I've been vegan for awhile now. For those who don't fully know what that is, its not only a diet but also a lifestyle. Vegans don't eat meat, fish, or anything that had a heart beat for that matter, and we also don't do dairy or eggs or anything that was produced from an animal. It sounds hard right? And that's only the diet portion, we also do not buy or use products were animal cruelty was involved such as animal testing. I only wear makeup from brands where their products were not tested on animals, and I've never worn Uggs because in the making of those sheep were killed or injured. You may think that my lifestyle is crazy, and I don't blame you because it is. Although in my eyes, its crazy awesome. Before you immediately knock down my way of living try to understand better why us Vegans do this.
Being a vegan has taught me a lot about equality. I've never understood why the social norm was to eat animals. Not only do they have a heart, and a brain, but they also have a family just like you and me. Sure some cows or chickens were only born to be eaten but to me that just seems so wrong. Now I'm not here to judge any carnivores because this is my life and that is yours and I have no reason to tell you how to live your life. I just wish people could respect my choices more.
I haven't gone a day without remarks regarding my eating choices. I don't get why me being a vegan affects you in anyway. I've never worried about not being able to find something to eat when I go out, theres always salads or vegetables and basically any meal you can ask to get without meat or diary. It's never been a big deal to me, but maybe thats just because I'm super low maintenance. Everyone around me always makes it a big deal. I always receive remarks like "oh you're vegan now we cant go here." When in reality I'm more worried about other people enjoying their food than me even getting food.
I hate when people tell me I'm missing out food wise, because I'm really not! There are more and more studies coming out saying a clean vegan diet is very healthy for you. I can't eat any of those processed foods or deserts that everyone else is claiming I'm missing out on, but to be honest I'm way more healthier because of it. I never have to rethink my choices on passing up that brownie because I can't have it anyways, and thats such a perk. I get to eat endless fruits and veggies and feel great about it. I'm not starving myself or putting unhealthy options on my plate and I don't have to worry about whether something is good for me or not.
But thats not all why I'm vegan. I'm vegan because I never enjoyed eating meat. Ever since I was 3 years old I hated it. I hated the fact that I was chewing dead animal. I have had a passion for animals ever since I could remember and eating them just did not seem right. I went Vegan because dairy may not be an animal but the way they treat animals to get the dairy, now thats also abuse. I believe in the ethical treatment of animals. I believe they deserve equality and deserve to be alive. Personally I save 198 animals a year by being a vegan. That may not seem like much but thats a 198 animals that get to live because I am who I am.
So before you knock down my lifestyle, think about why I'm vegan. Try not to tell me I'm missing out on stuff or making dinner plans difficult. I do this because I care about animals, and all I want is respect for that.
