Vegetarian lifestyles on the rise

Walt Porter

Many students have chosen a vegetarian lifestyle because of allergic reactions, animal rights or health concerns.David Yount, a philosophy instructor and member of the Environmental Action Club, stated that altering ones eating habits is a huge decision.

“It’s something that if a person wanted to change, they would have to focus on it. just like anything else,” Yount said.

There are many factors that individuals need to make before “classifying” themselves:

 “Carnivore”- who have a diet consisting of mainly meat, most people classify here

 “Flexitarian”- who aim to decrease meat consumption without eliminating it entirely

 “Pescetarian”- who eat seafood, but exclude mammals and birds

 “Vegetarians”- who abide by a plant-based diet, with or without dairy products and eggs

 “Vegans”- who exclude the use of animals for food, clothing or any other purpose

Curtis Steinke, a MCC student, has been a vegetarian for three years. He stated that the convenience of fast food can make the transition difficult.

“Having no money, it’s hard to cater to being a vegetarian,” Steinke said. “Being a college student, it’s not as convenient.”

Steinke recommended doing research if becoming a “full-blown vegan.” He cited a need to find out what nutritional elements can be substituted, if choosing to not eat meat.

Another MCC student, Jennifer Porter, was influenced by the punk band, The Krass, to change her eating habits. She has been a vegan for 13 years.

“I noticed that I lost weight. no allergies to food or problems with allergies. over all, better health,” said Porter when explaining the benefits of her being vegan.

Chris King, a MCC student, became a vegetarian because of stomach problems, but he does occasionally eat tuna.

MCC student Jordan Burke, has been vegan for two years, but claimed he was not the healthiest eater out there.

“It can get expensive, but that’s if you go out constantly. Most grocery stores carry substitutes for items that you would not be able to eat if you were not vegan,” Burke said.

He stated that there are cooking options for vegan and vegetarians.

“Veggie burgers. I eat the same way, but with alternatives,” Burke said. “There are alternatives for most anything.”

Becki Coleman, a student and member of the Environmental Action Club, has been a vegetarian for well over three years. She stated her reasoning was based on human ethics and the land .

“There are people in other parts of the world that are starving.” she said. “Just one acre of land could be put to better use by harvesting crops (rather) than wasting it on livestock.

  • Mesa Legend Staff

    These are archived stories from Mesa Legend editions before Fall 2018. See article for corresponding author.

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