Why does a person choose to become a vegetarian? Many non-vegetarians wonder what drives former meat eaters to abandon their carnivorous practices and adopt an entirely different lifestyle. Whether it's an innate aversion to meat, religious beliefs, compassion for our fellow animals, or environmental concerns... the list goes on and on. There are many reasons why one might choose to become a vegetarian. The inevitable next question is: can you really live a healthy lifestyle as a vegetarian? Because the vegetarian diet is limited in certain nutrients and animal proteins, those following this practice must take precautions and place greater emphasis on protein supplementation and complex dietary planning. The idea is not only to follow a varied diet, but to be aware of your nutritional needs, only together can you maintain a healthy, meat-free diet. At age 8, when I lived with my grandparents, meat was served or packaged for every meal; whether it's meatloaf, steak, ham, baked chicken, etc. Reminiscent of stereotypical Americans of the 1950s, our family gathered around the kitchen table for home-cooked meals. My grandfather was, and still is, a strict, meat-and-potatoes man. Jokingly, I asked him what he would do if I wanted to become a vegetarian, to which he replied: “I'll throw you out!” It wasn't until several years later, while reading Peter Singer's Animal Liberation in an introductory philosophy course, that I seriously contemplated it. Even though I found some parts of his beliefs radical, I was still thrilled because he broadened my mind to new ways of thinking. Meat was never a food I didn't like, I loved eating it as much as my family. In Vegetarianism: Movement or Moment?, a book written... halfway through paper... accepted. Integrating vegetarian meals into programs such as school lunches will give students the chance to explore a healthier food alternative and give them the chance to become familiar with the basic food groups used in vegetarian meals. Works Cited American, Dietetic Association, and Canadian Dietitians. "Position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada: Vegetarian Diets." American Dietetic Association. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 103.6 (2003): 748-65. ProQuest. Network. November 27, 2011.Mangels, Reed. "Protein in the Vegan Diet - The Vegetarian Resource Group." The Vegetarian Resources Group (VRG). Vegetarian Resource Group. Network. November 27, 2011. .Mauer, Donna. Vegetarianism: movement or moment? Philadelphia: Temple UP, 2002. Ebrary. Network. November 24. 2011.