COLUMN: The benefits of being a vegetarian
Yes, I eat rabbit food. I do so proudly.
As a vegetarian, I get asked one simple question a lot. No, it isn’t “Do you eat animal crackers?”
The question is, “Why?”
I can’t speak on behalf of all vegetarians but, for me, it’s a mental thing.
The thought of eating an animal that used to have a heartbeat creeps me out a little.
I’m not too fond of the chewy texture between my teeth, or the feel of raw dripping steak. (I worked in a raw meat buffet at bd’s Mongolian Grill for two summers — the stuff grosses me out.)
For me, the process of becoming a vegetarian was simple. One day I just realized that I hadn’t eaten meat in weeks.
The transition wasn’t hard. Pasta had slowly replaced chicken tenders and vegetable lasagna replaced cheeseburgers.
After realizing meat had phased its way out of my diet, I started making some additional changes to my meals. I started adding tofu to my spaghetti and I replaced bacon bits with chopped pecans.
I started buying meatless products and began ordering salads and veggie wraps at restaurants.
For me, the transition was completely painless and barely even noticeable. I have to say, I like my vegetarian diet.
According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, vegetarian diets that tend to be naturally low in saturated fat, high in fiber and full of cancer-protective phytochemicals help to prevent cancer.
Vegetarian diets also offer benefits preventing heart disease, lowering blood pressure and reducing one’s chance of forming kidney stones and gallstones.
I’m not saying a vegetarian diet is for everyone, and I don’t think everyone should be a vegetarian.
The diet of a carnivore is also a healthy choice, as long as the meat-eater is controlling proportions and saturated fats — the same rules everyone who eats food has to follow.
I am saying that for me, it’s a personal choice. I won’t be offended if you eat a steak in front of me... unless you’re shoving the steak in my face.
And the answer is yes, I do eat animal crackers. Preferably with frosting and sprinkles.
