Think about what you've eaten today. Was there any meat? Any milk? What did you wear? Any fur?
Any leather? Animal products are all around us. Vegetarians and vegans willingly give up these products, all for the sake of the animals. But could you really be one?
There are significant differences between vegetarians and vegans. Vegetarians simply give up meat. Instead, they eat things like tofu, soy, and a ton of vegetables. Vegans also give these up, but they also give up anything made by animals.
But what is it like to be a vegetarian or a vegan? I found out . . .
First I met skyblue71, a vegetarian.
katluvr11: When did you first decide to become a vegetarian?
skyblue71: Since I was about 2 or 3 1/2.
katluvr11: What made you decide to become one?
skyblue71: My mom said I should become one because the animals die for the food.
katluvr11: So your mom is also a vegetarian?
skyblue71: My whole family is a vegetarian except my grandparents and my aunts.
katluvr11: Is it hard to be a vegetarian?
skyblue71: No, no, no, it's really fun now that I'm a vegetarian.
katluvr11: What advice would you give to people that are thinking about becoming vegetarians?
skyblue71: Well meat is NOT good for you, and you should start off with at least a carrot and see how you feel about becoming veggie. You should because when you eat vegetables you become healthy and strong.
I also talked to a vegan, shayy100.
katluvr11: When did you first decide to become vegan?
shayy100: When I was 12 years old.
katluvr11: What made you want to be one?
shayy100: I thought it would be a good thing for in my life, and it really has changed my life.
katluvr11: How has it changed your life?
shayy100: Well, I love animals, so if I ate one I would be so sad. It has changed my life because I know I love animals way more than I did before.
katluvr11: Is anyone in your family vegan or vegetarian?
shayy100: Well I inspired my cousin to be a vegetarian because of how it's animals and stuff.
katluvr11: Has being a vegan been hard for you?
shayy100: Well only when I see other people eat meat I kind of get disappointed but, I haven't eaten meat for a long time.
katluvr11: What advice would you give to people thinking about becoming vegetarian or vegan?
shayy100: Let's say that their favorite animal was cows, I would tell them that they are eating it and if they want to save it, to stop eating burgers and stuff like that.
If you are thinking about becoming a vegetarian, here is my advice to you:
- Make sure your parents approve. You'll want to make sure that they'll buy vegetarian food for you.
- Speak with a nutritionist to find out what types of food you'll need to eat in order to become healthy.
- Decide if you really want to become vegetarian. If you hate many vegetables or fruits, vegetarianism isn't for you.
- If you want to be vegan, try being a vegetarian first. Become comfortable with eating vegetables before you swear off milk and cheese.
- And even if your parents say no, don't be discouraged! Mine did, but that doesn't mean I don't care about animals. There are plenty of other ways to care, like not wearing fur or leather, and not using products that test on animals.
And if you really find yourself missing things like chicken or burgers, check out the frozen aisle of the grocery store. It's full with products that taste like meat, but are really made with things like soy and tofu. My favorite brand, Morning Star, has things like corndogs, chicken nuggets, and burgers, all made out of veggies.
As always, here is a super-easy vegetarian meal that everyone in your family can enjoy! I got this recipe from Food Network.
Pecorino Arugula Linguine
Pecorino is a type of cheese, and Arugula is a special type of lettuce. And if you want some meat in there, add some shrimp!
Ingredients:
Salt
1 pound linguine
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, room temperature
1 1/4 cups very finely grated Pecorino Romano
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 cup coarsely chopped arugula
Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the linguine and cook until it is al dente, stirring frequently, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
Immediately toss the hot pasta in a large bowl with the butter to coat. While tossing the linguine, gradually sprinkle the cheese, pepper, and enough of the reserved cooking liquid evenly over the linguine to moisten. Add the arugula and toss to combine. Season the pasta, to taste, with salt. Divide the pasta among 6 plates and serve.
Eat up!
katluvr11
