Top 5 reasons why people switch to a Vegetarian diet

Going vegetarian can be challenging, and many people fall off along the way if they do not find good reasons for their decisions. Some are in it because they are curious to experience it or because it’s a trend, while others are in it for more genuine reasons. 

 

Falling off track is not a unique problem; it’s similar to everyday life. If we intend to do something, before setting out, we see that there isn’t enough reason to keep going or find it daunting to continue. This is similar to switching to a vegetarian, you have to find a good purpose or solid reason for becoming a vegetarian. If you don't, you might find the path very challenging. 

 

It is essential to know that going on the veggie path is a journey and a lifestyle, and what you choose to do maybe for the rest of your life. As such, you need clarity and confidence in your decision before becoming a vegetarian. This article shares the solid reasons why people switch to a plant-based diet. 

 

Safer Environment

The first and most crucial reason for becoming a vegetarian is our environment. It has become common knowledge that factory farms contribute a lot to the depletion of the planet. The livestock sector is a significant player in this problem; globally, they are the largest source of greenhouse effect gases and also a leading factor in the loss of biodiversity. In some parts of the world, this is even the leading source of water pollution. 

 

This is a big concern, and while you might think that this should not have a significant impact on the ecosystem, it does. According to research from the Oxford Martin School, a global switch from a diet that relies heavily on meat to more fruit and vegetable-based diet will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by two-thirds (1). 

 

Animal Welfare

Another core reason for becoming a vegetarian is animal rights. Many people adopt plant-based foods because of how animals are treated in factories and slaughterhouses. Chicken, cow, and pigs which constitute the bulk of the meat people eat, including other animals, have lost their living status and are reduced to a commodity. 

 

If you walk into most of these slaughterhouses, you will be shocked at how these animals are treated and killed (2). Therefore showing compassion for living beings like animals is another good reason to switch from meat to veggie. A plant-based lifestyle triggers our conscience and helps us become more compassionate towards animals. If fewer people feed on meat, we will probably reduce the number of animals going through this problem. 

 

Improved Health

Our well-being as humans depends largely on what we eat every day; hence, taking out meat may be beneficial to our health. Numerous studies have shown that vegetarians have a lower risk of dying of heart disease compared to non-vegetarians (3). Additionally, intentional consumption of plant-based food, especially fruit and vegetables, lowers the risk of certain cancers. For example; consumption of red meat and processed meat is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. 

 

If you need a good reason to switch from eating meat to being a vegetarian you have the answer right here. A love for the ecosystem is enough to ditch the meat; however, your general well-being is solid enough to consider this unique lifestyle. 

 

Better Economy

Each reason keeps making sense as it goes. While your health may appear as the ultimate or most important reason to consider the veggie lifestyle, it is also good for the nation's economy. As a population, the state of a country’s economy severely affects the quality of life.

 

According to a report, five diet-related chronic diseases cost the U.S. economy 1 trillion dollars each year (4). This value includes medical costs and the consequential impact of productivity losses due to illness and premature death linked with non-communicable diseases like obesity, heart disease, and cancer. 

 

Diet-related diseases are costly and preventable. This further shows the need to eat healthier now than pay for increased health care costs later. 

 

Religious Beliefs 

We can’t take away another fundamental reason for becoming a vegetarian. Most of the top reasons focused on health, planets, and the economy. A profound reason for becoming a vegetarian is a component of religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Although their beliefs are from the angle of being kind and non-violent towards living things, as mentioned earlier, it is also a part of spiritual fulfillment. 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

Switching to a vegetarian diet is made for personal reasons or nutritional requirements. Despite the numerous benefits of adopting this lifestyle, it is crucial to have clarity before starting the journey and be aware of the challenges you may experience. Whichever way, we are rooting for you.  

 

By: Damilola Elewa