| b00moscone said: I think it can be good for some people for sure, and can definitely improve your health, but you really need to not be picky for it and know what to eat to replace the nutrients in meat that you will be lacking. You'll also not be able to experience the taste of it too, which for a lot would be very difficult. Another thing is how some people view eating meat, and it's interesting to think if a mindset like that is or should be enough to deprive you of something that is crucial in your diet. |
I have a reputation of being a picky eater. I was an omnivore until I was about 40. At that point I became a vegetarian. It was a revelation! It forced me out of my habits of always eating the same things, especially at restaurants. I tried many things that I wouldn't have even considered before. I was blown away how many of them I enjoyed, and I discovered flavours and textures that were unknown to me. Plant-based foods that I would have eaten the crap out of as an omnivore if only I'd known about them!
After being a vegetarian for about three years, I finally went vegan. Guess what, it happened again. I again discovered amazing textures and flavours that were previously unknown to me. Things I would have happily eaten as a vegetarian, or an omnivore, if only I'd known how awesome they are.
So what you say may be true, but if you have a spirit of exploration and a desire for discovery then you might have a very different experience. Even if you're a so-called "picky" eater like me! :)
Replacing the nutrients from meat is largely overblown, especially when it comes to protein (a nutrient that most people get too much of). If you simply remove meat from your diet you might find yourself deficient in something, sure, but generally when you become vegetarian, or especially when you become vegan, you'll probably be adding new things to your diet. And plants typically have a broader array of nutrients than meat. Ultimately, whatever your diet, you need a broad array of nutrients, and there are a great many nutrient-deficient omnivores. Ironically, a higher percentage of omnivores are now vitamin B12 deficient than are vegans. And, statistically, very few non-vegans get enough fibre in their diets.
I'm curious about your final sentence, the one about how some people view eating meat. I'm not sure I followed it, exactly. What is crucial in your diet? Certainly not meat, and you don't appear to suggest so in the rest of your message. Could you elaborate?
