The top two most consumed foods in America are hamburgers and hot dogs. Alayna Chapman, ‘20, has promised to herself not to eat either. Chapman is one of few people in the school who are vegetarian. She has now been vegetarian for about six years.

“I became a vegetarian because I feel bad eating the animals,” Chapman explains. “It brings me joy that I’m saving them.”

Chapman can still eats many of her favorite foods. “My favorite foods are most junk food, taco pizza without meat and lettuce tortillas,” she says.

You may wonder what the benefits and disadvantages are to not eating meat. “There are lots of benefits. I feel healthier and happier, I’m always in a better mood, and I’ve lost weight.” Chapman explains. “The only thing that sucks about being vegetarian is that when I go to restaurants. There’s not a lot I can eat.”

Chapman recommends becoming vegetarian to anyone. “It is a good and healthy lifestyle. It was definitely hard at first, but now it’s a good habit.”

Anna Jensen, ‘20, doesn’t think she could be a vegetarian. “I don’t know how Alayna lives without meat. I could never give it up because I love bacon, sausage and beef too much. Meat also gives you muscle, which you need,” Jensen explains

The vegetarian lifestyle isn’t for everyone. If you rarely eat meat, it might be good for you. If you’re a seafood lover, consider being a pescatarian, which means you don’t eat meat, but you can eat seafood. Meat isn’t bad for you in the right portions, though, so if you love it, eat it!