Why Did You Go Vegan?

Jen

I became a vegetarian over 3 years ago, for health reasons primarily. The more I read up on vegetarian living, I started to have a feeling I needed to move to a vegan lifestyle for both health, environmental, and ethical reasons. It was a feeling I put off for a while because although I had not eaten eggs since I was about 5 (they were "gross") and had not drank any milk since I was 10 (grandparents dairy farmers and the whole process seemed nasty to me), I was afraid I could not live without the cheese and desserts I loved.

One day, however, going on 2 years ago, I woke up and knew that that day I was going to start a vegan lifestyle. I didn't tell anyone for a few months because my friends/family had ridiculed me as is for being vegetarian, as well, I was afraid that I might fail in my attempt.

The last couple of years have been a journey for me as I constantly modify my lifestyle as I learn each day of things I took for granted that are not vegan. The last change I have made is in my clothing. I am still going through a struggle with finding where to find clothing/shoes that I actually like. I still wear clothing I had bought before I was vegan, but I am coming to the point where I may stop that as well.

My son who is 7 is in the process of becoming vegan. I have told him why I am but let him know this is his decision. I am 8 months pregnant and will raise this child vegan until he is old enough to decide on his own. My husband eats animal products, however has been very supportive of my decision, although he has some concerns with me raising the children as vegan. Mostly because when he makes their meals, he likes to do quick frozen dinners that are rarely vegan. I do not think my husband will ever adopt a vegitarian or vegan lifestyle, but my goal for him right now is just for him to take steps in that direction. (That is not his goal of course, but you would be suprised the little ways you can help someone without them knowing - ie. make potato salad w/ veganaise.)

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