Ask Erin: Should You Be a Vegetarian?

article by Erin Love

I remember the exact moment that I decided to begin my transition into a vegetarian lifestyle and willingly recall it, when I am asked why I don’t eat meat. As an animal-lover, I never associated the meat on my plate with the animal that had to die to put it there. Although I won’t recount the whole story here, let’s suffice it to say that one interaction with a cow immediately changed my heart and mind.

On that day seventeen years ago, I stopped eating red meat. And, after only four years of no red meat, I quit all meat. My only exception is eating a little seafood. My mantra is “If it has a heartbeat and bleeds red blood,” I don’t eat it. So, I eat crawfish, shrimp, crab, etc. In the beginning, I did have a few cravings (pepperoni and Sonic coneys), but all I had to do was remember what I was eating, and the cravings passed. Plus, I found some AWESOME dupes for both pepperoni and hot dogs! All in all, though, I have never doubted nor regretted by decision to go vegetarian. I feel healthier, stronger and at peace with myself.

Enough about me, though! Let’s see if becoming a vegetarian could be the right decision for you! Along with animal welfare, there are more reasons you may be considering it. Let’s delve into them a bit!

Animal Welfare – On average you could be saving 100 to 500 animals a year by not consuming meat. Although life at the slaughterhouse and in factory farms SHOULD be talked about, I am extremely sensitive to the subject and don’t want to subject myself to rehashing what I already know, so I will not be delving into that here. If you want to learn more, I urge you to watch the documentaries “Fork Over Knives” and/or “Food, Inc.” for more information.

Health – Many studies show a direct association between plant-based diets and low mortality rates. Most of the differences are shown in the reduction of heart disease and cancer in vegetarian patients. Think about it…there is zero cholesterol in anything plant-based!

Environmental – In addition to saving one animal life a day, vegetarians are estimated to save 20 pounds of CO2 emissions, 30 square feet of forest, 40 pounds of grain, and 1,100 gallons of water. In my opinion, we may be saving the planet!!

Financial – A pound of beans costs approximately $1.75, whereas, a pound of beef costs approximately $3.75. Enough said.

Is your interest peaked? Or are you bit skeptical still? If you are skeptical, I bet I know one of the questions you have – “But, where will I get my protein from?” Let me help!
Do you still have reservations or questions? Here are a few that might be on your mind and my answers to each:

1. “Where will I eat?” In my experience, most restaurants will accommodate a vegetarian. I often order just side items at a steakhouse or ask to cut the meat in an entrée. I may get odd looks, but they never have a problem with leaving the meat off!

2. “Will others treat me differently?” I have never been ostracized (at least not that I know of), because I don’t eat meat. Most often people are curious as to why I chose this lifestyle.

3. “Will I lose weight?” That is a definite possibility – IF YOU EAT CORRECTLY! You will not lose weight if you are eating only bread, pasta and candy, for instance.

4. “How will I cook for my family?” Let me let you in on a little secret –Neither my husband nor my children, are vegetarian! In fact, my husband is FAR from it. My kids were vegetarian while in my belly, but once they became interested in what Daddy was eating, I let them try it and make their own decision about what they want to eat. As they get older, I will explain to them the reasons I don’t eat meat, and they can make their own choice then, too. With that said, I don’t cook meat, except on a few occasions. If my husband wants meat, he cooks it, out of respect for me and my choices. I really don’t like to cook, and therefore, I search out recipes that are quick and easy! Needless to say, Pinterest has become my best friend!

The above questions are some that I often get when others find out that I am vegetarian. If you happen to have any other questions, please feel free to email them to me! I am happy to help you make the transition into vegetarianism or simply address your curiosity – erinlove@panachebyerin.com

Furthermore, I would love to hear from anyone else who is already vegetarian! Let’s exchange tips and recipes!