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This is Chica04 here. I was browsing through the new issue of the Times, and I noticed something. There are no articles on vegetarianism. I think that since we are supposed to be getting a food game soon, people should know what it's about.
First, let's define vegetarian. A vegetarian is a person who doesn't eat meat, eggs, or dairy. An ovo-lacto vegetarian is a person who doesn't eat meat, but does eat eggs, and dairy. (Ovo is just eggs, and lacto is just dairy.) A vegan is a person who doesn't eat any animal products, and will not but them either. They won't wear leather shoes, and they won't buy personal products tested on animals.
I know that, being a vegetarian myself, a lot people think that I'm weird, or that I'm a environment freak. Yes, I do care about the environment, and I do care about the animals, but being a vegetarian is also very good for YOU! These are just some of the many reasons to go veggie.
- If we used all the land we use for livestock for farming, world hunger would not be an issue.
- You would be healthier, and at less risk of getting numerous cancers, and heart disease.
- Most animals in the USA are raised to be killed.
- Chickens are kept in factories all their lives, farmwork is done by a machine, and they are laying twice as many eggs because of antibiotics. When they can't lay any more eggs, they are slaughtered.
Many of the citizens of Whyville are between the ages of 11 and 15. This is a big period for growth. A lot of parents are concerned that you will not get enough nutrients that you need to grow, mainly protein and vitamin B12. There are a few plant sources of protein, so you don't need to worry. But there are no plant sources of vitamin B12. Some of the more healthy breakfast cereals have been fortified with all of the vitamins, B12 included, and you can get your daily supply from that.
If you are a vegetarian who eat no meat, eggs, or dairy, you'll need to get your calcium from somewhere. My best bet is calcium fortified juices, or tofu.
This is by no means a complete guide to being vegetarian. This is the tip of the iceberg. If you're interested in more, go to your local library for better info, and eating guides.
This is Chica04, signing off.
Editor's Note: Well, Chica04, you wrote us an excellent article -- although you clearly didn't browse our archives very deeply, when you say that we don't have any articles on vegetarianism! It's only the most popular topic we've ever had -- look it up in the archives now.
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