is being vegetarian or vegan healthy?

Question

me and my friend became vegetarian because of AFI and we dragged in 2 other friends so we are trying to figure out if its good or bad so.....

Answer 1

Being a vegetarian is awesome and WAY healthier than eating meat (if you eat a lot of veggies and don't just fill up on carbs). I don't think that becoming a vegetarian because of a band is that great though. Read some books on the topic and develop your own ideas; they'll be something that you can stick to because you're passionate about the subject, not because some band doesn't eat meat.

Answer 2

It's usually healthier, because vegetarians and vegans eat more vegetables and whole grains than most of the population. However, you can be an unhealthy vegetarian too - if you eat too much dairy, eggs, and white flour products. If you live on macaroni and cheese and french fries, you'd still technically be a vegetarian, but it would be a very poor diet. You can get all the protein and nutrients you need from a vegetarian diet. A vegan diet, it is more difficult but it can be done. A vegan diet can also restrict you socially - it's much harder to go out to eat when you are vegan. So many things contain at the very least some dairy or eggs, some things you would never have guessed have small amounts of these! I was a vegetarian for a year and at some points I actually *gained* weight - from eating too much chocolate, cheese, and ice cream! So it all depends what you include in your diet.

Answer 3

Yes it is very healthy. I am a vegetarian ( actaully lacto-vegetarian) for almost 3 years now. I can tell you some advantages.
1) I am thinner. I mean, I was never overweight, but I always had a few kilos that I wanted to get rid of. Now I have the perfect figure ( almost).
2) I have much more energy than before. Vegetables and fruits contain a lot of substances that decompose very fast and give you instant energy without overwhelming your digestive system.
3) My skin looks better. It's clearer and brighter than before. If you eat meat, your body is likely to absorb some toxines. These substances will harm your leaver and stomach ( in time) and this will show on your skin.
4)I protect animals. I really love animals and I believe this love has made me take this decision in the end.
My personal opinion is that you should try being a vegetarian first. The vegan diet is too restrictive and you might get discouraged.
Well that's it. Don't forget: if you don't feel like becoming a vegetarian/vegan, don't do it.

Answer 4

I've been a vegetarian for a year and a half and a vegan for 6 months. My family isnt vegetarian or vegan, lol, im the only one. Yes, its very healthy if you eat healthy. When i first started, i ate just junk food because i didnt adjust to eating without meat well. After a lot of research, i found what i can eat thats actually vegetarian like veggie burgers, beans, nuts, rice, breads, veggies and fruits and i lost a whopping 20 pounds in 2 months. In addition to my weight loss, i feel MUCh better. You know how it feels after you had a chesse burger: all greasy and tired. I didnt get that feeling anymore. Its like as long as your meals are balanced and are varied then you are in good shape. The most common myth is that vegetarians and vegans have problems with like getting protein or calicum and that so isnt true. I dont have any trouble getting them because i do take vitamins (contain calcium) and i make sure that some of my foods have protein.

Answer 5

It does depend on a lot of things, but usually...YES, IT IS VERY HEALTHY. The thing you have to remember is that even meat eaters should eat 3-5 servings of veggies a day. Eating more than 5 is even better. As a vegetarian or vegan, you really have to think about what you eat and you have to rely on veggies and other good foods for your diet. Make sure you get plenty of protein, eat veggie burgers, beans, whole grains and other soy each day. Then eat tons of fresh fruits and veggies and you'll be the healthiest person in your school!

Edited to add: Don't listen to Lion, being inspired by your favorite band is great! That's why band members talk about being vegetarians, they want to inspire others to live a better life. You are doing that if you are giving up meat.

Answer 6

Are you talking about the band? Did you seriously become a vegetarian because of that band? I really hope you have a real reason other than that...so check this out and start saying you are a vegetarian for something way more important than that band, www.meetyourmeat.com

Answer 7

Very healthy if you are reasonably careful about what you eat. It's not difficult getting enough protein & most vitamins & minerals. If you're vegan, you should take a B12 supplement but if you're still doing dairy that's not necessary.

Answer 8

It's healthy if you get all your vitamins and minerals, meaning you will need to take supplements to get all the good stuff that meat has for you, like protein.
And if you're just doing it because AFI is, then that's stupid.

Answer 9

It's very healthy. Eating meat is more likely to cause sickness and disease. Meat has a lot of protein, though, so you'll need to get protein from other foods like tofu, beans, lentils, and nuts. =)

Answer 10

Balanced diet is the key to being a vegetarian. And read, read, read as much as you can about recipes and ideas and tips.