Vegetarianism is not for wimps--in fact, just the opposite is true. It is essential that a vegetarian have a great deal of self-control and discipline. Vegetarians must keep careful track of their diet, making sure that they satisfy the current nutritional recommendations without eating meat. 

Nutritionally, there is nothing damaging about abstaining from meat. A well-balanced vegetarian diet provides all the nutrients needed for good health, in addition, medical studies have proven that vegetarians are less likely to suffer from illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, diet-related diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. The importance of healthy food has compelled many people to become vegetarian because of the low fat, high fiber diet that is suggested by many doctors. With so many overweight Americans these days, we should applaud vegetarians for maintaining a healthy diet. The argument that vegetarians are not getting enough vitamins is simply not true.

By not including meat in their diet, vegetarians also avoid diseases such as foot and mouth, which is not a threat yet in the US, but still is rampant in other countries. 

Besides the health benefits, many people choose to steer clear of meat because they do not approve of killing animals, and the ways in which animals are treated and killed for food. Vegetarians are not wishy-washy animal fanatics. Instead, most are sincerely concerned about the immorality of raising animals only to slaughter them for their meat.

Vegetarians are no longer characterized as eating boiled cabbage with limp lettuce on the side. Today, vegetarianism is a popular choice, with over 8% of young people opting to avoid meat and enhance their diet with vegetables, grains and fruit. (Vegetarian Resource Group) Clearly, this lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but those who do decide to "go" vegetarian should be respected not insulted.