I remember sitting in agriculture class as my teacher plugged in a video about "How Beef Is Made". I can't explain the horror and disgust I felt hearing the animals scream and seeing the abuse on camera. How could these people do this? How could someone treat an animal like nothing?

I went home that day and decided, I would be vegan.

It was difficult at first, I have eaten meat for the past 15 years so removing it from my diet was surely difficult. But as time passed it became easier and it was no longer a struggle to find something I like. Especially using the old, take the fish out and give it to your sister trick.

The results settled in slowly, and I realized how this not only changed my body, but my mind. I was less bloated... everywhere. My breakouts cleared up and my skin became more soft and glowy. I lost weight rapidly once I took animal products out of my diet and my body just felt lighter.

I felt happier. I still do. Becoming plant-based has opened my eyes to seeing every living thing as a blessing and a miracle, rather than food. My mind is clearer and I feel that I am rid of the toxins that come with eating meat, and there's alot of them. Animals are pumped with hormones before slaughter to make them more plump and meaty and those hormones go onto your food. I am a strong believer that the reason why pre-teens experience the body changes that come with puberty at such a young age is because of the hormones in their food.

One thing I learned on this journey that I started in January was that I didn't have to miss out. Almost every animal product has a vegan substitute, so I have never missed out on hamburgers or ice cream. When I told people about my dietary change, I got a lot of "why" questions. And I used to just tell them the answer, "I watched a slaughter video", but that's not the only reason. I did this for myself, for the earth, for the animals. So my answer now, is simply "why not?"

Please don't think that I am judgemental, rather the opposite. I did like meat, I liked dairy. Its hypocritical of me to judge others for what they eat. This was MY choice and I would never push it onto others, though I do encourage it if people are willing to try. Everyone is different, and its rude of me to judge or pick at others for what they eat. Vegans that "promote peace" yet turn around and belittle someone for eating an animal product disgust me, and I do not agree with them at all.

It has been 8 months since I have made my change. 8 months of being happier, healthier, and knowing I'm doing a good thing. And I will continue this new lifestyle for a long time.

#VeganVibes

All my love,

Madison.