The rising tide of vegetarianism

An article I wrote for Fashion Studio 7

http://www.fashionstudio7.com/

The rising tide of vegetarianism  

Rhea Mehta, PhD Toxicology

The ‘Rachel’ haircut. Dogs as accessories.  Big sunglasses. Thick eyebrows. Many of the style trends we see today were initiated by Hollywood and media icons. Like fashion trends, holistic movements like vegetarianism, yoga and cleansing are also emerging among celebrities. Once exclusively linked to hippies and health nuts, vegetarianism is now on the rise and is gaining popularity amongst an eclectic community. Some celebrities, like Woody Harrelson, Toby McGuire and Erykah Badu have silently been on this path for years. While several others like Alicia Silverstone, Ellen DeGeneres and Bill Clinton, albeit more recent converts, have become powerful advocates for vegetarianism, or more specifically veganism, as the best approach to healthy and sustainable living. 

 I should note that I’m using the term vegetarianism very broadly. There are several varieties of the diet and multiple reasons for adopting such a precise lifestyle. Before I dive into the types and motives, I’ll start by defining what it means to be a vegetarian. Wikipedia describes vegetarianism as the practice of following a plant-based diet with or without the inclusion of dairy products, eggs or by-products of animal slaughter and with the exclusion of meat (poultry, seafood and red meat). Under the umbrella of a vegetarian diet lies a cluster of sub-categories, some of which include semi-vegetarian (consumption of dairy, eggs, poultry and seafood but no red meat); ovo-lacto vegetarian (eggs and dairy only); ovo-vegetarian (eggs); lacto-vegetarian (dairy); vegan (neither animal products nor by-products) and often labelled as the most gruelling and complex. 

Why have we created such an extensive and formal list of vegetarian sub-groups? The reason for this is what brings me to my next point—adoption motives. Those who pursue vegetarianism are usually motivated by particular drivers—be it for health (weight loss, disease prevention, food allergies), the environment (utilization of fewer resources) or ethics (reduced animal suffering, religion). Regardless of their intent, most would agree that upon making the transition to a vegetarian diet, they realized an enhanced life experience. 

My choice to switchover to an ovo-vegetarian diet stemmed from health reasons—dairy sensitivities that haunted me for a number of years until I developed the strength to restructure my diet. Besides no longer wanting to feel ill, I was motivated by the fact that I was not alone and that there was an entire community, both global and local, to support my efforts. I took pride and comfort in the very notion that celebrities—the world’s most watched and adored people—were taking a stance on vegetarianism. Overtime, I’ve become so passionate and knowledgeable about the many health advantages of a plant-based diet, and like those advocating from an environmental or ethics perspective, I endeavour to share my research and learnings on the healing power of food. 

This winter season, why not challenge yourself to preparing a hearty, nutritious veggie meal? Better yet, why not consider going vegetarian this Monday? Meatless Mondays, powered by the Toronto Vegetarian Association, is an initiative to help Torontonians make one day a week meat-free, as a means to protect your health, reduce your carbon foot print and cutback on cruelty.  As with the majority of global actions, the vegetarian movement can’t be accomplished without support from the people. So, take a stand with me! Let’s go veg this Monday and take pride in our contribution toward reducing global energy consumption and subsequently protecting our health.