Hello readers! Let me just start by saying that I’m not a
vegetarian. My diet consists of a lot of vegetarian friendly foods, however, I
still enjoy eating meat every now and then. However, I have a lot of respect
for, and understanding of those who choose a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. For
this reason, I have been participating in Meatless Mondays, and here’s my
lengthy list of reasons why.
1. Eating Less Meat Will Help You Live Longer!
Data from a long term study of
almost 2000 vegetarians, conducted by the German Cancer Research Center,
concluded that vegetarian men reduced their risk of early death by 50%, and
women reduced theirs by 30%
Also, consuming red and processed
meats is linked to an increase in total mortality, and mortality from cancer
and cardiovascular disease.
2. You Will Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
The United Nations’ Food and
Agriculture Organization estimates that the meat industry generates one-fifth
of man-made greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions are responsible for
accelerating climate change. In addition, if you buy produce from a local
farmers market, you are saving the gas that’s needed to transport the meat to
your nearest grocery store.
3. Reduce Obesity and Diabetes!
Being that I am from Northern
California, a healthy diet has been engrained in me from an early age. However,
college was a tough time to stay super healthy with all the pizza and Ramen. Living
in New York City has also proven challenging. Healthy food here is much more
expensive. Not to mention, an on-the-go lifestyle is much more conducive to
eating out, resulting in you having less of an idea about what you’re actually
eating. On the bright side, if you commit to being healthy just one day a week
(to start) and cut out the meat, you’ll be doing your body a huge favor!
A recent study from the Imperial
College London found that reducing overall meat consumption can prevent
long-term weight gain. As for diabetes, research suggests that eating processed
or red meat can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
4. Save Water!
To my surprise, it takes a
shocking amount of water to hydrate livestock. Much more than is required for
veggies and grains. It’s estimated that a single pound of beef requires 1,800
to 2,500 gallons of water while a pound of soy tofu needs only 220 gallons.
5. Reduce Fossil Fuel
It only takes 2.2 calories of fossil fuel energy to produce one calorie
of plant-based protein, while it takes around 40 calories of fossil fuel energy
to produce one calorie of feed lot beef.
6. Reduce Your Risk of Cancer and Heart Disease
There’s enough evidence to prove
that eating a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables may reduce your risk
of cancer. In addition, a diet low in foods containing high levels of saturated
fat is likely to reduce you risk of heart disease. So give it a try and eat
more fruits and veggies! At the end of the day, it will only improve your
overall health, not to mention your waistline.
7. It’s Delicious!
Don’t
just take my word for it, but I think most all vegetarian food is great! I know
many people aren’t on board, but I say try a few different dishes, and you
might just be surprised. There are a lot of sneaky meat substitutes that you
can use, and you might not even really taste a difference. Also, I bet you that
if you eat a healthy meatless meal, you’ll probably feel excellent after,
especially when you take all of the health benefits, and benefits to our plant
and the animals, into consideration.
So in conclusion, I’m challenging all of you who haven’t
already tried to give meatless Monday a try! It’s only one day, and when you
think of all the positive impacts your choices will make, why not?
If you have any vegetarian recipes that you enjoy, please
feel free to share!
For more info about the benefits of going meatless, and for
delicious vegetarian recipes, go to Meatless Monday’s website:
For more info on how to be not
just meatless, but sustainable, head to the Sustainable Table’s website:
