No More Meat

Twelve years ago my family never thought that we would become vegetarians. I had some health problems that might be helped if I stopped eating red meat (because of the fat), so as the main cook I discussed giving up red meat (beef and pork) for the summer months with my family. I started reading websites on the internet and books on vegetarianism. We were just going to do this experiment for a few months. A few months later as I became more informed on how unhealthy eating any meat could be, we gave up chicken as well. In the spring, we cut out fish and have only had it a few times when eating away from home when there were no other choices. We were now Vegetarians.

I don’t dislike the taste of meat. It was simply a health decision at first. The high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol in animal foods are a good reason to not eat meat. Plants have little fat or cholesterol. The leading causes of death in North America, heart disease and cancer, are both directly related to what we eat. “Vegetarians have the best diet; they have the lowest rates of coronary heart disease of any group in the country.”(William Castelli, Director, Framingham Health Study, The Food Revolution, John Robbins, 2001, p.19) “…Vegetarians suffer 59 percent less cancer of all kinds, and 97 percent less colon cancer.”(Becoming Vegetarian, Vesanto Melina et al, 1994, p. 22)

The high amount of pesticides, bacteria, hormones and antibiotics found in animal foods is quite astounding. Microbes found in unsafe meat cause disturbing symptoms and often death. Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, Campylobacter and BSE (causes Mad Cow Disease) are on the rise. “… From 1989 through 1996, a total of 32 million pounds of contaminated meats were recalled.” (The Food Revolution, John Robbins, 2001, p.135)
Eventually the thought of eating other living creatures was not very appetizing. A lot of people, including myself, often do not connect the slab of meat they buy at the supermarket with a living breathing animal. Many animals are raised and slaughtered in very inhumane ways. Cramped cages, debeaking, separating young calves from their mothers, butchering animals while they are still alive, castration, and light deprivation are some examples of the atrocious treatment livestock receive. “Virtually every chicken…sold…is the outcome of a life that knew only deprivation and pain.” (May All Be Fed, John Robbins, 1992, p.102) All this suffering is to satisfy our (North Americans) excessive consumption of animal foods. People in third world countries are starving while western countries have an excess of food, especially meat. Many of the crops that we grow go to feed animals that we eat instead of feeding people. “…if Americans reduced their meat consumption by 10 percent, enough grain would be saved to feed sixty million people.” (May All Be Fed, John Robbins, 1992, p.35)
The devastation to the environment (tropical rainforests, ozone depletion) and the waste of resources (water, fertile land) are linked to raising livestock. For example; it takes 50 times more fossil fuels [gas, oil] to produce a meat-based diet than a plant-based diet. (“Ten Reasons to Become a Vegetarian”, The New York Times, June 20, 1989) “Water required to produce 1 pound of U.S. beef: 2500 gallons. Water required to produce 1 pound of potatoes: 24 gallons.” (The Food Revolution, John Robbins, 2001, p. 236)
The above examples are just the tip of the iceberg of the pain and suffering animals, humans and our world endure because of our consumption of animals. If you want more information on reducing your meat intake, refer to the books and websites I mentioned. Earthsave, a non-profit organization founded by John Robbins, has a lot of well researched information taken from his books as well.
The main objection that people give about cutting out meat is that they believe they will be lacking protein in their diet. There is protein in many other foods besides meat and animal products. There is sufficient protein in a balanced vegetarian diet. In fact, most North Americans eat too much protein rather than too little. “…Americans and other members of industrial societies ingest[ing] twice as much protein as they need.” (Worldwatch Institute, July, 1991) Along with the protein in soy, lentils and other legumes (beans) you also get fibre, vitamins and minerals and none of the saturated fat and cholesterol of meat. There are small amounts of protein in other plant foods as well. If you have a balanced diet with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes or other meat alternatives you will have plenty of protein.
It has not always been easy to be a vegetarian, especially around family and friends who I’m sure thought we were being strange or difficult at times. My teenage daughter got a bit of teasing, but there were several vegetarians in her class and among her friends. She would have become a vegetarian on her own anyway. Teenaged vegetarians are the fastest growing group of vegetarians as many young people try to voice their concern for animals and the environment.
Eating at restaurants can sometimes cause problems but we are getting better and most restaurants have vegetarian entrees as well. Even Burger King has Veggie Burgers now. We have discovered two vegetarian restaurants in a nearby city where we take occasional trips for shopping and visiting museums. Many large centres will have some vegetarian restaurants. We are definitely eating better and feeling better. My husband and three children have not complained that they are missing anything. We still have pizza, burgers, hotdogs, and spaghetti and meatballs; only now they are made from soy products. If you like the taste of meat there are pre-made soy burgers, soy ground beef, soy hotdogs, soy ham, soy bacon and soy pepperoni, to name a few. There are prepared meals like lasagne, pizza and chilli, as well. Many ethnic recipes have little or no meat as well. Take a look at East Indian or Asian cuisine for some great vegetarian food. If you look in your supermarket’s produce or frozen sections you may find many vegetarian delights. It can be quite an adventure!
I suggest, as do many vegetarian websites and books, to go slowly in the transition away from meat. You need to get good information about why you should reduce or eliminate animal foods and then find some good recipes. I used many books but the most useful were May All Be Fed by John Robbins (also A Diet for a New America and The Food Revolution) and Becoming Vegetarian by Vesanto Melina et al. The first book gives you all the arguments and facts about why not eating animals is healthier for healthier for humans and the environment. The second book gives facts and step by step ideas on how to do it, as well as recipes. These books and others on vegetarianism are often available at your local library. There are lots of good websites as well.

I hope you will give vegetarianism a try and have a veggie burger at your next summer barbeque!

~Allison



“People only see what they are prepared to see.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson