VegetarianismA vegetarian is defined as someone who does not participate in the consumption of poultry, red meat, seafood, or the flesh of another animal. Unlike vegans, vegetarians always consume dairy products. There is a lot of debate about this type of diet among people because it is not the norm. Proponents of a meat-based diet sometimes claim that vegetarian diets are unhealthy and lack the nutrients necessary for survival, which is actually a myth. Additionally, since a meat-based diet is not the norm, it is very difficult for people to imagine omitting meat from their diet completely, mainly for the sake of convenience. People who eat meat also think it tastes good and therefore are not willing to give up a food that is part of their daily lives. Meat is so deeply ingrained in our society that many people find it absurd to give it up. Everywhere we go, every billboard we pass by is a constant reminder of how much meat is a part of our daily lives. However, despite its convenience and taste, meat actually has many disadvantages. I believe vegetarianism is much more beneficial due to its environmental benefits, health benefits, and lack of inhumane treatment of animals. Meat consumption has reached an all-time high this century. “Global meat production quintupled in the second half of the 20th century. Today we have 22 billion farm animals, including 15 billion chickens and 1.3 billion cattle. And the industry is poised for 50 percent growth over the next two decades” (Tudge, 2004). What many people don't realize is that this is actually a matter of great concern. Everyone always hears that too much meat consumption is bad for your health, but this...... middle of paper...... (http://www.climatecentral.org/news/greenhouse- gas-emissions-rate-puts-billions-more-at-risk-16598) Domonell, Kristen. 2012. “Dining Hall Dilemma: Changing the Way Campuses Think About Food.” » University Business 15(6):36. Appleby P., Davey G. and Key T. 1999. “Health Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet.” Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 58(2): 271-275. Koneswaran, Gowri and Nierenberg, Danielle. (2008). “Global Farm Animal Production and Global Warming: Impacting and Mitigating Climate Change.” » Environmental Health Perspective 116(5), 578-582.http://www.platetoplanet.org/ http://www.foodispower.org Dwyer, JT (1988). Health aspects of vegetarian diets. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 48(3), 712-738.Key, TJ, Appleby, PN and Rosell, MS (2006). Health effects of vegetarian and vegan diets. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 65(01), 35-41.