Vegetarianism on Campus-edited

Vegetarianism on Campus

By: Hannah Kramer

Steaks are juicy and the BLT sandwich at McDonalds is delicious, which is why most people include these foods in their diet. Vegetarians, though, don’t. A vegetarian is someone whose diet does not include meat, poultry or fish. Annabelle Pfeffer, a freshman, has been a vegetarian for almost six years. “I feel bad for not really liking [the taste of] animals, and because the thought of eating another living thing grosses me out.” says Pfeffer, on being on a vegetarian.

 A poll of 1,978 men and women, according to vrg.org, states that twenty four percent follows some type of vegetarian diet; eleven percent doesn’t eat meat, six percent doesn’t eat poultry, and seven percent doesn’t eat seafood of any kind.

Pfeffer eats fish but nothing else. “Fish is so good that even the thought of it dying doesn’t over-power the amazing taste!” she says. “I can never, ever give up my sushi.”

Dr. Ronni Julian, a nutritionist explains the health concerns that come with being a vegetarian. “There is a right way and a wrong way”, states Julian. “Vegetarianism, when not educated about, leaves several serious nutrients deficient in the daily diet. Oftentimes, people just eliminate whole groups of food such as meat and chicken, sometimes even whole animal products.” 

This brings up the next topic; veganism. A vegan is someone who not only does not eat animals, but their by products; nothing that comes from them.

Julian suggests that in order to become a healthy vegan, someone needs to get the proper intake of proteins and iron by eating sufficient amounts of fruits, beans, vegetables and nuts. Also, to make sure they get the proper vitamins such as B-12.

If someone considers becoming a vegan, they can kiss goodbye the Johnny Rocket’s milk shake or the butter on that morning bagel.

Another website, accidentalhedontist.com, suggests that .5 percent of all America is considered vegans.

Beach High freshman, Annie Rudd is a vegan. She has been one all her life. “I was just disgusted by meat in general,” she states. “Something happens every time I eat meat.” She mostly eats fruits.

Julian suggests that in order to get the proper intake of proteins and iron it is necessary to eat sufficient amounts of fruits, beans, vegetables and nuts.  Also, to make sure you get the proper vitamins such as B-12.

The decision to become a vegetarian or vegan is easy. How to maintain it is a different story. If someone wants to become one, they need to make sure they eat healthily and get all of the necessary vitamins.