When you go to college, you're going to run into a lot of people who identify as vegetarians.
...But why do they do it? Some people say that they want to be healthy and that meat is fattening and increases the risk of heart problems. Others say that vegetarianism is good for the environment and that raising millions of animals for the meat industry takes a huge toll on water resources. And some vegetarians do it simply because they hate to see animals killed.
I never found any of these reasons to be convincing, so, here's my list of the top seven best reasons to make the switch.
1. Protein shakes are delicious.
“But like, how are you going to get enough protein?”
Everybody asks this when they find out that you’ve switched. Luckily, there are a lot of ways to replace the protein that you’re losing out on: yogurt, tofu, milk, eggs…and protein shakes. Apparently the protein shake industry has been making a lot of progress lately because these things taste amazing. Yes, they may have a reputation for being chalky and gritty, but that’s because you haven’t been getting the right ones (I recommend CORE POWER).
2. Doubling down on tofu.
As I mentioned before, tofu is a great source of protein.
What’s great is that the campus food staff will take pity on you for ordering it. Nobody likes tofu and they will often give you extra even without your asking. Just try ordering double tofu in your next bowl of pasta; you’ll almost never be charged.
3. You can mention it on your Tinder bio.
I mean really, what’s the point of abstaining from meat if you’re not going to use it to pick up girls?
4. Avocados are awesome.
These little green guys are not “overrated” or “a fad” by any means.
Vegetarianism will also cause you to appreciate them even more. At three grams per cup, avocados have the highest protein content of any fruit. They also have tons of vitamin A and seem to go well with everything: you can use them on sandwiches, in wraps, in dips and even on their own.
5. You will be forced to eat a lot of Greek yogurt and that’s a good thing.
Seriously, have you ever read the nutrition label on a cup of Greek yogurt? No fat. Almost no sugar. Meat-like amounts of protein. What the hell IS this stuff?
Luckily, Greek yogurt is everywhere on campus. You can find it at the dining hall (I recommend it with granola on top) or buy it from almost any of the retail shops. Go get some! Seriously! Why are still reading this when you could be out getting a delicious cup of greek yogurt?!
6. You’re the only person who can call people out for posting hunting pictures on Facebook.
People on Facebook love to argue with each other, and there’s no better way to start an argument than by posing next to that gorgeous buck you just shot. And while plenty of people will question the morality of these photos, few can make it past the classic carnivore defense:
“How can you tell me this is wrong when you’re eating hamburgers every day?”
This is where your Facebook friends are counting on you: the hip vegetable-eater with a conscience. Go get ‘em, tiger!
7. You can enjoy a guilt-free viewing of “Food Inc” at your next Netflix n' chill sesh.
As you might expect, the film is a lot more enjoyable after you’ve converted to a vegetarian diet.
