Going vegetarian
- I had wanted to stop eating meat since I was little, but everyone else did it, so I thought that it was okay. I stopped eating red meat when I was 15, just for health reasons and because I never really liked it anyway. Then this year I went vegetarian because "everyone else does it" wasn't a good enough excuse for murder. (Technically i was pescatarian for the first three months) I'm currently thinking of becoming a vegan, but I'm still researching. Anyways, my tips for going vegetarian are to take it slow and try new things. I unintentionally eased into going veggie and it was easy. You should also try lots of new foods and recipes. If you don't cook often, there's lots of stuff you can pop into the microwave. Tofu dogs are your friend. (at least you know what's in them! Its definitely not soy organs.)
- —Guest Lauren
Vegetarian... and proud of it
- I am 16 years old and I became a vegetarian because I believe eating animals is horrible..I don't like eating things that I know were alive and have families. Everyone in my house eats meat and I never know what to eat. So that's why I'm here... I'm online looking for what is a good nutritional diet for me.
- —Guest destiny
It took me long enough!!!!
- I had never really been around vegetarians until I was about 9 years old at my summer camp. I noticed that lots of the counselors there were vegetarian. I wanted to be one so bad but I never thought I could do it, I thought about it each summer I went back, but I never stopped eating meat. Then when I went in to 8th grade I met a friend that had been a vegetarian all her life, and that was when I went vegetarian. I thank you E. Langer for helping me become a vegetarian. I am a full vegetarian for 2 years now, no meat seafood or poultry.
- —Guest tophiexsteele
Going all the way!
- It is difficult knowing what you should eat and all. I started being conscient of what I was eating around 12 years old when I was questioning the "cruelty matter" and the chemicals... I then started to beg my mom to buy organic and local meat and all...but it was difficult because she didn't see the purpose of it. Four weeks ago, my parents finally bought me local meat, and the same day, I turned vegetarian without even trying the meat. I felt I needed a bigger change and now I feel great and very proud! I don't eat dairy products, except for cheese. The only thing I can't stop eating is eggs and cheese. Does anyone have the same "problem"?
- —Guest little lady
Vegan
- I have just started to try veganism. I have been sent some literature from PeTA which recommends the regime. So far so good. Although vegan products are considerably more expensive and I have yet to invest in some vegan toothpaste. I haven't eaten meat for some time apart from accidently eating cheese biscuits with rennet in last year and thoughtlessly eating lardy cake this year. I think a vegan society would have better products.
- —Guest Saff
quest for knowledge
- Man! 12 years ago I stopped eating pork, 8 years ago I stopped eating red meat. My uncle would always say "if you can catch a chicken.. somethings wrong with it." Fish has too much mercury now. Long story short I gave poultry and fish up, I knew it was time as I grew spiritually. They tell you what your body needs, then they tell you what prescription poison you have to take to get well. my energy is through the roof now. no processed junk for me. the only meat i crave for now is from fruits and veggies gently steamed. I used to think - why do I eat flesh that does not eat flesh? We are born into that way, our taste buds are built around that stuff. Try at least an egg (chicken embryo) after being vegetarian after only 3 weeks, it will taste disgusting.
- —Guest brown brother lev
Vegan for Health
- I have a family history of heart trouble so I decided to go vegan for health reasons. I have noticed since going vegan I am very rarley stressed, I am happy and really enjoy my life.....
- —Guest justme
Veg-head
- Yeah yeah I have heard it all before: You are crazy for being a vegetarian, you won't last a week, you're wierd, that's not a life its an eating disorder. When I decided to actually put my plan into action, everyone tripped out! I chose to become a vegetarian for all of the health benefits. I do believe in animal rights. I think that animals should be treated right. I chose to become a vegetarian at the most challenging time, a week before Thanksgiving. I knew that I had all the will power, but I was scared that my parents would again shoot down my dream and force me to give up being a vegetarian. But this time I told them to piss off, it is my life style choice and they needed to respect it. My family still has not accepted my decision, and they all think it is crazy. I am Mexican and Indian and with both sides meat is the main course. I have been a vegetarian for nearly four years now and I love it! I am in the process of becoming a full on vegan :) Luv all u veg-heads
- —Guest Allie
Finally all grown up!
- I consider myself pretty strong and went lacto-vegetarian all in one day. I decided to change and I did. After 2 weeks I went full vegan. I have been so much happier and my mood and energy have changed drastically, in my opinion, for the better. It was quite complicated seeing as my family did not agree with my choice. They said I wasn't getting enough protein and the entire "it's too expensive to be a vegan, and you don't have that kind of money". However, since I am finally going to turn 18 and pretty much have control of my life, somewhat, I basically said FU to all of them and went on with it anyway. Maybe this is not the case for you. Maybe your family is on board with your change, but for those that are going through what I went through here are some words of advice -- stick to it, its your body and your life and in the end the healthier one will be you. Take charge of yourself and forget about the rest! BE HAPPY AND NO REGRETS!
- —Guest Valentina
Happy to be alive
- Heart Disease....and the only thing that has saved my life so far is 2 aspirin, plant based diet, more strict, absolutely no oil or nuts, and yes I am so thankful I am still alive to enjoy my family...if you are interested in hearing more you may express your feeling I will be watching. ....Sharon Kintz
- —Sharonkintz
Vegetarian trial
- I went vegetarian 3 years ago and have not looked back. Over the years I have considered going vegetarian but didn't think I could do it. I thought I wouldnt be able to get along without animal flesh in my diet. So after reading a book called "Fit for Life" i tried vegetarian recipes for a week and loved it. I am very happy about my choice and very happy I am no longer contributing to the cruelty that is the meat industry. My contribution is to the animals three times a day!
- —Guest Kerry
Skinny Bitch
- I read the book Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. Changed my life. I'm not an animal rights activist and I've never thought twice about eating meat before this book. It touches on the scientific and the social responsibility. It can be a little rough around the edges, but it's honest. I've since become a vegan and haven't looked back. My family thinks I'm a little crazy--we're Nigerian and meat is in everything : ). I'm proud of myself and I look and feel fantastic! I recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about vegetarianism or veganism. The best advice I could give is just to educate yourself before you make any sort of lifestyle change. You'll be doing something wonderful for your health, your body, and of course, the animals. Good luck!
- —Guest PM123
Going strong
- I am very proud to say that I have been a vegetarian for fourteen months. My freshman year of high school, a girl in my speech class showed us some PETA videos that really opened my eyes. Animals truly do have thoughts and feelings. So, my sophomore year, I made one of the biggest and best changes of my life. I gave up meat for good. I am very happy with the changes I have made. I am 18 years old, 5ft 4in, and 117 pounds. I am very healthy, and proud. Never let someone tell you that you can't be a vegetarian and still be healthy. It's just not true. Giving up meat is a great way to stand up for animals! And stay healthy.
- —Guest Brittany
Finaly a Vegetarian!
- I'm glad I'm finally a vegetarian because I was never disgusted by eating meat as a little girl but for some reason I love animals! At one time in my life my family had 15 dogs and five cats! And I always think about if I were the animals situation but I never had the guts and my mom scolded me when I wanted to become one in the third grade. Well now I'm in high school and I've just started about week ago but I'm glad I'm a little heather and I'm not eating things that have feelings. I've always had a soft spot for critters. :)
- —Guest Jen
Vegetarian and loving it (:
- Almost 6 months ago, I had a random thought pop into my head. I think I want to become a vegetarian. It was pretty much for health reasons until I saw the movie "Food Inc." I could barely finish the movie without crying. So after a couple weeks of researching and planning, I went vegetarian! I'm so glad I am still a vegetarian! I've lost about 20 pounds because when I eat the right foods, it makes me want to exercise more and it worked! For anyone who is thinking about maybe becoming a vegetarian...DO IT! :)
- —Guest Wendy, 15
