Should You Go Vego?

Choosing to go vegetarian is a big decision, whether it’s to save the animals, the environment, for better health, or for any other reasons – so, here's a list to help you weigh up the pros and cons of going meat-free.

Pros:

•Good for the environment

Raising cattle for beef and milk puts out more greenhouse gases than all the cars currently on the road, plus they use a lot of water, land and other resources.

•Good for the animals

If you disagree with factory farming or inhumane farming practices, or you are just ethically opposed to eating animals, eliminating meat from your diet will certainly give you a clearer conscience.

•Good for your health

While a vegetarian diet is not necessarily a healthy one, if done properly a vegetarian diet can encourage consumption of a wider range of fruits and vegetables, and less processed foods; which in turn leads to better health outcomes.

•It's cheaper

As a general rule, meat is pretty expensive and replacing it with vegetables could save you up to $4000 per year.

•It's easier than it's ever been

The vegetarian diet has gained popularity over the years and there are now a large range of recipes available, as well as substitutes and supplements to make things easier.

•It tastes better than you think

Seriously.

Cons:

•No more bacon!

Particularly if you like meat, like any diet it can be difficult to start and maintain. You can always start by simply lowering your intake, cutting out one protein group at a time, or allowing yourself a cheat day (a meat day?).

•It's harder to get the nutrients you require

If you're eating a pretty standard diet now, you can't just take the ham out of your sandwich and swap your steak for tofu. Making sure you get a range of amino's (proteins) and enough iron can be tricky.

•Eating out can be tricky

No-one likes having to cater for the one person in the group who won't eat meat, so you have to be prepared to defend your choice to go vegetarian (and probably BYO food to a barbecue). You're also generally pretty restricted by the vegetarian options on menus.

•You have to know how to cook

Especially if you're still living at home it can be difficult making your own meals and not what the rest of the family are eating.

•You can't be fussy

Oh you don't like mushrooms or spinach? That's a shame because they're both really high in iron – which you'll be needing.