Vegan for health or animals?

[Sheree]

I'm interested in how many of you became vegan for health reasons and how many for the animals. I initially became vegetarian for health reasons because the thought of eating all the disease grossed me out and I knew it was making me physically ill...then gave up dairy because I have asthma. Then, I sat back and really thought about it, and can't believe I ate animals for as long as I did...so, this is my lifestyle for many reasons.

[sophie]

I started off being vegan for the animals, but soon realised the health benefits also. So many good reasons to be vegan!

[Violin]

I keep trying to like animals, but it just won't work. Reading Fast Food Nation helped solidify the health issues of not eating meat. I even use the book in my college English classes. But I still crave burgers - and attempt to pacify myself with a veggieburger. Most veggies and vegans I know are animal lovers and have tons of pets. I've tried pets, but I wasn't raised that way. My view is that it doesn't matter WHY we choose not to eat meat, it's just a great choice.

[Sheree]

Violin,

I agree with you that it doesn't matter why we choose not to eat meat.

If you need any help NOT craving burgers, let me know and I'll pass on some sickening articles (some of which I'm sure you've already read and heard of). I was tempted (while slightly inebriated - which happens very rarely) to eat meat at a BBQ. I'm a farely new vegetarian and, until an article I read this morning, I still had slight cravings for meat. What I read made me physically ill, even if you don't particularly like animals, most people wouldn't want this to happen to them if they really REALLY knew how they are tortured and killed.

Best wishes in your endeavor.

[Dancer]

My initial turn to vegetarianism was for both health and ethical reasons. I think it interesting that for many of us, if it were initially a singular driven issue, it quickly evolved into "both." As we become more educated, the grotesque and prolific nature of animal cruelty, environmental misuse and nutritional awareness leads us to this place.

I am turning to veganism now, as I cannot compartmentalize any of these factors; for me, the philosophical path is clear.

Tip: (and in my humble opinion, I think it a superb one): If ever there was something you could read that would INSTANTLY give clarity to those that feel "tempted" to eat meat again, go to the PETA website and read about the "downed cow."

This story is true, it is a classic, and it is the personification of the horror of our societal thinking..

My best....

[Katharina]

Initially for the animals. I quickly learned about the health benefits first-hand!

[k0s]

The switch to veganism for me was initially for my own health, until I also learned about the horrible treatment of animals, and even more health benefits. So many reasons to be Vegan

[tricia]

I watched the meet your meat video and the kfc cruelty video and cried soo much that was it... i knew i couldnt live know people actual treat animals this poorly... meat was the easiest to cut out.... then my daughter was having issues with a bloating belly and stomach cramps...so i took her off milk cuz the dr is "pro dairy" and she was fine.... shaped up in school etc... her dr just wanted me to give her those pills u take b4 u eat dairy... i told him no... ive always had soy choc milk in the house cuz it tasted good even b4 i was a veg... so i put her on soy and now all is good .. now i know about the health benefits and those 2 reasons combined is what keeps me on the straight and narrow...

[Sheree]

Hi Tricia,

Isn't it crazy that people are so ready to take drugs to allow them to do something that their body is telling them they shouldn't do. I don't know how many people have asked me why I don't just take those lactose-intollerant things so I can have dairy.

[tricia]

Sheree,

Now in days everybody is taking unecessary drugs for minor little things... and they wonder why Antibiotic Resistance is soo wide spread.... my daughter has never had an antibiotic in her body...altho i did have her vaccinated b4 we turned vegan... it was pretty much forced on us...and i just thought it had to be done...

[annie7]

After putting your child on soy and having the problematic symtoms disappear, what did the doctor say then? Was he still advocating milk or did it make him think for a second?

[tricia]

Annie...

Actually our dr is beyond pro dairy...he still thinks i should have her on those pills, drinking lactose free, or if im gonna keep her on soy that she should be eating meat and eggs... they (family dr and pediatrician) said she should at least be vegetarian but not vegan cuz she will not get essentials vitamins and minerals found in animal products and will not grow properly... its gotten so crazy that i love researching all these food options, planning meals for other family members, and stuff that im thinking of pursuing a career in dietetics...

[sarahrose]

BOTH. No killing, no clogged arteries. It just makes sense.

[Lilg127]

I'm not quite a vegan yet... working up to it but am a Vegetarian for moral reasons. Although the health benefits are an added bonous for sure.

[Jenica]

Psst....welcome to the board, Lilg127.