People become vegetarian for ethical, environmental, economical reasons, healthy food choices & tasty vegetarian recipes

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The average North American diet is high in animal fats, trans fats, toxic chemicals, and empty calories such as white flour and sugar. Other research shows that a vegetarian diet has far less of these elements and is much higher in nutritional value. One of the best reasons to become vegetarian is that a vegetarian diet provides healthy food choices.

Research shows that the primary cause of many health concerns and diseases is poor eating habits. Vegetarians don’t want to fill their bodies with toxic chemicals and hormones that animals are fed. This is a strong issue for people who want to live long in healthy, pain-free bodies. That’s why a vegetarian diet usually starts with a healthy eating plan.

Many people have been told by their doctors that they must cut out all fats or they’ll get sick and die. Or they’re already sick. That’s strong motivation for switching to a plant-based diet of heart healthy foods.

Health concerns aren’t the only reasons why people become vegetarian:

1) Ethical Many become vegetarian or vegan because they’re horrified by the inhumane conditions in which most animals are raised and they refuse to support the meat and dairy industries. They don’t want animals to suffer and die so that they can eat, especially when it isn’t necessary for good health. The meat packing industry is also notorious for having dangerous and/or unhealthy working conditions.

2) Environmental People also become vegetarian because they object to the environmental damage from animal agriculture. CAFOs (confined animal feeding operations) are polluting streams and ground water with their waste products. Methane gas from cows is heating up the planet. The rain forest is disappearing so more people can eat hamburgers.

3) Economic A vegetarian diet can be far less expensive than a diet that includes meat. Many people these days find that meat is too expensive for their budget. They can save money on food, and eat better, by making vegetarian meals at least part of the time. When you compare the cost of a meal based on rice or pasta + veggies and beans to one based on meat, it’s obvious that you get a lot more nutrition for your $$ with a vegetarian meal.

4) Taste Here’s the big reason why people go vegetarian for life: Some of the tastiest food is vegetarian. Non-vegetarians or new vegetarians are often delightfully surprised by the wide variety of delicious meals you can have on a vegetarian diet. Or by how easy it is to convert your favorite recipes to vegetarian.

Savvy Vegetarian has been inventing tasty vegetarian recipes ^[2] for over 40 years. A few of our family favorites are Vegetarian Chili ^[3], Cashew Veggie Fried Rice ^[4], Tofu Burgers ^[5], and Quinoa Black Bean Salad ^[6].

Medical Disclaimer: Any changes that you make to your diet, and the results of those changes, are your decision and responsibility. I do not claim to be a health care professional, dietitian, or nutritionist. Savvy Vegetarian does not treat, or recommend treatment, for any illness or health condition - Judith Kingsbury, Savvy Vegetarian

Tell us why you have become vegetarian. Just leave a comment below – we’d love to hear from you!

Judith Kingsbury, Savvy Vegetarian

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