You might choose to follow a vegetarian diet because you believe it will improve your health. Diets rich in plant foods, such as grains, beans, fruits and vegetables, reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.
Practicing a religion that advocates vegetarianism is a reason some people follow a vegetarian diet. For example,the Hindu religion considers the cow sacred, and most of its followers do not eat meat. Ghandi, a Hindu vegetarian, declared that the greatness of a nation could be measured by the way in which it treats its animals.
Some people are vegetarians because they simply can't afford meat. Animal products are expensive compared with foods of plant origin. Beans are also a high-protein food, and they cost much less to produce than meat does.
Also the influence of family, friends and even famous role models and celebrities is a reason people adhere to a vegetarian diet.
