I was a vegetarian for most of my life as I never did like eating meat. All throughout my childhood, I would be exposed to meat filled meals. Barbecues are known for being all about grilling meat. Have you ever been to a barbecue that was meatless? I’ve never heard of such a thing – until more recently. Eating dairy was another thing I never had a taste for – I can’t stand drinking real milk or eating eggs. So it seemed like the right thing to do crossing over to becoming a Vegan. I also joined The American Vegan Society and discovered that Veganism runs deeper than just the food you eat. They have a nice article on what Vegan is that I’d like to share – they get all the credit for the bulk of this post.
Vegan is-
A lifestyle that can change the world.
Vegan is-
Eating only from the plant kingdom; making conscious, compassionate choices about food. Vegans select from the large variety of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fruits, nuts, and seeds to prepare meals
Vegan is-
Not eating animals. Vegans can look any animal in the eye and call that animal a friend and not dinner. Vegans don’t consume meat, fish, birds, cow, or goat milk, eggs, honey, or foods made with any of these or other animal products such as gelatin, beef or chicken broths, lard or tallow.
Vegan is-
Care in a dress. Vegans understand that leather and wool are not by-products of slaughter, but inherent to the business of killing. Many animals are killed only for their skin, fur, or silk.
Vegan is-
A choice to be kind. Vegans find toiletries made with plant not animal ingredients. The Vegan ethic extends to all commodity decisions regarding components and production, and whether or not to use at all. It also applies to choices of sport and entertainment.
Vegan is-
Beneficial for people’s health. Studies prove that many diseases can be reversed or eliminated by changing to a whole-foods, plant-sourced diet.
Vegan is-
Good for the environment. Animal production is the largest contributor to environmental destruction. Consider the use of land, resources, and transportation as well as the waste produced.
Vegan is-
Good for humanity. There is plenty of food on this planet to eliminate hunger by feeding plants directly to humans instead of wastefully processing it through animals. This must happen in combination with redressing the food distribution systems of the world.
Vegan is-
An ambassador promoting a positive impression, not a misinformed stereotype. When you are healthy in mind and body, people ask what you do to look great, fit, young, and happy.
Vegan is-
Delicious food at social gatherings. Everyone wants to know the recipe, and you can tell them that it’s Vegan.
Vegan is-
Normal. You may occasionally encounter ethical dilemmas, but let the principles of dynamic harmlessness guide your actions. You interact with people who don’t always think like you, but there is mutual respect among all of you.
Vegan is-
The pillars of ahimsa integrated into your daily life. Ahimsa is not just non-harming but a commitment to creating positive action for a better world. The definition of ahimsa is respect for all living things and avoidance of violence toward others.
Vegan is-
A grassroots nonviolent revolution fueled by independent thought. Each person has the ability to contribute to reaching the tipping point at which this concept becomes held by the majority.
Vegan is-
The next generation. Regardless of your age, you have the power to increase the number of Vegans by one or more and decrease the number of non-vegans.
For more information on The American Vegan Society, check out their website here. There is also a chapter in UK that seems much bigger, but I thought I’d join the local one first.
Finding Vegan food choices is easier than ever nowadays. Check out a great snack source here. (they also have other snack options)
Until Next Time.
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