You can choose to eat whatever you like but meat absolutely isn't essential. It seems like a lot of people frame the debate as if the only two options are eating meat with every meal or being vegan when there is so much room in between. You can still get plenty of animal protein in eggs and dairy. It's also the case that the typical American eats way too much meat and not nearly enough vegetables. For most people, eating more vegetables and less meat will only be a benefit to their health.