Dissecting the world of healthy eating

It seems that in our country today, dieting and changing eating habits have become the latest craze. The reasons for dieting may vary from trying to lose weight to simply trying to eat healthier. But ignoring the most popular Atkins and South Beach diets, many people are exploring vegetarianism and veganism.

What's the difference?

Being a vegetarian and being a vegan are different because the eating habits have different limitations on the foods you can eat. Vegetarians do not eat any meat, although some do eat fish, while vegans do not eat or use anything that comes from an animal. This includes fish, milk and eggs, and, in addition, most vegans do not wear leather. Some extreme vegans do not even use honey.

Making the choice

Many people decide to become vegan or vegetarian for various personal reasons. A lot of individuals become vegetarian or vegan because they are against the poor treatment of animals. For example, according to the Vegan Society,"although chickens can live up to 15 years, they are usually slaughtered when their egg production rates decline after two years." Senior Helen Tefera originally decided to become a vegetarian because most of her friends were. However, when she learned about harsh animal treatments, she knew she had made the right choice. Tefera has remained a vegetarian for over a year.

Senior Alia Richardson became vegetarian for similar reasons. Richardson already believed that eating more fruits and vegetables was healthy, but after she saw many videos and read brochures about animal treatment, she decided to continue abstaining from eating meat. Richardson has also been a vegetarian for over a year.

Senior Hannah Fegley began her journey as a vegan quite differently. In February 2004, Fegley joined her friend senior Brittany Moyer as they decided to try veganism for a week after Moyer began doing research about vegans. As they conducted more research, their week of being vegan turned into nearly a year. Fegley is very adamant about how unhealthy animal products can be. "There are so many bacterias and other diseases that you can get from meat," she says. According to Fegley, many of the diseases result from slaughtering the animals improperly.

What to eat

There are many products on the market today that support a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Aside from fruits and vegetables, some of the most popular products include soy milk, veggie burgers and soy ice cream. A new vegetarian turkey made of tofu called Tofurkey has also recently been introduced.

During the holidays, vegetarians and vegans substitute traditional dinner entrees with foods that suit their dietary restrictions. On Thanksgiving, Fegley ate many vegan side dishes. "I ate stuffing with veggie butter, mashed potatoes with soy milk and soy butter and wild rice,” she says. "My mom also made peanut butter cookies with soy butter.”

Tefera also had had similar foods during her special vegetarian feast. "I had a lot of veggies and rice and stuffing,” she says.

Health benefits

A diet rich in more fruits and vegetables can be very beneficial to your health. Those who practice veganism and vegetarianism find they feel better than they did when they ate meat. "I find myself having more energy,” says Richardson. "I have also lost a lot of weight,” she adds.

Fegley also noticed a change in her health after she became a vegan. "The only real difference I noticed was that I didn't get allergies in the spring, and I usually get hay fever,” she says. "My doctor said that people who don't drink milk usually don't get allergies.”

Fegley also says she feels physically and mentally purified. "I've been trying to keep my body free of toxins, and I feel I have accomplished that,” she says.

Helpful advice for future vegetarians and vegans

Choosing to be a vegan or a vegetarian is a big decision, and you should make sure it is right for you. According to Fegley, it is important to do some research before changing your lifestyle. If you decide to become a vegan or a vegetarian, it is also important to make sure you are consuming the correct amount of nutrients. For example, soy products are an excellent source of protein. Fegley suggests seeing a doctor or a nutritionist for help.

Changing your diet is not always easy. It can be hard for some people and easier for others depending on their situation at home. "It is easier for me to be a vegetarian because my mom works at the TPSS Co-op [a health food store],” says Richardson. "It can be harder if your family eats meat,” she says.

Tefera suggests becoming a vegan gradually instead of right away. "Don't automatically become a vegan because it's hard and kind of unhealthy,” she says. "You can eat too much of one thing, and you have to be informed about it.”