Are you a vegetarian?

Diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes a lifestyle change requires adopting a new diet. We asked on Facebook and Twitter if you are vegetarian or would ever consider becoming one? We loved reading your answers and we asked the FAIRLADY team the same question and here are the answers:

'I'm not vegetarian, but have been following meat-free Mondays for a couple of years now and as a result have become really interested in vegetarian cooking. As a family we eat far less meat than we used to, which I’m happy about, but I’m not interested in becoming 100% vegetarian.' - Suzy Brokensha, editor

'I didn’t grow up eating red meat as my mom was diagnosed with hepatitis when I was a child and couldn’t stand the taste of red meat after she recovered. So I only really developed a "taste" for red meat as I got older. Two years ago, after completing an Art of Living course, I decided to give vegetarianism a go. I stuck to a vegetarian diet for 100 days after being told that this was enough time to make it stick. However, I found it quite difficult and tended to default to carbohydrates in order to keep full. As a result I often ended up feeling very bloated and heavy. Eventually at the end of 100 days I returned to meat eating, however, my husband and I do tend to a have a few meat-free nights in a week. I really enjoy the taste of meat but I try to keep my diet as balanced and varied as possible. I also only opt for free range meat when I do eat it, if the grocery store doesn't have free range in stock, then it's a veggie night for us.' - Jennifer Searle, digital editor

'I am a vegetarian! Whoop whoop!' - Janine Norje, senior designer

'I used to be a lacto-vegan (no eggs, red meat or fish) but I did eat dairy for six years. I still have a problem with meat on the bone, especially chicken, but I will eat mince and really well cooked meat with loads of sauce to hide the taste.' - Anèl van der Merwe, Picture Editor

'I have tried vegetarianism, briefly, but I didn’t last. I found it too difficult to sustain with young children, and socially. I do wonder about whether it is ethical to kill animals, but on the other hand, it seems that research shows that animal protein is one of the cornerstones of a healthy diet. With that, as well as the fact that I tend towards low iron levels in mind, I can’t see myself crossing over any time soon.' - Ana Rich, senior editor

'I am not vegetarian, but would certainly consider changing. I would miss chicken and fish, but not red meat.' - Sally Kramer, consumer test house editor

'I'd consider myself a flexitarian – I can happily go for ages without meat, but if I’m craving a lamb curry then I consider it my body telling me that it needs the iron boost. And when I do choose chicken, meat or fish, I’ll always go for the free-range, sustainable option.' - Elizabeth Atmore, health editor

'No, I’m not. I wouldn’t consider it, as I love meat and fish and many doctors have told me that the body absorbs iron better from meat sources. Though I have to say, I’d probably spend a whole lot less on food!' - Sameena Amien, chief sub-editor

'I've gone vegetarian twice in my life: first when I was a teen for about a year, and again in my late twenties, also for about a year. The first time, I was grossed out after biting into a pie and getting a mouthful of skin and fur (it was even worse than it sounds). I got over that eventually though. The second time, I decided to give up meat after I began to learn about inhumane farming practices, as well as the impact of humanity's meat consumption on the environment. After about a year of abstaining from meat, I decided to try veganism. It was an interesting experiment: I was hungry ALL THE TIME, but also exceptionally stimulated creatively, because it's a challenge to eat a balanced diet while also getting depth of flavour from your food when you can’t add meat, dairy or eggs. Eventually, though, I cracked, and devoured an entire plate of boerewors. I realised that vegetarianism just wasn’t for me, but I still eat very little meat, and only free range or organic when I do. And life without butter, I discovered, is just not worth living.' - Robyn McLarty, senior sub-editor

'I was a vegetarian from the age of 9 to 18 and then again from the age of 21-22. I am seriously considering going vegetarian again though as I feel it is a healthy lifestyle and better for the environment.' Catherine Zachariou, junior beauty editor

'No, I love my meat far too much. I do however only eat organic and free range meat.' - Candice Lee Kannemeyer, beauty editor

Would you consider changing your diet and becoming a vegetarian? Tell us on our Facebook or comment below.