue, and it has been estimated that the water wasted by throwing away one half of a hamburger equates to taking a 60 minute shower.

But it isn’t the livestock industry alone that is ruining the environment; agriculture as a whole is extremely unsustainable. Most crops in the United States are raised through the practice of industrial agriculture, which is even less sustainable. Mono cropping, synthetic fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms are just as harmful as cattle farms. Many cattle are also pasture-raised. When controlled, grazing provides environmental benefits as cow dung creates a natural fertilizer for the grass.

2. Vegetarians usually continue to struggle with weight and health.

It’s true that vegetarian and vegan diets are supported by the American Dietetic Association (ADA) when done correctly. Research from the Harvard School of Public Health also supports that vegetarian diets cause weight loss and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

While it is possible to have a healthy vegetarian diet, it is also extremely difficult. I found myself struggling with iron deficiency and B12. Although research suggests that vegetarianism doesn’t affect iron intake, iron that is found in plants isn’t absorbed as readily as iron found in animals. Research from the University of Boston reports that vegans are at a 30% higher risk of bone fracture from calcium deficiencies. Another danger is the veggie burger from Burgerfi; a dangerously unhealthy choice. Afterall, french fries, milkshakes and chocolate cake are all vegetarian. Avoiding refined sugars and complex carbohydrates is even more difficult without grilled meats as a food option.

3. You’ll probably face criticism

This is particularly true if you decide to campaign for veganism. People (at least in my life) aggressively love meat. When I talked to one friend about how I was writing this article, he stated that vegetarians are unworthy of love. My friends are particularly obsessed with the Parks and Rec television character Ron Swanson, who refused to eat “the food his food eats.” My family tried tricking me into eating meat, or pretended like I was midway into a bite. It’s a cruel, cruel world.

4. You can’t be a picky eater

When I was vegetarian, I found myself struggling most when eating out. Almost every vegetarian meal had bell peppers, mushrooms, and eggplant, all of which I hated. Many vegetarians recommend asking for recipes to be changed or special meals made; this drives me crazy. I felt like such high maintenance when I ate over at a friends house and her mom had to make me mac n cheese because I couldn’t eat the chicken. What’s worse is that I didn’t like mac n cheese then.

5. If you do it right, you’ll find it rewarding

It’s hard for some people to look at a hamburger and see a living breathing cow. But the truth is that in the United States alone, 9 billion land animals are farmed for food each year. Much of this food comes from Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), where thousands of animals are crammed into confined spaces and suffer immensely. While most people see killing animals as natural, it’s understandable why so many people feel guilty.

I don’t plan on going vegetarian soon, but kudos to everyone who has. Vegetarianism is a lifestyle choice, and certainly one to be proud of.