I am a vegetarian for several reasons:
1. Health. I know this may sound stupid to some people as I'm "young" and "shouldn't need to worry." However, I believe that it is
the most important time to start living healthy when you're young. It's the foundation of your life you're building, what with your bones (calcium) and such. If you don't build anything for the foundation, you're sure going to sink later on. Now, I know that I'm probably the healthiest person in my circle of friends. I'm also the one with a little bit of a stomach, not by any means fat, just a little bit chubby at the waist. A lot of people think of vegetarians as tiny-waisted, skinny people because, after all, we just eat vegetables right?
That's a laugh. And, yep, I do say I'm healthy even through that bit of flesh--I'm a three-sport athlete, a runner, and I eat healthy. I know I'm healthy. So, my physical appearance doesn't scare me at all. Just thought I would put that out there as it's something I used to be bothered by a lot, not that I am not now, but it's less so. And, contrary to popular belief, a vegetarian diet is great for people who play sports! The key: EAT YOUR PROTEIN! You have to try a little harder to get it than you would if you weren't veg, but it's not really that hard!
2. Animal Rights. It's terrible--please see
www.meetyourmeat.com. And don't think, "Oh, it's just
one farm"; it's the cast majority, sadly.
3. Again with health, but my family is prone to cancer. I want to do everything in my power to prevent this. I exercise, eat right, and don't smoke (can't as I have allergies and asthma anyhow, haha smoke!) so I'm hoping with all my heart that I don't get it. If not eating meat also helps me here, as it's been shown to do, I'm all for it.
Hope this helps! And hey, it doesn't mean you're "less of a guy" or something. There are plenty of people I know who would think you're more of one for it--including myself.