Pythagorean diet lead to modern vegetarian movement
A diet without the presence of meat was referred to as a “Pythagorean diet” for years, up until the modern vegetarian movement began in the eighteenth century.
Just this past Friday was World Vegetarian Day. On October 1st every year, the day is celebrated as a form of awareness and promotion for kinder, healthier, and more compassionate lifestyles. Not to worry if you’ve missed it, you can still celebrate it on any day you like. In this article, we will explore a brief history of World Vegetarian Day, and what you can do to celebrate!
World Vegetarian Day was first founded in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS). Since then, it has been celebrated annually by individuals, groups, and organizations as a way to raise awareness on the benefits of vegetarianism. Practicing a vegetarian or meat-free diet can have a number of positive impacts on one’s health, the environment, and of course, the lives of animals.
Health
Having a vegetarian diet has been found to reduce the risks of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. Incorporating more nuts, grains and vegetables into a diet can also increase the amount of healthy oils, fats, and fibres consumed.
Environment
Vegetarianism can help to reduce one’s carbon footprint. From reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from animal farming, stopping mass deforestation for farmland, to preventing coral deforestation through fishing, there are so many ways which vegetarianism can help us preserve our world and slow down climate change.
Animals
Of course, practicing a vegetarian or meatless diet would save the lives of countless animals. By reducing the demand for meat, less animals would be farmed, and ultimately, there would be less suffering and pain inflicted.
There are so many ways you can celebrate this day, as listed on the World Vegetarian Day website. Best of all, you don’t need to already be practicing vegetarianism or veganism. Non-vegetarians are extremely welcome to join in on the festivities and contribute in any way. Here are a few of our favourites that you can do by yourself or with others!
- Cook up a vegetarian feast for your friends, family, or co-workers
- Support your local vegetarian / vegan restaurant or grocer
- Try a meat-free diet for one day each week of the month
- Do some light research on how meatless diets can benefit you and the environment
- Share informative posts on vegetarianism on your social media
- Join your local community garden
With this information on World Vegetarian Day, we hope that you’re now inspired to celebrate in your own way. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for World Vegan Day, coming soon on November 1st!