First off, I have nothing against vegans or vegetarians. In fact, I have many friends who are vegan or vegetarian. I know it's probably the healthiest diet, but it's not one I can personally commit to. I'm sorry, but I love cheese and meat too much. Now, I know going vegan or vegetarian includes other foods besides meat and cheese, and some may choose those diets for religious reasons (so in that aspect I can completely understand it). But that reason doesn't pertain to me, and I'm pretty much addicted to cheese and meat; therefore, there is no way in hell I could ever go vegan or vegetarian.
I have to admit, I have seen documentaries about the treatment of animals for their meat, milk, eggs, etc., and I can completely sympathize with that as I think it can be repulsive the way animals are treated. But, I physically cannot go without these products! I love eggs, I love milk and I love chicken. So I've been trying to eat as healthy as possible while considering the treatment of the animals my food comes from.
I'm not a health specialist, but I can read labels. For the past year or so I have been taking a real look at the foods I'm buying, making sure I'm buying organic foods without artificial flavors or GMOs. My general rule of thumb is to have more food in the fridge than in the cabinets and the freezer, because the fridge is where all of the fresh vegetables, yogurt and drinks are (versus its counterparts which are filled with microwavable meals, and the cabinets which are filled with chips filled with artificial preservatives).
Ultimately, this article isn't to tell anybody what they should be buying at the grocery store. It's just one saying that even though I can't commit to a vegan or vegetarian diet, I will commit to a healthy one. A diet I am proud of, eating food that doesn't leave my stomach hurting, or my sugar rush crashing. I am participating in a healthier diet for nobody other than myself because at the end of the day that's the number one thing I can do for me. I may not be as strong willed as my vegetarian/vegan friends, but I know what I'm putting into my body is important. After all, the healthier I eat now, the more help I'm doing my body in the future, right?
