Two months ago, I decided to become a vegetarian. There are various connotations and definitions of the word, so simply put - I do not consume any meat. The reactions I received were not what I had anticipated. Now, granted, I did not go shouting to the sky and screaming off of rooftops. It would come out at restaurants and lunch lines, making my friends ask, "wait, what? Why are you not eating meat?" As a bit of back story, I used to be the kind of gal whose religious experience was a trip to McDonald's every Sunday (and Friday). So, needless to say, this has a been a huge change for me.
I have grown up on mac n' cheese and hamburgers similar to most college students. I never questioned what my parents would feed me or what restaurants would hand me. It was not until I took a human nutrition course in college, that I really started to question what makes up my food. I used to believe meat was essential to my diet. I was surprised to learn humans have alkaline saliva, which is not ideal for meat. While carnivores are equipped with acid saliva, heavily ideal for meat. Our stomachs secrete low doses of hydrochloric acid which breaks down carcass.
During my first semester of college, I relied on coffee for early mornings and late nights. I had a Keurig and Starbucks at my disposal. Little did I know that caffeine causes headaches, constipation, fatigue, and anxiety. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee are acidic meaning you will make fat cells to block the acid from reaching your organs. Sugar is also acidic, causing the same reaction. I won't even dive in to the processing of our food supply; however, just because we ban pesticides does not mean we do not buy foods with the same pesticides.
Now if you are shaking at your computer with a Reese cup in hand, let me assure you of one thing: it is possible to replace your beloved foods with truly healthy, delicious foods. Just because I am a vegetarian and am on my way to eating clean does not mean I avoid milkshakes and fries at all cost. It is perfectly normal, and sometimes vital, to eat what you want to eat - no matter what that may be. Moderation is key and so is happiness. When my friends are eating Big Macs and I am chowing down on my salad, I am happy. Regardless of anyone's food choices, you should eat something because you want to; however, you should also be educated to make these decisions on your own.
Whether it is a veggie pasta or hamburger helper, you should know what is in your food. Most people would not buy clothes without seeing how they affect their bodies, right? Why should food be any different?
