Why I Became A Vegetarian And Stuck With It | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

I Became A Vegetarian, And Yes, I Stuck With It

It's been seven years and I'm not going back any time soon.

104
c1.staticflickr.com
Photo by Fancycrave on Unsplash

I originally became a vegetarian in seventh grade for a Lenten challenge and I have stuck with it for the past seven years. Initially, I did not think that I would continue to not eat meat after Lent ended, but here I am, about to be a sophomore in college and still going strong. I was never a huge meat-eater, to begin with, but it was definitely a part of my diet. I cut all meat out of my life cold turkey, and besides bacon (R.I.P.), I never felt a desire to eat any of it again. A lot of people go vegetarian for multiple reasons: personal health, the environment, and animal rights activists. Personally, I was just never a big fan to begin with, so that's really why I decided to commit to it, but the environmental and animal-related benefits are what made me stick with it.

I think one of the obstacles to becoming a vegetarian, or at least trying it out, is family and friends who have a negative perception of vegetarianism. In my experience, some family and friends were automatically turned off from the idea because they thought that I was trying to convert them to some hippie agenda. However, they came around to the idea once they realized that I was not the stereotypical annoying and pushy vegetarian who proclaims their vow to vegetables during every meal.

Being a vegetarian is also easier to stick with when there are so many substitutes and easy swaps for meals that traditionally contain meat. I have tried walnut tacos, cauliflower wings, chickpea tuna and more simple options like veggie burgers and swapping beans for fillers in tacos and chili. Also, most restaurants tend to have plenty of vegetarian options, otherwise I am the queen of combining side dishes into a full meal. Being a vegetarian is easier and more accessible than ever before, so there's really no reason to not at least give it a try.

The environmental benefits of not eating meat is the main reason I feel passionate about everyone at least making an effort to cut back on their meat consumption. The meat industry contributes to deforestation, pollution of water, greenhouse gases and the list goes on and on. Not to mention the brutal ill-treatment of animals and even workers. I know that a vegetarian lifestyle may not be compatible with everyone's health needs or their lifestyle, however, I would strongly encourage giving it a chance and trying to incorporate aspects of vegetarianism into your diet.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

5 Things To Do That Are Better Than Writing A Paper

Don't waste your time trying to write that paper when there are so many more interesting things you could be doing.

5889
computer keyboard
Unsplash

Writing a paper is never fun and is rarely rewarding. The writer's block, the page requirement, be specific, but don’t summarize, make sure you fixed any grammatical errors, did you even use spellcheck? and analyze, analyze, analyze.

Papers can be a major pain. They take up so much time and effort that by the end of the process you hate yourself and you hate the professor for making life so difficult. Questions of your existence start roaming in your mind. Am I even cut out for college if I can’t write a single paper? Am I even capable of taking care of myself if I lack the energy to open my laptop and start typing?

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Reasons Why Sisters Are The Best

Who could be a better friend than your own sister?

3588
sisters
Taylor Hooper

I can barely remember back when I was the only child. Most would say it’s because it is extremely difficult to remember things as a toddler but I would say it's because I was bored until my sister came along. My mother always says how important the "sister bond" is and with every year that passes I realize how right she is. Instead of writing a novel about all of the wonderful things there are about having a sister I decided to list a few of them instead.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

How To Adult

You're gonna make it after all.

4581
how to adult
Twitter

It is the time of our lives that we are beginning to enter the adult world and most of us, if not all of us, have no idea what we are doing. It's like starting a video game, but skipping the tutorial. We're all just running around aimlessly hoping we accidentally do something right that moves us along the right path. Now that graduation has just happened, or is right around the corner for some of us, it's time to start thinking about how we are going to take care of ourselves once we are on our own.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

7 Signs You're A Starbucks Addict

I'll be the first one to admit I'm addicted to Starbucks.

2643
drinking coffee
Tumblr

If you’re anything like me, you love a good cup of coffee. My coffee always comes from Starbucks; I refuse to drink it from anywhere else. Over the years, it’s become one of my biggest addictions. So, if you are aware that you’re a Starbucks addict as well, or maybe you need to check to see if you’re an addict, here are seven ways to tell.

Keep Reading...Show less
people  in library
Photo by redcharlie on Unsplash

College involves a whirlwind of emotions, whether it’s from the stress of an assignment (or twenty), or from fighting with your roommate. It can be overwhelming at times and it’s important to take a step a back and calmly think things over. Maybe gain some perspective. The following aren’t foolproof tips and may not apply to you, but I was able to find success with them (hope you do too!)

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments