Over the past few months I have heard an increasing number of people talking about how they are becoming a vegetarian for one of many reasons. Whether it be the environmental concerns, animal rights or just following the trend. I have always loved animals, but it wasn't until about 6 years ago that I actually made the transition to being a vegetarian, and it wasn't a choice in the beginning.
It's common knowledge that our food is pumped full of hormones to make the animals grow bigger, quicker and fatter. When I was 14 I learned just how modified our food was when I developed a tumor in my chest. At first, doctors were unsure what exactly this growth was and how it developed. After a trip to what my mom told me was the "breast specialist," which turned out to be a cancer facility, I learned that the tumor was caused by an excess of hormones due to the foods I was eating. Fortunately, the tumor was benign.
My family and I didn’t want to put me through surgery and risk more tumors developing over the course of time. So after a nice hormone filled lunch from Panda Express, I went vegetarian that night.
Salad, salad, salad and more salad. I thought I was going to die. I lost a ton of weight, and I was craving Canes every day of my life. Thanksgiving rolled around and all I wanted was a bite of that turkey leg. Christmas, I could hardly resist the sausage and peppers.
One day, I didn’t crave the meat anymore. I felt healthy again. My hair started growing thicker and stronger. My skin was clear of any acne. I had more energy than ever before and felt great about myself! Everything was great. After a few years, I went to the doctor for a regular check up on my little tumor friend and to my surprise he was he was gone!
A change in diet and lifestyle can truly change someone’s life for the better if you put your mind to it and have the willpower to make the change. When I first went vegetarian, I figured once the tumor was gone I would resume my normal eating habits, but after seeing so many positive changes in my life I didn’t want to start eating meat again.
Now over the past few years, I have begun to do a lot of research on the environmental impacts factory farming has on our planet. Since that time I have never been more satisfied with my decision to change to a more sustainable lifestyle. More information on the effects of factory farming and meal ideas will be posted in the near future!
Until the next,
Madison
