By Kathleen Ramirez |Staff Writer|

Veganism and Vegetarianism are rapidly becoming a popular lifestyle choice, taking America by storm.

This comes as no surprise, considering the numerous benefits that come with eating a plant-based diet such as: improved health, environmental recovery and saving animal lives by preventing the inhumane treatment they suffer from commercial farmers.

But even with the all the evidence telling us how much healthier eating clean is, will this style of living ever become the social norm?

Personally, I think it is obviously better for all of us to continue down this path and adapt to a healthier way of eating.

But, in all seriousness I honestly don’t see this alternative lifestyle completely taking over anytime soon.

People are set in their ways and the bottom line is meat tastes better.

Yes, it is better for our health and the environment, but America is a meat eating country and becoming a Vegan or Vegetarian means, no meat, no dairy and no animal products.

A plant-based diet supplies our bodies with all the protein, calcium and essential vitamins that we need, according to vegansociety.com.

“I would not say I am a vegetarian, but I definitely am health conscience about what I put into my body. I do not eat a lot of meat, I eat mainly fish and greens, it’s about finding a balance that works for you,” said student Sarah Franco.

I will be the first one to admit that giving up meat is not an easy task, especially for those who had a carnivores upbringing like myself.

In my opinion it does seem well worth the challenge in the long run, but I don’t think I would last long, which makes me believe that Franco has the right idea about finding a balance.

It does not sound quite as scary to phase out some of my meat and dairy intake, rather than giving it all up.

“I tried sticking to a vegan diet last summer, and even lost a good amount of weight but in the long run it ended up being too expensive and didn’t work with my budget. Organic food is more expensive, I was spending $100-$120 a week on vegan food and condiments,” said student, Rudy Morales.

“People are conditioned to eat meat,” added Morales.

So if pricing is a big issue when it comes to shopping for healthy foods, what if restaurants and fast food joints offered a wider variety of vegan and vegetarian options? Would this help sway people into making a healthier choice?

“It’s not about the restaurants offering more, it’s about deciding if I’m ready to make the commitment of changing my eating habits on a daily basis,” said student, Danny Sanchez.

There are many food chains that now offer a vegan or vegetarian selection.

However, I always seem to feel as though I am being shamed by people who do eat clean when I am seen eating a juicy hamburger, fries and coke when there are healthy options offered on the menu.

Overall, I get why there are those who commit themselves to a vegan and vegetarian diet, it serves a great cause in many ways.

However, for most of us, myself included, this strict diet is just one step too far and I am not ready for that type of discipline and commitment.

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