Though it depends on your reason for being vegetarian, there are several in each category. Having been vegetarian for over four years with a sister who has been vegan for over ten, this is my personal opinion.
Pros:
If done for health purposes a vegetarian will likely have more energy throughout the day by avoiding heavier meat products.
If committing to vegetarianism for animal reasons, then the benefits come from psychological and/or emotional context. The feeling of doing the right thing for a cause you believe in.
The expansion of food options you might never have realized existed is also a huge one. When first becoming vegetarian or vegan, most meat- eaters focus on the lack of options a person may have for food. This is quite the opposite! By removing meat, which is so essential in many American dishes especially, you are forced to look at the vast variety of options provided by vegetables. Did you know you can make an awesome pulled beef sandwich using nothing but vegetables?
You’ll learn the skills and fun of experimental cooking that expands your former mental restrictions of food. Making food from scratch in the process of learning how to replace your meats is extremely good for you, both mentally and physically. Learning to cook broadens your mind, as it does to learn any new skill. Making your food at home also helps your body become healthier as you have control over what goes into it!
There is also the external factors such as contributing less to polluting sources such as meat processing facilities.
And now to the Cons:
In the beginning, if you are part of a meat-centralized group, they may question your resolve. Even close friends may make you feel odd in your decision, though if they are good ones will get passed that after the initial shock if the change.
Eating out: Though there are a growing number of restaurants that cater to vegetarians and vegans, they are not everywhere. This means that going out with friends and family that do not share your eating habits will be difficult, as they may tend to choose places with less options for you. The best bet in these cases is to check the menu in advance if possible. If the options are limited, then at least you’ll know if you should have a small meal ahead of time. It’s sometimes easier to order an appetizer as your “meal” in those cases, so you’ll want to be prepared.
Food prices: This is one of the bigger ones in the cons section. Although the vegetable options in restaurants are usually the cheaper ones, at the grocery store it’s not the same. Meat products tend to be cheaper. This is when it becomes difficult for many living on a budget. Those who do not cook or would prefer not to, usually resort to meat replacements. These are great sources of protein and usually taste delicious while saving you time and energy trying to make a vegetable version of breaded chicken.
However, they are pricy. If you’re in it for the long haul, budgeting for the grocery list will be a regular thing unless you can by in bulk or decide to learn how to cook from scratch.
I hope this helps you if you are planning on making the switch! In the end, the most important reason to change something as huge as your dietary lifestyle is that it is something you really believe is right for you. If you do that, you’ll be happy in your decision no matter the obstacles. Just don’t think about it as an obligation. If you mess up, don’t let it destroy your resolve. Just remember, it takes time to adapt. So don’t go cold turkey unless you really want to. Eliminating one food group at a time, like poultry or fish, may be easier on you as you plan out your options.
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Fairuj Fariha
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Content writing Department ,YSSE