Have you ever thought about becoming a vegetarian? I know what you might be thinking; “It would be way too hard to give up meat!” It does not have to be.

Chances are, you may already know someone that is a vegetarian or vegan. Statistics from 2013 showed that 7.3 million Americans consider themselves vegetarian. A vegan is anyone who does not consume meat, dairy, fish, eggs or honey. Also, this person does not wear or use anything that is made out of or tested on animals. Vegetarians tend to be less strict and only abstain from consuming meat and fish. The percentage of meat consumed by America overall is declining. This is the perfect time to switch to a plant-based diet. It is better for your health and for the environment.

Factory farming uses cruel and dangerous practices. Animals are often kept in extremely small cages, deprived of exercise and force-fed hormones to make them grow to unnaturally large sizes. According to the Humane Society, over 3,000,000 chickens and 13,000 cows were slaughtered last year in the United States alone. Each chicken has very little to no personal space at all, and they may become very aggressive, or their legs may break from being too heavy. These chickens might even resort to cannibalism, which has lead to de-beaking of these animals to stop their behavior. Cattle which are raised for slaughter are confined and not able to enjoy any of life’s perks, including fresh grass and clean water. Millions of animals are bred every single year just to be murdered and served along your favorite side dish. But what if there was another option? Good news -- there is!

When most people think of meat substitutes, they think “ew, tofu.” Tofu may be thought of as a squishy block that tastes like nothing, but that is far from the truth! Tofu can be transformed into many different dishes and flavors. Since tofu on its own doesn’t have much of a flavor, it is perfect for marinating and can take on the deliciousness of your favorite dish. It can be made into a crispy, savory dish, or a creamy and sweet dessert.

My personal favorite “meat substitute” has to be black bean burgers. They are much better tasting than meat, and can be prepared in the same way, with all of your favorite toppings. They are full of protein and packed with nutrients. Aside from burgers and tofu, many companies (like MorningStar) make all different types of plant-based “meat” meals. They make vegetarian bacon, which I think tastes extremely similar to real bacon. They have tofurkey and even chicken nuggets. Nuts, beans, seeds and lentils are also a good source of protein. Greens are packed with antioxidants and healthy fiber. For those who like chicken, seitan is a great option.

Many people believe that humans eat meat because "it is what they have always done and that’s the way it should be. Animals were put here for us to eat.” That could not be further from the truth. Why is it okay for some animals to die just to serve us a meal, but it is not alright for other species? People are trained to believe that it is humane and right to consume cows and pigs but are taught that it would never be okay to eat a dog or a cat. All of these animals are similar: they have feelings.

It is a common misconception that not consuming meat is unhealthy. In fact, it is the exact opposite! Meats tend to have a lot of saturated fat and cholesterol, which can be linked to causing heart disease by clogging your arteries. Plant-based foods have no cholesterol! They have lots of unsaturated fats, soluble fiber and phytochemicals, which help fight the cholesterol. Going vegan or vegetarian can also have a positive impact on your weight. On average, people who stay away from meat and dairy products have almost 20 percent lower body mass indexes than people who consume them. Eating fresh fruits and veggies can help you lose weight and you’ll feel great too!