Simple changes in diet can lead to a healthier life. Many people choose vegetarianism in hope of having a longer, better, more productive life. Some opt for a meat-free life because they do not want to be the cause of animals’ suffering and death.

Vegetarian diets eliminate meat and animal products. Meals are composed mainly of plants, sometimes enhanced by dairy, eggs or fish.

Those who have a diet including fish or other seafood, but not the flesh of other animals are pescetarians.

Lacto-ovo vegetarians are the most numerous. This type of diet includes milk and eggs.

Vegans refrain from consuming not only animal products but also also dairy products and other animal-derived substances. They only eat what grows in the ground.

Macrobiotic diets sometimes include seafood but all other meat and dairy products are excluded. Many follow this diet according to ancient Asian spiritual traditions, for example  Zen Buddhists.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that each U.S. citizen consumed 52.3 pounds of beef, 57.4 pounds of chicken and 43.5 pounds of pork in 2012. The five percent of the population who are vegetarians ate none of these.

A study by Harvard University in 2012 found that those who eat one to two servings of red meat daily increase their chances of death by 13 to 20 percent; researchers believe this is due to the high content of saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Frequent consumption of processed red meats may also lead to Type 2 diabetes.

However, animal products provide consumers with large amounts of iron. Vegetarians get most of their iron and other vitamins from vegetables, which provide healthier types of iron but less of it. A danger for vegetarians is the lack of iron.

Vegetarians also are at risk for protein deficiency. They must carefully monitor their intake of protein. The U.S. recommended daily allowance of protein is 0.36 grams per day. Nearly all legumes, beans, grains, nuts and seeds contain some protein. Some fruits, sugars and fats also contain small amounts of protein.

Vegetarians normally also eat fewer calories than omnivores. Since diets without meat commonly contain fewer calories, vegetarians consume fewer calories and fat; this reduces some risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.

Many become vegetarians because they believe it is unethical to kill animals, especially for the purpose of consumption. Senior Erica Freitas was motivated to become a vegetarian because of this.

Freitas said, “I am a vegetarian because I don’t want to kill animals. I think it’s really sad. I feel better about myself and what to eat because it doesn’t directly hurt animals.”

Senior Keighanna Verdadero attempted vegetarianism.

Verdadero said, “I actually enjoyed abstaining from the consumption of meats. It didn’t bother me much. I only lasted a few months, though, because I accidentally ate spaghetti without realizing there was meat in it. After that, I never went back.

“I think those who are curious about the diet change should see how they like eating vegetarian. It’s a good challenge and is really rewarding,” Verdadero said.