Many trends have been growing rapidly in recent years. We've seen clothing trends, social trends, and even food-related trends change drastically in a small amount of time. One of the growing trends that has been highly criticized is the vegan movement. Though I'm not a vegan, I do support the movement. Here's why:

Vegan options provide more ethical care for animals. I'm a meat-eater and a dairy consumer, but after watching documentaries like Food Inc. I try to be more careful as to where I get my meat and dairy. I love how the vegan movement is all about ethical treatment of God's creatures because there is a lack of care in the industry today. Even though I do eat meat, I have come to at least be more careful to get local and/or grass-fed/free-range meat/produce.

Likewise, the meat and dairy industries pump their foods with chemicals. I've been sick for years. I can't eat most meats without getting sick, but it's only an issue in America. I went to Europe a few years ago and had no problems. Since doctors have been unable to diagnose me with anything, I've come to conclude that the recurring issue is chemicals in American meat to preserve the edibility for as long as possible. It makes me wonder what I'm really consuming. One change I made to my diet that has kept me from constantly being sick is I have started eating tofu salads. Tofu is a great source of protein and, though it has little flavor when eaten by itself, it's really not half bad. Likewise, vegan options such as veggie burgers are tasty options that are totally safe to eat.

Vegan movements have also expanded to finding alternatives that feel, look, and taste like real meat. This is a cool idea for people like me who can't eat meat. It's a safe alternative that keeps people from feeling as if they're missing out on good food. It's a trend I hope continues to expand.

Though I'm not a vegan, I think that the vegan movement is progressing quickly and with positive influence. Even if it isn't popular, I will continue supporting the vegan movement and appreciating its expansion.