Why more people are switching to vegan and vegetarian diets

Vegetarianism is deeply entrenched in certain religions and cultures and has been practised for generations.

But the last decade or so has seen even more people choose to quit eating meat for reasons beyond religious and cultural beliefs. And like us at QNET, who have always advocated sustainable eating, it has been spurred by a greater concern for what we consume and what that means for the planet.

With that in mind, here’s a look at some reasons why plant-based diets are on the rise and why more of us should consider swapping out meat in our meals for better options.

Vegetarian diets are healthier

According to certain experts, avoiding meat, animal fats and dairy products denies the body crucial vitamins and minerals. But that’s simply not true. We can obtain essential nutrients from a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts.

More importantly, going vegetarian has been found to make one less susceptible to serious health concerns like hypertension, diabetes, stomach and bowel cancer and heart disease.

And then, of course, there are the positive benefits plant-based foods have on weight management.

Meat consumption is bad for the environment

When we declared all QNET offices and events meat-free in 1998, plant-based eating was seen by many in the supposed “developed world” as a fad.

That’s not the case anymore, though. In fact, science has confirmed that livestock farming and industrial meat production pollute the environment and contribute significantly to deforestation, habitat loss and the extinction of certain plant and animal species.

It has also made our world warmer, no thanks to copious amounts of methane and nitrous oxide being produced. Hence, the advice of climate scientists about more people needing to transition to plant-based eating before it’s too late.

Animal slaughter is cruel and unethical

Sustainability and environmental concerns notwithstanding, some people have also chosen to give up meat over the unethical exploitation and killing of animals.

Billions of animals are raised and slaughtered for food every year. Some reports reveal that, in stark contrast to what the global meat-production industry would have us believe, these poor creatures are cruelly reared and transported before being killed for the table.

Granted, we still don’t know if animals experience emotions the way humans do. But research confirms that all creatures, fish included, can feel discomfort, pain and physical suffering. And that’s been enough for scores of animal lovers to say, “Enough is enough!”

Plant-based food is affordable and cost-effective

It’s true that certain processed plant-based products can be pricey.

But fresh fruits and vegetables, which are healthier than processed food, are more affordable and generally cost less than fish, poultry, dairy and meat. As a matter of fact, according to an Oxford University study, vegetarian diets can reduce your food bill by up to one-third.

Plus, with a tonne of plant-based recipe options available, it’s totally possible to replace the meat in your favourite dishes with whole foods like lentils and chickpeas without sacrificing flavour and taste.

Saying no to meat can be life-changing

To deny oneself something so that others may collectively benefit is noble and honourable, and in the case of giving up meat, it can also be empowering.

Have you ever felt helpless in the face of global tragedies and wish you could do something to make a difference? Well, by simply adopting a plant-based diet, one can become a part of a global movement of changemakers.

That’s not just life-affirming but can be transformative and set you on the path to becoming a different, better person and leading a more fulfilling existence.

Yes, going vegetarian can be challenging. But truly, the tests and trials make our victories worthwhile.

Also, as our dear founders at QNET have long advocated, true success comes from striving to make a difference to people and the world around us.