Some say human beings are physically vegetarians. We have flat teeth like horses and cows, which are meant for grinding grains. We have long intestines that more easily digest grains and greens. Carnivores have sharp teeth meant for tearing meat, and short intestines for quick digestion and removal of harmful bacteria in raw meat.
In reality, humans are omnivores. There are two reasons for this. One, people have knives and forks and the ability to cook food. Two, most Americans have something called choice—never-ending choices at grocery stores and markets, as well as the choice of eating the way they want to, not the way they are forced to based on circumstances of living in a world where hunting and gathering is the norm and availability decides what’s for dinner.
So the question really comes down to which is healthiest?
Being a vegetarian does not necessarily make you healthier. Choosing vegetables over red meat, for example, is a healthier option. Eating milk and cheese instead of a piece of fish or chicken is not such a good idea.
Meat is not as easily digestible as vegetables because it doesn’t contain the fibers vegetables have. And, meat has a much higher calorie and fat content (depending on the meat). However, humans need protein for a healthy diet and vegetables, including legumes and beans, provide some protein, but not nearly as much as the same-size serving of meat provides. You have to eat about three times the amount of beans to get a comparable amount of protein that you get from a small chicken breast.
Unfortunately it’s not just about how and what you naturally absorb from your food. Meat can contain hormones fed to the animals, which you then ingest. Many fruits and vegetables are covered in pesticides. The “wheat” bread you eat may have been mass-produced in a factory and contains far less whole grains than you realize.
The key is to choose wisely. Choose the foods you buy as wisely as where you shop for them because many markets and local farmers do offer meat from animals that have been naturally fed as well as pesticide-free produce.
And when it comes to actually deciding what and how much to eat, follow the age-old food pyramid. Eat a minimal amount of fats, sweets, and pre-packaged foods. Eat mostly whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Meat-eaters should choose lean cuts of chicken and fish. Vegetarians can supplement with tofu or beans for protein.
Most of all enjoy the healthy foods you choose to eat. Don’t eat them just because you think you are supposed to. If you suffer through a fish dinner when you hate fish, you will only reach for the fatty dessert to satisfy your craving for something tasty and then what is the point of trying to eat healthfully in the first place?
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