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Vegetarianism Essay

This is a model  vegetarianism essay .

As I always stress, you should  read the question very carefully  before you answer it to make sure you are writing about the right thing.

Take a look at the question:

Every one of us should become a vegetarian because eating meat can cause serious health problems.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Staying on topic

If you rush to start writing and don't analyse the question and brainstorm some ideas you may include the wrong information.

There are religious or moral arguments for not eating meat, but if you discuss those you will be going off topic .

This question is specifically about the health problems connected to eating meat.

So you must discuss in your answer what some of these problems are and if you think there are real health risks or not.

Knowing about the topic

And don't get worried that you do not know much about diet and health.

As part of your IELTS study it will help if you know the basics of most topics such as some health vocabulary in this case, but you are not expected to be an expert on nutrition.

Remember, you are being judged on your English ability and your ability to construct an argument in a coherent way, not to be an expert in the subject matter. So relax and work with

Organisation

In this vegetarianism essay, the candidate disagrees with the statement, and is thus arguing that everyone does not need to be a vegetarian.

The essay has been organised in the following way:

Body 1: Health issues connected with eating meat (i.e. arguments in support of being a vegetarian Body 2: Advantages of eating meat

Now take a look at the model answer.

Model Essay

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.

IELTS Vegetarianism Essay - Sample Answer

Vegetarianism is becoming more and more popular for many people, particularly because of the harm that some people believe meat can cause to the body. However, I strongly believe that it is not necessary for everybody to be a vegetarian.

Vegetarians believe that meat is unhealthy because of the diseases it has been connected with. There has been much research to suggest that red meat is particularly bad, for example, and that consumption should be limited to eating it just a few times a week to avoid such things as cancer. Meats can also be high in saturated fats so they have been linked to health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

However, there are strong arguments for eating meat. The first reason is that as humans we are designed to eat meat, which suggests it is not unhealthy, and we have been eating meat for thousands of years. For example, cavemen made hunting implements so that they could kill animals and eat their meat. Secondly, meat is a rich source of protein which helps to build muscles and bones. Vegetarians often have to take supplements to get all the essential vitamins and minerals. Finally, it may be the case that too much meat is harmful, but we can easily limit the amount we have without having to cut it out of our diet completely.

To sum up, I do not agree that everyone should turn to a vegetarian diet. Although the overconsumption of meat could possibly be unhealthy, a balanced diet of meat and vegetables should result in a healthy body.

(264 words)

You should begin by intoducing the topi c. The introduction in this vegetarianism essay begins by mentioning vegetarians and the possible harm of eating meat .

It then goes on to the thesis statement , which makes it clear what the candidate's opinion is.

The first body paragraph has a topic sentence which makes it clear that the paragraph is going to address the possible health issues of eating meat.

Some reasons and examples are then given to support this.

The second body paragraph then has a topic sentence which makes it clear that the main idea is now about the arguments for eating meat .

The conclusion in this vegetarianism essay then repeats the opinion and gives the candidates final thoughts.

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Your diet is one of the first places to start if you’re looking to manage your health and weight. Focusing on whole foods from plant sources can reduce body weight, blood pressure and risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes — and it can make your environmental impact more sustainable.

But how do we embrace plants in our diets if we’re so accustomed to including meat and dairy as primary nutrition sources?

We spoke with Dr. Reshma Shah, a physician, plant-based eating advocate, co-author of “Nourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for Families” and Stanford Healthy Living instructor, about simple ways to incorporate more plants into your diet and the benefits this can provide for both you and the planet.  

Focus on whole, minimally processed foods.

People use many different terms to describe a plant-based diet, including vegetarian, lacto-ovo vegetarian, pescatarian, and flexitarian to name a few. The most restrictive is veganism, which  excludes all animal products, including meat, eggs and dairy. 

While there are health benefits to adopting a vegan diet, highly processed foods with little to no nutritional value, like Oreos or French fries, could still be a legitimate part of a vegan diet.

In contrast, a whole-foods, plant-based (WFPB) diet: 

• Emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods
• Limits or avoids animal products
• Focuses on plant nutrients from vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, seeds and nuts 
• Limits refined foods like added sugar, white flour and processed oils 

Recommendations from organizations including the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, World Health Organization, American Diabetes Association and American Cancer Society tout the benefits of plant-based whole foods and caution against high amounts of red and processed meats, saturated fats, highly refined foods and added sugar. 

The vast majority of what nutritional experts are saying reflects the mantra made famous by Michael Pollen in his book “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” — eat food, mostly plants, not too much . 

Eating a plant-based diet helps the environment.

According to a report by the U.S. Food and Agriculture Organization, “The meat industry has a marked impact on a general global scale on water, soils, extinction of plants and animals, and consumption of natural resources, and it has a strong impact on global warming.” 

The meat and dairy industries alone use one third of the Earth’s fresh water , with a single quarter-pound hamburger patty requiring 460 gallons of water — the equivalent of almost 30 showers — to produce.

Reducing your meat and dairy consumption, even by a little, can have big impacts. If everyone in the U.S. ate no meat or cheese just one day a week, it would have the same environmental impact as taking 7.6 million cars off the road.

Plant-based diets prevent animal cruelty. 

Ninety-four percent of Americans agree that animals raised for food deserve to be free from abuse and cruelty , yet 99% of those animals are raised in factory farms, many suffering unspeakable conditions . 

If you would like to lessen your meat and dairy consumption due to animal welfare concerns but aren’t ready to eliminate all animal products from your diet, then you can start by taking small steps, like going meatless one day a week or switching to soy, almond or oat milk. Shah admits that initially she was not ready to give up animal products entirely. 

“I think it is a process and recommend that people go at the pace that feels comfortable for them.” 

Plant-based diets include all nutrients — even protein.

According to the American Dietetic Association, “appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and for athletes.”

Shah says that there are a few key nutrients that strict vegans and vegetarians should keep in mind, including B12, iron, calcium, iodine, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, but all of these can be obtained through plant-based foods, including fortified plant-based milks, fresh fruits and vegetables or supplemental vitamins, if needed. 

“I think the number one concern for people is that they won’t be able to get enough protein eating a plant-based diet. I also think that people widely overestimate the amount of protein they need.”

All plant foods contain the nine essential amino acids required to make up the proteins you need, and many vegetarian foods like soy, beans, nuts, seeds and non-dairy milk products have comparable amounts of protein to animal foods. 

“Ninety-seven percent of Americans meet their daily protein requirements, but only 4% of Americans meet their daily fiber requirements . I’ve never treated a patient for protein deficiency. If you eat a wide variety of foods and eat enough calories, protein should not be a concern.”

Savor the flavor of plant-based foods. 

Adopting a plant-based diet does not mean subsisting on boring, tasteless food. Shah enjoys incorporating flavorful, varied dishes from around the world, including Ethiopia, Thailand and her native India. 

To get started on your plant-forward journey:

• Start small: Start with adding a “Meatless Monday” to your meal plan and investigate one simple and delicious recipe to try each week. Once you have identified a few favorites, you can add them to your rotation and maybe go meatless one or two days a week. You can learn a few easy techniques to incorporate in many dishes, like roasting vegetables or blending quick and easy soups. 
• Change your plate proportions: Instead of giving up your meat-based protein completely, try to reduce the space it takes on your plate. Instead of a quarter-pound sirloin steak or a full serving of roasted chicken, try a vegetable-heavy stir-fry with a few slices of beef or a salad with chicken. Once your palate and mindset have adjusted to the smaller quantity of meat, try replacing it occasionally with plant-based proteins like tofu, seitan or beans.  
• Be prepared when dining out: If possible, try to examine the restaurant menu ahead of your meal, so you’ll arrive with a plan of what you can eat. Ask for the vegan options and don’t be afraid to request substitutions or omissions for your dish. Fortunately, with more people choosing a vegetarian lifestyle, many restaurants now provide tasty, meat-free options to their customers. 
• Share a dish: Bring a dish to share at a party or potluck; this will lessen your worries about food options. Let your host know ahead of time that you are planning on bringing a dish or, if that is not possible, be upfront and find out if any modifications can be made to accommodate your preferences. Often a simple solution can be found with a little advanced planning.
• Accommodate family members: It can be tricky when one family member is ready to commit to a new diet and lifestyle while others are not. Shah recommends approaching this situation compassionately and allowing for flexibility, if possible. Hopefully your family will be willing to support you even if they are not ready to make the same commitments. Communication is key, and Shah says that the conversation is over the minute someone feels judged, so try to look for points of compromise to reach an amicable solution. 
• Feeling satisfied: A diet of nothing but lettuce and vegetables will leave you feeling hungry and unfulfilled. Be sure to bulk up your meals with filling, fiber-rich whole grains, plant-based proteins and healthy fats. Plant-based meat substitutes like Beyond Beef, seitan and veggie burgers can also be a satisfying choice when you are craving your favorite meat-based comfort food.

Remember that small, consistent changes can add up to big benefits for your health and the planet. Treat yourself and others with compassion as you embrace this new lifestyle, and take time to enjoy the different flavors and textures you discover in your journey.

“It is a really delicious, healthful, sustainable and compassionate way of eating. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just start simply, do what feels comfortable for you and your family, and don’t forget to celebrate the joy of eating and connection around food.” 

Dr. Reshma Shah will be teaching a plant-based online cooking class with Healthy Living this summer on Tuesday, July 13, from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6518108/
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212371713000024 
•  https://www.portland.gov/water/water-efficiency-programs/save-water-home 
•   https://water.usgs.gov/edu/activity-watercontent.php  
• https://www.ewg.org/meateatersguide/a-meat-eaters-guide-to-climate-change-health-what-you-eat-matters/reducing-your-footprint/)  
• https://www.aspca.org/about-us/press-releases/aspca-research-shows-americans-overwhelmingly-support-investigations-expose 
•  https://www.sentienceinstitute.org/us-factory-farming-estimates
•  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19562864/ 
•   https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/8040053 0/pdf/0102/usualintaketables2001-02.pdf

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Essay Samples on Vegetarianism

Vegetarian vs. meat eater: a comparative analysis.

The choice between a vegetarian and a meat-based diet has sparked numerous discussions about health, ethics, and environmental impact. This essay aims to provide a comprehensive comparison and contrast between these two dietary choices. By examining their health implications, ethical considerations, and environmental effects, this...

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Is It Ethical to Eat Meat: Navigating the Moral Dilemma

Is it ethical to eat meat? The ethicality of consuming meat is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years. As concerns about animal welfare, environmental impact, and health considerations grow, individuals are grappling with the question of whether eating meat aligns with...

• Ethical Dilemma

A Lot of Conflicting Ideas About the Vegetarian Diet

Humans create inventions to solve a certain issue. where if an issue occurs then a person would start to think of solution to this issue and therefore this person called an inventor. An invention is something that would have influence in the living style to...

• Eating Habits

Moral Vegetarianism: Responsibility Or Necessity

Recent trends in modern eating habits have brought upon a wave of new discussions and one of them being the never seemingly ending debate of vegetarianism. The trend rose to convert our standard diets and health recommendations that mankind has known and followed for centuries...

• Responsibility

Vegetarianism: Meat Eating Versus Nutrition

Vegetarianism may seem like a popular diet fad, but it has been advocated by many cultures around the world. Restaurants advertising “vegetarian options” on their menu is becoming customary. Vegetarianism is a dietary choice, to abstain from meat, that people adopt for many reasons. There...

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Problem Solving Ability And Adjustment In Relation To Vegetarian And Non Vegetarian

Introduction Adolescence is considered as a nutritionally critical period of life for several reasons. Firstly, manifold increase in physical growth and development put greater pressure on the need for nutrients. Secondly, adolescence can be the second opportunity to catch up with growth, if nutrient intake...

Vegetarianism And Practice Of Not Eating Meat

Why would anyone consider becoming a vegetarian? Is a vegetarian diet healthier, or are there too many risks? The article, “Vegetarian Diets: Health Benefits and Associated Risks” by Navneet Kumar Kaushik, Anup Aggarwal, Mohita Singh, Shelja Deswal, and Priyanka Kaushik discusses the popularity in recent...

Non Vegetarian Diet Vs Vegetarian Diet: The Question About Nutrition

Diet plays a major role in determining the person’s overall health and body functioning. The type of the food intake by a person have a direct effect on the person’s metabolism rate, hormonal system and sometimes the physiology. The overall diet is broadly divided into...

Nutritional Benefits of Vegetarian and Plant-Based Diet

Abstract: There is no doubt that nutritionists all around the world have been doing a research whether vegetarian and plant-based diets are healthy or not which can reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other cancers that can increase longevity. Vegetarian diets contains...

The Need of Converting American Citizens to Vegetarianism

The meat industry has created major issues for the population of the United States and the world altogether. Vegetarians live a much longer, enjoyable life as their antioxidant filled diets keep them mentally and physically healthy. Those that choose to consume animals are automatically put...

• American Food and Nutrition

The Benefits of Vegetarianism and Detrimental Effects of Meat Consumption

Since the dawning of life, food has always been a necessity for survival. From simple, unicellular bacteria to complex, multicellular human beings, a source of energy must be consumed in order to give rise to a living organism. However, the nutritional value of the food...

• Healthy Food

The Benefits Of A Plant-Based Diet For Health

Dr. Charles Ross presented the misconceptions involved in regularly consuming milk and dairy products, as well as their negative effects on our health. He included an article by Dr. Neal Barnard that highlights the top five myths surrounding milk and dairy products to argue that;...

• Healthy Lifestyle

The Hidden Politics Of Vegetarianism Caste And The Hindu Canteen

Food practices varies in Indian culture with its diverse traditions. Hindus are considered as vegetarians, as a common assumption though the fact remains some of them including Brahmins, eat meat. The Vedic texts strongly recommend non-violence against all life forms while it doesn’t explicitly prohibit...

Best topics on Vegetarianism

1. Vegetarian vs. Meat Eater: A Comparative Analysis

2. Is It Ethical to Eat Meat: Navigating the Moral Dilemma

3. A Lot of Conflicting Ideas About the Vegetarian Diet

4. Moral Vegetarianism: Responsibility Or Necessity

5. Vegetarianism: Meat Eating Versus Nutrition

6. Problem Solving Ability And Adjustment In Relation To Vegetarian And Non Vegetarian

7. Vegetarianism And Practice Of Not Eating Meat

8. Non Vegetarian Diet Vs Vegetarian Diet: The Question About Nutrition

9. Nutritional Benefits of Vegetarian and Plant-Based Diet

10. The Need of Converting American Citizens to Vegetarianism

11. The Benefits of Vegetarianism and Detrimental Effects of Meat Consumption

12. The Benefits Of A Plant-Based Diet For Health

13. The Hidden Politics Of Vegetarianism Caste And The Hindu Canteen

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Beliefs and Attitudes toward Vegetarian Lifestyle across Generations

Peter pribis.

1 Department of Nutrition and Wellness, Andrews University, 8475 University Boulevard–Marsh Hall 313, Berrien Springs, MI 49104-0210, USA; Email: ude.swerdna@rkacnep

Rose C Pencak

Tevni grajales.

2 Department of Educational & Counseling Psychology, Andrews University, 4195 Administration Drive–Bell Hall 159, Berrien Springs, MI 49104-0104, USA; Email: ude.swerdna@invet

The objective of the study was to examine whether reasons to adopt vegetarian lifestyle differ significantly among generations. Using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), we identified that 4% of the participants were vegans, 25% lacto-ovo-vegetarians, 4% pesco-vegetarians and 67% non-vegetarian. Younger people significantly agreed more with the moral reason and with the environmental reason. People ages 41–60 significantly agreed more with the health reason. There are significant differences across generations as to why people choose to live a vegetarian lifestyle.

1. Introduction

A vegetarian diet is defined as a diet “consisting wholly of vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and sometimes eggs or dairy products” [ 1 ]. There are many variations of vegetarian diets. Semi-vegetarians avoid meat, poultry and fish most of the time. Pesco-vegetarians avoid meat and poultry but eat fish. Lacto-ovo-vegetarians avoid all meat, fish, and poultry but do eat milk, cheese, yogurt, other dairy products and eggs. Vegans avoid in their diet all products of animal origin [ 2 ].

Different vegetarian diet variations are chosen for different reasons depending on age, gender, religion, educational level and overall perceived health beliefs. A study publish in 1992 found that the highest number of vegetarians, 46 percent, chose a vegetarian diet for health reasons, 15 percent chose to be a vegetarian for animal rights reasons, 12 percent for friend/family influence, 5 percent for ethical reasons, 4 percent for environmental issues and 18 percent indicated other reasons [ 3 ].

A study conducted in the Netherlands researched the attitudes towards food and health among adults. The results showed that vegetarians had smaller households, higher education levels, higher socioeconomic status, lived in more urbanized residential areas; tended to agree that product information, specialty shops, health and ecological products, and social relationships were important, and were more ‘health-occupied’ than the meat eaters [ 4 ]. A study conducted in the UK examined the attitudes toward following a meat, vegetarian or vegan diet and the role of ambivalence (emotions) on these attitudes. The results indicated that people tend to have most positive beliefs and attitudes towards their own diets, and most negative beliefs and attitudes towards diets that differ from their own [ 5 ].

There has been an increase in the interest and popularity of the vegetarian lifestyle overtime. According to a research conducted by the Vegetarian Resource Group, in 1994 approximately 1% of U.S. population could be considered vegetarian; 2.5% in 2000; 2.8% in 2003 and 2.3%, which represents about 7 million people, by 2006 [ 6 ]. A poll conducted by the same group in 2008 discovered that about 6.7% of people always order a vegetarian dish when eating out (up from 5.5% in 1999) [ 7 ]. The proportion of young people who are vegetarian is still higher (6–11%), with similar levels of vegetarian teenagers being reported in both the United Kingdom and Australia [ 8 , 9 , 10 ].

Although there has been increased interest in the vegetarian lifestyle overtime, it is not clear what the main reasons are as to why people adopt this lifestyle. The focus in this report is to examine the beliefs and attitudes towards a vegetarian lifestyle across generations and to report on a theoretical model of the relationships between attitude, beliefs, knowledge and misconception concerning vegetarian lifestyles.

2. Experimental Section

2.1. recruitment of subjects.

This cross-sectional, observational study was completed at Andrews University which is a Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) institution of higher learning. SDA represent a unique population known for their wide range of dietary habits. This conservative religious group prohibits the use of alcohol, tobacco, and pork and recommends that members adhere to lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet [ 11 , 12 ]. The study was approved by the University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB protocol # 07-122). Participants were drawn from a large undergraduate introductory-level nutrition class that is open to students from all academic directions. Students were recruited by the instructor and assured that anonymity and confidentiality would be maintained. Participation in the study was voluntary. Those who choose to participate received ten bonus points which were counted toward their final grade. Data collection took place over the Thanksgiving holiday in 2007. Students were asked to recruit their parents and grandparents for participation in this survey.

2.2. Assessment of Food Intake and Attitudes toward Vegetarian Lifestyle

Each participant was asked to complete a four-page Lifestyle Practices Survey which consisted of four parts. Section one had 11 basic census questions (gender, ethnicity, marital status, education, occupation, age, etc. ). In section two a 29-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to accurately ascertain the vegetarian status of the participants. In section three, questions addressed the use of herbs and supplements. In section four participants were asked to describe which lifestyle they practice (non-vegetarian, pesco-vegetarian, lacto-ovo-vegetarian, or vegan). Using a Likert Scale from 1 to 5 (strongly disagree [ 1 ]–agree[ 2 ]–no opinion[ 3 ]–agree[ 4 ]–strongly agree[ 5 ]) participants answered questions concerning their attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and misconceptions about vegetarian lifestyles ( Table 1 ).

Selected questions used to assess nutritional knowledge, health food beliefs, attitudes toward vegetarian lifestyle and nutritional misconceptions.

2.3. Statistical Analysis

Data were analyzed using One-Way-ANOVA, Pearson correlation and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) [ 13 ] techniques with SPSS (version 15.0) and AMOS 7.0 statistical software. One-Way-ANOVA was used to test comparison between age groups. Descriptive data was tested for normality. Pearson correlations were examined to check for the internal validity of the data. In the development of the lifestyle questionnaire cluster analysis was used to group the questions into four separate areas labeled: knowledge about nutrition; beliefs in health foods; attitudes about vegetarian lifestyle; and nutritional misconceptions. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. sample size and characteristics.

Overall there were 609 participants who completed the survey. Descriptive data are shown in Table 2 . Out of the 609 participants, 215 (35%) were male and 394 (65%) were female. The mean age was 32.0 years for males and 30.6 years for females. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated for all participants. The mean BMI was 25.0 for males and 24.4 for females. Using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), we identified that 4% of the participants were vegans, 25% lacto-ovo vegetarians, 4% pesco-vegetarians and 67% non-vegetarians.

Selected characteristics of the study population ( n = 609).

3.2. Reasons for Vegetarian Lifestyle

The lifespan of a generation is not clearly defined. Depending on the cultural norms for marrying age it is generally 20 to 30 years per generation. The age distribution of the population did create four clusters of similar age groups, however, with not very clearly defined beginnings and ends. We have done several statistical analyses defining generation between 20 to 25 years. They all provided somewhat similar results, therefore we are reporting the results using following generational categories: 11–20 years, 21–40 years, 41–60 years, and 61 and older. We asked four questions concerning reasons why they choose a vegetarian lifestyle—the moral reason (it is wrong to kill animals), the health reason (vegetarians live longer and are less sick), the environmental reason (vegetarian lifestyle is much more protective against the environment) and (because 80% of our respondents were Seventh-day Adventists) the faith reason (being vegetarian is part of Adventist lifestyle). The results ( Figure 1 ) showed that the younger people (11–20 years) significantly agreed more with the moral reason (p = 0.003). People ages 41–60 significantly agreed more with the health reason (p = 0.010). Finally, younger people (11–20 years) also significantly agreed more with the environmental reason (p = 0.025). There were no significant differences concerning the faith reason (p = 0.715).

Distribution of attitudes concerning different reasons to be vegetarian across generations.

3.3. Verification of Vegetarian Status

Previous studies raised concerns that self-defined vegetarian status can be an unreliable indicator of true dietary preferences [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Table 3 represents the self-defined versus verified vegetarian status of the subjects. The bolded numbers represent those that defined their dietary preferences correctly. In order to make the self-identification process easier when asking participants what lifestyle they follow, the different vegetarian lifestyles were defined, e.g., vegan was defined as—eats vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains; lacto-ovo-vegetarian as - eats dairy products, eggs, vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, etc. The results vary greatly according to the group. In non-vegetarians 97% of females and males identified themselves correctly, in pesco-vegetarians only 32% of females and 17% of males identified themselves correctly. In lacto-ovo-vegetarians 82% of females and 78% of males identified themselves correctly, and in vegans 48% of females and 57% males identified themselves correctly. The data for vegans however need to be interpreted carefully because of small numbers.

Self-defined vs. Verified Vegetarian Status by Gender ( n = 600).

3.4. Theoretical Model of the Relationship between Attitudes, Beliefs, Knowledge and Misconceptions Concerning Vegetarian Lifestyles

This study examined the way underlying health concepts could explain why people chose vegetarian lifestyle using the SEM statistical method. SEM is a powerful multivariate statistical method being used in social sciences, and with increasing frequency in health behavior research. SEM examines underlying relationships among variables in the model and helps to explain social or behavioral phenomena [ 13 ]. Our model ( Figure 2 ) was constituted by four sets of concepts: the Attitudes toward vegetarian lifestyle , Nutritional knowledge , Nutritional misconceptions and Health food beliefs . How are Attitudes toward vegetarian lifestyle related to Nutritional knowledge , Health food beliefs and Nutritional misconceptions ?

The hypothesized model was assessed by AMOS version 7.0 using the maximum likelihood method. The model was evaluated by four fit measures: a , the chi square b , the Comparative Fit Index (CFI) c , the Good-of-Fit-Index (GFI) and d , the Root Mean Square of Approximation (RMSEA). The results for three out of the four indices support the proposed model. The chi square had a value of 165.057 (Df = 82, n = 609), p=0.000, indicating a non-acceptable match between the proposed model and the observed data. However due to the size of the sample additional fitted indices were considered. The CFI = 0.926, GFI = 0.965, both of them indicating an excellent fit of the model. The RMSEA measures the discrepancy between the sample coefficients and the population coefficients equals 0.041 (confidence interval 0.023 – 0.050) indicating an acceptable fitting [ 18 ].

Findings support model that suggests that the Attitudes toward vegetarian lifestyle are significantly correlated with Nutritional knowledge (r = 0.43, p = 0.000) and have negative effect on Health food beliefs (r = −0.21, p = 0.034) and Nutritional misconceptions (r = −0.46, p = 0.000). The observed effect between Nutritional knowledge and Attitudes toward vegetarian lifestyle (r = 0.43, p = 0.000) is bilateral suggesting that these variables influence each other. Increased nutritional knowledge might lead to positive attitude toward vegetarian lifestyle, and vice versa vegetarian lifestyle may promote increase in nutritional knowledge. Further, Nutritional knowledge has negative effect on Nutritional misconceptions (r = −0.32, p = 0.000) and positive effect on Health food beliefs (r = 0.28, p = 0.012). The model seems to indicate that in our population positive attitude toward vegetarian lifestyle is knowledge base instead of just being nurtured by some traditional nutritional beliefs or misconceptions. Positive attitudes toward vegetarian lifestyle contribute to the reduction of nutritional misconception and non scientific beliefs about health foods.

The data presented in this paper indicate that there are significant differences across generations as to why people choose to live a vegetarian lifestyle. Young people under the age of 20 seem to choose vegetarian lifestyle for moral and environmental reasons, while the middle age group of people between ages 41 to 60 seem to choose this lifestyle for health reasons. This trend seems understandable, given the wealth of publications documenting the health benefits of vegetarian and low-meat diets [ 11 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. For younger people health issues are not priority, however as they age this increases in importance as shown by the data. The health reason to be vegetarian in our population produced the strongest attitudes on the Likert scale, confirming previous finding that Adventist traditionally chose vegetarian lifestyle for health reasons.

Structural Equation Modeling testing a theoretical model of the relationship between attitudes, beliefs, knowledge and misconceptions concerning vegetarian lifestyles.

3.5. Study Limitations

Several potential limitations to this study should be considered. This is a population-based cross-sectional study, which included both genders and all age groups. The study was conducted on a campus of a American private university which may limit the generalizibility of the results. Although the sample size of the population was large enough, some groups such as the over sixty or vegans were underrepresented so the results should be interpreted with caution. Although SEM is a sophisticated analytic tool for testing theoretical models in behavioral or social science, the analyses are correlational which makes it difficult to establish causality. Because the isolation of variables in the model are impossible, all models must be looked at only as estimation of reality [ 23 ].

4. Conclusions

There are significant differences across some generations as to why people choose to live a vegetarian lifestyle. Younger people seem to be motivated by moral and environmental reasons, while those who are middle-aged seem to be motivated by health reasons. In our study, the non-vegetarians and lacto-ovo-vegetarians had the least difficulty correctly identify their vegetarian status. In our population the positive attitude toward vegetarian lifestyle is more knowledge based (supported by scientific information and facts) instead of just being fostered by some traditional nutritional beliefs or misconceptions (based on popular ideas and folkloristic practices).

Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude to the many students their parents and grandparents who participated in this research. Thanks to Alice C. Williams, Marcia A. Kilsby and Carolyn J. Baltazar for their technical assistance.

References and Notes

IELTS Blog & IELTS Mock Test

Ielts exam preparation for a higher band score., ielts essay: everyone should adopt a vegetarian diet.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Everyone should adopt a vegetarian diet because eating meat can cause serious health problems.

Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer 1:

People should consume more vegetables and fruits and as little meat as possible because intake high amount of meat can cause serious health issues. In my opinion, the consumption of a vegetarian diet is a better way to live a healthy life and I agree with the notion.

Firstly, vegetarian diets are cheaper and more healthy. If the majority of people become vegetarians, a nation needs to struggle less to become self-sufficient on food production. Moreover, such diets are easily accessible both for the poor and rich citizens. Most importantly, plant-based food provides necessary vitamins and food values, especially fibre, which protect us from many dangerous diseases. Not to mention, producing vegetarian food is more ecologically sustainable, and it reduces damage to the environment.

On the contrary, a certain portion of meat is necessary for a balanced diet because it contains protein, calcium and other vitamins. Nevertheless, these can be also gained from alternative sources like beans, mushrooms and nuts. Most meats are cholesterol-rich, which is detrimental to the human body and cause diseases. On top of that, deadly illnesses like cardiovascular diseases, obesity and brain haemorrhage are increasing gradually all around the world due to a high intake of red meat in different countries and I believe a vegetarian diet is a perfect solution to all these problems.

In conclusion, a healthy diet determines our wellbeing and life expectancy. Since a vegetarian diet is far beneficial than meats, we should choose wisely and decrease our meat intake as little as possible.

[By – Amraiz Ali Shahzad ]

Model Answer 2:

When it is perfectly possible to lead a healthy life by eating plant-based food, I see no justification for killing birds or animals for our food. Therefore, I completely agree with the argument that everyone should adopt a vegetarian diet.

There are several benefits to following a vegetarian diet. To start with, plant-based food is rich in vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and other nutrients required for good health. What’s more, most fruits and vegetables contain little or no cholesterol or calories. Research has shown that vegetarians are less likely to develop health-related problems like obesity, cancer or heart diseases. Health benefits are not the only reason to follow a vegetarian diet. When we obtain our food from plants, we can also stop cruelty to animals.

By contrast, non-vegetarian foods such as fish and meat are high in cholesterol, fat and calories. Regular consumption of red meat is known to increase a person’s risk of cancer and heart disease. In addition, unlike fruits or vegetables, fish and meat cannot be eaten raw. The slaughtered animal may have some illness. If half-cooked meat is eaten, it can cause deadly infections in human beings. In fact, many cases of food poisoning are caused by the consumption of contaminated meat.

The quality of non-vegetarian food has also deteriorated over the years. Seafood has become contaminated due to the pollution in ocean water. It is a well-known fact that farm animals are given steroids to grow rapidly. When we eat their meat, the steroid also enters into our body. This leads to several problems like precocious puberty in children.

To conclude, vegetarian diets are healthy and do not constitute cruelty to animals. Therefore, I believe that everyone should adopt vegetarianism.

[Written by – Manoj ]

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Vegan vs. Vegetarian Diets: Impacts on Health Essay

Vegans and vegetarians are people who do not engage in the consumption of meat. However, vegetarians have the option of consuming animal products like eggs and milk, but this option is not available to vegans; vegetarians tend to avoid the intake of all the animal proteins (Craig 1627). It is assumed that most vegans choose their food due to their religious and political beliefs, while vegetarians act out of choice. In effect, Veganism is a way of life that seeks to eliminate the consumption of animal products. On the other hand, vegetarianism is the practice of diet choices that exclude meat products. Mostly, vegans do not consume anything that is obtained from animals, like milk, eggs, honey, or any other supplements derived from animals. On the other hand, vegetarians tend to exclude meat products like fish and meat from their diet, while some of them take dairy products and eggs.

Over the years, there has been an increase in the popularity of vegetarian diet. Mostly, vegetarian diets are associated with many health benefits due to the high intake of vitamins, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, unsaturated fats, and phytochemicals (Phillips 134).

Most vegan diets have less cholesterol, less saturated fat, and high fiber compared to some vegetarian diets. In effect, these groups of people are normally thinner, have lower serum cholesterol levels, tend to have fewer cases of high blood pressure, and have a reduced risk of getting lifestyle related diseases. While vegetarian diets seem to be the healthy way of living, they increase the number of nutritional deficiencies in the body, as one foregoes the intake of animal products. Of particular concern among the list of micronutrients that such groups of people are likely to be lacking include vitamin B-12, Omega 3 fatty acids, and calcium, among others (Key, Appleby, and Rosell 36). Resultantly, it is imperative that vegans engage in the consumption of supplements to substitute the minimal intake of foods containing these nutrients.

Numerous health effects are related to the intake of vegan diets. Vegans are thinner in nature, have lower levels of cholesterol, and considerably lower levels of blood pressure compared to vegetarians. One study by Marsh, Zeuschner, and Saunders shows that the health benefits were true for all the races that were vegan in nature; they included the whites, African-Americans, and Hispanics (260). The study showed that the cholesterol level of vegans was about 44%, which was a lower level than their omnivore counterparts (Phillips 138). One major cause of cardiovascular disease is obesity. Thus, cardiovascular disease is not prevalent among vegans due to their lower body mass index (BMI). Essentially, a good BMI is an efficient protective factor, as it implies lower blood lipid levels and reduces the potential for heart disease among the vegans.

Further, vegans tend to have a higher intake of vegetables and fruits compared to their omnivore counterparts. Mostly, a high intake of fruits and vegetables tends to increase folic acid, phytochemicals, and antioxidants in the body, all of which are associated with low cholesterol levels. Consequently, a higher intake of fruits and vegetables leads to fewer occurrences of stroke and reduced mortality from stroke and resultant heart disease. Vegans also consume a lot of nuts, whole grains, and soy, which are associated with cardio-protective effects.

An Adventist health study showed that non-vegetarians had a higher risk of both prostate and colorectal cancer compared to their vegetarian counterparts. It is stated that a vegetarian diet offers protective nutritional components for the ailments (Le and Sabaté 2131). Overall, the BMI of vegetarians being lower than that of non-vegetarians acts as a protective factor against the development of cancer as opposed to non-vegetarian populations (Le and Sabaté 2131).

Primarily, vegans tend to consume more vegetables, legumes, tomatoes, fiber, vitamin C, and vegetables compared to their omnivore’s counterparts. All the nutrients derived from the fruits tend to be highly protective against cancer. For instance, the intake of vegetables and fruits is termed protective against mouth, lung, stomach, and esophagus cancers. Further, the frequent consumption of legumes offers a protective lining in the stomach, which guards against prostate and stomach cancer.

Moreover, the consumption of foods rich in flavonoids, phytochemicals, fiber, vitamin C, and fiber offers protection against various forms of cancer, with garlic being associated with protection against colorectal cancer. Despite the benefits of most of the foods that the vegetarian population eats, there has been a slight difference in cancer rates between vegans and non-vegetarians. This could be attributed to poor preparation methods and inadequate intake of vitamin D, which also increases cancer risk among the vegan populations.

Further, the proteins that are avoided by the vegetarian societies seem to cause serious health consequences to those who consume them. Processed meat and red meat are two protein sources that have increasingly been associated with many cancer problems. Notably, people with a high intake of red meat suffer the greatest risk of developing cancer, with a risk of about 20-60%. Among the prominent types of cancer that these populations are associated with include the cancer of the liver, lung cancer, colorectal, and esophageal cancer. Moreover, eggs intake is seen to lead to a high risk of pancreatic cancer in various populations.

While vegans avoid the consumption of the food purported to cause higher cancer incidences, they engage in the use of high legume amounts. However, while the use of legumes helps in developing a stomach lining that guards against stomach cancer, it also facilitates colon cancer. Nonetheless, the use of soy foods among the vegan populations tends to protect them from prostate cancer.

While the consumption of vegan diets is associated with some benefits, there are also some risks associated with such foods. Primarily, most vegans emphasize on a high intake of vegetables, which are also dominated by fruits. They also include a high intake of cereals, which are both unrefined and refined, as well as legumes. Cereals and legumes tend to release moderate amounts of bio-available protein levels, yet very rich in nutrients like phytate. Nonetheless, vegan diets exclude fish, shellfish, and meat, which are the primary sources of nutrients that one could consume. In effect, the vegan foods are highly devoid of vital nutrients necessary for physiological functions. In effect, both vegetarians and vegans are prone to vitamin B-12 deficiency, iron, zinc, and calcium deficiencies. They also tend to lack vitamins A and D, among other important fatty acids.

It is estimated that about 68.5% of vegetarians and 83% of vegans suffer from the problem of vitamin B-12 deficiency compared to 5% of non-vegetarians (Craig 1630). The purpose of vitamin B-12 is to work in synergy with folate to synthesize DNA and red blood cells.

The two nutrients are also important in the generation of the myelin sheath, which is a protective cover on the nerves that helps in carrying out nerve impulses. In effect, the lack of nutrient implies that vegans and vegetarians may suffer conditions like fatigue, lethargy, weakness, poor memory, anemia, neurological, and psychiatric issues, among others. In fact, a child brought up with this kind of diet tends to face worse struggles, as they hardly acquire the nutrients even when given some animal products to boost their vitamin B-12 levels. In effect, the standard of reasoning, problem-solving capacity, and learning is low among children with vitamin B-12 deficiency.

The level of calcium intake is equal in both vegetarians and omnivores, although it is lowest for vegans. Vegans tend to lack calcium, as they eliminate foods that are rich in calcium from their diet. Further, it is harder for vegans to acquire calcium from plants, as most plant foods contain phytate and oxalate, which tend to inhibit the absorption of the nutrient. This, further, limits the amount of calcium that the body can get from the plant foods. In effect, while the level of calcium is high in plant foods like kale and spinach, the plant calcium is poorly absorbed into the body during digestion (Craig 1633).

Overall, the health benefits of a vegan and vegetarian diets are positive because the diets are largely protective against cancer, among other lifestyle diseases like cardiovascular disease. However, the diets tend to limit the absorption of various other essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin B-12, leading to deficiencies in the nutrients. Therefore, it is imperative that vegans and vegetarians increase their supplement intake of the vital nutrients they do not acquire from both fruits and vegetables.

Works Cited

Craig, Winston J. “Health Effects of Vegan Diets.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 89.5 (2009): 1627S-1633S. Print.

Key, Timothy J., Paul N. Appleby, and Magdalena S. Rosell. “Health Effects of Vegetarian and Vegan Diets.” Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 65.01 (2006): 35-41. Print.

Le, Lap Tai, and Joan Sabaté. “Beyond Meatless, the Health Effects of Vegan Diets: Findings from the Adventist Cohorts.” Nutrients 6.6 (2014): 2131-2147. Print.

Marsh, Kate, Carol Zeuschner, and Angela Saunders. “Health Implications of a Vegetarian Diet A Review.” American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine 6.3 (2012): 250-267. Print.

Phillips, Frankie. “Vegetarian Nutrition.” Nutrition Bulletin 30.2 (2005): 132-167. Print.

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IvyPanda. (2020, June 29). Vegan vs. Vegetarian Diets: Impacts on Health. https://ivypanda.com/essays/vegan-vs-vegetarian-diets-impacts-on-health/

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Review: Latin food restaurant serves traditional favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Hot, honest, healthy, Latin food that's gently seasoned and fresh from the kitchen or made to order. It’s just that simple and it’s simply that good. Latin Melting Pot is the no-nonsense approach to mealtime.

Whether it is time for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Latin Melting Pot is one of the few homestyle restaurants that open early and close late to serve all three meals.

Bright and clean as a whistle, this colorful little restaurant has both inside and outside seating. But first, line up to order at the register, then find your seat and wait for your food to be brought right to you.

All things food: Roundups of new restaurants, best restaurants, restaurant reviews and inspections

The menu includes authentic Latin dishes for building your own combo. Peruse the food being served from warming stations and choose from white or yellow arroz (rice) and either black or red frijoles (beans). Next, choose a side such as yuca, sweet plantains, French fries or vegetables. Lastly, decide between Latin recipes of pollo (chicken), cerdo (pork), carne de res (beef) or pescado (fish). 

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Servers are warm and friendly and ready to answer any questions you may have. In addition to what is referred to as the "hot food" menu, the made-to-order items are plentiful. 

Several kinds of empanadas, tostones and croquetas are offered as appetizers, along with crisp house ensaladas (salads) and sopas (soups) served with rice. Don’t forget the many types of Latin sandwiches and, of course, tacos. Note to vegetarians: There is a loaded fresh veggie sandwich. 

Not having had an opportunity to try the Latin inspired breakfast and bakery items, including desserts, I was inspired to plan to return some morning when they open bright and early at 8 a.m. I’m also very intrigued by the Latin-inspired pizza, served all through the day. 

If you are hankering for a combo with succulent pulled pork ($14.99) or delicious shredded beef ($15.99), I can attest to the outstanding quality and taste of both. And the sweet plantains were themselves worth the trip. 

We drank sugarcane and passion fruit lemonades ($3.50) and shared creamy arroz con leche (rice pudding $5.50) for dessert, savoring the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and star anise.

Latin Melting Pot is conveniently located at the far east end of the Treasure Coast Plaza off Indian River Boulevard.   

Latin Melting Pot

• Cuisine: Latin
• Address: 2017 Indian River Blvd., Vero Beach
• Hours:  8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday–Sunday; closed Monday
• Phone: 772-789-0104

Maribeth Renne dines anonymously at the expense of TCPalm. Contact her at  [email protected] .

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Vegetarianism — An Introduction to the Reasons for Vegetarianism

Vegetarianism: Introduction, Positive and Negative Sides

• Categories: Vegetarianism

About this sample

Words: 1182 |

Published: Aug 10, 2018

Words: 1182 | Pages: 3 | 6 min read

Table of contents

What is vegetarianism (essay), benefits and drawbacks of vegetarian diets, works cited.

• Davis, B., & Melina, V. (2014). Becoming Vegetarian: The Complete Guide to Adopting a Healthy Plant-Based Diet. Book Publishing Company.
• Flynn, R. W. V. (2017). Vegetarianism in Western Europe: A Study of Vegetarianism in France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, and Sweden. Routledge.
• Fox, N., & Ward, K. (2008). Health, ethics and environment: A qualitative study of vegetarian motivations. Appetite, 50(2-3), 422-429. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2007.09.007
• Haddad, E. H., Sabaté, J., Whitten, C. G., & Tanzman, J. S. (2014). Vegetarian food guide pyramid: A conceptual framework. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 100(Supplement_1), 356S-361S. doi:10.3945/ajcn.113.071621
• Leitzmann, C. (2017). Vegetarian nutrition: Past, present, future. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 100(Supplement_1), 496S-502S. doi:10.3945/ajcn.113.071621
• Mangels, A. R., Messina, V., & Messina, M. (2011). The Dietitian's Guide to Vegetarian Diets: Issues and Applications. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Marsh, K., & Zeuschner, C. (2012). The vegan plate: A guide to healthy vegan nutrition. Akerman Publishing.
• Sabaté, J., & Wien, M. (2015). Vegetarian diets and childhood obesity prevention. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 101(1), 152S-157S. doi:10.3945/ajcn.113.071621
• Spencer, E. A., Appleby, P. N., Davey, G. K., & Key, T. J. (2003). Diet and body mass index in 38 000 EPIC-Oxford meat-eaters, fish-eaters, vegetarians and vegans. International Journal of Obesity, 27(6), 728-734. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0802300
• Tuso, P. J., Ismail, M. H., Ha, B. P., & Bartolotto, C. (2013). Nutritional update for physicians: Plant-based diets. The Permanente Journal, 17(2), 61-66. doi:10.7812/TPP/12-085

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National Hamburger Day 2024: Our picks for best places in Greenville, Anderson, Spartanburg

How many patties and toppings a person puts between two buns is a personal preference. If there were any day not to judge, it should be National Hamburger Day, as the unofficial holiday kicks off on Tuesday, May 28.

What better way to conclude Memorial Day weekend than to sautée or grill one of the most iconic American handhelds: the cheeseburger? According to the website NationalToday.com, the cheeseburger's origins are in Hamburg, Germany, but the juicy and succulent patties we all know and love started in Seymour, Wisconsin.

The Habit Burger Grill and Whataburger have recently come to the Upstate within the past year, so trying a West Coast-style burger or finding a taste of Texas are finally available options within the area. Although a franchise, Wayback Burger features a taste of home as the Carolina Burger, which has American cheese, slaw, chili, and other buy-one-get-one promotional deals on May 28. Wendy's also offers their bacon cheeseburger from May 28 through June 2 for only a penny.

But as we all know, some of the best burgers come from a small diner or a family-owned restaurant. Here is our extensive guide to finding a burger that suits your taste buds within the Upstate for the 2024 unofficial National Hamburger Day:

More burgers to come: New Realm Brewing open in Greenville's West End, what to know about restaurant, speakeasy

Best traditional hamburger and cheeseburgers to try in the Upstate area

The options for a tasty traditional burger in the Upstate are endless.

Every gourmet burger experience in Greenville should begin at The Velo Fellow . Their pub burger contains a half-pound of beef, smoked applewood bacon, caramelized onions, and cheddar cheese, which combine for handheld heaven.

Bistro Passerelle has tweaked its Bistro Burger over the past year, as it once contained bone marrow. While now less fancy, their signature burger is piled with red onion jam and Swiss cheese and made with fresh black Angus beef. Add in the views of Falls Park while dining out, and you may have the best seat in the Upstate. Hip Burger, in Mauldin, also makes an excellent smash double bacon cheeseburger for those who love fast food but with an added touch of care.

Arden's Burger & Grill in Anderson offers a traditional "Tiger Burger," but its house mayo elevates it to the next level. B&B Restaurant along Williamston Road is also an excellent destination for an affordable and tasty cheeseburger combo plate.

In Spartanburg, Ike's Korner Grille has been in business for over 50 years. Their specials, stacked burgers, and handheld favorites are some of the best in the state.

Other Burger Options: Perfect Buns , 20 E. Broad St. — Carolina Bagel Burger; Northgate Soda Shop, 918 N. Main St. — Pimento Cheeseburger; Mac's Speed Shop , 930 S. Main St. — Black n Bleu Burger with applewood smoked bacon; Larkin's , 32 E. Broad St. — Smash Burger with white American cheese; Bohemian Bull , 1 E. Butler St., Mauldin — Truffle Burger with gouda cheese and grilled baby portabella mushrooms.

Best specialty burger options in Upstate?

There's a burger for everyone out there; it's just a matter of finding the right thing.

The GOAT GVL has a chorizo burger marinated with adobo, jalapeño, shaved cabbage, and GOAT sauce, which combines Hispanic and American cuisine. If you're a seafood lover, Jones Oyster Company has continually improved its Charleston shrimp burger, which contains a house-made shrimp patty with charred lemon caper tartar sauce on a brioche bun.

If sweet and savory are on your mind, Bourbon Street Burgers at The City Market at Bridgeway Station recently premiered a doughnut burger topped with cheddar cheese and bacon. Windy City Burger, in downtown Greenville, has a selection of burgers that can satisfy any foodie. However, their Marshfield Burger, which contains goat cheese and pesto sauce, is a must-try at least once.

In Spartanburg, Cribbs Kitchen is locally known for its cheeseburger competitions and specialty burger options and is loaded with many options. Their most intriguing concoction is a "berry poppin' smash burger" with beer-whipped cream cheese, bacon, and raspberry sauce. Also, the "belly dancer" is a great option, as it contains pork belly, wasabi aioli, and a sweet soy glaze. Chef Ae's Restaurant has an interesting take on a "Cognac peppercorn burger" with parmesan cheese and peppercorn sauce made with Angus beef.

New Groove Artisan Brewery in Boiling Springs offers a Salisbury burger on its menu. It is topped with provolone cheese and a scoop of garlic mashed potatoes.

Anderson hosts two classic burger locations: Fresh Burger has the "Old #7", also known as the whiskey burger, and The Local Uptown has "The Hawaiian," which comes with Swiss, teriyaki, and pineapple.

Other Specialty Burger Options: Bad Daddy's Burger Bar , 1922 Augusta St. Suite 100 — Bad Daddy's Bacon Cheeseburger; Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint , 19 Augusta St. Suite H — Greg Brady Burger topped with house-made mac n' cheese, American cheese and BBQ chips; Nose Dive — Caprese Burger with turkey patty pesto aioli, fresh mozzarella, and balsamic glaze. The Beacon Drive-In, 255 John B. White Sr. Blvd. (Spartanburg), Adam's Bistro , 221 Pelham Road, Suite 100 — The Heat burger made with a house-made buffalo sauce and sautéed jalapeño.

One of Greenville's best: James Beard Award nominee, Cienfuegos Harris, no longer at Topsoil; here's what's next

Where are best vegan, vegetarian burger options in Upstate?

For those who do not participate in the consumption of animal products, there are options available, as well.

Sun Belly Cafe will offer a rotating vegan burger of the day, which has a base of black beans and black-eyed peas, while Naked Vegan has the "All Gone burger," made from Beyond Meat with a toasted pretzel bun, smoked gouda, vegan mayo, and all other veggie options.

Farm Fresh Fast hosts a "Backyard Bacon Cheeseburger" made of Beyond Meat, sweet potato bacon, and vegan cheese.

Other Vegetarian/Vegan Burger Options: Grill Marks (multiple locations) — The Herbivore Burger made with black beans and cowboy sauce; Bar Margaret , 1269 Pendleton St. — Damn Good Hippie Burger with mushrooms/veggie/falafel patty on focaccia.

Did we miss your favorite burger stand? Feel free to contact [email protected] or on X (formally Twitter) @ajhappened.

– A.J. Jackson covers the food & dining scene, along with arts, entertainment and downtown culture for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at [email protected], and follow him on X (formally Twitter) @ajhappened. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription .  

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Guest Essay

A Chill Has Fallen Over Jews in Publishing

By James Kirchick

Mr. Kirchick is a contributing writer to Tablet magazine, a writer at large for Air Mail and the author of “Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington.”

This month, an account on X with the handle @moyurireads and 360 followers published a link to a color-coded spreadsheet classifying nearly 200 writers according to their views on the “genocide” in Gaza. Titled “Is Your Fav Author a Zionist?,” it reads like a cross between Tiger Beat and “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion.”

The novelist Emily St. John Mandel, the author of “Station Eleven” and “Sea of Tranquility,” earned a red “pro-Israel/Zionist” classification because, according to the list’s creator, she “travels to Israel frequently talks favorably about it.” Simply for posting a link to the Israeli chapter of the Red Cross, the novelist Kristin Hannah was deemed a “Zionist,” as was the author Gabrielle Zevin for delivering a book talk to Hadassah, a Jewish women’s organization. Needless to say, the creator of the list — whose post on X announcing it garnered over a million views within a few days — encourages readers to boycott any works produced by “Zionists.”

The spreadsheet is but the crudest example of the virulently anti-Israel — and increasingly antisemitic — sentiment that has been coursing through the literary world since the Hamas massacre of Oct. 7. Much of it revolves around the charge of genocide and seeks to punish Zionists and anyone else who refuses to explicitly denounce the Jewish state for allegedly committing said crime. Since a large majority of American Jews (80 percent of whom, according to a 2020 poll , said that caring about Israel is an important or essential part of their Judaism) are Zionists, to accuse all Zionists of complicity in genocide is to anathematize a core component of Jewish identity.

Over the past several months, a litmus test has emerged across wide swaths of the literary world effectively excluding Jews from full participation unless they denounce Israel. This phenomenon has been unfolding in progressive spaces (academia, politics, cultural organizations) for quite some time. That it has now hit the rarefied, highbrow realm of publishing — where Jewish Americans have made enormous contributions and the vitality of which depends on intellectual pluralism and free expression — is particularly alarming.

As is always and everywhere the case, this burgeoning antisemitism is concomitant with a rising illiberalism. Rarely, if ever, do writers express unanimity on a contentious political issue. We’re a naturally argumentative bunch who — at least in theory — answer only to our own consciences.

To compel them to express support or disapproval for a cause is one of the cruelest things a society can do to writers, whose role is to tell society what they believe, regardless of how popular the message may be. The drawing up of lists, in particular, is a tactic with a long and ignominious history, employed by the enemies of literature — and liberty — on both the left and the right. But the problem goes much deeper than a tyro blacklist targeting “Zionists.”

One of the greatest mass delusions of the 21st century is the belief that Israel is committing a genocide against Palestinians. This grotesque moral inversion — in which a genocidal terrorist organization that instigated a war with Israel by committing the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust is absolved of responsibility while the victim of Hamas’s attack is charged with perpetrating the worst crime known to man — began taking shape before Israel even launched its ground invasion of Gaza.

A charitable description of those imputing genocidal motivations to Israel is that they are ignorant, essentially believing the word to mean “large numbers of civilian casualties.” (Here it’s worth noting that the United Nations, to little notice, has significantly lowered its estimate of the number of women and children killed in Gaza.) For others, accusing Israel of genocide is an emotional outlet for expressing outrage at such a horrific loss of life. A third, more pessimistic, characterization of the ubiquitous genocide canard is that it is only the latest iteration of the ancient antisemitic blood libel, which held that Jews murdered gentile children in order to use their blood for religious rituals.

College students and professional activists using overheated and imprecise language to convey their strongly held beliefs is hardly uncommon, and much of the intemperate language being directed at Israel and its Zionist supporters can be attributed to the hyperbole that increasingly characterizes our political discourse. What should worry us more is when people who have dedicated their lives to the written word manipulate language for a political end, one that is stigmatizing Jews.

Nine days after the Oct. 7 attack, the popular website Literary Hub began publishing what has since become a near-daily torrent of agitprop invective against what it describes as the “rogue ethnostate” of Israel, which it routinely accuses of committing genocide. In March, after a mass resignation of its staff members , the literary magazine Guernica retracted a personal essay by a left-wing Israeli woman about her experience volunteering to drive Palestinian children to Israel for medical treatment. In her resignation letter, one of the magazine’s co-publishers denounced the piece as “a hand-wringing apologia for Zionism and the ongoing genocide in Palestine.”

Whereas antisemitism in the literary world used to lurk in the shadows, according to the Jewish Book Council’s chief executive, Naomi Firestone-Teeter, since Oct. 7, it has become increasingly overt. “The fact that people have felt so proud and open about it is a different beast entirely,” she said. One of the most disturbing developments in this regard has been the frequency and contempt with which the word “Zionist” is now spit from people’s mouths in the United States.

Until relatively recently, the use of “Zionist” as a slur was most commonly confined to Soviet and Arab propagandists, who spent decades trying to render the word the moral equivalent of “Nazi.” Today many progressives use the word in similar fashion, making no distinction between a Zionist who supports a two-state solution (which, presumably, most Jews in the overwhelmingly liberal literary world do) and one who believes in a “Greater Israel” encompassing the entirety of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. And while anyone can be a Zionist, I’ve found in my 20 years of reporting on antisemitism that many Jews essentially hear “Jew” when someone shouts “Zionist" at them.

The corruption of the words “genocide” and “Zionist” lies at the root of the controversy threatening to unravel PEN America, the storied writers’ organization. As with many a literary contretemps, it involves a cascade of open letters. In February a missive that gained almost 1,500 signatures was published demanding that PEN “wake up from its own silent, tepid, neither-here-nor-there, self-congratulatory middle of the road and take an actual stand against an actual genocide.” The dozens of statements PEN had issued by that time calling attention to the plight of writers in Gaza (whom the letter, without citing evidence, claimed had been “targeted” by Israel for assassination)were insufficient. “We demand PEN America release an official statement” about the writers killed in Gaza the letter read, “and name their murderer: Israel, a Zionist colonial state funded by the U.S. government.”

On March 20, PEN acceded to the ultimatum that it endorse the call for a cease-fire. But that did not satiate its critics.

Last month, in advance of PEN’s annual literary awards ceremony, nearly half of the nominated writers withdrew from the competition. A subset of those writers then released another open letter , declaring, “Among writers of conscience, there is no disagreement. There is fact and fiction. The fact is that Israel is leading a genocide of the Palestinian people.” They accused PEN of “normalizing genocide,” denounced PEN for its “platforming of Zionists” and, most shamefully, called for the resignation of its Jewish chief executive, Suzanne Nossel, on account of her “longstanding commitments to Zionism.”

Along with eight other past presidents of PEN, Salman Rushdie signed a letter in defense of the organization , an intervention that earned him an “unclear” rating on the anti-Zionist blacklist. (He has braved far worse from Islamist zealots and their Western apologists.) PEN ultimately canceled both the awards ceremony and subsequent World Voices Festival.

Dissatisfaction with PEN’s purported lack of indignation over the deaths of Palestinian writers is a fig leaf. Where were the efforts by those now decrying PEN to protest the complete absence of freedom of expression that has characterized the Gaza Strip under 17 years of Hamas rule?

The real objectives behind the cynical weaponization of the word “genocide” and the authoritarian insistence that anyone who disagrees with it is an enabler of one are to shut down debate, defame dissenters and impose a rigid orthodoxy throughout the publishing world. It is a naked attempt to impose an ideological litmus test on anyone hoping to join the republic of letters — a litmus test that the vast majority of Jews would fail.

A campaign of intimidation, the sort of thing that happens to the dissident writers in closed societies whom PEN regularly champions, is afoot to pressure writers into toeing this new party line. PEN’s current president, Jenny Finney Boylan, recently said that she had heard from “many, many authors who do not agree with those withdrawing from PEN events and who do not wish to withdraw from our events themselves but are afraid of the consequences if they speak up.”

Compelling speech — which is ultimately what PEN’s critics are demanding of it — is the tactic of commissars, not writers in a free society. Censorship, thought policing and bullying are antithetical to the spirit of literature, which is best understood as an intimate conversation between the author and individual readers.

PEN’s detractors aren’t helping the Palestinian people with their whitewashing of Hamas. They’re engaged in a hostile takeover of a noble organization committed to the defense of free expression in order to advance a sectarian and bigoted political agenda.

Neil Gaiman, Taylor Jenkins-Reid, Ms. Mandel and other hugely successful authors need not worry that being denounced as a Zionist will hurt their careers. But the blacklists and the boycotts are not targeted at them. The real targets of this crusade are lesser-known authors, budding novelists, aspiring poets and creative writing students — largely but not exclusively Jewish — who can feel a change in the air.

“I do now definitely have concern as a Jewish author — two years working on a novel that has absolutely nothing to do with Jews in any way, just because it says ‘National Jewish Book Award winner’ in my bio — that it may change the way readers see the work,” said a Jewish creative writing professor and novelist who spoke to me on the condition of being quoted anonymously.

No longer is being on the receiving end of a review bomb the worst fate that can befall a Jewish writer exploring Jewish themes; even getting such a book published is becoming increasingly difficult. “It’s very clear you have to have real courage to acquire and publish proudly Jewish voices and books about being Jewish,” a prominent literary agent told me. “When you are seen as genocidal, a moral insult to humanity because you believe in Israel’s right to exist, you are now seen as deserving of being canceled.”

There’s a distasteful irony in a literary community that has gone to the barricades fighting book “bans” now rallying to boycott authors based on their ethnoreligious identity. For a growing set of writers, declaring one’s belief that the world’s only Jewish state is a genocidal entity whose dismantlement is necessary for the advancement of humankind is a political fashion statement, a bauble one parades around in order to signify being on the right team. As was Stalinism for an earlier generation of left-wing literary intellectuals, so is antisemitism becoming the avant-garde.

James Kirchick is a contributing writer to Tablet magazine, a writer at large for Air Mail and the author of “Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington.”

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