Restaurant Exhaust FansMore and more people are opting for healthier lifestyles. It has long been assumed that a vegetarian diet is healthier than diets that include large amounts of meat and animal products, however, many people shy away from complete vegetarianism and embrace what is now referred to as a “flexitarian” lifestyle, eating both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods, but limiting their intake of meat and other animal products for health reasons. As a result, the numbers of vegetarian restaurants and vegetarian-friendly menu options is increasing significantly.
It used to be that vegetarians were excluded from most restaurants based on the limited number of meatless dishes (other than a house salad). Many restaurants now offer extensive vegetarian choices, such as entrees featuring beans, tofu and other proteins. This helps consumers make healthier choices when dining out.
The trend toward more vegetarian choices comes from the growing concern by many about their personal health, as well as concerns about more eco-friendly lifestyles, including the use of fewer animal products. It is thought that the livestock industry contributes more toward global warming than the combined effect of all forms of transportation, making it a significant issue for environmentalists.
Many celebrities have hopped on the meat-free bandwagon and adopted patterns like “Meat Free Mondays” and other promotions that help reduce the global warming caused by the livestock industry. This has helped to raise awareness surrounding the correlation between animal products and global warming.
Research has shown that there is a significant increase in the demand for vegetarian and meatless foods, with a nearly 25% increase during the past decade. It is expected that this growth trend is going to continue on an upward swing. People are going to continue to seek healthier options when it comes to dining out, and the interest in conserving resources and protecting the environment is also likely to grow.