Vegetarianism: Big Macs And Taco Bell

“Against Meat” by Jonathon Safran Foer (2009, New York Times Magazine) is intended to educate current non-vegetarians on what vegetarianism is, the benefits of it in terms of health and animal rights, and also the struggles of consistently being a vegetarian. Although Foer does not specifically express what a vegetarian is we can assume he is going off the generally known definition of a person who does not consume the meat of an animal, as oppose to a vegan who does not consume any animal products at all. According to an article about vegetarian Americans, 5% or 16 million Americans classify themselves as vegetarian in 2015, compared to the 1% back in 2009, making vegetarianism a growing trend throughout the US (Raw Food World). Foer proves his opinion on vegetarianism by backing it up with facts from the USDA and his own personal experiences with his babysitter, growing up struggling with being a vegetarian that loves meat, and the decision to marry and raise his child vegetarian. Foer does, however, have a few gaps in his argument about nutrition, the costs associated with vegetarianism, and the lack of a definition of vegetarian.

In 1940 two brothers, Richard and Maurice McDonald, formed a burger bar in California which would over time become the largest fast food restaurant chain in the world. In his famous book, George Ritzer defines McDonaldization as “the principles by which the fast-food restaurant[s] are coming to dominate more and more sectors of American society and of the world” (Smith). Eric Schlosser, a prevalent author that writes about the fast food industry, reports a one hundred thousand dollar annual profit from McDonald’s towards the beginning of their establishment (Chew on This 30). With all the revenue and success McDonald’s has, it is rather surprising that they have made almost no efforts to improve the healthiness of their menu. A study done by

As a meat eater, has anyone ever asked the question, “How can you eat meat?” The controversy of being a meat eater or vegetarian has been around for decades. David Foster Wallace wrote a thorough article, Consider the Lobster, in which he brings up popular topics of concern over eating meat. Is it morally wrong to eat the meat of an animal, or creature, who suffered for one's own hunger? Why should one have the right to decide the standards of pain? Questions included in Wallace’s article have had many in a whirlwind of emotions and opinions. As a vegetarian, one will know the full truth concerning health, recognize false advertisements, understand how animal pain relates to human hunger, and acknowledge the treatment of animals up until their deaths.

In 2011, American filmmaker, Marisa Miller Wolfson, made a 76-minute documentary titled, ‘Vegucated.’ Wolfson, a practicing vegan, cites her research on foods and especially animal-based foods as her rationale for opting to go vegan. Notably, upon going vegan, she became healthier, lost weight, and even felt happier because she was no longer contributing to the inhuman treatment of animals. In her quest to become a vegan, Wolfson made the film after moving to New York City. Her concurrent idea in the film is the effects of animal diets versus the effects of vegan diets. Evidently, through its participants, the film illustrates that avoidance of animal products results to weight loss and

“Meats, Dairies, and Eggs, Oh Why” (2014) is an argumentative essay written by Rebecca Dent that explains the benefits of eating a plant-based diet and advocates for the better treatment of the animals affected by the meat industry. Dent supports her assertions by discussing the negative health effects of an omnivorous diet, addressing reasons some might be hesitant to convert to a plant-based diet, describing the advantages of substituting meat for vegetables for both the consumers and the animals, and finally, by including expert opinions and statistical facts. Dent’s purpose for this essay is to highlight the benefits of vegetarianism in order to convince readers to convert to a plant-based diet. The intended audience for this argument is those who currently eat an omnivorous diet so that they would assess and change their eating habits.

In his essay, “Against Meat”, found in the They say/I say readings, author Jonathon Safron Foer analyzes how he became a vegetarian and how it affected his future lifestyle. Foer delves into his childhood and explains what caused him to become vegetarian, as well as the people that influenced his decision. He also discusses the importance of what pursuing this type of lifestyle can do for those that decide to follow his footsteps. Although meat may contain types of protein and other favorable aspects, Foer and others argue that, in the long run, abstaining from meat provides to be more beneficial for your health.

Throughout American society, there is a divide between the ideologies of vegetarians and non-vegetarians as it is proven that the average American diet of animal based products has had detrimental effects on the well-being of both humans and animals. Humans can live a maximum of 21 days without food in their stomach, therefore supermarkets provide access for individuals to obtain food without going to the nearest farm. The vast aisles of supermarkets are lined with food ranging from vegetables to meat in order to fit the wants of all individuals in terms of their food decisions. However, Americans should become increasingly aware with their food choices. Certain foods contain large quantities of chemicals, which is problematic, as global

Like the majority of teenagers today, I was just browsing YouTube when I stumbled upon a video that has since changed my life. “Earthlings.” The documentary revealed how millions of animals are mercilessly slaughtered in factory farms. Just watching such brutality- void of any type of humanity- was immobilizing. Somehow I made it to the end and came across copious recommended videos, including “Forks Over Knives” and “Cowspiracy.” While they weren’t as graphic as the first, they were definitely informative. After watching these documentaries, I decided to go vegan. This decision wasn’t made lightly, and it wasn’t just for myself. Veganism has long been disputed over, but animal rights activists, environmentalists,

Typically, a parasite is known as any organism, which lives off or benefits at the expenses of another organism, its host. When the non-mutual symbiotic relationship between them end up with the host being killed directly by the organism, then it is better known as a parasitoid. On the other hand, when the organism makes an intermediate host more prone to die due to be eaten by the next host, then it is named a trophically transmitted parasite. In order to survive, they all depend on transmitting themselves from one host to another one. Some of them have the ability of manipulating their host’s behavior in order to achieve a successful transmission. In other words, the way humans and animals think or behave could be being controlled by some

Did you know that burger you had for lunch today had a negative effect on nearly every aspect of your life? Unfortunately to the rest of the world, the people of the United States are known as “Fat, unhealthy Americans.” To be honest, for the most part, they are right. The obesity rate in the United States is a staggering 34.9%. That’s 78.6 million adults that are considered obese. As one could imagine, the obesity rate also comes with many health problems for Americans. Whether it is cancer, heart disease, or heart attack, all of these potentially fatal diseases are caused by the American diet. A large, unhealthy factor in the American diet is meat. The United States is ranked number three in the entire world for meat consumption per person.

A large part of a person’s lifetime is spent on their consumption of food, which is often done while neglecting the impact their diet has on their health. Is there a reason for us to be conscious of our diet? Are potential health benefits really worth the effort? Vegetarian have shown many health benefits in comparison to meat eaters such as decreased chances of developing type 2 diabetes, less risk of heart disease and prostate cancer, lower blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure to name a few (Mangels et al., 2014). Plants provide antioxidants that are only present in small amounts in meat products, these phytochemicals help protect cells from damage and thus have reduced odds of developing some cancers (Leitzmann, 2014). One of the

It’s safe to say that majority of people, particularly those who live in places where pre-made food and conveniently packaged goods are readily accessible, don’t put much thought into what they use on a day-to-day basis. Although what goes in to making these (mostly) essential items may not seem to be of much importance, it is easy to forget that animals and animal products are principal staples of human consumerism. Because they are living, breathing beings that are capable of experiencing pain, it becomes necessary to question the morality of using animals for the sake of human pleasure. In this discussion, I will go beyond the vegetarian argument to argue that abstaining only from eating meat is not the end-all moral solution to problems involving the treatment of animals; rather, the vegetarian argument must encompass the avoidance of all uses of animals in order

“You are what you eat”, if you eat well, you will be well. We grow up with these proverbs, but are we determine that? after I moved to America since last May it is difficult to find Halal food. when I say that I mean it is hard to make sure the meat or chicken will be healthy and your body will get a benefit from it. It is hard to know how this lamp or cow was treated. Are they killed peacefully and quickly without heart them? If you eat that meat you will get a lot of adrenaline hormone. I am thinking to take that decision to be a vegetarian and that is not very difficult especially here in America. However, it is not only healthier for me, but it is also fair for the animals because they have a right to treat them humanely.

Living with a Vegetarian I strive to find ways for us both to be content with meals in our home. It can be extremely difficult to eat out as well, trying to find a place that we both will equally enjoy dinning at. To be honest, as a non-vegetarian I do not enjoy the taste of many "meat substitute" foods. That was until we were recommended to a local Vegetarian restaurant by the name of Garden Cafe'. By first appearance the building seemed small and a bit un kept, I was quite the skeptic. Unenthusiastic I sucked it up and went inside, willing to at least give the place a try. To my surprise the interior was very nice and clean. The service also was extremely polite, it was an impressive beginning. Their menu consisted of a variety of Chinese

As different crazes and fads are appearing each day, we have come to expect them to simply fade away as the hype passes. However, veganism has stood the test of time in our fad society and is still increasing in popularity. Originally only thought to be a religious lifestyle, many people from different walks of life are becoming vegans. However, this poses many questions and sparks heated debates, mainly from omnivorous people who believe that veganism is against life’s natural order. Vegans, then, argue against an omnivorous lifestyle by bringing up facts about humans’ biological makeup and how humans are, contrary to popular belief, herbivorous by nature, not omnivorous. While both sides present good arguments to some, the veganism lifestyle contains more benefits and less harmful cons than an omnivorous lifestyle.