More than 12 million people in the U.S. are vegetarians, they say, and 19,000 more become vegetarian every week. Vegetarians do not consume animal flesh, while vegans avoid milk, eggs, and other biproducts as well. A recent Roper poll said that 10 percent of the population reports themselves as vegetarian. While many skip the meat in their meals because of health concerns or animal rights, an increasing number of people are realizing the environmental benefits of a vegetarian diet. Many see consuming a meat-free diet as doing their part to help the environment as the global population increases.
Teens are one of the fastest growing vegetarian populations.
The New England Journal of Medicine reported in 1997 that only one percent of 100,000 teens were vegetarian, and in 2000 three percent were. Teens with busy schedules can painlessly work meat free meals into their days to invest in the environment. Student athletes worry about nutrition. Nanci Grayson, a Registered Dietitian who teaches nutrition at CU, says protein is the most important nutrient for vegetarians to watch in their diets. Many are confused about the nutritional aspects of vegetariansm.