It’s been over two years since I first decided to become a vegetarian — a choice that didn’t come without hesitation.
I cut meat out of my diet completely. I said goodbye to the juicy hamburgers, the crispy bacon and, most importantly, the smothered burritos from Cafe Rio I longed for nearly every day.
Although the decision to become a vegetarian wasn’t an easy one, it was one I learned so much from and will never regret.
At first, the initiative to cut meat out of my diet was based off of the idea that by becoming a vegetarian, I wouldn’t willingly be placing animals in harm’s way as a means of human consumption.
I knew there had to be another way to sustain the protein in my body, while still enjoying the things I ate and minimizing harm to animals.
The first few months were the hardest. But, following that, my cravings for meat dwindled and now, the thought of consuming meat doesn’t cross my mind. I’ve learned to adapt my diet and find healthy alternatives to meat.
I quit cold turkey and have had zero slip ups. I’ve never felt healthier in my life.
Vegetarianism, according to the Boston University School of Public Health, can have a number of benefits on a person’s health, including a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, among other benefits.
Becoming a vegetarian has not only helped my health, but my meat-free habits have also benefited the environment, leaving a positive impact on climate change.
Livestock, such as cows and pigs, which humans utilize for meat production, account for a large portion of the greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere due to land conversion and biodiversity loss, according to BBC.
Research conducted by a research fellow at the Oxford Martin School’s Future of Food Programme suggests if everyone became a vegetarian by 2050, food-related emissions would drop about 60 percent. Additionally, if the world went vegan, emissions would decline around 70 percent, according to BBC.
By avoiding meat altogether, I am left with the hope that I am making a mark on environment by helping combat climate change, even if it’s only a small amount.
However, becoming a vegetarian does not come without risk. Lack of nutrients such as protein, iron, b-vitamins, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids are all prominent in strictly vegetarian diets, according to Harvard Health Publishing from Harvard Medical School.
It is critical to have a plan. Know what meals to cook to maintain healthy levels of each of these essential nutrients. This is where substitutions come in handy.
Nearly every popular meat product can be replaced with a plant-based alternative. Whether it be chicken nuggets, ground beef or wings, all taste almost exactly the same without leaving the lasting impact on the environment or an animal’s well-being.
Personally, I did not have a plan, which led to decreased muscle mass overall and unhealthy habits. However, I combatted this early on by creating one specific to my needs.
Becoming a vegetarian has been one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences I have ever embarked on. Through helping the environment and positive health habits, the benefits are nearly endless.
Savannah Cardon can be reached at [email protected]