Here's What Might Happen If You Stop Eating Meat
The good, the bad and the delicious
Meatless Monday is the highlight of your week. You have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to vegetarian recipes. And honestly? You kinda secretly love tofu.
Yep, it’s time to officially take the plunge. Here are eight surprising things that might happen if you go vegetarian.
YOU MIGHT LOSE WEIGHT
Researchers at the Journal of General Internal Medicine studied more than 1,000 people following different weight-loss plans over 18 weeks. The guys and gals on vegetarian diets lost four pounds more on average than those who kept meat in their diets. So basically, you’re gonna need a new bikini this summer.
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AND YOUR CHOLESTEROL LEVELS WILL PROBABLY DROP
…Well, unless you’re substituting lean chicken breast for buttered popcorn every night (sorry, Tina and Amy). But on average, folks with vegetarian diets have lower overall cholesterol levels than meat eaters.
AND YOU MIGHT NOT NEED AS MUCH DEODORANT
A 2006 study collected the sweat of a bunch of dudes to determine who smelled better. Yep, seriously. Veggie guys had “more pleasant” and “significantly more attractive” smelling perspiration.
YOU'LL HAVE TO WORK HARD TO EAT MORE THAN CHEESE AND BREAD
Going to a restaurant when you’re a vegetarian? Totally different experience, guys. Instead of being able to order anything on the menu, you’re usually stuck with one or two options. Try not to order the mac and cheese, grilled cheese or pizza every time, OK?
BUT YOU'LL HAVE A WHOLE NEW APPRECIATION FOR VEGGIES
The good news is you’ll be challenged to cook all sorts of creative new vegetarian recipes, like these protein-packed roasted veggie pitas with avocado dip. And to-die-for chickpea burgers. And General Tso’s cauliflower. Mmm…
YOU'LL ALSO SAVE MONEY
OK, you won?t if you?re getting a giant lunch from the Whole Foods salad bar every day. But a serving of tofu is cheaper than a serving of boneless chicken breast, bacon, pork chops or ground beef. (That means more money for dessert.)
PEOPLE MIGHT START GETTING REALLY INVOLVED IN YOUR DIET
Get ready for Aunt Sheila, Uncle Bob and Grandma to ask, “But where are you getting your protein?” at every holiday from now until the end of time. It’s just part of the deal. (The answer? A cup of diced chicken has 38g protein. A cup of chickpeas has 39g.)
BUT YOU'LL DEFINITELY MAKE NEW FRIENDS
Stop eating meat for a few weeks, and before you know it, you’ll be swapping tips and recipes with your new vegetarian pals--and best of all, you might inspire a meat-eating friend to try something new. Now about that vegetarian chili…