I will agree that meat is an excellent source of high-quality protein, full of minerals and a seemingly easy way to get your daily goodies. However, if you look a little harder, there are plenty of healthy non-meat options that go beyond salad.

In the HUB alone I can get fresh mozzarella, tomato and pesto sandwiches, vegetable sushi and home-style tofu. I've never really found it difficult to be vegetarian, with the exception of putting up with people accusing me of being wrong for choosing not to eat meat. I'm healthier than I've ever been: my good cholesterol (HDL) is higher than most meat eaters, and my bad cholesterol (LDL) has been dramatically lowered as a direct result of my diet. I'm now at a healthier weight and have had no medical problems as a result of my diet. I believe that thinking a little harder about what goes in my mouth not only benefits me, but is my way of supporting animal rights and the beautiful world around me.

I just want people to realize, meat is fine, but there are other options too -- and we'd appreciate it if you let us vegetarians eat in peace.

Renee Reopell

freshman-human development and family science