I won't eat meat
Albert Einstein once said, “Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.” But don’t do it because Einstein says so, there are countless reasons to cut the meat! From the unsustainable environmental impacts of meat production, to the mass meat industry’s mistreatment of livestock or the great health benefits of a vegetarian or vegan diet. Studies indicate that plant-based diets are better for the environment and a vegan diet has the smallest environmental impact.
How to eat vegetarian
Eating vegetarian has never been easier! With so many options available, you can make vegetarian versions of all your favorite dishes. A vegetarian diet focuses primarily on plant-based foods, and is typically lower in fat and higher in fibre, since the emphasis is on non-meat food sources. Cook your favorite recipes, but instead of meat, use substitutes like tofu, soy or seitan (wheat gluten). If you love to eat spaghetti with meat sauce, substitute the ground-beef with ground up soy and just cook it the way you normally would. One myth about eating a vegetarian diet is that you don't get enough protein, but protein can be incorporated into your diet through legumes, soy, nuts or dairy products.
How to eat vegan
A vegan is vegetarian but also does not eat animal by-products such as cheese, dairy, and eggs. Vegans may be strong advocates of animal rights or just may be passionate about healthy eating. To try a vegan diet, read your labels carefully because a lot of meat products are snuck into prepared foods you might not think of. Animal by-products include gelatin, glycerin (unless specified that it’s from plant sources), cochineal, casein, whey, etc. Don’t let this discourage you though, it’s far easier than it seems. Stay in the fresh produce section and the bulk staples section, where one can stock up on things such as fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, oats, rice, beans, flour, seeds and various grains.
