Go Veggie With Style | Teen Ink

Go Veggie With Style MAG

By MelodyBee BRONZE, Tarrytown, New York
MelodyBee BRONZE, Tarrytown, New York
2 articles 0 photos 0 comments

Favorite Quote:
"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."
-Walt Disney


I am a vegetarian. Many people are quick to stereotype vegetarianism as bizarre behavior, appropriate for those on another planet. I treasure our Earth, and since we only have one, we should protect it and the wildlife that populates it. But that’s only one reason to be a vegetarian.

Vegetarians may live longer, healthier lives. There is a ­correlation between red meat consumption and diseases ­including osteoporosis, kidney stones, gall stones, ­diabetes, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, gum disease, and even acne. From an economic standpoint, it requires less land, money, and energy to produce foods for a vegetarian diet. While there are many benefits to being a vegetarian, only a handful of those who attempt to adopt this lifestyle succeed.

The most important quality is dedication. We are surrounded by meat. It would be easy to forgo vegetarianism at any moment and devour a steak. This is why vegetarians must be staunch and zealous.

Creativity is almost as important as commitment. It’s easy to tire of eating nothing but ­salad. But with a little creativity and some soy products, almost any meal can become vege­tarian-friendly. Many ethnic cuisines also offer abundant flavorful options. Studying these cultures is an excellent way to generate new ideas. Another is to go to a restaurant that specializes in vegetarian food. This can spark a plethora of creative ideas.

Since creativity is a necessary attribute, it is no coincidence that many vegetarians work in creative fields. Many brilliant individuals were vegetarians, including Socrates, Leonardo da Vinci, and Albert Einstein. Some current famous vegetarians are Madonna, Paul McCartney, ­Natalie Portman, Pink, and Milo Ventimiglia.

Not everyone wants to be a vegetarian. Accepting this is part of being a vegetarian with style. Forcing your beliefs on others, by subjecting them to long lectures on the nutritional benefits of not eating meat or shoving PETA fliers in their faces, is disrespectful. Stylish vegetarians should also be able to gracefully decline a meaty dish without offending their hosts. Another differentiating quality between the stylish and the un-stylish vegetarian is the ability to stick with it. The latter group can typically be overheard saying things like “I’m a vegetarian – I just eat chicken,” or “I haven’t eaten meat in ten days. I’m a vegetarian.”

Being educated is also important. Do your ­research about different types of vegetarians, and learn as much nutritional information as possible. Your goal as a stylish vegetarian is to be healthy, not trendy. Don’t become a vegetarian solely ­because a celebrity says it’s cool. People who do rarely stick with it for long.

Being a successful vegetarian has been easy for me – I’ve been one since I was born. My family is vegetarian, so no meat is available in my house. However, constantly being surrounded by others who eat meat, and sometimes those who are not accepting of vegetarianism, can be a challenge. To be successful, I’ve relied on personal traits like flexibility, since I’m often in situations where the food choices aren’t ideal.

A common mistake is quitting before your body has adjusted to the transition. It can be difficult to stay committed in the beginning because of temptation. How­ever, this fades over time.

Another common mistake is quitting because you’ve been misinformed about the ­nutritional wisdom of being a vegetarian. That’s why it is vital to be educated. Countless people will tell you that it’s impossible to obtain the nutrients and protein your body requires without meat, but they are incorrect. People actually need only 44 to 55 grams of protein a day, and that is easily found in a vegetarian diet. Many meat eaters are consuming triple that amount, which is not beneficial; on the contrary, it has been linked with Alz­heimer’s disease. Vegetables can also supply all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your body needs. However, if you’re still not convinced, you can take a multivitamin.

A society in which people have the constitutional right to live freely is well suited for vegetarians. If you need further convincing, read Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser. In a style comparable to Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle, Schlosser passionately exposes the dangers of eating meat. For great recipes, How to Cook Everything Vegetarian by Mark Bittman has got you covered.

Vegetarianism is an important cause that more people should support. PETA estimates that every vegetarian saves over a hundred animals a year. Not only is being a vegetarian healthy, but it also has a positive impact on the world.



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This article has 160 comments.


on Aug. 21 2011 at 12:07 pm
JusticeLiberty BRONZE, Portland, Oregon
1 article 0 photos 15 comments

Favorite Quote:
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music."
Aldous Huxley

I am vegetarian too! I think it's a healthy PERSONAL choice! But I agree with Emmyluwho who says that animals were put here for a reason and people should still eat meat occassionally.

on Aug. 12 2011 at 9:12 pm
Emmyluwho BRONZE, Mckinney, Texas
3 articles 0 photos 19 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx

I understand your views, and I have no problem with vegetarians, but I don't think the whole world should go veggie. Personally,  I believe animals were put here for a purpose. They have been hunted and eaten for centuries, as I think they were intended to be. I'm not here to offend anybody! If you disagree, thats fine....

on Jun. 17 2011 at 10:16 pm
DreamyNightmare SILVER, Lincoln Park, Michigan
7 articles 14 photos 7 comments
Really great article. I have also considered going vegetarian, but my addiction to meat consumption is to strong. Though I don't believe everyone should be a vegetarian, I do agree there should be vegetarians. If everyone were one, animals would over populate and all the leafy greens and foods they eat would be shared us. So there should be an equal balance. I love vegetarians, they're amazing and I love the effort they put into it :)

on Jun. 15 2011 at 1:25 pm
that sounds like i want to do that too and i was thinking about it too. i hope you are going to to that.

on May. 15 2011 at 12:23 am
Oh my gosh me too! There is just every reason to be vegan, especially now with climate change being such an urgent issue. But more and more people are adopting the healthy compassionate plant based diet so hopefully we'll save our beautiful planet!

on May. 10 2011 at 1:16 pm
Ashley_Tucker, Granger, Indiana
0 articles 0 photos 66 comments

Favorite Quote:
Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real? ~ Albus Dumbledore

Great article! I've been lightly considering going vegetarian for a while and I think I will give it a try!

on May. 9 2011 at 11:53 am
Ahbreejerae SILVER, Eagle Creek, Oregon
8 articles 0 photos 8 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Beneath the makeup and behind the smile I am just a girl who wishes for the world."
-Marilyn Monroe

Vegetarian for 5 years and going strong <3

on Apr. 7 2011 at 4:15 pm
Contemplator SILVER, Lake Park, Minnesota
5 articles 0 photos 67 comments

Favorite Quote:
There is a rainbow in your mouth! Open it up and show the world.
This is just like ice cream without the cream.
I'm as stiff as a dried out twig in the middle of winter.
Who lit the forest fire; the match, or the man holding the match?

Real nice article, though I dont think it would change the world. Other than that, I agree with you.

on Mar. 29 2011 at 2:48 pm
more power to being vegetarian, I myself am not but only because I have alot of issues with having low protein and iron. living off of peanut butter can only get yourself so far. I refuse to eat prepackaged meat and i try to stay away from it for as much as my health can allow. i live out in the country and my family has a garden and goes hunting rather than going to the local store where the food comes who knows where. I liked the article, good job.

on Mar. 14 2011 at 3:01 pm
JenniferValentine, Stanhope, New Jersey
0 articles 0 photos 1 comment
I am a vegetarian.  It bothers me how meat packing factories treat the animals.  This article definately shed some light on the subject of meat versus vegetarian.

Jules said...
on Mar. 2 2011 at 7:39 am
I'm vegan too! I was actually wondering if th e author was vegan or vegeterian because there is a difference between the two. Way to go you guys I'm so excited!

Klokwark said...
on Feb. 18 2011 at 5:01 am
Klokwark, Douglasville, Georgia
0 articles 0 photos 1 comment
Mmmmm... Big FAT steak. :D

gaby23 SILVER said...
on Jan. 22 2011 at 4:49 pm
gaby23 SILVER, Larkspur, California
7 articles 0 photos 15 comments

Favorite Quote:
"You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore."
~Christopher Columbus

people always look at me as if i'm sick and like....why on earth are you depriving yourself.

Also go to youtube and watch meet your meat. I cried my eyes out and I am so happy I chose not to partake in this cruel society that kills animals in


on Jan. 22 2011 at 2:30 pm
Danielle_ BRONZE, Dublin, Other
3 articles 0 photos 6 comments

Favorite Quote:
"I’m selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I’m out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best." - Marilyn Monroe

I agree with you 100%. Im the only vegetarian in my family. Ever. The rest of my family are practically carnivores. I think the conditions that the animals have to live in are disgraceful. In my opinion, eating meat, fish and poultry should be banned or at the very least, greatly reduced. Animals should be living , not eaten. 

on Jan. 21 2011 at 7:34 am
DiamondStar GOLD, Ottawa, Other
10 articles 0 photos 11 comments
Yay, a fellow vegan! That's great. Nobody else in my class understands veganism. I wish they would do a bit of research and learn about vegans, at the very least.

gaby23 SILVER said...
on Jan. 20 2011 at 9:33 pm
gaby23 SILVER, Larkspur, California
7 articles 0 photos 15 comments

Favorite Quote:
"You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore."
~Christopher Columbus

I'm vegan too and quite frankly it feels amazing

and isn't hard at all

I am all for saving our planet, we should be careful, if things continue we are all going to die in 2012


on Jan. 19 2011 at 4:44 pm
DiamondStar GOLD, Ottawa, Other
10 articles 0 photos 11 comments
I am a vegan. Does that sound totally alien? Well, it's not. It's one of the best choices I've made in my life! Anyway, good article, by the way!

on Jan. 15 2011 at 11:43 pm
The.King SILVER, Golden, Colorado
9 articles 1 photo 69 comments

Favorite Quote:
"A story's beginning is a sudden event. The start, a happy accident; the end, the fate for which it's meant. A story that never ends is a sad fate."-Miss Edel

Today, when I took a look at a chicken cooking in my oven, I considered for the tiniest, most brief fraction of a second to go vegetation. Then I thought "but it tastes so darn good!" And laughed at myself for even considering the notion

on Jan. 15 2011 at 7:39 pm
BungalowBillPhotography, Juno, Alaska
0 articles 0 photos 144 comments

Favorite Quote:
egad

Very Very well written article. Although it didn't give much information about the effects on the world, but more on yourself. And since the effects on the world was in the last sentence you should either have a more pronounced conclusion, or elaborate on the effects on the world. Such as being vegitarian would cut down on pollution from transportation of meat etc. But very well written, good job

on Jan. 13 2011 at 9:36 pm

Hey Munch-Just a heads up-

Vegetarians don't just eat vegetables-that makes no sense. Just because we don't eat meat doesn't mean we don't have a food pyramid too. The only vitamin that we miss by not eating meat that is important is B12, which is easily synthesized. We don't live on vitamins-we live on food.