Don't have a cow: explore the many benefits of vegetarianism.

Right now we are in the midst of a high protein revolution. Dr Atkins' name can be seen at the entrance way to every book store in the country, and this is immediately behind "The Zone" phenomenon. Everybody is cutting out the carbs to lose weight. It seems the only way most of us know how to do this is by increasing the consumption of meat. Well, in light of the new discovery of mad cow disease in the U. S., that may not be a very smart idea. Taking a look at non-animal-source meals deserves closer investigation.

According to research from Dr. Colin Campbell at Cornell University, diets that are rich in fruit, vegetables and grains reduce the risk of various cancers and heart disease. Specifically, vegetarian diets are linked in his medical research to a reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia, high cholesterol, bowel disorders, gallstones, osteoporosis, (hold on while I take a breath) and rheumatoid arthritis. Anyone suffering from these ailments may benefit from a vegetarian diet, and anyone who wishes to avoid such health problems may find a vegetarian diet is a strong preventative tool.

Many people are not aware of the impact meat production has on the environment. According to research conducted in 1996 by the mental Protection Agency, the resource requirements for food production vary enormously. For example, producing a pound of beef for eating requires 25,000 gallons water while a pound of potatoes requires only 125 gallons. That's 200 times more water for every pound of beef! And water is not the only resource required to raise beef. So it makes sense to help protect our dwindling resources by reducing the amount of 'high impact' animal proteins and replacing all or some of them with 'low impact' vegetable and grain proteins. Also, in 1996, a report from the Senate Agricultural Committee said U.S. factory farms produced 1.4 billion tons of animal waste: 130 times more than humans did. The waste produced in a single year would fill 6.7 million train boxcars, enough to circle the earth twelve and a half times.

As consumers, when we disagree with the way our foods are produced, packaged, distributed, and the effect they have on the environment, we can send a clear signal to manufacturers by either purchasing or not purchasing their products. In this way, we can indicate our desire for such items as ripe strawberries in their natural season. If our individual household purchasing patterns are multiplied across communities and even countries, we will regain control of our food supply. It is our right to have healthy food on our plate, but it will take a strong voice to get it there.

Lots of vegetarians worry about the way animals who are part of the human food chain are treated. Their concerns can range from whether egg-producing hens have enough space and what they are red, to methods of transporting animals to slaughter. This is even more apparent due to the recent correlation of mad cow disease and factory farm handling and procedures. Many are wondering just how sale our meat is. Increasingly, there is concern in the worldwide community about whether humans have the fight to assume dominion over other creatures. Many people who have animals in their lives observe a clear range of animal emotions, including pain, that can make them increasingly aware of the pain and suffering animals destined for human consumption may experience. (According to the U.S.D.A, every year over one billion animals are killed for food in the U.S.) So they stop eating some or all animal products. For many people, the consumption of all or some animal products would contradict their religious beliefs. Many belief systems do not allow followers to cause pain, and consuming animals causes pain. Thus vegetarianism is encouraged. The comparative ease with which vegetarian foods are digested is also often associated with spiritual enlightenment. Meditation and prayer are thought to be easier for people who eat a vegetarian diet.

The World Health Organization says that most people on the planet eat a vegetarian diet and for many the issue is cost. In most parts of the world, animal products are so out of reach for average consumers they are only eaten at important ceremonies of festivals, if at all. In wealthier countries such as the U.S., many people can easily afford to eat animal products, but a vegetarian diet will still offer better value. To increase savings, many people have learned to buy in bulk. Health food markets can put a large dent in your purse if you purchase mostly specialty packaged foods. Bulk grains and legumes are very economical and will supply the foundation for a clean vegetarian diet. For some, the decision to become a vegetarian is quickly made and implemented; for others, it may take years. A severe shock, such as visiting a slaughterhouse, can result in an immediate and permanent change to vegetarian eating habits. Others may gradually reduce the amount of animal foods in their diet over a number of years. Slow change, or change that genuinely feels right for your body, is more likely to be a lasting change rather than a passing fad. It is important to be in tune with your body. Try a vegetable-based meal plan for a month and see how you feel. At the same time, read a few books on vegetarianism. I recommend The McDougall Program (Dr. John A. McDougall) and Diet For A New America (John Robbins). Both books are packed with medical, environmental, and moral information about becoming a vegetarian. Remember that this decision is a very important one, and you should do the research about any new changes in your life. Most information about vegetarianism is positive; it is change that most of us fear. For more updated information about vegetarianism visit www.goveg.com, and don't forget that March 20th is National Meat-Out Day.

William Najger is owner and head chef of Veg-In-Out Healthy Bulk Meals. Contact him at 828-254-3138 of visit www.veginout.net.