Since I wrote this post, I’ve become a vegetarian full-time and everything explained in this article is now different. Amazing turn, isn’t it? Check out my vegetarian related articles. Be sure to Like The Reasoner on Facebook too.
It has been 21 days since I decided to stop eating meat. Do I like being a vegetarian? Yes, it is a different kind of life now. I have to completely change my lifestyle and go through a process of rewriting or re-planning many things that had been conditioned into my daily activities. That is a very good thing in my view, for it is better to realize why I do things than to actually be a robot that does things without realizing them.
I do not feel the light beaming down from the skies and making me feel different. I do, however, feel like a completely different human being because I have to change everything I know and used to think of daily when it comes to food. I have to eat different, plan where I can find food for myself, and I have to deal with the mental and physical changes that are starting to happen because of my decision to stop eating meat.
Can vegetarianism be bad for you?
Let us see the 5 reasons why becoming a vegetarian can be bad for you. The best way to avoid such reasons is to realize them beforehand or to address them once any signs point out to their existence.
5 Reasons Being a Vegetarian Can Be Bad
- It can make you feel weak.
One of the most surprising things you may notice after you stop eating meat, like I did, is the feeling of weakness. You can start feeling physically weak, lazy or even sleepy. Such things may be signs of your body not having enough nutrients that it previously got on a regular and permanent basis from the meat you ate. So it is very important to realize what changes your body may go through when you start eating things other than meat.
- It can make you unhealthy.
The sudden absence and disappearance of meat from your daily food intake may most probably result in your body not getting enough food overall, resulting in you either usually be more hungry compared to before or feel malnourished. One steak may provide you enough food for a 12 hour time period with no pain, while even 3 bowls of salad may result in you feeling pain in your stomach within a 12 hour time period. Your body may simply be used to eating meat in order to feel well nourished.
- It can affect your daily routines.
Because of not eating meat, you may not want to talk about or see things related to animals being killed, and you may have to start doing different things compared to before. You will have to stop going to almost every restaurant that you know of, and instead you would have to check in first with many restaurants to see if they have something more than a lettuce that you can eat.
- It can affect people around you because of the changes in your outdoor eating habits.
This may be the least obvious change, but it is also the one that may prove to be the most resistant against your change. All of your activities with people you hang out and live with will most probably change if you stop eating meat. Many people may respect you enough to not eat meat in front of you, though that may bother you, like it bothers me. Many people may simply ask you questions all the time to ridicule or poke fun at you not eating meat, and others may simply complain that you are indirectly forcing them to not go to most restaurants. Your actual relationships with such people can get affected because of your decision to stop eating meat.
- It can make you start being prejudiced against people who eat meat.
This may very well be the strongest thing that can hurt you when you become a vegetarian. The same way many meat eaters consider themselves to be in a group that makes fun of the people who cannot eat meat, the vegetarians also have such classes of people which live every day to focus on making the life of meat eaters either miserable or full of guilt. Many vegetarians believe that vegetarianism is a religion, and that they have to convert everyone else to it. For me, such a form of extremism is very bad, which is why I have decided to not care at all about what people eat. My wife and best friend eats meat regularly, and I would never even think of asking her to consider stopping eating meat just because I do. If you do not become a vegetarian solely for your own individual life and reasons, you will end up hurting your own self and making your shift toward vegetarianism a bad, unhappy one.
What do you think?
These 5 reasons are the strongest things that I can feel would affect many people who may ever consider becoming a vegetarian, including you. I continue not eating meat, and I continue trying anything different now. I have tried eating more vegetables and non-meat foods in these 21 days of not eating meat than I probably did all my life. Realizing the above 5 things makes it much, much easier for me to avoid them or not let them affect me much or at all.
What do you think of the above points? Do you think they would apply to you if you became a vegetarian? Do you think they applied to you when you became a vegetarian? Which of these points would you warn others about who want to become vegetarians?
Thank you for reading! 
I really appreciate it. It is now 1:34am. I have to go find something to eat in the fridge because I feel faint for avoiding eating fake meat1 for the sake of finishing this article.
Since I wrote this post, I’ve become a vegetarian full-time and everything explained in this article is now different. Amazing turn, isn’t it? Check out my vegetarian related articles. Be sure to Like The Reasoner on Facebook too.
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About a year ago I decided to become pescetarian (no meat other than fish and/or seafood). It's definitely been different. I don't think I could give up sushi, or crab… or dairy products really. But giving up other meat has made me feel a lot healthier. I'm not militant with it, nor do I try to convince anyone to change. Good article though, it's nice to see it from the other side.
Hey Veronica, thanks for the comment! Wow, that is a very new idea to me [Pescetarian] though I've heard about it many times before. Are you a sushi lover? That is one sole reason I can think of that can make me be a Pescetarian. And also the McDonald's Fillet-o-Fish! I do eat dairy products though, all of them [Vegans are the ones who avoid all dairy products too].
Do you remember the time period immediately around or after giving up eating meat? Did you feel or go through any changes?
So I guess the list goes like this:
Meat & everything eaters
Pescetarians
Vegetarians
Vegans
Food strike
Yes?
Hello, i’m 16 and vegetarian for the time being (month 3 now) until i make up my mind on what to do. I gave up meat after watching an awful PETA video but my friends think that just basing my decision on that is silly because its clearly propaganda. I was just wondering will me not eating meat really make a difference? Will it stop any animals being treated brutally? Will one person reduce the demand of meat in this country? I want to feel i’m making a difference otherwise what’s the point i might as well eat the meat my family buy every week. Also i dont mind the fact that they are killed its how life works lions eat deers etc its nature but its the way its done that gets me, does free range mean anything, can i ever be sure that cruelty is not going on?
Oh and in relation to the article i dont feel weak or tired or anything, are you sure your diet is balanced? I went to the doctor to make sure i was still healthy.
Yes. This does make a difference. One person makes a ‘HUGE’ difference in the amount of animals killed.
Why: On average, one individual kills/eats, 2400 animals in their lifetime, excluding seafood (Proof: Fact from:http://www.geisswerks.com/about_animals.html).
Heres something to know. Imagine being born as an animal in a slaughter farm. You’re In a tight space, being injected with drugs to make you larger, No room to walk, nor to breathe. It is a living hell. You’re fed corn, diseasing you and causing you suffering. Other animals run as they’re taken to be killed and turned into food. They trample you as they run and you’re left on the brink of death to rot. No one helps you.
This is what you prevent when you be a vegetarian. Yes, I admit that some people need their meat, and it isn’t up to you want they do. But the question is; Do you think its okay. As a vegetarian for life, you’d save 2400 animals from such a fate.
I’ve been a vegetarian for 15 years now, and am certain it is the right choice. I feel that others can do what they want about eating meat, but this is the truth about what you prevent by being a vegetarian.
I don’t mean to make people feel guilty for eating meat, but whatever choice you make, there are always benefits and disadvantages
Thanks for sharing, Veer!
What about plants and all vegetables? They’re living things too and can feel pain.
You seem to be very sensible, you understand that animal life is no better than human life, that all living things must die one way or another, so I definitely ask you to rethink your ways.
If you’re like me, and don’t mind eating animals, but don’t like the way they’re treated, the best thing for you to do is eat humanely raised animals. You mentioned “free range”. YES, free range animals live nice, healthy, NATURAL lives the way they should, and then are killed and eaten as food. Just like it happens in the wild.
This is a reason there is a large number of EX-Vegans becoming BUTCHERS! They’ve come to grips with the reality of nature and want to make sure they’re not distancing themselves from it, as most vegans do.
By supporting organic, free range farms, you’re supporting an industry of humane and ethical treatment of animals, this is something PETA doesn’t want you to realize.
Also, by supporting these types of farms, you’re taking money away from the giant processing plants that PETA likes to focus on (while they pretend that there are no ethical farms).
The main point that most people becoming vegetarians/vegans miss is that you don’t have to eliminate your meat consumption, which is ultimately unhealthy to do, you only need to reduce it to the level that you body needs to be healthy, and not go past that. Just reducing makes all the difference in the world. Most of us eat meat because it’s cheap, fast, and easy. Maybe 80% of our daily intake is MEAT. We can bring that down to 30% easily and still be healthy. 0%… no.
Herbivores eat almost the entire time they’re awake. Obviously humans can’t do that, so it’s against our very nature to be herbivores. But reducing to a REASONABLE amount of meat will change this planet, this is what we need to get people to realize.
Support your local, humane, organic farms!!
It seems that no one on this page knows what they are talking about. Humans are not carnivores. Meat is bad for your health in several ways. Consuming animal protein makes your blood acidic, and the only way your body clears this problem is by taking calcium from your bones. That doesn’t seem natural now does it? Just by raising a unnatural amounts of live stock we have to clear land and pollute water systems. So your not only affecting yourself but the quality of life for everyone else on this planet.
I am a Vegan, I eat 0% animal protein. I am not sickly and skinny. I exercise daily, and play competitive soccer. I feel better then I did as a murdering meat eater when I was a teenager. I am 27 now and look younger and more in shape then almost everyone I grew up with. Look up Vegan athletes. NFL players, Gold medalists, cage fighters, Mr. Universe, and body building winners that are vegan.
If you eat correctly then you will not feel weak, or unhealthy. But if your eating shit like French fries, and processed meat alternatives constantly then you are going to get sick.
There is NO such thing as humane slaughter, or free range. The same cruelties are put on these animals. We have been brain washed to think that we have to have animal proteins. It’s all about money my friends. Educate yourself before you make accusations of it being unhealthy to exclude animal proteins.
Herbivores like humans have intestines 8 to 12 times the length of their torso. Carnivores like lions have short intestinal tracks made for digesting meat, fur, cartiledge, and other shit your not supposed to be eating. You have some claws and a jaw that only moves up and down? I think not. Animal rights are not propaganda. They have feelings and their brains work just like ours.
Change your diet, increase YOUR quality of life, and save the world.
I forgot to mention in my reply, I no longer eat seafood either…especially not sushi, and especially since the salmon virus that was disclosed (from farm raised to wild). It affects all sealife. There are so many parasites in seafood, especially sushi.
And not only do I have more energy…not less energy by going vegitarian, I went through some heavy detox/cleansing of parasites prior to and still going through the detox/cleansing. Can take years to get these buggers out of your system. Yes, you can get parasites from from vegitarian foods too, but not the type in beef, pork, chicken and seafood.
Parasites are the cause of most disease…especially chrones, colon cancer and yes, cancer including breast cancer, prostate, etc., etc.
You are what you eat…or don’t eliminate. .
Actually there is more recent research indicating just the opposite, that parasites are no longer common in humans, and this is why we’re developing colon cancer, irritable bowel syndromes like Ulcerative Colitis.
There is new treatment introducing parasites back into the human digestive system to recreate the past symbiotic relationship we once had, back when we didn’t have colon cancer…
For a while i too have tried to not eat meat, and i have to say that i felt really bad, i didn't want to do anything. Apart from that my blood analysis have come out bad, so for my health I've started eating meat once again. Another hard thing was to keep up with my friends' lifestyle.
After such an experience i tend to believe that as long as you don't exaggerate, every food is good for you, or at least can't harm you.
Hey Mia, thanks for commenting too! Did you stop eating all meats including seafood? Did your health go back up after you restarted eating meat?
Health condition is indeed something you have to consider, and unfortunately, if there is no other alternative to survival or good health, then you can choose to eat meat, I agree.
I like your comment about "exaggerate", which I'm sure is pointing out to the cries of the people who say that eating meat is torture. I personally believe eating meat is torture, but I also realize that it is a purely personal choice for me, even though the reasoning behind it is both personal and public that may be affecting us all. I feel very happy for actually not caring what people eat, and in fact even enjoying people eating meat around me, so I actually agree with you about the exaggeration point.
You don’t need to eat meat to be healthy. In fact, meat is bad for you. My great-grandfather’s doctor forced him to stop eating meat because his arteries got clogged up with it.
You are a complete idiot. You think vegetarians only eat lettuce, really? And FYI, eating meat is what’s bad for your health. My great-grandfather was forced to stop eating meat by his doctor because his arteries got clogged up with it.
The body needs time to adjust to such a change. I have been a vegetarian for a long time, and have never felt something like this. This is also the reason why the author of this article must have felt weak. 21 days isn’t enough time for your body to adjust. Doctors even recommend vegetarianism for health.
6. You become a self righteous asshole
Hey Anonymous!
lol, yes, that is one bad quality that may affect people that become vegetarians. It also falls a bit under my point #5 above in the article.
Do you know such people?
that is a biased and rude fact. People can choose to follow whatever they want. Anyways, theres nothing ‘wrong’ with ‘right’.
well congrats on being vegetarian. Hope u will find a great difference in short period of time.Great u have started to save the earth.In short duration of time you will get practised and u wont feel tired or hungry.Even for me in the early stages i was feeling so tired ,hungry but now everything is going on well.
Hey Verdasco, thanks for the comment. How long did it take you to get over that hunger or weak/tired stage?
Did you become a vegetarian to make a difference in the world or for yourself, or for some other reason?
As far as I know our body can function well five days without meat or any other animal protein. These 5 days can be beaten if you eat food that contains vegetable protein: such as nuts, beans, soy – i can not say them all but do a research and you will see that vegetarian people aren't sicker than "meat eating people". I am following the rule meat once at 5 days, but i have to say that i eat/drink milk, yogurt ..everyday
I would say that you have elaborated all the information in detail, this is really good work and i like it because you have mentioned all the relevant information in detail , which is really impressive.
I love MEAT!
Oh my god.
This is incorrect information!
I will give you 20 reasons why eating meat is bad:
1. To save the lives and well-being of animals. Our animal friends are treated like pieces of meat in most slaughterhouses. Animals have souls. There were over 9 BILLION chickens slaughtered in the US in 2008. Along with over 35 million cattle, 116 million pigs and over 270 million turkey. source
2. Lower your risk for cancers. It is widely accepted in the scientific community that a diet high in meat consumption helps develop certain cancers. On the flip side, if you do not eat meat, you automatically reduce your risk by 64% of developing stomach cancer and lower your risk by 53% for bladder cancer. source
3. Breath will smell better. Vegans have fresher breath. The meats contribute to the bacteria that causes bad breath. Eliminate the meats and you greatly reduce your risk of halitosis. source
4. Better digestion. Meats are heavy in content. But, more importantly, they are way harder on your digestive system than sun foods. Meats are one of the hardest foods to digest, especially beef.
5. Less stomach problems. Because of #4 Better digestion, your stomach will be relieved from aches and pains due to indigestion.
6. Have more energy. When your body is constantly trying to digest meat, it leaves little room for energy spurts. By reducing or limiting your meat intake, you will have more energy.
7. Reduce risk of heart disease. Eating animal-based foods decreases the amount of blood flowing throughout the body. The American Journal of Epidemiology published a study which revealed that non-meat-eaters reduced their risk of heart disease by 30%. source
8. To help preserve the rain forests. With the increased consumption of beef by Americans and others, more cattle pastures have been made. In the Brazilian Amazon, cattle ranching is responsible for up to 70% of the deforestation. source
9. To lose weight. It’s not a secret that most vegans or vegetarians are less likely to be obese. In fact, a study shows that only up to 6% of vegetarians are obese. Compared to up to 45% for meat eaters. source
10. Less stress. You are what you eat and if you eat farm-raised animals for food, chances are they are from a stress-filled environment. You consume the blood of the animal therefore you inherit its stress. Watch PETA’s Meet Your Meat (WARNING: Graphic Material)
11. Crave meat less. When you decrease or cut-out eating meat, you will also decrease your cravings for it. There are additives and chemicals in meat that make you addicted to it so as to crave it, especially the fast food varieties. source
12. Less teeth issues. If you eat meat, at one time or another, you’ve had a chunk stuck between your teeth. This can lead to problems with your teeth and gums.
13. Lower the risk for high blood pressure. Many studies have proven that eliminating meat from your diet helps stabilize your blood pressure. One particular study showed that a number of patients that switched to a vegetarian diet improved substantially by 30 to 70 percent. source
14. Lower chance of impotence. High blood pressure and its medications to reduce or regulate it, can cause impotence.
15. Increase sex drive. With the blood pumping more normally, you will receive full benefit of a healthy blood flow to certain areas (o: – which in turn increases your libido or sex drive.
16. Lower cholesterol levels. This is why doctors tell you to cut out red meat if your cholesterol is high. Meat and dairy are the major culprits in causing high cholesterol.
17. Less aches and pains. Meat is extremely acidic forming. This acidic ash and mucus causes unhealthy inflammation in joints which leads to joint pains and arthritis.
18. Less chemicals. Meat contains harmful chemicals like: hormones, antibiotics, bacteria, dioxins and other toxicities. source
19. Clearer skin. Your skin is the body’s largest organ. Eliminating meat reduces the toxicities that your body has to exude through your organs. This helps the skin to stay healthy.
20. You will have to eat more natural foods. Especially, if meat is your major food source. If you don’t eat meat then you’ll have to eat more fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds or grains. This is a good thing!
(http://alimyers.net/archives/436)
Weigh out the pros and cons.
I love you XD
1 if i was a chicken i would love being in a safe farm house instead of stressing about whether or not you are gonna be ripped apart by a hawk.
2. ACCORDING TO NEW RESEARCH everything gives you cancer.
3 all land predators have they eyes on the front of their face looking straight forwards. Do you have your eyes behind you ears?
i love animals… medium rare
Yup – but all land predators also have FAST LEGS TO CATCH PREY, CLAWS or TALONS to tear flesh apart while attached to it’s prey. REAL CANINE TEETH (like a wolf or a dog, not those pathetic things we have) or a razor sharp beak.
Also, these land predators don’t have to worry about cooking chicken (for example) due to the risk of food poisoning. You see, their bodies can deal with bad bacteria, ours cannot.
I would imagine that chickens would rather live out in the free with the risk of hawks, than the risk of being born MALE and being disposed of by being thrown into a mincer while still alive.
I would imagine that they would rather take their chances in the wild, than having to be caged in their own shit, often debeaked, without being able to move.
In regards to the eyes at the front thing – most primates also have this feature, and guess what? Most primates do NOT eat meat…..
“If you don’t like the smell of burning meat, well than get the fuck off the planet!!!”-Immortal Technique, Beef and Broccoli.
lol
Yeah what about primates. They eat meat and also have shown to be canibles not condoning the latter of course.
Hey, leave her alone. She didn’t start it. Oh, and you can only correct 3 of 20? Well, that is impressive.
Dear baconlover….just want to say that the “farm house” for chickens on commercial farms are more like hell houses. You can choose to eat meat and that’s ok with me. Just educate yourself some on where you food really comes from and how it’s slaughtered. I’m from the deep south and live in the country where family and friends hunt deer/ducks/squirells/wild pig/rabbit. I’m clearly aware of how the meet is killed and prepared by them; however, what many farms and slaughterhouses do is the worst thing I’ve ever seen. PS I used to love bacon too until I saw farmed piglets testicals ripped from their bodies with plyers….from male piglet to male piglet the farmhand goes with his plyers (they don’t neuter them like they do our sweet pets, they are truely dismembered). Just saying, educate yourself and if you are just fine about it, then keep eating bacon! A good video is called “Farm to Fridge” by Mercy for Animals…very educational.
Get a CLUE!!!! They do not live on a nice cozy little farm! They are smashed in tiny cages and stuffed in the dark in chicken coops! and fed tons of chemicals and antibiotics and they grow so fast they cant even stand and there limbs break, and then people come and pick them up and throw them on the ground and then throw them in a huge pile with all of the other dead birds that didn’t make it, also the ones who lay eggs have to get half of their beaks cut off with no anesthesia so they don’t peck their cage mates to death, because they are smashed so close together they would all just die! you should educate yourself before making these disgusting comments!
1. Cons from being a vegetarian – You convert to a arrogant jerk.
All the arrogant jerks I’ve ever known eat meat.
Evidently becoming vegetarian turns you into a self righteous prick …
lol. Chill, relaaaax.
I just dont get it. The moment my ex-best friend turned to vegan, she became so vicious. Telling everybody how bad they are for eating meat, and just became so self righteous all the time. Which i completely understand. Because she is hungry. VERY hungry.
Wow, you just make stuff up, anyone can make a numbered list of lies, doesn’t make it true.
Most of what you listed is based on people eating the WORST raised animals in the worst conditions and eating it as their main form of food.
Reduce meat to what your body needs and you will be healthier than anyone.
What all the vegans like to ignore is this- the Japanese Okinawans outlive all other humans on the planet, into their 100′s, and their diet has pork and fish. They also eat a lot of vegetables and starches. While Japanese buddhist monks eat only non-meat dishes, and do not live as long.
So please stop lying to people by telling them that being vegetarian is healthier.
As humans we need to stop dodging reality and nature. Killing is a violent, horrible, and COMPLETELY NATURAL thing. All vegetables are alive, they are killed just the same, but because they don’t have little furry doe eyes, vegans think it’s different somehow.
Also, I don’t know how you used to eat animals, but I don’t eat their blood, just their muscle.
One last thing… Vegans have STANK-@$$ BREATH. Their breath smells like the back of a chinese grocery store!!! Rotting vegetables, rotting meat, they all stink.
15 in my experience with my vegan wife is not true ever since she started it. The sex drive plummeted. And I eat meat and still have an amazing body and sex drive. Twice a day if I could.
Hey there,
I myself have been vegetarian for almost 3 years now and your list of "reaons why being a vegetarian is bad" surprised me since cutting off meat has made me feel a lot stronger and not at all weaker.
As for being making fun or poking the fact that we don't eat meat, well it's just like anything else, why should we care? This fact really shouldn't be listed under the "bad sides of going veg". I thought it was a more serious list that included serious dangers or something. Personally,I have no problem with people eating meat around me, but if you really care and your friends purpusely do it, then maybe you should have a talk with them.
Maybe you shouldn't "bitch" at them for eating meat, but simply explain why it is best for the environment and earth and health and everything to lower the consumation. Most my friends eat a lot less redmeat since I went veg, and a few went vegetarians but I never tried to convince neither. As I can see you just started, and, if you feel good in it and all, then just go for it and don't listen to the teasing. Eventually, people will start asking why you're doing it and you might change their view too.
Personally I never regretted my choice of going veg and it feels great to do something for the earth.
When I first started as a vegetarian, I experienced many of the things you mentioned in your post. But, as time went on and my body got used to it, I feel so much better and a lot of my extra weight is coming off. It might sound weird to some people who have never experienced it before, but that semi-empty feeling is really nice – it makes you feel light on your feet!
how long did it take for your body to get used to becoming a vegetarian?
I think in the end it was just a different kind of food style that was making the body, or me, going –> :O
It was mostly the mind set. Once I started eating any food realizing that it was the food I was going to have, I started treating it with same respect like, say, a steak or burgers.
Just push yourself into it, and start replacing all cravings with non-meat counterparts from day 1. And eat a lot to begin with, I would say. You should be fine within a month.
Hi,
I've been a pesco-vegetarian for 4 years. I started losing weight when I first became one. Later I began to maintain my weight, so nothing drastic. I did become weaker, but that was because I was unsure what to eat and my family wasn't very supportive at the time, especially not my mother. I do agree with your #5 because I always preach to people how being a vegetarian is better; I try not to anymore because people get annoyed and like to argue, the only time I will talk up about it, is when someone doesn't know what they're talking about. Most people do not know about factory farming so they're blissfully ignorant and obviously unaware. ANYWAYS.. being a vegetarian can make it hard to go to certain restaurants but it is worth it in the end, I can say I feel way healthier. As for what I agree on your list. #1, that can be true but you're body will adjust and your eating habits will adjust too, it takes time to figure out what to eat and what not to eat. #2, that is somewhat true. & #3, not so much. how does it affect your routine? #4, you should try to explain to people why you're making those lifestyle choices and hopefully they will understand and #5 I already said.
I have recently become a vegetarian (I'm 15) and I don't eat fish or meat or any sweets with gelatin in it. And at the moment I think I am getting a bit of the tiredness lazy thing that you mentioned.(I'm in my third month of having a vegetarian diet.) But its great, it feels good to be helping the earth out even if its just a little bit. I live in a meat eating house so I just don't really judge people for eating meat because I grew up eating it myself.
I did the same thing when I was your age – though my mom brought me to a nutritionist, and made sure that I was eating a balanced diet & supplements of iron and vitamin B12, and not just twinkies and tofu. So if you are feeling tired, and especially because you are still growing, I would research what you should eat and/or go to a nutritionist/dietitian to help you figure out the healthiest way to go.
being a vegetarian is definitely NOT the right choice. humans are carnivorous by nature, hence our sharp teeth (carnivores have sharp teeth to aid in the ripping of flesh). aside from that, we need the protein, iron, vitamin b12 etc, but these days vegetarians get around it by taking these tablets and supplements. the fact that you have to go out of your way so much as to not eat meat should be an obvious indicator as to why we should be eating meat. saying "theres no need to kill an animal" is also bullshit. animals kill other animals all the time so if we stopped domesticating our cattle THEY WOULD JUST GET KILLED BY OTHER ANIMALS!
Humans have short, soft fingernails and pathetically small "canine" teeth. In contrast, carnivores all have sharp claws and large canine teeth capable of tearing flesh.
Carnivores' jaws move only up and down, requiring them to tear chunks of flesh from their prey and swallow them whole. Humans and other herbivores can move their jaws up and down and from side to side, allowing them to grind up fruit and vegetables with their back teeth. Like other herbivores' teeth, human back molars are flat for grinding fibrous plant foods. Carnivores lack these flat molars.
Dr. Richard Leakey, a renowned anthropologist, summarizes, "You can't tear flesh by hand, you can't tear hide by hand. Our anterior teeth are not suited for tearing flesh or hide. We don't have large canine teeth, and we wouldn't have been able to deal with food sources that require those large canines."
Stomach Acidity
Carnivores swallow their food whole, relying on their extremely acidic stomach juices to break down flesh and kill the dangerous bacteria in meat that would otherwise sicken or kill them. Our stomach acids are much weaker in comparison because strong acids aren't needed to digest pre-chewed fruits and vegetables.
Intestinal Length
Carnivores have short intestinal tracts and colons that allow meat to pass through the animal relatively quickly, before it can rot and cause illness. Humans' intestinal tracts are much longer than those of carnivores of comparable size. Longer intestines allow the body more time to break down fiber and absorb the nutrients from plant-based foods, but they make it dangerous for humans to eat meat. The bacteria in meat have extra time to multiply during the long trip through the digestive system, increasing the risk of food poisoning. Meat actually begins to rot while it makes its way through human intestines, which increases the risk of colon cancer.
I’m not a vegetarian or anything…. but we aren’t carnivores. We are omnivores; we are meant to eat anyhting: bugs, meat, plants, fish, nuts. So, no, we are not carnivorous by nature. We eat everything by nature.
But to the other guy: We didn’t need big canines or claws or whatever because we evolved the ability to use tools, and our intestines are like that so that we can eat everything. But it seems you are implying that we are herbivores. We aren’t. As I said, we are omnivores. The only species of ‘human’ to ever be fully vegan was one on some island. They never grew to be over 4 foot 6 and went extinct before we did. So, yeah.
i personally love meat cause it tastes good. =)
oh, and we have specific things in our stomach set up to digest meat. We actually got rid of our ability to digest cellulose, which most herbivores have (that’s what the appendix is thought to be, a piece of our intestines that used to digest cellulose)
So I’d argue that we are more built for meat. but we are really built for everything, as i keep repeating.
It is a well documented, but little known fact that broccoli, spinach and other cruciferous vegetables contain far more iron and vitamins than any meat. Vitamin b12 can be found in vegetables that have been grown in organic soil.
If you want the unbiased FACTS read The China Study. It changed my life.
I have been vegetarian for a little over 2 years now. To be honest I think that everyone is different. Your body is going to handle you not eating meat differently than other people. You just have to watch what you eat and be smart about it. You can get all the protein you need from fruits and vegetables. Just read up on it.
And to the people who hate on vegetarians:
I became vegetarian because I dont like meat. Not for the animals or helath or anything so stop saying all vegetarians are stupid and blah blah blah. Im sick of people judging us for not eating meat. This is our decision not yours… we arent forcing you not to eat meat. so Back off!
I use to be a vegetarian , then went vegan a few years ago. I have never felt better, nor have had more energy. My skin is clearer, my eyes are no longer tired, and my health is perfect. I have no bad cholesterol in my body and my blood pressure is in the low normal range. It is a misconception that meat is a healthy source of protein. It only leads to disease and death, Not only for humans but for innocent animals. The consumption of dairy foods is addictive and unhealthy, casein has been linked to numerous cancers as well as Diabetes 2. My body is not a graveyard any longer. I sleep with a good conscience. Knowing I am doing my utmost to lessen my footprint on this planet. For your health, for the animals ,for the planet, GO VEGAN ! Make the switch today!
This is me the biggest bunch of uneducated bullshit I have ever read! I am a vegan and feel amazing. To the moron who said we are carnavors… We are not! That's why people are getting sick from eating too much meat! And to the person who wrote this… Of course your going to feel like shit if u are eating salad all day. I eat salad a few times a week! DO YOUR RESEARCH!
I have vegetarian for about 20 days.. People are telling me that it is very unhealthy and that I need to go to the hospital to get check out because I don't have protein and it can cause my organs to start shutting down so they are forces me to go to the doctor .. Can not eating meat cause those health problems??
If you do your research and look up what kind of foods you can substitute for meat, you should be fine. Eggs are a VERY good source of protein (the amount of protein in them is actually used as the standard to compare other sources of protein). If you’re vegan and don’t eat eggs, then you can just use whole grains, peanut butter, nuts, seeds, pretty much any vegetable and beans especially. It’s not hard to get all the nutrients you need as long as your diet is balanced. If anything, you should look out for your iron and B12 (which you can always take supplements for).
Tell me that 100 years ago. Where are your supplements now? There’s actually documents (with agreeing doctors) that supplements can encourage cancer, because it’s repairing both healthy and potentially cancerous cells. We are omnivores, FACT. Our teeth are designed for cutting flesh and plants. Animals eat and kill each other every day. Why don’t they just convert to fruits and berries? Oh….right, because they don’t have supplements, and their biology simply couldn’t let them. Many want to argue big meat industry, hormones, toxins, etc….but what about people that hunt free range meat? (elk, deer, rabbit, squirrel). Is it now better? Realize, you are displaying a self righteous attitude against the beginning of humans, only up until the late 20th century, where vegetarians think they’ve found the answer. News flash….you haven’t.
If you hate the taste of meat, fine. If you were raised vegetarian, and that’s what you know, fine. Being vegetarian is not natural though. It defies our biology, and it’s only recent with modern science and aids of supplements and pills, that people can now go around parading that they’re vegetarian, feeling trendy in some sub-culture. I don’t eat much fast food at all, I love salads and fresh vegetables. Hell, I’ve eaten at Vegan restaurants that are delicious. However, it’s not practical, nor cheap, and I certainly wouldn’t give up meat for it. I never want to be a supplement person.
Yes I’m ranting, but I’ve been around the hipster / organic / vegetarian / vegan society too long, and it’s seriously pissing me off with all the subtle pretentiousness. Their ignorance shows after every conversation, and I think people need to grow the hell up and decide things for themselves, rather than follow a trend. It’s sad and annoying.
I’m mainly speaking to the trenders. Live and let live, but don’t look down on me for your choice.
Hey Mr. Sauce,
Thanks for the comment. I see what you mean: awesome! As I mentioned in my articles (and in my usual writings), doing something on your own and forcing your views onto others are 2 different things. I made it a rule (or more like a mentality and common sense) to not force my views onto others simply because I prefer those views.
I even thought of getting my cat vegetarian stuff, since there are many cat companies making vegetarian food for cats. I then gave up that thought because it’s basically forcing my what I prefer onto someone else. I buy McDonald’s and stuff for my wife regularly and actually encourage her to get bigger burgers and stuff. Because when it comes to someone else’s food, I only think of nourishment and hunger, and not my views on meat.
Beware of anyone who looks down at someone else because of different views, unless the views are justified. Sure, almost all vegetarians think meat eaters are horrible murderers, though I realize this from time to time: plants are living organisms too which feel pain.
Congrats on the awesome comment! I like it. Some of it is anger, I can see, but your point is good.
Dear Bes, I am so sorry to hear you buy your wife McDonalds… does she have a large life insurance policy that you are the beneficiary of? Lol
lol Beth. She’s healthier than me, which is awesome! I’ve decided never to push others into doing things I want to do, so I actually encourage and recommend different kinds of burgers and stuff from time to time also.
Vegetarianism is my choice, so it’s limited to me even in my mind.
Definitely not! Most meat eaters actually ingest dangerous amounts of animal protein which most often leads to horrible cancers and other diseases. Humans just weren’t designed to ingest that amount of protein. You are definitely not unhealthy or malnourished as long as you eat a healthy amount of vegetables, nuts/ beans e.t.c.
What a load of poorly researched, unqualified nonsense.
I was vegetarian for 6 moths and I will pick it up and drop it again. I will say it was during my collage years. I was vegan for couple moths because I had some nasty allergies sinus headaches that wouldn't let me live. I was desperate and in pain 24/7. I live in Fairfield, IA a community where people love meditation and healthy life style and most of people are vegetarians so it was very easy to jump into it.
For me I drop it because I gain a lot of weight, I was hungry all the time and I will eat more bread pasta, cheese, etc. Actually I have a friend that was born vegetarian and she cannot lose weight no matter what she does. They told her that she need to eat more protein.
My vegan experience was mix my mind was sharp very alert. I like that. I didn't eat sugar, wheat, dairy, products, no eggs, no rice, no meat obviously, so basically I just eat vegetables and fruits. I drop it because I couldn't sleep my mind was always thinking and the worse my digestion got so mess up. My sinus/allergies headaches were gone, but I got colitis very painful and I lost 20lbs in a month. It went to Dr. and he said that it was clear that was the sudden change of diet and I needed to stop it.
Now I just try to have a balance diet not to much of type of food and I eat organic food. The only thing I drop is sugar.
Good luck with your vegetarian life style, some people make it work out, but people have to understand that is not a life style for everybody.
“I told her she needed to eat more protein.”
Wow…I was surprised that the protein myth is so prevalent…
It’s sad, really.
Ohhh, do you mean protein isn’t as good as vegetarians or meat eaters say it is?
Like has been said before, humans are OMNIVORES. If you don’t know what this means, here you go: It means we are supposed to eat BOTH. The reason people get sick from eating meat is because they eat TOO MUCH. The reason some people get sick from eating vegetables and fruit is because they’re eating TOO MUCH. You can’t tell people they will get sick from meat when ANYTHING CAN GET YOU SICK WHEN YOU EAT TOO MUCH. We have flat molars in the back for eating fruit and veggies. ALL of our front teeth are cutting teeth, not necessarily for tearing, but for cutting. And btw, our bodie shave evolved to not having sharper teeth. We used to, but then we got weapons. There is a Aston you have to use supplements. You are MEANT to eat both. You say we have been brainwashed to believe eating meat is right? You have been brainwashed to think it’s bad. And you say it’s unethical? We don’t HAVE to have slaughter animals. That’s just because a lot of us are too lazy to get meat ourselves. If we didn’t eat them, 3/4 of them would die anyway, by any number of reasons.
Vegetarian does NOT ALWAYS equal health.
If you lived on a diet of Dorito's and PB&Js, you are going to feel sluggish, tired, and weak.
Being a healthy vegetarian takes some planning at first but it truly becomes easier.
If you do some quality research, you will find that Americans consume FAR more protein than necessary. Protein comes from a variety of plant based sources. (beans, nuts, broccoli, cauliflower, lentils).
Allow your body proper time to adjust. Think of it as starting to exercise after a long break, you are sore, fatigued, and weary after the first few workouts. But it get's easier and you begin to see the results.
If you are fueling your body with food from the earth, you should feel more energized while still getting the nutrients you need.
If people are making fun of you because of your choices, don't preach to them or even explain to them why you became a vegetarian. Just say you're doing it for health reasons.If they are making fun of you for making a healthy lifestyle change, they are more than likely insecure about their eating habits or uneducated about what really is in our meat. Actually, the only time you may have an issue is when you go to someones home for a dinner party/holiday, etc. Ask if there is anything you can bring (like a side dish that is vegetarian) then be sure to have back up foor in your car/purse, etc. If I go to my inlaws, who are all carnivorous southerners, I make sure to bring things to snack on so I'm not tempted to eat chips and salsa or cheesy garlic bread all night.
Lastly, your choice is your choice, not any one elses. It is not your job to preach, teach, or convert anyone. Being a vegetarian is a choice, NOT a religion. No one likes to hear from a prideful, arrogant vegetarian. You don't have to push your ideas or judge anyone for what your doing. Don't even bring it up at dinner and see if your friends notice. I've found that typically people don't say a thing if you don't make a big deal about it.
I have been a vegetarian for several years and when reading this, I felt that you have given some people the wrong impression. When you are a vegetarian, you have to make up for the calories that you miss from eating meat, since it is really bulky. You are definitely going to feel weak if you are not maintaining a healthy diet and researching the proper nutrition you need. 21 days of being a vegetarian and not taking the measures to make sure the switch was not a shock to your body and having an improper diet isn’t enough to be credible to speak for vegetarians.
Anyone would be unhealthy if they:
Quit cold turkey instead of gradually quitting meat and didn’t do your research and change your diet properly to maintain health. Any sudden flip in your diet will make your body go into shock.
“Many vegetarians believe that vegetarianism is a religion, and that they have to convert everyone else to it.”
Can I see your source for the above quote?
Seeing this on the internet really made me feel sad because it is a seed of ignorance.
Briana, I became a full time vegetarian on May 9th – full chronicles about that and related things on my Hungry Being blog too.
It’s awesome! Do you have a blog or some online way to contact you so that I can ask more about vegetarianism if I have any questions [and I get questions daily now!]?
As for the “sources”, do you want the phone numbers and addresses of the people all around me, online and people I know, who are vegetarians, who tell me all the time that vegetarianism is humanity and everything else sucks and that everyone else is a murderer? lol. I don’t tell anyone now to become a vegetarian and I don’t preach it either like a religion; I became one for myself.
Seed of ignorance; I agree! I am sooooo glad now I became a vegetarian!
Most of these points I can back up because i have experienced them first hand, ahaha
Ive been vegetarian since November of last year and for the first few months i felt awesome! I also felt proud of my myself for saying no to meat and joining fellow vegetarians. But my new diet has caused alot of problems for me; I’m now lactose intolerant, i feel weak alot and i have numerous digestion issues. I cant remember the last time i wasn’t worried about my stomach hurting or feeling weird after a meal. Ive always been a health freak so i dont eat alot of junk food but i dont think im intaking enough calories to function, let alone the 3-4 times a week workouts I put in. For my health im actually considering slowly introducing meat back into my diet, as much as it kills me, but im scared if anything serious should happen to my health. I know im missing out on alot of nutrition in my diet but at the same time im scared to start eating meat again. Any thoughts or helpful tips?
Yikes yes: you need to find vegetarian food or meatless food with a lot of proteins, vitamins and anything else you may feel you’re missing. There is a substitute for everything and I think you are simply being exposed to foods which don’t have enough of the regular food requirements that you previously had.
What kinds of food do you eat atm?
yeah i think your right. i mean i have been eating tofu, beans, and soy milk but maybe not as much as i should. I think its just hard for me to intake more calories as a vegetarian since im scared about putting on that extra weight. i also take a b-12 supplement which has been helping alot. But its getting to the point where im just so done with being sick and my stomach issues that i see going back to eating chicken and turkey as my only option. I havent eaten beef or pork in 2 years so i know ill be fine not to go back to those foods. It doesnt help that i live with my parents so its hard for the to understand and help me out.
But currently my diet hasnt been very good since i havnt been hungry alot because of my digestion problems. I eat certain carbs such as rice, cereal and oatmeal; whole wheat only i really dont care for white carbs. Ill have a probiotic yogurt a day. And of course veggies and maybe a couple of fruits. But ive been trying to eat only cooked veggies cause anything raw has been hard for me to digest. I also have been taking beano which helped in the beginning but now i dont know if its doing anything anymore…. ahhh i hate this.
@Kyla it sounds like you might have a gluten intolerance. It would damage your intestinal lining, keeping you from absorbing critical nutrients. Do you feel worse after eating wheat? Gluten intolerance often causes lactose intolerance.
ABSOLUTE RUBBISH!!!
You have written a very thoughtful article! Good luck to you – you sound like a great human being. My husband is vegetarian and I am not, although I truly eat a lot less meat than ever before. My husband is like you – very thoughtful, would never think of imposing his lifestyle choice on others and even routinely makes hamburger helper for his meat-eating sons. The problem I have is that one of my stepsons does view vegetarianism as a religion and basically forced his fiancee to stop eating meat as a condition of their getting married. We won’t go there. Anyway, three vegetarians in the family drive the choice of restaurants regularly. This also applies to family weddings, etc. If stepson and daughter do not immediately see a “vegetarian friendly” entree listed they get all bent out of shape and it can be a deal-breaker for not attending the wedding, rather than just graciously assuming that arrangements will of course be made for their dietary requirements. My husband, on the other hand, feels that he can always figure out something he can eat and does not make a big deal out of it. How does this all affect my life? With kids around, I usually make 2 meals. This can sometimes be tricky since I work full-time. That is no big deal, though, and I use Chef Tal to help me out. I love to make things my husband likes and I will often join him in the vegetarian meal. However, I honestly feel socially isolated from my stepson and daughter in law. I know that it is more about other things than just the vegetarian situation where we have nothing in common but they always make me feel badly if I opt for a dish with meat if the four of us are out for dinner. They don’t say anything but it’s all over my stepson’s face, especially. He is the reason my husband is a vegetarian, by the way, and he also influences every purchase my husband makes. So anyway, thanks for listening. In the whole scheme of things, I love my husband very much and will always try to make good vegetarian things for him. Would I be happier if he ate eggs (yup, no eggs or mushrooms either), fish, and chicken? No question, it would be just a little more fun and less isolating – but it’s not my decision – it’s his and I respect that fully. You sound like a great guy and I wish you good luck. I should also mention that my husband just broke his shoulder and will probably never fully recover and I can’t help but think that if he hadn’t become a vegetarian 12 years ago, this never would have happened. Just make sure you take enough supplements. Sincerely,
Hippy Chic who will never give up a good Carnegie Deli Woody Allen sandwich.
I have no problem with people being vegetarian or vegan or anything else for that matter. It’s not for me, but that’s the beauty of choice. My only problem has come from almost every single friend/family member I have had that has gone vegan/vegetarian has always preached constantly. They refuse to let people enjoy their food, or their right to choose their own diet.
On my facebook page, DAILY I have between 3-6 people rant on and on about the “evils” of eating meat, calling them “cavemen”. I have yet to see ONE comment on my facebook, in 4 years of a meat eater doing the same. Not saying it doesnt happen, just my experience.
I always hear the saying from vegans/vegetarians, “because we are omnivores and can eat meat doesnt mean will SHOULD”, well I have always said, “just because we can live off of nothing but plants/nuts/berries/fruit, doesn’t mean we should.”
it’s the same thing, and a personal choice/freedom. I just wish people could respect each others decisions, and I wonder why people that dont see the irony in all these vegans and vegetarians usually being all about “nature” and “natural things”, yet without long range shipping/processed food’s and drugs(vitamins) alot would not be as healthy as they are.
You probably weren’t eating things you needed. You felt weak and sleepy because you weren’t du substituting certain food which protein and more vegetables for meat. Such foods with protein as dairy products, eggs, nuts, beans, tofu and many others. As a vegetarian it is very important to balance your diet well! And once you do you will live much much healthier a life style.
Also you can’t just move to a sudden absence in meat you have to ease off of it! Starting with not eating red meat and stop eating white meat later on except for fish and then stop fish. And the one point you had about affecting people around you, almost all restaurants now and days serve vegetarian options on their menu if not you can ask they probably will. Plus your friends won’t be affected by it! There your friends if they truly are the’ll support you and not care 100%!
Well I gave up meat overnight so I think it depends on the person… although I never at meat every day so maybe that’s why I didn’t have a strong reaction or withdrawal symptoms or anything.
I am also a vegetarian and I’ve been one for six years. I’m not sure if this happens to a lot of vegetarians but when people figure out that I’m a vegetarian (because I don’t normally just tell people) they ask why I am and bug me to eat meat. It just gets on my nerves because I obviousely don’t want to eat meat so I don’t know what to tell these people.
Watch the documentary, “Forks over Knives”! If you have netflix you can watch it right online. It creates a compelling argument and provides comprehensive data as to why you should eat “plant-based” foods.
I don’t think I’ll give up fish/sushi or maybe the occasional chicken (we’ll see how it goes) but my wife and I are both on board with this healthier lifestyle.
2 scientists in the movie i mentioned did a 25 year study on all this and the data is there to support the benefits of a plant-based diet. One of scientists concentrated on long term clinical trials the other on statistics (basically). Don’t know how you can ignore the hard evidence unless you just don’t care, which is fine – people are entitled to do what they want. Either way, please watch it and whether you like it or not you will be more educated.
Good luck to everyone who’s trying new things to better themselves AND to those who are doing nothing (you’ll need it the most;) .
You meat to say that it’s actually the meat eaters who are the ones who have attitude problems when it comes to someone elses diet?
Strange isn’t it that it’s usually them who accuse US of it.
Weird.
I get bored of the whole “oh, you’re veg*n? Why?” and then when you explain you get “STOP LECTURING ME!!!! YOU’RE SO ARROGANT!! STOP THINKING YOU CAN LOOK DOWN AT ME!”.
I also get bored with muppets with the whole “mmmm, meat,tasty bacon” crap as if that will change your mind.
Also the hypocrite meat eaters who will say “yeah, I respect your opinion” if you’re veg*n due to religous reasons, but as soon as it’s about “compassion”? Wow.
“I could never be vegetarian…..” – “hell, at least you accept your limitations……”
Just stumbled on this blog from a google search I did. I know vegetarianism isn’t for everyone but this is nonsense.
1. Before I went veg I did my research so when I made the switch I never once felt weak or sleepy because I was eating properly. So I reccommend people read a lot about it before making the switch.
2. If you are eating properly you won’t be malnourished. Unless your body absorbs nutrients differently, People with an iron deficiency especially shouldn’t go veg.
3. Yes it will change your routine a bit but every good restaurant has vegetarian options besides salads.
4. Going veg is a personal decision and I don’t like people giving me crap about it so I don’t bother my friends and family who do eat meat. I don’t mind people eating meat in front of me.
5. This one really annoys me. I don’t like vegetarians and vegans who insult meat eaters.
I liked this article even though it was written ages ago.
What crap. I’m a vegan and not weak. Faggots
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I’ve been a vegetarian for 5 years and recently had to start eating meat again because I got pregnant. It’s the weirdest thing ever, but since I can’t keep down fake meat, cheese, iron pills and all the other things in my diet that have protein I really had no other choice unless I wanted to starve my baby. It’s insane how much my system has changed in pregnancy, and although I’ve only been eating meat for 2 days (and not much of it) I feel so much better. I think it’s just a hormone thing though, and I plan to go back to being 100% vegetarian as soon as this baby is out. =) Even now I only get meat from Trader Joes that is hopefully as cruelty-free as possible.
I know what you mean about feeling weak though. Try to include more fruits in your diet and eat a lot of green leafy things. I know they don’t sound that great, but after a while you’ll start to love them. Also if you can find any fresh nuts (pecans, walnuts, ect) rather than store bought or canned they taste much better.
Hi,
While I applaud your decision to stop eating meat, I have to disagree with you on most of the points you made.
1. If you are obtaining sufficient nutrients from alternative sources: soy, dairy, dark green leafy veg, nuts, pulses etc, you should nor feel weak or sleepy.
2. As for 1. You just need to ensure you are getting sufficient calories, nutrients and bulk from other foods. There’s an awful lot of stuff to choose from!
3. In the whole time I have been vegetarian ( about 6 years) there has only ever been one restaurant I went to that did not have any meatless options on its menu, and I eat out quite a lot!
4. If not eating meat affects your relationships with people, you really must question what kind of friends they are. When you think about it, choosing or not choosing to put certain items into your body, whether its nicotine, alcohol or dead animals is everyone’s personal choice, and I would hope that your friends are mature enough to respect your decision.
5.As for 4 but in reverse. You can only hope to lead by example. Don’t let yourself get superior to those poor people who still think its OK to eat animals, just leave ‘em to it. Its a bit like being an ex-smoker, you just have to accept that they are not really thinking about what goes into their bodies, and where it comes from.
Hi! Hmmmm, I stopped eating meat 4 months ago. I feel great. I was sleepy the first week, but during that week I also stopped drinking caffeine. I’ve actually found that I enjoy cooking more, I’ve never really cared for meat so this was the right decision for myself. I DO NOT eat meat subbies. I try to stay away from as many processed foods as I can.
Now, my partner, he loves meat. That’s fine, doesn’t bother me *well it bothers me somewhat because I don’t like to touch it* but I still cook his food, even meat. However, both of our diets have changed somewhat. I do make vegetarian food that he loves and maybe 3 nights out of the week I cook him something with meat. He eats Hardee’s and McDonald’s etc. pretty much everyday *he’s very thin* so I don’t feel like I’m depriving him of something that he enjoys on the nights that I do not cook something with meat.
Cheese, is my only down fall. If there was no cheese, I would be vegan. Every now and then I just want it.
Anyway, my blood pressure is great, sugar is great, my skin is fab…. I just feel all over healthy now. Also, someone made the comment about problems eating out…. so far I’ve eaten everywhere we normally ate together without a problem. I always have the ability to order steamed veggies or a salad. If I’m worried I haven’t eaten enough protein I grab a handful of almonds which has about 4-5 grams to meet part of my needs.
I’m a happy food loving vegetarian.
Hi, im doing a school project on why vevetarianism is bad and this site helped alot. Thanks
You sir, are dumb. Dumb, dumb, dumb.
Egan, if your logic and observations in real life are as immaculate as your comment, I would love to write a book on you.
I had the complete opposite affect when I stopped eating meat about a year ago. I started it because I was against what the animals went through, and I was not comfortable eating meat after learning some things about the meat industry. What made me stick with it, was that I got healthier. I used to have very bad digestive problems, to the point where sometimes I would not like to go out because I was afraid if my stomach started hurting and there was no bathroom near by. Sorry if this grosses anyone out but just telling the truth. It severely impacted my life. I wouldn’t go to people’s houses because I was afraid I would get sick. I wouldn’t travel unless I took back up medicine. High school was horrible; we were only allowed two bathroom passes a month. It’s not like I was comfortable telling people what was really going on. I had learned to just live with, and how to work around it. About two weeks into being 100% meat free, I had realized I hadn’t had stomach problems anymore. I didn’t get too excited yet, I didn’t want to get my hopes up. It has been about a year now and I do not have digestive problems anymore. It has drastically improved my enjoyment of life now.
If anyone stops eating meat, and you feel weak, your not eating very good food, and probably were not before either. There are several other ways to get protein than eating meat, and a lot of people do not realize that they are extremely over eating meat. I do believe our bodies were meant to process meat, but not mass amounts society does now. People eat meat with almost every meal, and it is the main part of that meal. People could drastically improve things, and their health by just choosing organic meat, and eating less of it!
And about the restaurants, it is not difficult at all to eat out. The biggest problem is getting people to not disrespect you when you politely ask for something to be made without the meat. I do not even argue about the price difference; I just wanted it cooked without the meat! I have been at Subway before, ordered a veggie sandwich and the worker harassed me. He said that was not a real sandwich and needed meat, and he proceeded to put meat on my sandwich, all different types as I was practically begging him to leave it alone and stop putting meat on my sandwich. I have had people at restaurants try to hide the meat in my dishes.
The only places in the states people should have a hard time finding vegetarian foods are fast food places. You don’t want to eat at those places all the times anyway. But you will learn to get creative with food ideas. The most difficult thing is to relearn how to eat, and what meals to make when it’s not a meat, and potatoe, bread etc., with a side of a lil salad or veggies.
I’m going to have to disagree with almost everything you said. For number one: I have actually never had so much energy since I’ve stopped eating meat. Is it possible you aren’t eating the right kinds of food? Such as quinoa, lentils, Non-GMO soy products in addition to your “salads.” With number 2: I agree with the last part “your body may be used to eating meat.” you could be going through withdrawal type symptoms the same way your body goes through a period of adjustment when you stop drinking coffee or eating sugar all the time. This isn’t a bad thing…it is your bodies way of cleansing. Number 3: I haven’t had to stop going to any restaurant I love. I’ve just had to be creative at the restaurant and ask for certain modifications for dishes. Number 4: What kind of people do you hang out with? sheesh! Number 5: Holy crap! What vegetarians are you hanging out with that think like that?!
I have been turning vegitarian for sometime…and have noticed when I am around cooked meat now or cooking meat…I made my brother Beef Borscht and pirioshki today for Christmas eve….I couldn hardly stand the smell of the meat while cooking…smelled rancid, and I know it was fresh, just bought it last night. He and my father said it was fine…tasted and smelled great!
The same thing happened last time I had a steak…thought it was rancid and couldn’t eat it.
Turning vegitarian to me has down wonders for my health & digestion, not to mention trimming up my bod. I think the reason I can’t stand the smell now, is that it’s out of my system…just like a smoker who gives up ciggarettes. While it’s in your system or sorrounded by it..you don’t smell it. The same thing goes for dairy. It’s fermenting milk, meant for baby cows to drink from their mothers, not meant for human consumption.
Meat is rancid…it’s decaying flesh, even when fresh. I would say there are no downsides…other than dealing with those who are still in denial that meat and dairy and healthy foods for the body.
Not to insult your article, but I do have to point out several things.
1. 21 Days is not that long
2. It will only make you feel weak if you do not eat properly.. This isn’t a diet or lifestyle that you can just choose to try without properly researching what needs to be done as far as health goes. I have been a lacto-vegetarian (no eggs or meat) for over three years now and I have not taken any multi-vitamins. I have lost weight but I maintain a healthy weight, and I do not feel in any way “weak”. If you felt weak, you did not look into proper eating.
3. It can make you unhealthy? Meat can make you far more “unhealthy” than a solid plant based diet with proper nutrition being considered when eating meals.
4. Okay.. Sure it can affect your daily routine.. But making any change in life can affect your day to day habits.
5. I haven’t had any conflict because I chose to stop eating meat, maybe your friends are different and more judgmental.. Some of my friends joke around with me (they do continue to eat meat around me) when it comes to meat eating but they aren’t in any way being insulting.
6. Of course it makes you prejudice. As a vegetarian you are choosing a more ethical lifestyle than meat eaters. If you look at the way animals are raised on typical farms it’s cruel and shocking that people still actually purchase meat. But old habits are hard to break so people choose to keep eating meat.
All I’m trying to say is.. If you took this diet serious and didn’t just do it for 21 days to see how it felt I do think your article would have been much different.
Hey Jack,
Thanks for the comment. Not insulting at all. Good points – I’ve to revisit this again and post an update.
Regarding 6 : regarding old habits, does it cause any issues for you around your family or people you live with, OR caused a big change in the beginning?
Also, take a look at the top and bottom of my articles: regarding your “If you took this diet serious”, I’ve been a vegetarian for a while now, and I became a vegetarian to not kill animals, and not for a diet.
Did you become a vegetarian because of it being a diet for you, compared to eating meat?
I think that’s why he started every paragraph with “It can…” And also, fro someone who may have been eating meat all of their life, It would be hard. Even for 21 days.
~Abbi
Abbi, thanks for the reply.
Good observation about the “It can…”
Yep, it was very different trying to find replacements and feeling like I’m not eating anything good at all – as if I had nothing to eat and I was finding stuff as a replacement only.
Thank you so much. I am in 7th grade, and in English we are doing a persuasive essay on this topic. I had trouble finding paragraph starters, but not anymore! Thank you so much again.
~Abbi
Abbi, haha nice!
Congrats on writing such an awesome essay, and good luck! If you have time, share with us later on how your essay went and how it was graded.
Are you a vegetarian, btw? How did you choose this topic?
Thanks! We stil have a litle ways to go befrole publishing. But I will. Yes. I am a vegetarian. I chose this topic partially because I wanted to see if my diet can turn into a bad thing, also because it’s an interesing topic.
Sounds awesome!
Let me start off by saying you’ve been a vegetarian for three weeks. You straight up cut off the food group you base every meal off of. Of course your body is’nt going to sparkle and you will want to run around the Earth. Try it for a few months and see how you feel. But I guess your social life will be destroyed by then and you could never see the light of day or even bare to think of talking to an omnivore. I’m so sorry that you’re life is so inconvenienced due to you’re weak spot for a dead corpse. “There are so many reasons to not be vegetarian. For example, you cant go out to eat wherever you want.” Get the fuck over it bitch. You’re a selfish piece of shit and another weak link in humanity.
Lets grind up all the male babies cause they dont have periods. Fuck yeah! I dont care about anything but myself!
sbowles_13@yahoo.com from near Salt Lake City, UTAH,
wow. Chillax.
You didn’t read the entire article and missed all the points (like every point saying “can”), and also skipped most of the article (and missing the updates) just to write your angry comment, due to anger management issues, right?
Take a chill pill. See a therapist. Relaaaaaax.
Haha. I know right! Watch the language…
I think, you have made the best decision you could ever make in your life!!! Simply eat more egs, bead & milk products!!!
Well, I used to take Protein Shakes & they would be a good substitute for meat & etc., but I also started to think that we might had other foods to eat before, long time ago when humans came to the earth! it seems we were eating something else with more energy & health!
So, meat I think is not what we need & should eat-it is dead & not healthy at all & I feel myself more human when stop eating meat!
Good luck!
Thanks for the comment Sergey!
Do you still have the protein shakes now? Do you still try to substitute meat?
Vegans are also more likely to suffer from a vitamin B12 (cobalamine) deficiency since this is found in animal foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Lack of this important vitamin may cause neurological and gastrointestinal problems.
i am agree with your post!!!!!!!
Thanks for the comment.
I’ve been a vegetarian since then, though. Meat eaters also are more likely to suffer heart attacks, cholesterol and weight issues. It’s like the side effects are there in everything?
THIS SUCKS IT WAS NO HELP AT ALL
lol. What kind of help were you looking for?
Maybe Wanisha was looking for some major life guidance, Lol. For myself,(vegan) it was very interesting way to spend the evening reading all the different posts. Thank you very much! My husband, adult daughter, son in law, son, daughter in law are all vegans. All for different reasons. Hang tough Bes, we’ll win them over with quiet convictions!
Hey again Beth,
I hope Wanisha can share what she/he was looking for.
How’s the vegan world going for you? I’ve thought about Veganism a few times. What do you (Beth) usually eat? Do you research different things in advance to make sure it has no animal byproducts?
I have been vegan for 3 years and I have never been happier or healthier. Of, course, you can never force someone to change their eating habits and it is important to accept others and their choices and to be respectful. However, the impact that the animal industry has on the environment and, ultimately humans is devastating. Also, animals are treated in a way that can only be compared to a holocaust that the world turns a cheek to. If you look into it it’s really a sad thing. In a sense, avoiding animal products is something that many people do out of a general respect for the planet and other living creatures, it is so much deeper than something you do merely, “for yourself” although it is certainly a decision you have to make for yourself.
Also, the “is vegetarianism natural” argument is so boring from both sides. The fact of the matter is that a person can live a perfectly healthy life without animal products or health supplements, so who cares? Obviously, we can swing both ways from a biological perspective. Also, veganism does not have to be expensive. Dried grains, beans and veggies are cheap and filling compared to processed foods and meat products that the average person has access to. Veganism is not about perfection, agriculture is also a destructive force, but as it is there is way more ag than we actually need because we are feeding all of these poor animals with it.veganism is just a way of taking less and it is the most major contribution that a normal person can make, after all, we eat every day, it adds up! However, something like this will only realistically make a difference when lots of people do it and it’s great how many people are becoming more and more aware of how vegetarianism is ultimately better for everyone and everything. Everyone doesn’t have to go veg overnight either, it’s just nice to see people changing their lifestyles a bit and realizing that vegi food is an option. I’m happy to see that my non-vegi mom and her friends are kind of into it and it’s a bit of a buzz word for them.
It’s funny how many people really hate on vegetarians. I Imagine this comes mostly from people who don’t have a lot of personal experience with vegetarians or vegetarianism. I am always surprised by how vegetarians are portrayed In the movies and on tv-as spacy weirdo idiots-so no wonder a lot of people have a conditioned prejudice. And why is it seen as pretentious? I think this comes from people who have a difficulty owning what it really means to eat meat in the modern word and, instead of taking responsibility for the impact of such a thing, they turn it around on the people who don’t do it, in attempt to make them look like the crazy ones. But then again, usually when you attack someone else you are trying to deal with your own insecurities.
I have to say my friends and family have been really accepting and supportive of me all along and I think this is due to the fact that I have always remained non judgmental towards them and made a conscious effort to portray the positive sides do my lifestyle (i’m fit, ‘i’m happy, I’m energetic) as opposed to all of the negative things about a meat eating lifestyle that I “hate”. I find that this makes people feel open to and inspired by veganism, as opposed to threatened it.
Hmm, as many have said before me, let’s not just eat salads, of course you will be a weak little skinny bean! But it’s ok, there’ a learning curve. You have to be brave to be vegi because you need to go against a lot of the conventions that you grew up with and learn new ones. It can take some time to get it right but once you do you will feel great on every level.
Wow, thanks for sharing Kitty!
Vegan for 3 years = nice! When you say happier or healthier, do you actually mean happiest in life because of your food and healthier (actual body and mindset) because of food again?
I agree 100%: it’s a holocaust what is happening to animals, though we only start caring when it’s happening publicly and on a wider scale to humans.
Regarding Vegan food being cheap, how does it taste? Like literally: is it very good and delicious? It may sound like a dumb question, but I’m always thinking of how I can add more and more flavor to what I’m eating in a non-meat food plan.
I think one of the reasons people hate on vegetarians, and vice versa, is because almost everyone wants everyone else to agree with them. People think the concept of agreeing and disagreeing is a healthy concept, and they spend their entire life arguing. Trying to make others act and live the life that they themselves are living is what their goals becomes. Basically, a fanatic who wants others to agree with them and act more like how they want.
I like salads a bit more now, though I still avoid them like I used to before! lol.
Thanks again for the comment! I really look forward to you answering the above please (if you can) so that I can learn more (specially the happier and healthier parts so I can get a realistic example and idea in my head).
I feel ridiculously weak and tired and I get frequent headaches eveyr day for the past 3 days. I’ve only been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for a month and I had to eat a meat sandwhich today because i have a test tomorrow which I have been too tired to study for. I 4 cups of spinach 2 hours ago and felt great for about 20 minutes my energy was back and my headache went away. Then an hour later I was back to square one. I live up in the northern Canada and we are all very used to constant meat. So my body is pretty set in its ways I guess.
Oh yeah, I felt fine for the first 2 weeks, the 3rd week I just craved meat and chocolate and cheese a lot and the 4th week I have been tired and weak and unable to do a whole lot.
It took me 2 yrs and 7 months to realize vegeteriNism got to me. 1 st yr i consumed fish eggs, and cheese 2 nd yr i consumed egss and cheese. At the end of the 2nd yr i stopped consuming eggs and about the time i stopped consuming eggs i stsrted feeling tired probably due to lack of B complex vitamins and vit. B 12. So right now i sleep a lot and have trouble concentrating so i began takimg B complex vitamins (B 1,2,4,6), vit b 12, seaseed,
It took me 2 yrs and 7 months to realize vegeteriNism got to me. 1 st yr i consumed fish eggs, and cheese 2 nd yr i consumed egss and cheese. At the end of the 2nd yr i stopped consuming eggs and about the time i stopped consuming eggs i stsrted feeling tired probably due to lack of B complex vitamins and vit. B 12. So right now i sleep a lot and have trouble concentrating so i began takimg B complex vitamins (B 1,2,4,6), vit b 12, seaseed pills, hempseed, flaxseed. Have more energy but itstrue gonnaa take a while to get back to normal im sure.
I’ve been a vegetarian for 4 years, and I’ve got to say, most of these simply aren’t true.
Sure you’ll feel weak the first week or so, but your body is just adjusting. That would happen in any situation, and you will feel better if you just wait it out. Also, if you still feel weak, vitamin supplements are a much more humane way to get things like protein.
I don’t think I’ve become a self-riotous prick, I know that what you eat is your own decision, and I have only explain why I have become a veggie to others, not tried to convince them.
Also, about eating 1 steak vs. eating 3 salads, eating a combo meal with say a salad filled with veggies, beans/rice on the side, and whatever else you like you can still get the veggies you need while being full.
Lastly, about being prejudice about people who eat meat, I still love my family. No one else in my family are vegetarians, and I respect that. As long as they don’t try to convince me, I won’t bother them. I also don’t mind people eating meat around me, as I ate meat in the past and although I miss it, have a strong resolve and don’t over think it (which is what I think would make me squeamish). I don’t see why people become squeamish about something they might have grown up with (unless maybe you were a veggie from birth/raised that way), but again, thats just me.
I honestly think being a veggie is your own decision, but I also think that most of the deterrents that people have (ie. “I can’t live without meat) can be taken care of (fake meat products are surprisingly real (Sunburst makes really good ones, so does Dr. Preggers but those aren’t as meaty tasting) or you simply forget what meat tastes like and no longer miss it)
All in all, I love being a veggie and don’t have most of the problems that others have, although I do think that these are legitimate concerns
I’m new to the vegetarian world. Everyone’s first reaction to me saying I am a vegetarian, well I could tell they thought it was wierd, but most everyone has been supportive. My mom even made me vegetarian vegetable soup today and cornbread with no eggs. I only eat only eggs I get from a friend that has a whole flock of chickens that she takes VERY good care of and raises them only for organic eggs. So, I feel fine about eating those eggs because those chickens are not harmed in any way and have a good life. I really like cheese but do not want to support typical dairy production. I’ve been looking for cow friendly cheese, but it’s not easy to find. Anyone have any suggestions?
This is the worst article I have ever read on transitioning into a vegetarian. It sounds like you cut meat out of your diet for attention from your peers. ‘Look at me, look at me! I can think for myself’. Being a vegetarian, I have never once encountered any of these problems. Just like you should understand what you are putting into your body with a ‘regular western diet’, you should know and understand how to eat a proper, plant based diet.
And point number five just makes me think that you’re nothing more than a pompous prick. Demoralizing others because they don’t view things the same way you do? Ridiculous.
Are you kidding me? Being a vegetarian is one of the easiest choices ever,so simple so easy. I have been a vegetarian since sixth grade and I am now a senior about to graduate, it is the easiest thing in my life. You said you have to forgo many restaurants you once went to- not true. You substitute almost any main factor which would have meat in with cheese, i.e instead of a burger you eat a grilled cheese, instead of a taco you eat cheese enchiladas, ect, ect. I can’t name one restaurant I had to stop going to because I am a vegetarian, every place has an item which has no meat, even steak houses have huge side and appetizer choices which are vegetarian.
You are a wimp. Being a vegetarian is so easy- a nine year old girl can do it for ten years and you can’t? Being a vegan is hard. That’s hard. Being vegetarian is easy, it just takes a minute factor of self discipline, by the way everyone saying we need meat not true, maybe as children it would be healthier to eat lean meats such as chicken and fish yes, but adults have no biological need for meat after we enter the first years of puberty our bodies don’t have the same growing needs as they once did.
Don’t take supplements, just balance your diet.
I have a lot of respect that you are now vegetarian but why would you post something which discourages people from becoming one? It is all about supply and demand, the mass meat market- they only produce how much is being demanded, if a majority of people stopped eating meat these animals would stop being killed in such grotesque ways because they would stop being bred in violent spurs as they are.
We are all animals, remember that.
Really nice information !!!
okay so now that your a vegitarian its a good thing ive been one ever since i was little but when i started my freshman year of high school ive started eating meat so in my case being a vegitarian isnt the best case senario because it makes you very weak and your routines are vrey different because you di=ont feel strong enough
It is hard for someone who is non-veg at start and become vegetarian later.Especially this is hard in western countries.In India particular group called brahmins do not eat any meat,fish or eggs for life time.They are very healthy and doing well.It does not mean vegetarianism is unhealthy.There are variety of foods that could give same nutrient like protein soya ,lentils,beans and diary products.
It is hard to give up something you are used too.There are not much options in western world and not much encouraged.In contrast India has largest number of vegetarianism because there are lot options and encouraged by religious factor that vegetarianism is sinless and spiritual.
you can be again non-veg because it is a harder option where you live.
great reply kavi. im from sri lanka but living in Europe. i totally agree with your comments.
Being a flexitarian is the best of both worlds.
The only thing I noticed from reducing (not eliminating animal protein 100%) is money saved. Health changes so far? Invisible.
This is really old, but I want to make a comment anyway. I have been a vegetarian for just a little more than a week, but I feel great. I have been ‘waiting’ for that weak, tired feeling everyone claims that new vegetarians get in the beginning. I feel just as good now as I did while eating meat, but less heavy and my stomach feels better. I think that only people who are not eating the right foods will feel this way. That, or maybe vegetarianism is not for everyone, just like meat isn’t for everyone. I do not believe that there is a one size fits all way to eat, similar to how there is no one-size fits all skin care solution, or hair product line. That leads me to say that I could care less about what other people put into their bodies. I have two little kids and a husband, so their eating habits are the only ones I care about outside of myself. I guess I hold this view because I simply stopped eating meat because I don’t really care for it. I have always liked vegetables, carbs and fruit since I was 6 months old and have always been finicky about meat. And again, I don’t feel weak, I take a multivitamin, which is what I was doing even when I ate meat.
Thanks for sharing, Patrice!
What made you change? How are you feeling so far?
I still feel great! I’m glad I decided to give up meat. I still eat eggs and dairy, but that is all I eat from animals. I plan to do this for a long time, if not forever. One day at a time, though!
I laugh whenever I hear about people who are afraid to go vegan or vegetarian because they feel they may lack protein. Some people just need to use their common sense. Where do people think animals get their protein from? Plants! All animals get their protein from plants and if they can’t, they eat other animals that eat plants. Plants is natural protein source! When you get animals, you are eating second-hand sources of protein. Not only is not natural but it is destructive to our way of life. How is that so? Well, have you ever considered how much water and grain it takes to grow cattle? Think of how is wasted to produce beef and how many people that beef feeds? The return on the investment is minimal. Plants take a little water and feed a ton of people! As a species, we have evolved to get by. We have not evolved to be wasteful. Eating meat is evolved. Bottom line is, if we think of food as nutrition (calcium, iron, vitamins, minerals, etc), which is what it is, you eat the raw natural source of nutrition which is fresh fruits and vegetables. If you look at food as a luxury, and wasteful, which it is clearly not, you can convince yourself to eat meat and diary products! Plus, consider this… all mammals including humans develop the most during infancy when they rely 100% on mother’s milk. Only 7% of the nutrition in mother’s milk is protein. If protein was so important, why would this be so? It isn’t. Fact is, people blow the important of protein needed out or proportion. A lot of that has to do with society and media which has spent a great deal of people teaching us, from a young age, that we can only get protein from meat and we need a ton of protein, milk does a body good, etc. We have lot to learn as a society.
Being a vegetarian is not natural. Mostly because the human body needs meat to receive vitamin B12. Therefore, many vegetarians have to take vitamin supplements for this because our bodies can’t make B12 out of thin air.
My biologist teacher told me this. Don’t defy nature. You can’t make a lion into a vegetarian.
One does not need much B12 (I believe it is around 2.5 to 3 mcg). For people who eat eggs, cheese, cereal with B12 and especially nutritional yeast, it really is not a problem. And so what if people take supplements? So do people who consume meat (they take calcium, vitamin D, multivitamins, too). I just had a blood panel done, and I was not deficient in one single vitamin, and I am a vegetarian. I take a plain old multivitamin just like I did when I ate meat, and that’s it. I love how some people like to make it seem like those who eat meat do not lack vitamins and nutrients when in fact, it is still quite common since so many people fill their diets with junk like chips and candy. You can be an unhealthy vegetarian/vegan, but lets not forget that many unhealthy people are meat eaters, too.
I have to insist on everyone who is thinking about becoming a vegetarian, pescaitarian, or vegan, to watch two documentaries: Food Matters & Forks Over Knives.
It will totally make your decision to not eat meat and/or dairy.
Eating green will make u weak at first because your body is going through a shock. Our bodies are programmed to eat light but more often.
I eat every couple of hours and I have more energy now, at 36, than I had in my 20s because of a poor diet.
If u care enough about yourself, u care about what u put into your body.
Not eating meat, for me, isn’t the purpose of not wanting to see animals brought to harm, my reason was totally health related.(documentary explains).
Good luck to everyone changing their life for the better; though a lot of people will try to discourage you, keep the faith that u are doing the right thing for u and ur body:)
I am totally satisfied with you. If you are taking vegetarian then it doesn’t mean that you would remain fit and healthy.
I have been vegetarian for almost 2 months now. I dont feel like my family is very supportive of my decision. At first , I got diarhea for about 2 weeks in . Then I was okay. I heard that the diarrhea means that your body is detoxing. I dont think my body ever got the chance to finish its detox because I continued to eat alot of fried food like , well fries. Did I mess up my chance to be a healthy vegetarian or can I detox and be healthy? Also I never experienced the tired feeling and I dont judge others for eating meat because I ate meat at one point. And its that persons body and has nothing to do with me.
I know this thread is old but I couldn’t help but comment about all of these self-righteous people talk about how ‘being vegan’ saves animals from needless slaughter. Why do you think a flock of seagulls are always following a combine while it is tilling the fields for your precious ‘vegan’ foods? Figure it out? It is a SLAUGHTERHOUSE back there! Hundreds of poor defenseless animals ripped from their beds, probably with babies curled up beside them, and ground up all for the sake of people who believe they are helping animals by forcing acres and acres of wilderness in farmland so they can glut themselves on ‘cruelty free’ food! What a joke! One steer is able to feed a family of 4 for about a year. One death equals food for 4 for a year. How many wasted animals are slaughtered horribly (if you think it isn’t cruel take a peek behind a combine during tilling if you don’t believe me) so you can have your veggies, grains and all the products made with them. So unless you hand till and pick fields your ‘cruelty free’ lifestyle causes more harm and pain than mine. Then again you will probably say that your type of killing is a ‘necessary evil’ but mine is just evil, because you have you make yourself feel better somehow, right?
The amount of produce that can be produced per year on one acre of land far exceeds the 250 pounds of meat one acre will yield. Get your info right. I’m not Vegan to be better then anyone. I don’t spread knowledge to make you feel bad. I want to not get sick from jamming animal proteins into my body that aren’t meant to be there. I also want to STOP destroying animal habitats so we can put a bunch of livestock on the land. You are so far past incorrect in your statement it’s crazy. You can’t listen to main stream media who are owned by major food producers. They want money, not for you to be healthy.
Change your diet, increase YOUR quality of life, and save the planet.
We are reverting back to some red meat. We quit red meat (pork and beef) for four months now, eating only chicken and fish plus vegetables, grains, fruits, and rice, but me and my wife have been feeling rather weak every day. I can’t even concentrate on my work, neither could she . I am also naturally thin with a hyperactive body that I have simply grown even thinner. My wife is also breastfeeding so I think she needs more protein for our baby.
No, we are not your middle class, can-have-all family. On a tight budget, we just have to maximize what we have for our daily needs. Being hungry all the time is costly enough.
I think we are omnivores, plain and simple. Moderation is just the key and eating more naturally grown meat and vegetables should make the promotion of good health easier.
Congrats on writing such an awesome essay, and good luck! If you have time, share with us later on how your essay went and how it was graded.I appreciate your effort for this information shared across.
I gave up eating all meat, fish and poultry a month ago. I was never a huge meat eater and always struggled with preparing it, so it was a pretty easy decision for me to come to. It was actually after I learned about “The Cove” and the dolphin slaughters that was my final push to become a vegetarian. I began researching other animals that I use to eat (cows, chickens, etc) and the ways they are treated and killed in the end. As an animal lover, I am extremely sensitive and it just broke my heart to see how these animals are treated. I just felt that I could no longer be a part of it. I will say, my first few weeks of going vegetarian I felt hungry all of the time. It was crazy! However, once I got some tips from a couple of vegetarians and started adding a lot more beans, nuts and lentils to my diet I no longer have that issue. In fact, the thing I have noticed the most is how much energy I have now. I never feel that heavy, weighted down feeling after eating and I realized earlier this week that I have not had caffeine in a week and have not been tired. I’m loving this! I already feel healthier then I ever have in my life, so I know this was a good choice for me. I still eat milk, cheese and eggs, however I may eventually move away from them as well. The change I made in purchasing those products is I now look for products that are organic and come from free range animals. I buy my eggs at Costco and they have organic, free range, and certified humane stamp on them. I do not judge those who choose to continue to eat meat. We all have to make that decision for ourselves and decide what is right for us. Who am I to say what is right for someone else? To those of you who are meat eaters, I would only ask that you do some research and educate yourself about where your food comes from and try to buy from farms that treat their animals well.
5 reasons reading books is worse for you than watching Jersey Shore:
1. Neck and eye strain looking at those little letters
2. Sense that you’re better than everyone else because you’re smarter
3. Danger of paper cuts becoming infected causing hand amputation
4. Ignorance of pop culture making you appear behind the times
5. Trees were cut down for the paper so now you have less oxygen
Do you get my point? I can list 5 reasons going to heaven is bad for you too.
Hello…you mention feeling ill or weak. You may not be eating enough. You should have 1 pound of raw veggies (I suggest spinach, romaine, green leaf, red leaf, kale, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, avocado, broccoli, etc) 1 pound of cooked veggies but try to not include potatoes so much because they are very heavy with not many nutrients, 1 cup of beans, and 4 half cup servings of fruit per day. You should also have a handful of raw nuts or seeds per day. I have been doing this for about 2 or 3 weeks now and I was only hungry with a burning stomach for like 2 days. I never felt weak. You may not be getting enough iron rich foods & since stopping meat that can be a big one.
And to all of you claiming the omnivore thing…the only reason we started eating meat is because certain times of the year there was no harvest so we needed to get our nutrients to sustain us til the next harvest season. We aren’t omnivores that need meat at every single meal 365 days a year. We don’t have the harvest problem anymore because we have transported vegetables and things that are not in season where we live that are in season somewhere else.
I couldn’t go vegetarian if I wanted to. I have an incredibly fast metabolism and would starve without meat in my diet.
It’s humorous to me that the people who are angriest about point number 5 go on to call the original poster (OP) names, and attack what they perceive as his/her choice. If I understand what I read, the OP was not writing this to talk anyone out of becoming vegetarian (and, in fact, became one), but to discuss what has been his/her personal experience. Those of you who called the posting “lies” “total crap” “#$@)*” are saying that because it may not have happened to you just like this, that it can’t be true. Such arrogance and self-righteousness is all too often found in the Vegan (and sometime vegetarian, but less so) communities that ALL Vegans end up getting painted with that brush.
Those of you who attacked the OP for his point of view do absolutely nothing but PROVE point number 5.