If you would allow me, I would talk for hours with absolutely no point. So you can imagine. This was a challenging task. So, what do I want to tell the world? This was surprisingly a difficult question for me to answer. What do I want to tell the world?
After much thinking, I chose this aspect of my life which I strongly believe in and live by. I have been a vegetarian by birth and now by choice. When I decided to speak about vegetarianism, I wanted to narrow down my point. What do I want to convey?
My intension was not to convert or preach. This kind of subject, I felt, can be sensitive and
touchy. Instead of focusing on any negative opinion/facts/ideas about meat, I wanted to focus
on positives about vegetarianism. To put ahead the fact that vegetarian food can be fun and tasty! I picked benefits that would appeal to audiences of different kind. I picked misconceptions that might scare people away and I picked some tips of how to transform.
I found great tips and points on the web. So here it goes.
Give peas a chance
A not-so-preachy speech from a Vegetarian
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To lead a fun Vegetarian life – is it possible?
Good morning fellow toastmasters and Guests
I come from a land of “holy cows”. In my family, for generations we have believed in non-violence against other living creatures and for those reasons, I have never even tasted meat. But when I started travelling, I understood that not only is vegetarianism is a new concept in many countries, but some people don’t even think it’s possible… and some who know it’s possible, think that it must be very boring and painful way of life. People pity me saying "Ah, you have never had meat; you doesn’t know what you are missing” Agreed… but my husband knows what he is missing. He has been a vegetarian for past 3 years.
There are many reasons why vegetarianism can be for you. Today I am going to share with you the benefits, the general misconceptions that scare people and some of tips for transformation.
Benefits
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If you are someone who cared about health -
- The American Dietetic association has stated that at all stages of life, a properly planned vegetarian diet provides health benefits in prevention and treatment of certain diseases
- A vegetarian life is heart friendly. Vegetarians are at lower risk of developing: Heart Disease, renal disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, high blood pressure.
- You can also reduce your body mass index, and lower the cholesterol level. If you think you have weight problems that need attention, this would work great for you.
If health doesn’t talk to you and money does -
- Being a vegetarian can cut your food bills considerably.
If you are someone who cares about environment and world -
- You can reduce famine. A big % of grains produced in US is used to feed animals raised for food.
- Meat production is requires massive amount of land, food, energy and water. There is also a huge deal of pollution caused by manure, methane gas that even contributes to global warming.
If you are someone who cares about animals like me -
- Then you probably don’t want to hear about the horrific treatment of animals raised for food, even before they are slaughtered. You want to reduce your involvement in that.
There are many more benefits that I could not speak of today. Bu you see, there is a benefit that appeals to every aspect in us.
Misconceptions
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1) Vegetarian food = salads, steamed vegetables and side dishes.
I am lucky to have grown up in India because we have a very diverse variety of Vegetarian food.
Honestly salad is my least favorite food.
If you have an open mind, you can experiment vegetarian food of various variety. Pastas, Lasagne, chili, burritos, spaghetti and meat ball substitutes, various rice dishes, sandwiches and even sushi.These days, you have so many meat alternatives, the list is endless.
2) All vegetarians are healthier than animal product consumers
A lady once today me "You look very healthy for a vegetarian". It was obviously a weird compliment. Some people who go vegetarian on unbalanced diets.
These types of vegetarians are usually teens and younger people who do not quite fully understand the idea of vegetarianism and become deficient in various nutrients.
3) Vegetarians don’t eat enough proteins
This is probably the most common myth. Beans, quinoa, nuts, brown rice is great source of proteins. In fact, studies are many universities like Harvard have confirmed that vegetarian diets provide sufficient protein intake.
Tips
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Now, vegetarianism is not for everyone.
If you fanatically love meat, if you already lead a healthy life, if you don’t care about health and for various other reasons, it might not be for you.
Have good reasons – Know why you are doing it because any life style change needs motivation.
Stronger the reason, easier it is.
Research about it – You don’t have to believe anything I said. Do your own research to understand what is necessary once you decide to be a vegetarian. You also need to see if it will work for YOU.
Find good recipes and slowly transform – Find good recipes you want to try and try one recipe a week. Start by replacing red meat (usually the most unhealthy) with some veggie dish. Gradual transition into vegetarianism will be very helpful. Eventually cut other meat produces. You can also include meat substitutes.
Include a well balanced diet – you could be a vegetarian and eat junk food. That will not magically make you healthy. Plan a well balanced diet.
Tell your family and friends – You need to explain to ppl who are close to you your reason. Some ppl will have hard time with it, some will understand you. If you feel strongly about, stick to it.
Have fun – You need to have an open mind, try new things. Don’t look at it as a punishment or ordeal. Remember to enjoy the experience.
So, to lead a fun Vegetarian life – is it possible? I say yes.
Think about it... is vegetarianism for you? Today your answer could be "No way! Are you mad?"
It's fine! But think about it, every time something changes in your life, every time you have health concerns. Today it might not be the right choice for you. Maybe someday, it will be...
When that day comes, remember this speech, remember it is possible to lead a fun vegetarian life. And when you are ready give peas a chance.
Thank you.
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I had to leave out few points due to time constraints. In order to be sincere and not look prepared, I did not use any notes. I made sure to use the speaking area to walk around and make eye contact. I was comfortable than last time.
I should have tied my hair away from the face (bangs man!) so my face was more visible.
I could have also distributed some information that audience could look at a later point of time.
Fun!
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