Benefits of Going Vegetarian/Vegan

My New Year's Resolution this year was to stop eating meat. Unlike all the previous years, this is a Resolution I'll be sticking to, hopefully for the rest of my life. I've noticed a lot more people are becoming interested in going vegetarian/vegan now that we have the Internet and are exposed to the way animals are treated and have learned the negative effects of the meat industry on the environment. I've compiled a list of the benefits of going vegetarian or vegan in hopes that I can persuade someone else to do the same!

1. Better mood

2. Low Blood Pressure

3. Lower risk of Cancer

4. Less likely to become overweight

5. Lower risk of diabetes

Not to mention the fact you'll be saving the lives of animals and the environment as well!

People become vegetarian or vegan for all sorts of reasons. There are also many different variations and types of vegetarians:

Vegans (total vegetarians): Do not eat meat, poultry, fish, or any products derived from animals, including eggs, dairy products, and gelatin.

Lacto-ovo vegetarians: Do not eat meat, poultry, or fish, but do eat eggs and dairy products.

Lacto vegetarians: Eat no meat, poultry, fish, or eggs, but do consume dairy products.

Ovo vegetarians: Eat no meat, poultry, fish, or dairy products, but do eat eggs.

Partial vegetarians: Avoid meat but may eat fish (pesco-vegetarian, pescatarian) or poultry (pollo-vegetarian).

Be sure to do your research before you make the decision, as a lack of protein can affect your health. Nuts and a good protein shake are some of my favorite alternatives! There are also tons of substitutes for all the meals you used to love. I admit, they definitely don't have the same taste you're probably used to, but veggie burgers and tofu are still delicious!