I eat no meat ( from Humboldt state university )

[Guest guest]

features:I eat no meat I am a meat eater, but not for very long. I have made the decision to make a huge lifestyle change. Not only am I going to become vegetarian, I’m going vegan. Yes, that’s right, I’m going extreme. “Why?” you may ask. My choice in this case is based on a need for a better connection to my food (making a point of knowing where it comes from and what it has in it), as well as a need for a healthier lifestyle. I have also developed a fear of what is in my meat and animal products (such as growth hormones and antibiotics and genetically modified organisms). Studies are showing these chemicals are harmful and can cause cancer and other major problems. Approximately 1 percent of Americans (3 million) are vegan, according to research provided by www.imaner.net, a research consultant group. The Vegetarian Resource Group defines a vegan as one who “in addition to being vegetarian, does not use other animal products and by-products such as eggs, dairy products, honey, leather, fur, silk, wool, cosmetics and soaps derived from animal products.” In the opinion of

Registered Dietician Kari Scharnberg, Humboldt County caters to veganism more so than other areas of the country. “This is solely based on my own experience, but in restaurants (in the area) there are a lot of vegan choices and soy items (compared to other regions),” Scharnberg said. I figure if I’m going to become vegan, this is the place to do it. I will be journaling my experience for a column in The Lumberjack with weekly reports on changes I experience physically and mentally. I realize that veganism has its criticisms, and that if one is not responsible in his or her diet planning, there are consequences. “It’s a lot easier to get the full range of nutrients (when you eat meat),” Scharnberg said. “Primary concerns

(for those on a plant-based diet) are making sure to get enough calcium, iron, vitamin D, zinc, and especially B12.” Scharnberg said B12 is only found naturally in animal sources, but that synthetic versions can be found in fortified soymilk. The point is that in order to be vegan, one must pay careful attention to diet choices in order to receive the necessary nutrients. If a vegan or vegetarian is not careful to get necessary nutrients, detrimental effects can take place. Lack of B12, for example, can cause anemia, as well as irreversible nerve damage. “It’s important because it helps make red blood cells in your body, and it’s a part of almost every cell in your body,” Scharnberg said. Scharnberg said a vegan diet could absolutely be healthy for anyone, but that the bottom line depends on choices over time. Kim Seidl has her Master’s degree in human nutrition and metabolism. Seidl said she recommends vegetarianism or veganism to those who

wish to have a healthy diet. “People don’t realize that it’s as easy as it actually is to eat a vegan diet and actually get the nutrients they need,” Seidl said. Seidl said meat is not a necessary part of the human diet because “too much protein is not good for you.” Seidl mentioned that protein from meat can cause problems with kidneys over time and colon cancer. It is also theorized that it can cause osteoporosis. Seidl also mentioned that meat has cholesterol and lots of saturated fat, neither of which are good for you. “If you are vegan, you are getting zero cholesterol,” Seidl said. Seidl mentioned milk as another potentially harmful product. She said antibiotics go into livestock, and you end up eating the antibiotics, which has caused problems with human bacteria resistance. I will miss cheese, and I do prefer meat to tofu, but my health is my priority. I’ve tried diets before, including the low-carb trend that has recently

permeated our culture, and I know the cravings are the hardest part. Another difficulty I foresee having is that my roommates are not vegan. It’s going to be like taking a 5-year-old to Toys-R-Us and telling him or her not to touch anything. With diet change comes weight change (which I can certainly deal with), as well as mood change. I look forward to documenting my experiences this semester and sharing them with those who are curious about or considering veganism, or even for those who can’t wait to see my skin fall off.Peter H

 

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