Lets look at why we eat: The cells in our body are constantly dividing, and they don’t do this magically. Just split a cell in half, it has to first double its DNA/RNA. Those amino acids are protein, so the protein you eat is being used by your cells to reproduce.

As humans we eat two different types of protein: animal, and plant. Animal protein is more efficient than Plant protein, that is it has more of the different types of protein your body needs to do its thing. Actually, the most efficient type of meat you can eat, is human meat, it contains all of the protein your body needs. (disgusting right) Plants, on the other hand, are much less efficient, from a scientific point of view, than animal protein. Anyone who does not eat meat should be aware of this.

As a vegetarian I get a good amount of animal protein (and B12) from eggs and sparse dairy products. but I don’t eat eggs every day, and it is not my main source of protein. If you eat only soy, which is the most common form of plant protein, you can get yourself into some trouble. The key is to vary your protein intake, use soy in moderation as it can easily overtake your diet. Most of my protein comes from plants, not just soy, but a good variety of beans, seeds, and nuts.

Vegetarianism is not a fad diet, its not something a quack invented to sell books. It takes deliberation and planning in what you eat. I take my heath seriously, and Ive been a vegitarian for years now. It is essencially a lifestyle, and I thoroughly enjoy it. I constantly joke that of all the things I ‘am’ Student, Veteran, Firefighter, Reservist… people most often introduce me as a Vegetarian. I guess its true what they say, you are what you eat.

There are a lot of health benefits to being a vegetarian including significantly lowered rates of cancer (prostate, and colon), high blood pressure, and drastic reductions in obesity. Although the statics may be off a little, people who eat little to no meat usually also have more healthy habits than omnivores (more exercise and a lower occurrence of smoking)

Anyway, for a little fun, check out the Meatless Monday website for an easy way to get onto the veggie bandwagon. Trust me those cows can wait until Tuesday to be slaughtered, and it will give you a good idea of how being a vegetarian can be fun, save a buck, and challenge you to think about what you eat. (its actually pretty exciting)