Raise your hand if you have watched the documentary "What the Health." Yes, the Netflix documentary which seems to be scaring the public into going Vegan. Truthfully, I have not seen the film, partially because I know veganism is not the correct diet for me, and because I have no intention of ever going vegan (sorry my furry friends). In fact, I opt to call myself an "ethical omnivore". This means I eat both vegetables and meat, but the meat I consume is locally sourced and free range.

I want to make it clear that I am not pushing one diet over another with this article or saying that "What the Health" makes unjust claims. I am, however, saying that this article and film should inspire you to search for the diet that is right for you and your individual needs.

When I was nine years old, my parents and I took a road trip throughout the west while listening to "The Omnivores Dilemma" by Michael Pollan. Pollan explains that omnivores face the problem of deciding what to eat for their next meal. Instead of relying on their own preferences and desires, we focus on expert opinion, advertising, and diet books. Pollan called this “the anxiety of eating.” He challenges his readers to consider the ramifications of the food which we are consuming, like our dependency on corn or what latest diet trends do to our health.

Being health conscious is not a new trend for me. Since I have food allergies, I’ve been aware that clean eating is imperative for healthy living my whole life. This mindset, however, seems to have peaked the public’s general interest within the past few years, causing a rise in menu markings for “Gluten-free”, “Dairy Free”, “Vegan”, “Vegetarian”, or allergy-safe food in restaurants. I am not complaining, I am however promoting it is important to know what food works best for your body and what it needs to function.

My mom did not consume red meat for 25 years. However, when she turned 45, her body needed the stronger animal protein. After five years, she no longer needed it and stopped eating it. I need to consume meat, whether it be chicken, turkey, or fish or my body feels fatigued and lethargic. You need to listen to what your body tells you; listen to the way it reacts after consuming certain foods.

Although I love indulging in a vegan dessert delicacy, they are often made with nuts, garbanzo beans, or avocado. Within a matter of minutes, I look like I am six months pregnant since my body cannot easily digest legumes. With this in mind, I understand that a vegan diet, which consists mostly of legumes, is not right for my body.

I have asked some of my vegan friends what sparked their dietary and lifestyle changes. Answers range anywhere from, “I wanted to be healthier” to “I am trying to lower my carbon footprint” and even “I do not feel good when I consume meat.” It is important to listen to your body. You may feel a burning desire to adopt a vegan lifestyle to save our furry friends, but your body may not agree with that decision, causing drastic weight gain. Or, veganism could be the best thing for you.

When changing your diet, it is important to consult a medical practitioner to ensure you are going about the process in the right way and that it is the optimal change for you. No, watching a documentary or reading one website is not enough. If you are preparing to make a significant lifestyle change, you need to do it correctly. Having grown up in a household that promotes healthy eating and listening to your inner voice, I understand not to jump on the newest food trend. You need to listen to your own body; to avoid being led astray.