Tammy's Ten: Reasons to Be a Vegetarian

Adopting a vegetarian diet is beneficial for yourself and others. Choosing to become a vegetarian gets easier every day. There is now a multitude of meatless products available at the grocery store. For reasons to consider this lifestyle change see Tammy's Ten below.

1. Health- Health is the number one reason people eliminate meat from their diet. A vegetarian lifestyle reduces your risk of many degenerative diseases. Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity and hypertension are some examples. Be proactive about your health and eliminate meat today!

2. Animal Welfare- Millions of animals die on route to be slaughtered by inadequate food and water. Many are kept in confinement, isolation and brutalized by their handlers. The slaughter of livestock is primitive in nature and often a painful death. Becoming a vegetarian is a protest against this appalling treatment of animals!

3. Environment- A large amount of fossil fuels are consumed transporting animals and feed. Livestock raising contributes greatly to desertification and deforestation. Livestock also produces methane that contributes to global warming. The fresh water required for one month of a meat eating diet could supply a meatless diet for an entire year!

4. World Hunger- Millions of people die from starvation and related diseases each year. Livestock consumes 2/3 of the grain exported from North America. Farmers grow beef and feed because it generates the greatest profit. This beef in turn is sold to only consumers that can afford it!

5. Cost- Meat is an expensive purchase that many families can ill afford. The economy is bordering close to recession and the cost of food is high. If you are looking to improve your finances, a vegetarian diet can help. Be thrifty and save your family money. Every penny counts!

6. Unique meals- If you are bored with steak and potatoes, try a vegetarian meal. There is variety of products and dishes you can purchase from the store. If you have trouble getting started search online to get ideas. Vegetarian meals can be unique with a variety of flavors!

7. Knowledge- Learn about the food you eat and how it is prepared. Read labels on your jars and cans to see what is inside. Having knowledge gives you power and can help you make decisions. Ask questions about the food you eat. Get informed today!

8. Self-Worth- Standing up for your beliefs can give you a sense of pride. Don't hide your views from society; show others who you are. Showing independence can help to build your self-esteem. Become a vegetarian and start feeling good today!

9. Risk of Infections- The risk of contracting a bacterial infection is lower for vegetarians. Meat eaters are more likely to contract E. coli and Salmonella. Mad cow disease is also avoided by becoming vegetarian. Switching to a meat free diet helps avoid unnecessary worries!

10. Weight Maintenance- Adopting a vegetarian diet is an easy way to maintain your weight. Eating less meat can reduce the calories and fat you are consuming. Most weight loss regimens advise you to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. For anyone following a vegetarian diet, this task if very simple!

Becoming a vegetarian makes you part of a community. There are websites, cookbooks and magazines devoted to this lifestyle. It can make you feel good about who you are and the choices you have made. Don't live your life behind a blindfold. Become a vegetarian today!

Reference: Some facts were obtained by the book Becoming Vegetarian-The Complete Guide to Adopting a Healthy Vegetarian Diet- Written by Vesanto Melina, R.D., Brenda Davis, R.D. and Victoria Harrison, R.D.