October 1 'National Vegetarian Day' celebrates benefits of vegetarian lifestyles

Those who stick to a meat-free diet are probably familiar with National Vegetarian Day, but the holiday also serves as a good time for meat-lovers to focus on their plant-based favorites.

Annually held on October 1, National Vegetarian Day is celebrated across the nation by those hoping to spread the word about the benefits of a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

According to a news release, Vegetarian Times states that 7.3 million Americans are vegetarians and an additional 22.8 million Americans eat vegetarian-inclined meals.

Some vegetarians boast health and personal benefits as well as those related to culture and religion, but even omnivorous parts of the population can enjoy a meat-free meal or two.

Forty-eight percent of Americans eat meat, poultry or seafood at all of their meals, but another 48 percent are vegetarian or practice vegetarian tendencies, a news release states.

Phoenix offers many vegetarian-friendly restaurants, like Pita Pit, that offer a huge variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes to help you celebrate National Vegetarian Day.

Will you incorporate more vegetables into your meals in celebration of Monday's vegetarian holiday?