Ideas of vegetarianism, veganism and other dietary ideologies are becoming more commonplace; therefore, it is essential to understand the reasons as to why individuals gravitate toward removing meat from their diets.

Animal Cruelty- This is the most well known attribute regarding motivations to restrict animal and animal byproducts in a diet. This is likely because 94% of Americans agree that animals raised for food deserve to live free from abuse, according to ASPCA. While it is evident that 94% of Americans are not making efforts to curb these abuses, the morale is present. According to Do Something the beaks of various birds forced into this factory system are often removed with the hope of curbing cannibalism. However, this practice is not only unpleasant, but also could easily be avoided by providing these animals with proper care, so they do not become stressed and resort to these measures.  Even if individuals do not feel the welfare of the animals is pertinent in their own lives, they would also be wrong. Often, these animals are fed meals carrying large amounts of pesticides, which reside in the bodies of these animals, and can cause illness in those who eat them. This ideology behind vegetarianism is marginally the most popular, as 54% of vegetarians practice as a means of displaying concern for animals, according to the Vegetarian Times. Thus, Americans witness a push against animal abuse, and a growing effort by individuals to reduce their own consumption of animal byproducts.

Health- Others look at meat consumption as being an unhealthy feat. In fact, a “Typical supermarket chicken contains more than twice the fat, and about a third less protein than 40 years ago.” according to a food analyst at Do Something. Protein, Iron and Omega-3s can all be found in alternative plant-based food items which are often easier to digest and more cost efficient. Moreover, red meats are especially high in saturated fat, and according to Lisa Young PhD and professor at New York University eliminating these substances can be very beneficial; for example, a plant based diet can significantly lower

Religious- Around the world many cultures exist which hold dietary restrictions as a means of maintaining purity in life, and securing a place in the afterlife they choose to believe in. For example, Hindus tend to avoid foods such as poultry and sometimes beef. Moreover, Orthodox Judaism makes it clear that all food must be Kosher (blessed by a Rabbi) prior to consumption. Perhaps a more far fetched ideology behind plant based diets rests within the Bible and Christianity. Some individuals follow the diet of Adam and Eve within the Garden of Eden, prior to when humanity was tarnished with evil within the Book of Genesis. However, it is important to note that this theory is much less widespread than previous examples.

Although true vegetarians compose a marginal amount of the American population, and vegans even less so, Americans are witnessing a movement toward fresher ingredients and plant based diets. Trends like “Meatless Monday” swept the nation and continue to urge meat producers to treat animals with more care. It is important to share stories regarding animal cruelty, as well as, the stories of those wishing to curb it, in order to prevent these issues.