#veggiesftw

[jaquandor]

Dinner last night: a kick-ass salad! #yum #salad #veggiesFTW https://www.instagram.com/p/CCJqkNBAooT/?igshid=nh3aw6wshoqw

[stellarspeedy18]

What’s your favorite kind of green? #eatgreen #veggies #cleaneating #veggiesftw #plantbased #plantlife #plantnutrition #keepitsimple https://www.instagram.com/p/BrdgbDNBG2_/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=k0or66n37ty9

[omnomcritique]

#winning #impromptustirfry #doyouevenvegan #anythingyoucaneaticaneatvegan #veggiesFTW!!

[bethegreenyouwanttoseeinthe-blog]

why I want to be a vegetarian.

After taking a class that required me to read The Omnivore's Dilemma, it really got me thinking about how my ethical beliefs and my everyday actions should coincide, not contradict. I learned more about the inhumane practices inside CAFOs. I learned how animals are jacked-up with antibiotics because otherwise they could not survive the conditions; these antibiotics are then going into our bodies when we eat animals. I learned about how bolts are shot through the skulls of cows and pigs. I learned how the law does not protect these animals from cruelty. I can barely stand to think about such things; I teared up watching footage in documentaries (like Vegucated--very good, I recommend it!).

I also describe myself as an environmental advocate, so my reasons for contemplating vegetarianism also relates to the environmental impacts of mass production of animals, such as large water consumption, methane exhaustion, and excessive fossil fuel use in the transport. So much of my reason behind wanting to cease my consumption of meat is mostly rooted in not wanting to be part of the system that abuses animals and is harming the environment, and humans in the longrun.

Due to all of this thinking, I decided to do some research as well.  This was partially spurred from the comment my mom made upon my telling her I was choosing a meat-less diet – “make sure you get enough protein then.”  On sites such as nomeatathlete.com, I learned that people do not need as much protein as they actually eat.  Eating meat makes getting the nine amino acids that the body cannot produce, easy.  But there are many plant based protein sources that can provide the same amino acids, as long as they are varied in your diet.  I don’t like eating the same thing every day anyway, so I don’t see a problem in eating seitan one day, and quinoa and veggies the next.  I also find it more exciting to have to prepare a meal with some spices to liven up the flavor, but not cover it with calories.  I admit, it will take more preparation, but I like to cook, so this will just be a cooking adventure!  The protein you receive from plant-based protein sources is also better for you.  It is higher in nutritional value: quality over quantity.  So there is a major part of my new-found vegetarianism that relates to being healthier.  I don’t believe that I NEED meat to survive.  That’s why I am making this choice.