Vegetarian Awareness Month for OSU

The Sunflower Market offers a wide selection of fruits and vegetables.

For vegetarians on campus, celebrating the start of autumn with Vegetarian Awareness Month seems too perfect.

Gigantic yellow squash, round bright pumpkins and barrels of freshly-picked apples decorate local markets and farm stands.

October is Vegetarian Awareness Month. In Columbus being a vegetarian is easier than ever. With markets supplying fresh, local produce to restaurants that offer delicious meat-free entrees, vegetarianism does not seem so bland and boring after all.

Vegetarianism has been credited with promoting healthy bodies, a healthy environment and bringing awareness to the cruelty of animals.

Tom Waite, associate professor of evolution, ecology and organismal biology at Ohio State, has been a vegetarian for more than 30 years.

Bartender Patrick Barney mixes drinks Wednesday at Dragonfly restaurant on King Ave.

He said he does it for environmental and health reasons. He grows his own food in a neighborhood lot in the middle of Franklin County.

"By minimizing my ecological footprint, I hope to do my own little, modest bit to help create a society that's moving towards genuine sustainability and fairness," Waite said. "It's a lifestyle that's ecologically benign and healthier."

Quinn Stocker, a junior in journalism, grew up on a cattle ranch and now practices vegetarianism for animal cruelty reasons.

"I could never kill any animal and then put it in my body," Stocker said.

OSU's campus and the surrounding city are filled with various options for non-meat eaters, or for those that simply like to eat healthy.

Markets such as Wild Oats, Sunflower Market and North Market offer a variety of vegetables, fresh produce and soy items.

Stocker, who buys her groceries at Sunflower Market, said the store offers organic produce and is convenient because it is so close to campus. She said the key to being a healthy vegetarian is to learn what foods to eat to stay healthy and energized.

"It is possible to lead a perfectly healthy life style without meat," Stocker said. "By not eating meat, I feel a lot healthier and happier."

Dr. Maureen Geraghty, assistant professor of dietetics, said being a vegetarian can be healthy if people choose to follow guidelines and the food pyramid.

She said following the food pyramid is very important, especially for vegetarians, because they omit certain foods completely from their diets. Foods with high amounts of Vitamin B-12, riboflavin, calcium and iron are often omitted from some vegetarian diets. "We recommend vitamin and mineral supplements along with protein complementation to ensure that vegetarians are getting their nutrients," Geraghty said.

Protein complementation is pairing different protein sources together to get the most amount of protein and essential amino acids. By mixing different legumes, grains and seeds, it is possible to get the complete proteins the body requires, she said.

"You don't have to do this all in one meal, but you should do this all in one day," Geraghty said.

She said those who are trying vegetarianism or veganism for the first time should consult with a dietitian, educate themselves, take supplements and eat a variety of foods.

Vitamin B-12 and iron deficiencies are the most common malnutrition deficiencies among vegetarians. Geraghty said vegans, people who omit meat, eggs, fish, poultry and any other animal by-products such as milk, need to be the most cautious in monitoring their nutrition.

Mike Pham, a senior in linguistics, has been a vegan for four years. He chose to lead a vegan lifestyle for his health, the sustainability of the earth and animal rights.

"It is a learning experience," Pham said. "It is a lifestyle you grow into. I feel better eating a vegan diet. It is a lifestyle you identify with more the longer you participate in it."

Some students have opposing viewpoints. Ross Rodman, a senior in economics, said he does not understand vegetarianism.

"I think it's strange because even though other species are herbivores or carnivores, we're the only species that makes our own decision about it," Rodman said.

hallquist.2@osu.edu