How to Go Green - Vegetarian Style

Eating a green diet would cut over 50% of the U.S. consumption of oil and water. Our meat-based diet contributes to world hunger and is a primary cause of deforestation. A vegetarian approach to a green lifestyle can improve your health while enhancing the lives of everyone in the world.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. To avoid craving the meat dishes you grew up on try some meat substitutes, like dishes made with garden burgers or smart dogs (made with soy or wheat gluten) instead of hotdogs. Eating healthy can be good for the world and fun and delicious.

2. Try delicious almond, soy or rice milk rather than hormone laden cow's milk. If you're concerned about getting enough calcium, eat green leafy veggies and exercise. Exercise can prevent osteoporosis even in dairy-free diets. Kale and collard greens are great steamed and drizzled with some fresh lemon juice and Brags. Even though people in China do not drink cow's milk, they don't suffer from osteoporosis; in fact they have no word for it in their language.

3. If you do eat animal products, keep to the organic variety found in your local health food store.

4. Keep healthy fats in your diet, such as avocado and nuts. Studies show that when people crave meat in their diet, they are actually craving fat, not protein.

5. Include raw fruits and veggies in your diet. Cooked foods lack essential enzymes needed for digestion. Try a salad with nuts and use Thai sauces to make dishes fun.

6. Invest in a vegetarian and raw food cookbook.

7. Explore International Foods. Expand beyond meat and potatoes to discover the world of yellow curry and sweet and savory vegetarian meals. Travel the globe on your dinner table. Make every meal an adventure rather than a chore. Take time to taste foods rather than swallowing them just to fill an empty spot in your stomach and soul. Enjoy every moment of your meal.

8. Keep kindness in all you do. If you'd like to learn more how 6 billion animals a year suffer and die in the United States, please visit Farm Sanctuary.

9. Get involved in energy conservation in your area. Hold elected officials accountable. Write letters and be pro-active. Ask them for more and safer bike paths, sustainable public transportation and tax breaks and incentives for sustainable home energy use.

10. Walk or ride your bike and take public transportation.

Tips & Warnings

• Take one step at a time. If we all begin the process of moving forward into a greener world, we can all walk together into the world of our dreams.

[veggie11]

on 11/5/2009 Hi,
If you are vegetarian/vegan/or mostly veg, if you could complete my survey I would appreciate it. Responses are confidential and the survey will only take 10 minutes! Thanks so much!!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=K24g1J_2ffbzc2dgI4W_2b1low_3d_3d

[jeffhopeck]

on 9/14/2009 Outstanding article. 50& of U.S. Consumption of oil & water.... wow!! This is an amazing number. Give you 5+ for this one, great work keep it up!

[bethany1202]

on 7/29/2009 Wonderful article! I've been veggie for nearly 20 years now, and my boyfriend is going on 2 years as a veggie. We love it!

[Healthygirl78]

on 1/5/2008 I have been wanting to try a raw food diet-- good to know it's also good for the environment!