Why does a person choose to become a vegetarian? Many non-vegetarians wonder what makes a former meat eater abandon their carnivorous practices and adopt a completely different lifestyle. Whether it’s an innate aversion to meat, religious beliefs, compassion for our fellow human beings, or environmental concerns…the list goes on. There are many reasons why one might choose to become vegetarian. The inevitable next question is: can you really live a healthy life as a vegetarian? As the vegetarian diet is limited in certain nutrients and animal proteins, those who follow this practice must take precautions and place more emphasis on protein supplementation and complex dietary planning. The idea is not only to have a varied diet, but also to be aware of your nutritional needs, only in tandem can you maintain a healthy, meat-free diet. At the age of 8, when I lived with my grandparents, meat was served. or packaged for each meal; whether it's meatloaf, steak, ham, baked chicken, etc. Reminiscent of 1950s American stereotypes, our family gathered around the kitchen table for our home-cooked meals. My grandfather was, and still is, a strict, meat-and-potatoes type of man. I jokingly asked him what he would do if I wanted to become a vegetarian, to which he replied, "I'd throw you out!" » It wasn't until several years later, while reading Peter Singer's Animal Liberation in an introductory philosophy class, that I seriously considered it. Although I found parts of his beliefs radical, I was still excited because it expanded my mind to new ways of thinking. Meat was never a food that I hated, I loved eating it as much as my family did. In Vegetarianism: Movement or Moment?, a book written...... middle of paper ...... accepted. Incorporating vegetarian meals into programs such as school meals will give students the opportunity to potentially explore a healthier food alternative and provide them with the opportunity to become familiar with the basic food groups used in vegetarian meals. Dietitians of Canada. “Position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada: vegetarian diets.” American Dietetic Association. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 103.6 (2003): 748-65. ProQuest. Internet. November 27, 2011. Mangels, Reed. “Protein in the Vegan Diet – The Vegetarian Resource Group.” The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG). Vegetarian Resource Group. Internet. November 27, 2011. .Mauer, Donna. Vegetarianism: movement or moment? Philadelphia: Temple UP, 2002. Ebrary. Internet. November 24. 2011.