[jimbo2012]

2015 is a great year period, it’s an especially good time to try a plant-based lifestyle, as recent events indicate.

Health benefits of veganism are becoming more recognized on a national basis. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines, published every five years by the USDA, has notably changed its tune. For a long time it mainly recommended reducing your intake of red meat. This year it encourages limiting consumption of animal products in general.

The Scientific Report, found on health.gov, states: “The major findings regarding sustainable diets were that a higher in plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and lower in calories and animal-based foods is more health promoting and is associated with less environmental impact than is the current U.S. diet.”

According to University of California’s Soil and Water Specialists, 5,214 gallons of water go into producing a pound of beef; 1,630 go into a pound of pork; and 815 go into a pound of chicken. Compare this to the 49 gallons required for apples, 33 for carrots, 24 for potatoes and 23 for tomatoes. There are similar findings for the grains and land used for livestock.

When we eat animals and animal products, we’re also consuming all the food and water that fed them over a lifetime. In order to mitigate the effects of our food production on the planet, we should skip the animals and go right to the plants. It is not only beneficial, but necessary. As news of droughts and greenhouse gas emissions have indicated, we need to be more careful with our natural resources.

Spend a few minutes Googling things, and you’ll see for yourself the numerous upsides of adopting a healthy, sustainable vegan diet.

[jimbo2012]

...

[Polar Bear]

No. It's definitely you.

[Trish Crocker]

As soon as I saw the headline I knew it was you! Love you guys.

[graciegirl]

Jimbo. You are such a nice fellow. If you would only drop the evangelical veganism. Pretty soon you will be voting with that party and rooting for Michigan.

[jimbo2012]

Gracie.....................

[dbussone]

I appreciate your efforts because I know they represent your honest beliefs. Jim, having said that, a sustainable diet is one that sustains my needs and life. I prefer paleo but that is a whole new thread.