So it’s been about a month since I first started going vegetarian. The reasons for ‘going veg’ are both for my health and animal rights. I’ve been aware for a long time of organizations like PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and others that bring the issues of animal torture and cruelty to light. The only problem was that I felt like I couldn’t do anything about it.
I would watch videos online and think “How terrible!,” but I’d go on with my life doing the exact same thing I did before. I’d eat meat and buy products that are regularly tested on animals. My only excuse was lack of ambition to do something and the ignorance of what exactly could be done. I’m no PETA warrior or an activist that marches around throwing red paint on fur-wearing models. But I am a conscientious citizen that has decided to make decisions that promote ethical treatment of animals and I’m healthier than ever.
Before you roll your eyes and think this is another attempt to make you feel bad about eating meat, read on. I don’t think people should feel a sense of guilt when eating a hamburger or hot dog, but I do think they should think twice about their health and how that animal lived. Many animals spend their whole lives in small cages that prevent them from even turning around or moving more than a few inches. Many of those same animals are pumped full of growth hormones causing them to get so big that their legs buckle under the weight of their bodies. It’s really frightening and sad that we allow so many living beings go through such torture, but there is something you can do about it.
Information is power. Period. By becoming informed, we all can make a difference through our free market economy. The best thing about capitalism is that we have the power to force companies to act ethically by not buying their products. However, the same system encourages unethical practices to keep prices low. So, what to do?
Well, if you think you can handle it, I’d say go vegetarian. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. Granted, it’s not for everyone. However, if you don’t have a condition that prevents you from exploring this diet, I say ‘go for it.’ I feel healthier, thinner, more energetic, and I think more clearly. Why? Well, I don’t have all the answers but I’m sure it has something to do with the hormones and antibiotics found in the processed meat we buy at the store and eat at restaurants. For whatever reason, the fact is, I feel better.
If being a vegetarian is something you are not willing to try, or you’ve tried it in the past and things just didn’t work out, then no worries. There are plenty of ethical options at your local grocery store. A rule of thumb is to look for the words, ‘organic.’ USDA certified organic products tend to be healthier and free of chemicals that add extra ‘funk’ to your body. Another key word to look for is ‘free range.’ This means that the animal you’ll be eating hasn’t been contained in a cage it’s whole life. It was able to roam around and have somewhat of a life outside of close captivity. Another one is no ‘GMOs or antibiotics;’ this means that the product you’re buying hasn’t been altered genetically or been treated with antibiotics which can do a wide variety of bad things to humans.
These are the basics, folks. If you have any more questions or need more information, I suggest visiting goveg.com or peta.org. Best of luck with the new healthy you.
Brent Paxton is a junior international relations and political science double major. He can be reached for comment at [email protected].
