Have you cut back on meat recently? Or maybe you’re thinking of ditching it for good? If so, you’re one of many—including celebrities like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Liam Hemsworth—opting for a more plant-based diet. Though only 7% of consumers identify as vegetarian, more than 36% use meat alternatives on a regular basis.
“Lots of people, including teens, are somewhere on the vegetarian spectrum,” says nutritionist Rachel Meltzer Warren. “There’s room for everyone to find the fit that makes sense for them!”
Many vegetarians still eat animal products, like eggs and dairy. But they avoid meats like beef, pork, and chicken. Vegans don’t eat any animal-based products—not even honey!
“It’s important to know that a vegetarian or vegan diet can be a very healthy choice—but it is not automatically one,” says Warren. Although technically vegetarian, a diet of cheese pizza and french fries isn’t well-balanced. Vegetarians need to make sure they get enough protein and iron, nutrients found in high quantities in meat. Warren recommends eating plenty of produce and plant-based proteins like beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy for a balanced vegetarian diet.
“Decisions we make about food are very tied into who we think we are and the stamp we want to leave on the world,” says Warren. “Going vegetarian can inspire a teen to take ownership over their food.”
Thinking about making the change? Read on to explore statistics about vegetarianism and veganism around the world!