From Veg. to Veg.

For almost his entire life junior Rahul Gattu has been a lacto-ovo vegetarian. But just recently, Gattu decided to take the next step in meat-free living by becoming a vegan. The only difference between the two is that lacto-ovo vegetarians do not eat any animal meat products and vegans do not eat or wear anything originating from an animal. While Gattu admits he is still just in the early stages of becoming a vegan, he said it has not been very hard.

“It is not that hard to adjust,” Gattu said. “You can always find

things to eat at restaurants.”

Although many might question whether vegans get the proper nutrients without eating animal products, according to the GoVeg.com, vegans are often more healthy than those who aren’t. According to the American Dietetic Association and the World Health Organization, vegan diets provide all of the necessary nutrients needed in order to live a healthy life. In fact, the organizations said vegans are able to cut out a great amount of food that is very harmful to the body. 

According to GoVeg.com, research has shown that the risk of developing heart disease among meat-eaters is 50 percent higher than is the risk for vegetarians. Also, vegetarians have only 40 percent of the cancer rate of meat-eaters. 

The consumption of meat and dairy products 

has also been 

conclusively linked with diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, clogged arteries, obesity, asthma and impotence. In addition, scientists have also found that vegetarians have stronger immune systems than their meat-eating friends, so they are less susceptible to everyday illnesses like the flu.

While Gattu admits he is not very concerned with the health benefits, he still said he is very strong in his beliefs about vegans and vegetarians. 

“I don’t really worry about calcium and protein,” Gattu said. “But I do think it is healthier.”

According to Nathan Roberts, an employee at Good Earth Natural Food Company in Indianapolis, becoming a vegan or vegetarian is a great way to become healthier but only if the vegetarian does his research. Roberts said becoming a vegetarian is more about learning to be healthy, not just eliminating meat.

“It is great if you are (becoming a vegetarian) because you don’t want to eat meat, but it is more than that,” Roberts said. “A vegetarian could easily do just as much damage (to their health) by eating soy burgers and other processed foods.”

GoVeg.com said in order to be a healthy vegan a person must follow a few guidelines. According to the Web site, a vegan must remember to eat a variety of “whole foods, ” such as, beets, nuts, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It also suggested avoiding eating foods high in trans fats. Taking a B12 vitamin supplement is also suggested.

According to the same Web site, the most important nutrients for vegetarians are iron, iodine, Omega 3-fatty acids, protein, calcium and Vitamin D. 

Gattu said that although he is now a vegan, he plans to transition slowly into his new vegan lifestyle. He said he does not plan to get rid of his suede shoes or leather belt. But from now on he will not buy animal products. 

“I don’t want to waste (my animal products),” Gattu said. “I might as well use it if it is still good.”

While Gattu said the transition from a lacto-ovo vegetarian to a vegan has been easy, he said there are some aspects of his old life that he is going to miss. “The biggest thing is not being able to eat cheese,” Gattu said. “So I can’t eat pizza anymore.”

Even though Gattu said he is not very health conscious, GoVeg.com said some of the best foods for vegetarians include avocados, orange fruits and vegetables, nuts, beans, oatmeal, berries, lentils, soy and tomatoes. Despite his being a vegetarian his whole life, Gattu said he has never had the desire to eat meat. “I just don’t see the point in killing an animal for food,” Gattu said.

And though most vegetarians and vegans are concerned about animal rights, Gattu said he does not consider himself to be an animal activist.

“I think it is a personal choice,” Gattu said. “I am not going to persuade them to live a certain way.”