I am thinking about becoming a vegetarian, what are the pros and cons?

Question

Soteris · Accepted Answer

The pros:
The food

The Cons:
The food
...
...
Oh you wanted me to go on? Alright lets get some quick stuff out of the way first. There are not all that many substitutions for protein among vegetables so a lot of your meals will have the same core components like Green peas, beans or tofu. There are enough to go around but compared to animal products its comparatively limited.

It might cost a decent amount of money. Because the current markets are not centered around mass production of the more unusual vegetarian diets the cost of food will probably rise for you.

It can be hard to know if you receive all the nutrients your body needs such as Vitamin E12, Iron, Calcium and a bunch of others. You need to really make sure you get your dietary balance right in a way that is not necessary when eating normally.

There are also misconceptions that vegetarian diets are universally good for you which is not true since there are "trash food" in vegetarianism as well. If you want the health benefits you still need to eat healthy such as full grains and nuts.

On a slight side note I think the community surrounding vegetarianism is one of the worst. Things from "I am holier then thou" and all the good health propaganda is overwhelming. Do not let these people exploit you.

Now after stomping on all your hopes and dreams lets go onto the pros!

It is much easier to eat healthy as a vegetarian if you do some simple research first and your body will probably feel better. Because of the low Protein content it is also much easier to watch your weight while still eating properly.

You do not contribute to the needless suffering of animals which is nice.

It can be tasty :D

Fibbett · Accepted Answer

Pros: moral superiority (that no one but other vegetarians will recognize)

Cons:
-food that doesn't taste as good
-have to be a damn nutritionist (or hire one) to figure out how to get all the nutrients you need. Don't trust any online source. I know more than most of the people writing that stuff and I only have a Bachelor's degree. Nutrition is actually a very complicated science and finding the truth is extremely hard
-once you do find a healthy diet that tastes good, you're going to feel it in your wallet. Being a vegetarian can be expensive.

GlitterDragon · Accepted Answer

I had a look at some of the responses so I'll base my answer off of them, although I must say I'm vegan but I'm not here to make you jump into the deep end.
So it's not unhealthy at all, instead you're actually doing your body a favour... Yes we are moderately capable of eating meat, but it's not essential for our survival so the whole "Where will you get your protein?" is the dumbest response that is always given. Look into vegetarian recipes and you'll find so many easy and satisfying dishes. You don't have to be a rabbit and live off of salads. Some cons are mainly to do with meat alternatives that are processed so even though it's difficult at the start, try to avoid having these alternatives and have more filling things such as beans, chickpeas, potatoes... etc.
I respect that you wish to continue eating dairy and eggs but I would suggest keeping that to a minimum too as it's not so healthy to frequently have. But as I said, it's such a rewarding lifestyle and there are so many books and online recipes that will guide you.
Also, if a guy or girl finds you being a vegetarian a 'deal breaker' then they're pretty pathetic.
Plus restaurants are usually more than okay to change a dish to suit your needs.

bbch25 · Accepted Answer

Pro: You now have something you get to tell everyone, including complete strangers, for no reason.

Con: no steak.

Na but really, I have nothing against them if they don't judge me, just do proper research, perhaps talk to a doctor and make sure you know what supplements you may need to take (or what vegetables to eat more of to make up for it).

vishna · Answer

Pros
-better for the environment
-better for the animals
-it's SOOOOO cheap.

Cons
-everyone will turn into a really shitty dietitian (as seen below)
-everyone will turn into a really shitty biologist (as seen below in plant CNS theorists)
-if you have a protein deficiency while eating meat, you will probably have a hard time as a vegetarian because you aren't eating enough beans, greens, and meat. BASICALLY because you aren't eating good food to begin with. (however, it's easy in my opinion to get enough protein bc most foods have more protein than we think) BUT there are multivitamins to help. Lol, multivitamins, super easy.
-people will sometimes say stupid things to you about your choice ("but what about bacon" or try to make you change your mind
-Meat replacements are expensive. (I don't buy them often bc I don't need them, but they're nice treats) :)

Juju333 · Answer

Pros: Many vegetarian people are lean. Ordering food at restaurants is almost always less expensive than buying meat products (by at least $5). This is more of a mental thing, but you in general can feel more good about yourself, knowing that you are doing something that is morally right. There's a ton of delicious food to eat while you're vegetarian. You an eat pretty much everything as long as you take the meat out. Most people think that it's harder to eat out, but it's actually very easy. You can always get meat taken off of a dish, or there is usually down sort of vegetarian option.
Cons: people will be assholes about it, and judge ou for making a decision that has nothing to do with them. That's it.

Source (s): experience. I've been vegetarian since birth.

ConsultantIsBack · Answer

Being vegetarian would be a huge missed steak Lmao get it

Anonymous · Answer

There are a lot of vegetarian and vegan protein options, I don't know why people are saying there isn't. Beet root protein, pea protein and otehr things are found in vegetarian meals.

Personally, I felt lighter and healthier when I switched. I would get meat sweats, feel tired a lot/bogged down, and not feel good when I ate meat. Eating certain grains, vegetables, nuts and fruits has provided me more energy. I've lost so much weight and toned up really nice.

Here is a decent site that explains more of the pros and cons:

https://vegetarian.procon.org/

ak666 · Answer

One of the biggest pros to me from a dating standpoint is that vegans and vegetarians seem to have really nice-smelling butts and vaginas.

I can't say that with absolute certainty since I only got to date one vegan and one vegetarian, but they both had really nice smelling butts and vaginas. It's hard enough for me to get a date with an attractive woman let alone filter my target range to just vegans and vegetarians, so I couldn't do more research on this topic. That said, it kind of makes sense that diet would affect the way a person's anus smelled at least (not sure about vagina).

The biggest con to me is that it's annoying sometimes to eat with them, especially in places like Japan where there's meat products in just about everything.

That said, the pros more than makes up for the cons to me.

Tarvold · Answer

I can offer my opinion on this from two perspectives.

First, I tried going vegetarian once upon a time. It's not for me. The pros was that my poo smelled less and passed through smoother, and that's about it. The cons was that I was constantly hungry, I needed to eat multiple times the volume of food I'd normally eat, the inconvenience, and just the soul sucking depression of not eating a juicy piece of meat once in a while. I don't regret the process though. It made me realize how much I appreciate meat and, in it's own weird way, helped me form my current views on the meaning of life.

The other perspective is that of someone who has to deal with vegetarians from time to time. Now I'm not saying that all vegetarians are like this, but, well, let me put it this way - the chances of finding a vegetarian that is not an obnoxious judgmental narcissist about the same as finding a member of the KKK that is not a bigoted racist. Again, this is from my real life experience.

Anonymous · Answer

If you are seriously thinking of becoming a vegetarian I suggest you do some good research. A lot of people struggle with becoming a vegetarian simply because they don't know anything about proper nutrition. They become a vegetarian because they saw video on how animals are killed for food or something like that. I get that, while other people make it a lifestyle choice.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a vegetarian. But definitely do some research! Otherwise you will really struggle with it. I would say that is a con.

The pros are that you are exploring new foods and get to enhance your palate for new tastes and textures of food.

JessicaWin · Answer

I've been veggie for three or four years. The biggest trouble I first had is not replacing almost everything with huge quantities of cheese! You need to really focus on balance. But once I got on top of that I started feeling a lot healthier. It can be cheaper too.

I sometimes have a little fish, mainly in the form of sushi, but otherwise I don't miss a thing.

Cons: when the only veggie option on the menu is "vegetarian lasagne", and going to veggie restaurants with guys who spend the whole time making highly original and hilarious requests for burgers and steaks.

electromagnetic · Answer

You will need to ask yourself why you are doing it in the first place?
if it's because you think it's hip or in trend then it's not for you.
It's a lifestyle change and it takes a lot of determination and will power.
I've been vegan for 10 years but its mostly by default since I'm lacrose intolerant and I've always hated the smell or meat in general.

Xfitchick · Answer

If you balance well, there are no cons, only oin exceptional cases. Main thing is that don't forget protein replacers (beans, lentils, ...) and vitamin replacers (nuts, ...). Sometimes people do not absorb vegetable iron, not even with supplements and then they will be forced to eat a piece of meat from time to time (but these are one of the exceptions I talked about)

Sirakyus · Answer

Cons:
Harder to eat out in most places
You actually have to learn to cook because there's not many "grab and go" vegetarian foods that are healthy
Hearing people say that you'll be malnourished all the time

Pros:
You become more creative in your food choices
In general, it's healthier
You become better at cooking
You become more aware of what you're putting in your body

Levin · Answer

Pros, you'll save the planet and the animals.

Cons, everybody about you will still be equally barbaric, and you'll have to deal with their idiocy. Also, you won't be able to lift a brick up.

I know, I'm being facetious.

JRICHARDS1996 · Answer

I noticed that you are only 16. It is very impractical to become a vegetarian while still a minor because your diet is at the mercy of whatever your parents choose to feed you. That is why I was not able to participate in most of the fasts on the Orthodox liturgical calendar because my parents cooked meat almost every night. I suggest waiting until you are on your own.

akadatank44 · Answer

Cons:
No bacon
No cheese
No beef or any delicious meat
Gotta find dumb substitutes for stuff like eggs or cheese
Harder to cook for
Harder to eat out and dates
Health problems
Most I know are frail
Harder to get you essential protien in
Your hair might become damaged
Weather or not guys might take it as a deal breaker

SnowHearth · Answer

As some have mentioned, you'll need professional help to keep track of what you eat, you'll need to eat supplements, some things will taste different. You'll also need to change your lifestyle.
The older you are, the more difficult it becomes to make the transition, because your body was accustomed to get its "fuel" from certain foods, which you might give up.

Harbor · Answer

Becoming vegetarian is a very healthy lifestyle. Although it can be difficult if you have a love for meat, and don't like always making your own meals since byying salads etc can be expensive.

People who say it isn't a healthy lifestyle because you'll have a hard time obtaining a sufficent amount of protein is ignorant. The only con is you'll be giving up a large variety of foods that taste good.

SS-rated · Answer

You'll live healthier but well my best friend is a vegetarian and she always needs to eat the damn same stuff at my place because our food always contains meat, your friends will go to fast food restaurants where you probably can't eat anything unless it's fries and if you switch to vegetarian meat then it's honestly pointless because that only means that you still crave meat

Fearless_banana · Answer

Pros.. You get to say you're a vegetarian to everyone you know Cons.. You instantly start complaining about feminist

matheus_mb · Answer

Well, you'll need a new source of protein other than meat. Good luck with that, I wouldn't recommend it without proper nutritional instructions.

rgb008 · Answer

Pros- you can "casually" mention you are one and try to make others feel bad about eating meat Cons- we all gotta deal with you all

Maxemeister · Answer

1. No more delicious food 2. Harder to get yo proteins 3. U'll make people change menu plans Lol could only think of cons

MimTcgraw · Answer

PROS: Healthy, and good
CONS: Next time you see someone cut into a piece of prime rib and dip it in aux jus or horseradish and slowly bring the fork up to their lips... you will have no choice but to look away and cry

Sasham25 · Answer

I only see cons and main one no meat, that's just sad

Babykrogan · Answer

try watching some Tedx Video about this topic they have a lot of interesting talks about it.

bcromartie · Answer

There are no pros or cons to vegetarianism. You don't really "lose" anything presuming you work your diet out correctly and your body doesn't mind.

Mesmaeker · Answer

Pro's i really don't know. Cons' : nutrition issues.

Decentguy · Answer

i am not a vegetarian but i think its pretty healthy to be a vegetarian

anonman32 · Answer

the cons are that there is a whole bunch of food you can't eat anymore.

JohnMike999 · Answer

You won't meat n that is unhealthy plus it is tasty 😍

Anonymous · Answer

Pros: It's really good for your health, the earth and the animals and you body will be thankful. Cons: Meat taste good.

YaBaba · Answer

I think you would lack in vitamin b12

Mesonfielde · Answer

Many people feel tired from the lack of protein

apple24 · Answer

a lot of pros and no cons

Polocrew · Answer

Lmaoooo cons - u are rabbit now

Dimmu · Answer

I think nobody can be really vegetarian

takumii · Answer

Pros: More meat for me Cons: no meat for you.

hotstuffSRD · Answer

You can't eat chicken then :P

Anonymous · Answer

good luck trying to stay one

jesusnicolas768 · Answer

I don't know much

I am thinking about becoming a vegetarian, what are the pros and cons?

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