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October 1st • Health & Ethics

World Vegetarian Day

World Vegetarian Day is an annual celebration of the benefits of vegetarianism. It highlights the positive impact that a meat-free diet can have on health, animals, and the planet. Today, we debate the middle ground of meat consumption, the rise of flexitarianism, and whether a world without meat is a realistic or desirable goal. Is vegetarianism the most accessible way to improve our global food system?

A variety of fresh, colorful vegetables at a market

Speaking Discussion

  • Do you think that a vegetarian diet is significantly healthier than one that includes meat? Why or why not?
  • In your opinion, what is the middle ground when it comes to meat consumption? Is being a flexitarian (eating meat occasionally) the best approach?
  • How much of a role should ethics and animal welfare play in our dietary choices? Does it feel different when the meat is locally sourced?
  • What are the most common misconceptions about vegetarians that you have heard? How can we address these?
  • Do you think that the rise of plant-based meat alternatives is a good thing, or are they just ultra-processed foods that we should avoid?
  • If you had to live without one specific type of food for the rest of your life, what would be the hardest to give up? Why?

Activity 1: The veggie challenge Pitch

The Task: You are a Health Coach. You need to persuade a group of meat-lovers to try a 30-day vegetarian challenge.

What are your top three selling points, and what kind of support will you offer them?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The biggest benefit of a meat-free meal is..."
  • "I think dietary choices are..."
  • "In my opinion, the future of food is..."