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Five years ago we never thought that we would become vegetarians. I had some health problems that might be helped if I stopped eating red meat (because of the fat), so as the main cook I discussed with my family giving up red meat (beef and pork) for the summer months. I started reading websites on the internet and some books on vegetarianism. We were just going to do this for awhile. A few months later I became more informed on how unhealthy eating all kinds of meat could be so we gave up chicken as well. In the spring, we cut out fish and have only had it a few times when eating away from home when there was not much choice. We were now Vegetarians!
I don't dislike the taste of meat. It was purely a health decision. The high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol in animal foods are a good deterrent to eating meat. Vegetables have little fat and no cholesterol. The leading causes of death in North America, heart disease and cancer, are both directly related to what we eat. "Vegetarians have the best diet; they have the lowest rates of coronary heart disease of any group in the country." (William Castelli, Director, Framingham Health Study, The Food Revolution, John Robbins, 2001, p.19) "…Vegetarians suffer 59 percent less cancer of all kinds, and 97 percent less colon cancer." (Becoming Vegetarian, Vesanto Melina et al, 1994, p. 22)
The high amount of pesticides, bacteria, hormones and antibiotics found in animal foods is quite astounding. Microbes found in unsafe meat cause disturbing symptoms and often death. Salmonella, Listeria, E.coli, Campylobacter and BSE (causes Mad Cow Disease) are on the rise. "…From 1989 through 1996, a total of 32 million pounds of contaminated meats were recalled." (The Food Revolution, John Robbins, 2001, p.135)
Eventually the thought of eating other living creatures was not very appetizing. Many animals are raised and slaughtered in very inhumane ways. Cramped cages, debeaking, separating young calves from their mothers, butchering animals while they're still alive, castration, and light deprivation are some examples of the treatment that livestock receive. "Virtually every chicken…sold …is the outcome of a life that knew only deprivation and pain." (May All Be Fed, John Robbins, 1992, p. 102) People in third world countries are starving while western countries have excess. "…if Americans reduced their meat consumption by 10 percent, enough grain would be saved to feed sixty million people."(May All Be Fed, John Robbins, 1992, p. 35)
The devastation to the environment (tropical rainforests, ozone depletion) and the waste of resources (water, fertile land) are linked to raising livestock. For example; it takes 50 times more fossil fuels to produce a meat-based diet than a plant-based diet ("Ten Reasons to Become a Vegetarian", The New York Times, June 20, 1989). "Water required to produce 1 pound of U.S. beef: 2500 gallons. Water required to produce 1 pound of potatoes: 24 gallons." (The Food Revolution, John Robbins, 2001, p.236)
The above examples are just the tip of the iceberg of the pain and suffering animals, humans and our world endure because of our consumption of animals. If you want more information, refer to the books and websites I have mentioned. Earthsave, a non-profit organization founded by John Robbins, has a lot of well researched information taken from his books as well.
It has not always been easy to be a vegetarian, especially around family and friends who I'm sure thought we were being strange or difficult at times. My teenage daughter got a bit of teasing, but there were several vegetarians in her class and among her friends. She would have become a vegetarian on her own anyway. Teenaged vegetarians are a fast growing group as many young people try to voice their concern for the environment.
The main objection that people give about cutting out meat is the lack of protein. There is sufficient protein in a vegetarian diet. Most North Americans eat too much protein rather than too little. "… Americans and other members of industrial societies ingest(ing) twice as much protein as they need." (Worldwatch Institute, July, 1991) Along with the protein in soy, lentils and other legumes (beans) you also get fibre, vitamins and minerals with none of the saturated fat and cholesterol of meat. If you have a balanced diet with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes or other meat alternatives you will have plenty of protein.
Eating at restaurants can sometimes cause problems but we are getting better and most restaurants have vegetarian entrees as well. Even Burger King has Veggie Burgers now. We definitely are eating healthier now and feeling better. My husband and three children have not complained that they are missing anything. We still have pizza, burgers, hotdogs and spaghetti and meatballs; only now they are made from soy products. If you like the taste of meat there are soy burgers, soy ground beef, soy hot dogs, soy ham, soy bacon and soy pepperoni, to name a few. There are prepared meals like vegetarian lasagne, pizza and chilli, as well. If you look in your supermarket's produce or frozen sections you may find many vegetarian delights. It can be quite an adventure!
I suggest, as do many vegetarian websites and books, to go slowly in the transition away from meat. You need to get good information about why you should reduce or eliminate animal foods and then find some good recipes. I used many books but the most useful were May All Be Fed by John Robbins (also A Diet for a New America and The Food Revolution) and Becoming Vegetarian by Vesanto Melina et al. The first book gives you all the arguments and facts about why not eating animals is healthier for humans and the environment. The second book gives facts and step by step ideas on how to do it, as well as recipes. These books and others are often available at your local library.
Some good websites are Vegetarian Resource Group, Vegetarian Times, Vegsource and Vegetarian Pages.
These often have lots of links to related sites as well as good information
and recipes. Some sites that are aimed at youth are: The
Vegetarian Youth Network
Teen
Vegetarian.
I hope you will give vegetarianism a try and have a veggie burger at your next summer barbeque!
~ Allison