I have slowly been trying to improve my health for the past few years. First I cut pop, then I completely stopped eating fast food. I made an effort to exercise more. In January, I quit eating meat.
I was inspired by a couple documentaries which led me to do some research. Soon I realized that meat and the western diet that promotes it is just plain bad for you. For a long time, I accepted this, but I still ate it anyway because it's easy and it tastes good.
But not eating meat is easy, too. Most restaurants have at least one non-salad veggie option and there are plenty of meat substitutes (that don't taste like tofu) at the store. Even Taco Bell has veggie options and most places can take the meat out of a recipe for you.
It's easy especially for me because my boyfriend and I decided to start together. We cook at home more often and take turns trying new recipes for each other. It's insane how many other foods you ignore because you're too busy eating chicken all the time. I spend less money and end up eating less processed freezer food as well. And I promise, whipping up a meal doesn't take as long as you think.
It's also delicious. There are so many more veggie variations than there are widely available meat options. I haven't gotten bored yet with anything I've eaten. And no, it's not all salad. Actually, I've only eaten one legitimate salad since I switched. I've been eating stir fry, black bean burgers, pasta and tempeh.
Besides for convenience and taste, my body likes it. I always heard that vegetarians look pale, are constantly catching a cold, or look sickly thin. I was actually afraid when beginning that I would lose weight, which I naturally have a hard time keeping on. But my weight is the same 128-138 ish pounds that I've been for two years (I gained weight after quitting fast food, surprisingly). I feel great.
I didn't get pale, I don't get sick. I sleep great at night and I feel awake in the morning. It actually takes me fewer hours to feel like I got sufficient rest. I'm generally happier throughout the week. My favorite benefit is that no matter how much I eat, I never get that disgustingly bloated, greasy, full feeling.
It's easy to get your dose of protein without meat or vitamins. Doing a quick Google search will tell you which veggies, grains, nuts or other foods will provide the most.
However, there are some surprising and weird side effects I discovered. When I first started, I got my period a week early. This NEVER happens because I'm on a birth control pill which regulates my cycle to be on time all the time. It started again on its normal day. Hormones in meat change your body in ways you may not realize, so taking them out make your body have to re-regulate.
Also, I'm suddenly a complete lightweight when it comes to drinking alcohol. Seriously, I could out-drink any person I met before. I admit I've been drinking less anyway, but it feels so much worse now. I can feel drunk from a couple beers or like four shots instead of drinking a pint to myself on a normal night out. Even my hangovers are worse and last longer.
But besides for this, I would recommend the switch to anyone. While veganism is arguably healthier, more ethical, and better on the environment, vegetarianism is more accessible for those without a nearby grocery store, extra funds or a more limited schedule. Plus it's always easier to take baby steps.
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