It’s hard to be both a college student and a vegan/vegetarian. You’re juggling classes, a social life and on-campus clubs/ organizations/Greek life that sometimes your food choices may be the last thing on your mind. It is, however, important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and going vegan/vegetarian is easier and more mainstream than ever before.

According to websites dedicated to promoting vegetarianism/veganism, the vegetarianism movement started in the United States in the 19th century. The word was coined in 1842, and numerous organizations were founded promoting the lifestyle. The vegan movement has a similar history. The word “vegan” was introduced in England in 1944 and in 1960 the American Vegan Society was founded. While studies conducted throughout the twentieth century confirmed the health risks associated with eating meat, growing industrialization led to the creation of factory farms and the spread of urbanization. When people live so far away from where cows and other animals are routinely fattened up with chemicals and then slaughtered, there becomes more emotional distance between them and their food.

Despite numerous studies proving that the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle is physically beneficial, vegetarians and vegans are often bombarded with questions about where they get nutrients like protein and calcium. According to Vegan.org, “Vegan foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans, are low in fat, contain no cholesterol, and are rich in fiber and nutrients. Vegans can get all the protein they need from legumes (e.g., beans, tofu, peanuts) and grains (e.g., rice, corn, whole wheat breads and pastas); calcium from broccoli, kale, collard greens, tofu, fortified juices and soymilks; iron from chickpeas, spinach, pinto beans, and soy products; and B12 from fortified foods or supplements.”

The vegan and vegetarian lifestyle saves animals’ lives and helps save our damaged planet. The U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization reported that at least 18% of current global warming effects come from livestock, more than is caused by all the world’s transportation systems. Just one individual vegetarian or vegan saves the lives of about 100 animals every year. Previously mentioned studies have shown that meat eaters are more likely to acquire a number of various medical problems and diseases including high blood pressure, strokes and obesity than vegetarians.

Happily for vegetarians and vegans, the movement is becoming more and more mainstream. Groups like PETA, despite some eyebrow-raising ads objectifying women, have been very active in advertising the benefits about going vegan and there are countless websites, books and cookbooks advocating the lifestyle and supporting the people who have chosen it. While there are no documented statistics for how many people identify as vegan/vegetarian, numerous celebrities and social activists including Anne Hathaway, Cesar Chavez, Elijah Wood and Ellen DeGeneres have been very outspoken about their food choices. While it can be difficult to juggle college and food choices, going vegan/vegetarian makes you more aware of what you consume, making you a healthier, smarter and more aware person.

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