Mike Tyson Turns Vegetarian

【Unlocking Word Meanings】
　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. give up [GIV uhp] (v. phrase) – to quit or to stop doing an activity

Example: He gave up smoking after his father got lung cancer.

2. turn (one’s) back on [turn bak ohn] (idiom) – to abandon or leave something

Example: The former thief turned his back on his criminal life.

3. turn over a new leaf [turn oh-ver uh nyoo leef] (idiom) – to make changes to have a fresh start

Example: The man promised to turn over a new leaf to become a better husband.

4. destructive [dih-STRUHK-tiv]  (adj.) – harmful or causing a lot of damage

Example: Smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol are destructive habits.

5. salute [suh-LOOT]  (v.) – to praise or to honor

Example: Doctors salute him for his healthy diet and regular exercise.

【Article】
　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Mike Tyson, a former professional boxer and world heavyweight champion, gave up eating animal meat and took up the vegetarian diet last year. He has already lost 100 pounds since he started his new diet. A vegetarian diet involves eating only plant-based food such as vegetables and fruits. Thus, a vegetarian eats very minimal to no animal meat. In a recent episode of Oprah Winfrey’s talk show, 46-year old Mike Tyson revealed why he turned his back on his previous lifestyle. He used to have breathing difficulties, high blood pressure, and arthritis because of all the bad drugs and cocaine he had before. But once he turned over a new leaf, all of these health problems lessened. In Ann Curry’s 'The Today Show', Tyson also uncovered that he was tired of his destructive lifestyle filled with too many prisons, lawsuits, bankruptcies, diseases, and women. Dietician Cynthia Sass salutes Tyson's diet change. However, she advised that the ex-boxer still has to be careful with what he eats. Tyson should still get the proper amounts of protein, zinc and calcium. Sass suggested that he eat more beans, legumes and nuts to keep his iron level normal. To help absorb iron better, spinach and broccoli should be eaten alongside fruits rich in vitamin C, Sass added. Some vegetarians, however, live on only frozen vegan pizza and other vegan junk foods, which are not very healthy. Although these foods do not have cholesterol and saturated fat, they do not have high levels of fiber, antioxidants and vitamins.

【Viewpoint Discussion】
　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         Do you think a vegetarian diet is healthy? Why or why not?

·         Why do you think some people change their diets?

Discussion B

·         What healthy habits would you like to have? Please explain your answer.

·         Aside from health, what other aspect of your life would you like to change? Why?

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