Whenever the cry goes out, "What's for Dinner"? The answer is invariably "Chicken," "Meatloaf," or some carnivore centric meal. While meat is the center of most meals, it doesn't have to be.

Going meatless, even if sporadically, can be a wonderful thing, in many ways. I can think of at least 5 reasons to go meatless and they can be quite compelling. Vegetarian meals can be vastly interesting, with endless variety, wonderful textures, and fabulous taste.

Almost four decades ago, the price of meat went sky high, and many revolted and turned to vegetarian meals. Long after the crisis abated, many have continued to eat this way, at least some of the time, because they feel healthier and enjoy the taste.

NUTRITION

A vegetarian diet is usually low calorie and does not contain saturated fat, which is linked to heart disease. Only vegetarian food contains fiber, necessary for digestion and insulin control, because it slows the release of carbohydrates into the bloodstream to maintain proper blood sugar levels. Fiber also provides satiety without over-eating. Vegetarian meals contain more vitamins and minerals than meat, plus the vitally important anti-oxidants, which prevent disease and provide longevity.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Because there are fewer calories in a vegetarian meal, it is easier to maintain a healthy weight. In fact, vegetarian athletes, with greater caloric needs, have a challenge maintaining their weight. It is hard to gain weight on vegetables.

ECONOMICS

It is easy to see that meat is the most expensive item in your grocery cart. Even the most inexpensive meats are about $2.00 per pound, and can go up to over $9.00 per pound. Dried beans, however, are less than $1.00 per pound and feed more people. Lasagna for 8 people made with assorted vegetables is a lot less costly than a meat-based meal.

ANIMAL COMPASSION

Although it takes 6 pounds of grain to produce 1 pound of animal protein, a better reason to go meatless is concern over the animals' living conditions. The most expensive, and tender beef comes from animals that get virtually no exercise and are cooped up in feedlots. If you live near poultry processing plants you will often see trucks pulling hundreds of chickens in cages so small they can barely move around. If you are stopped at a red light next to a truck full of chickens on their way to slaughter, you can see them up close, and it is a disconsolate sight.

ENVIRONMENT

Animal production leads to air and water pollution. If you ever go near a poultry processing plant or a big beef feedlot, the stench is almost unbearable. They process every part of the animal, not just the edible parts, so the smells can be quite off-putting. A farm shouldn't have such terrible odors, nor should feces and urine pollute the water. Over-fishing depletes fish stocks and disturbs the eco-balance.

It's easy to go meatless. Start slowly, designating one day a week as a meatless day. You could bake a cheese pizza, or add chopped green pepper and onion to it. Even if you have never baked a pizza, it is not difficult. Pre-baked crusts are available if you want to start slowly. You could also fry sliced breaded eggplant and top with a tomato and cheese sauce. Or try eating a homemade vegetable bean soup. Elegant salads are tasty, as are vegetable stir-fries. Try a vegetarian diet, you may prefer to go meatless; and don't worry, it can't hurt.

Learn more about this author, Anthony Stemke.
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