I Went Vegetarian and Here's What Happened
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

I Went Vegetarian and Here's What Happened

231
I Went Vegetarian and Here's What Happened
greenkitchenstories.com

I have slowly been trying to improve my health for the past few years. First I cut pop, then I completely stopped eating fast food. I made an effort to exercise more. In January, I quit eating meat.

I was inspired by a couple documentaries which led me to do some research. Soon I realized that meat and the western diet that promotes it is just plain bad for you. For a long time, I accepted this, but I still ate it anyway because it's easy and it tastes good.

But not eating meat is easy, too. Most restaurants have at least one non-salad veggie option and there are plenty of meat substitutes (that don't taste like tofu) at the store. Even Taco Bell has veggie options and most places can take the meat out of a recipe for you.

It's easy especially for me because my boyfriend and I decided to start together. We cook at home more often and take turns trying new recipes for each other. It's insane how many other foods you ignore because you're too busy eating chicken all the time. I spend less money and end up eating less processed freezer food as well. And I promise, whipping up a meal doesn't take as long as you think.

It's also delicious. There are so many more veggie variations than there are widely available meat options. I haven't gotten bored yet with anything I've eaten. And no, it's not all salad. Actually, I've only eaten one legitimate salad since I switched. I've been eating stir fry, black bean burgers, pasta and tempeh.

Besides for convenience and taste, my body likes it. I always heard that vegetarians look pale, are constantly catching a cold, or look sickly thin. I was actually afraid when beginning that I would lose weight, which I naturally have a hard time keeping on. But my weight is the same 128-138 ish pounds that I've been for two years (I gained weight after quitting fast food, surprisingly). I feel great.

I didn't get pale, I don't get sick. I sleep great at night and I feel awake in the morning. It actually takes me fewer hours to feel like I got sufficient rest. I'm generally happier throughout the week. My favorite benefit is that no matter how much I eat, I never get that disgustingly bloated, greasy, full feeling.

It's easy to get your dose of protein without meat or vitamins. Doing a quick Google search will tell you which veggies, grains, nuts or other foods will provide the most.

However, there are some surprising and weird side effects I discovered. When I first started, I got my period a week early. This NEVER happens because I'm on a birth control pill which regulates my cycle to be on time all the time. It started again on its normal day. Hormones in meat change your body in ways you may not realize, so taking them out make your body have to re-regulate.

Also, I'm suddenly a complete lightweight when it comes to drinking alcohol. Seriously, I could out-drink any person I met before. I admit I've been drinking less anyway, but it feels so much worse now. I can feel drunk from a couple beers or like four shots instead of drinking a pint to myself on a normal night out. Even my hangovers are worse and last longer.

But besides for this, I would recommend the switch to anyone. While veganism is arguably healthier, more ethical, and better on the environment, vegetarianism is more accessible for those without a nearby grocery store, extra funds or a more limited schedule. Plus it's always easier to take baby steps.

Find actual resources and not just a person blabbering about their personal experiences here:

No Meat Athlete

USDA Vegetarian Nutrition

Vegetarian Times Recipes

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

59060
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38140
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959631
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

196545
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments