If you told me a year ago that I would willingly give up meat, I would have never believed you.

Growing up in the south, most gatherings revolve around food: cookouts with grilled hamburgers, backyard barbecues, ribs on the Fourth of July, and of course, fried chicken can be found at every social function. Don't get me wrong, I have always enjoyed eating an omnivorous diet, but when I began college, I realized how expensive it is to have meat as the main feature of every single meal.

My story

After being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, I made it my mission to cut out as many inflammatory foods as possible in order to feel my best. Topping the list was red meat, so I decided what better time to go all-in than now?

I began watching documentaries and doing research in order to make a successful switch while still getting in my daily nutrients. I read many helpful articles, and learned about many myths surrounding this diet. Additionally, I met with Registered Dietitian, Morgan McGrady, to help put some of these common misconceptions to rest.

Myth: You can not eat enough protein if you exclude meat from your diet

Fact: “It is absolutely possible to get plenty of protein,” says McGrady. “My thoughts on getting enough protein: spread it out through out the day. Also, think through what sources you are getting from to have variety.”

There are many plant-based protein options available. When people think of protein sources, they tend to think of meat, not of plant-based proteins. Tofu, chickpeas, nuts, seeds, and beans are all great options that pack lots of protein per serving.

Myth: Following a vegetarian diet is too expensive

Fact: Studies show that not buying meat can actually be cheaper. As a college student, when I cut out meat, I began saving money on groceries. Most of my grocery trips consisted of frozen fruits and vegetables, which tend to be inexpensive. Similarly, McGrady’s response to this misconception was, “it is possible to do it in a way that is not too expensive… if we are looking at vegetarianism as ‘I have to have all of the organic foods,’ then obviously, that is going to lead to it being more expensive. If we realize that we can have canned foods, frozen foods, and fresh foods that are not organic, that will make it a lot more affordable.”

Myth: Vegetarian = Healthy

Fact: If you say that you are a vegetarian, most people immediately think that means you are ‘healthy’. Just because you are cutting meat out of your diet does not mean that you are eating a healthy, well-balanced diet.

McGrady debunks this myth, saying, “This is not the case! I can tell you from personal experience, when I was vegan, I ate french fries… that is pretty much all that I ate. French fries can be part of a normal, healthful diet, but when that is all that you are eating, it is not ideal. MyPlate guidelines fully apply, and you can still completely do that as a vegetarian.”

Conclusion

If you are following the vegetarian diet in a well-balanced way and adhere to the MyPlate guidelines, it can reap many benefits. According to McGrady, “It can reduce your risk for heart disease. If you are following it in a balanced way, you are getting more vitamins and minerals potentially because you are adding a lot more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.”

Eat your veggies, and

Be Well, Auburn.