People tend to be opinionated about many things, myself included, but I never quite expected to have to defend myself almost daily to people for decisions I make in my life. Decisions that frankly have absolutely nothing to do with any of them. Ever since certain people in my circle of life have discovered that I have committed myself to vegetarianism, well bordering veganism actually, I have had more lectures, sarcasm, and berating than I care to chew in a day. Who would have thought that what I eat or don't eat would be that much of an issue to people? Not me, and I am growing awful tired of finding nice ways to tell people to pipe off without...well saying pipe off :) Today, I even had someone tell me that not only am I mistreating my child for making him eat a Tofu & Sweet Potato over Quinoa meal I made for dinner, but that I should stop being "ridiculous" and make him a hamburger like a "regular kid". Oh, and when I commented that preparing him for heart disease at 7 with hamburgers wasn't in the cards, I was told "Heart Disease at 7 over a stupid burger, give me a break"... sad how uneducated we can be about the things that can do us the most harm...
Everyone, everyday, makes choices that impact not only themselves but their children, their friends, their family, the planet...everyday...and chances are that there are things they will do that you won't agree with, won't like, and will swear to anyone who will listen how you would never think to do such a thing! This is what makes us all individuals. I have many different views and beliefs than many members of my family, close friends, acquaintances, co-workers...but that doesn't mean that I think any less of them for their beliefs - how ridiculous would that be? We share different religions, different parenting styles, different social lives, different priorities...there is no wrong or right - there is right for me and there is right for each of them.
So, let me just clear the air. Yes, I am vegetarian. No meat. No seafood. No milk. No eggs. About to be no cheese too. No, I don't touch or buy food that has been processed, made with artificial anything, has bleached anything, full of sugar or lacks any kind of real nutritional value. Yes, my family also eats this way. No I don't believe I am depriving my child of anything. No, it doesn't make me a "bad parent". Yes he gets proper nutrition, calcium, protein, and all the things that his body needs to be healthy and strong. My son is happy to kick animals out of his diet and yes believe it or not there are healthy alternatives to sugar filled candy, chocolate, and junk food that he likes more. Yes, I only buy organic and natural foods, veggies, and fruits as long as it is available. No, it isn't cheap but I make it work because it is important to me. No, being vegan doesn't mean that all I can eat is salad. Yes, there is more protein, calcium, and other critical nutrients in a plant based diet than in an animal based diet. I completely agree that just because we stopped consuming any animal products or dairy doesn't mean that factory farming will end, or that animals will not continue to be butchered, but that is fine. I only care that I am not contributing to the issue and yes I feel good about that. Finally, no I don't miss what you think of as "real food" and that includes all the sweets I used to crave like a racehorse.
Why have I changed my lifestyle the way I have? Because I want to. Shouldn't that be enough? After all, I don't go around asking silly things like...why again do you believe in God? Still not enough for you? Okay, well try this on for size...this is from the PETA website.
Those are good enough reasons for me.
Cheers,
M E
Everyone, everyday, makes choices that impact not only themselves but their children, their friends, their family, the planet...everyday...and chances are that there are things they will do that you won't agree with, won't like, and will swear to anyone who will listen how you would never think to do such a thing! This is what makes us all individuals. I have many different views and beliefs than many members of my family, close friends, acquaintances, co-workers...but that doesn't mean that I think any less of them for their beliefs - how ridiculous would that be? We share different religions, different parenting styles, different social lives, different priorities...there is no wrong or right - there is right for me and there is right for each of them.
So, let me just clear the air. Yes, I am vegetarian. No meat. No seafood. No milk. No eggs. About to be no cheese too. No, I don't touch or buy food that has been processed, made with artificial anything, has bleached anything, full of sugar or lacks any kind of real nutritional value. Yes, my family also eats this way. No I don't believe I am depriving my child of anything. No, it doesn't make me a "bad parent". Yes he gets proper nutrition, calcium, protein, and all the things that his body needs to be healthy and strong. My son is happy to kick animals out of his diet and yes believe it or not there are healthy alternatives to sugar filled candy, chocolate, and junk food that he likes more. Yes, I only buy organic and natural foods, veggies, and fruits as long as it is available. No, it isn't cheap but I make it work because it is important to me. No, being vegan doesn't mean that all I can eat is salad. Yes, there is more protein, calcium, and other critical nutrients in a plant based diet than in an animal based diet. I completely agree that just because we stopped consuming any animal products or dairy doesn't mean that factory farming will end, or that animals will not continue to be butchered, but that is fine. I only care that I am not contributing to the issue and yes I feel good about that. Finally, no I don't miss what you think of as "real food" and that includes all the sweets I used to crave like a racehorse.
Why have I changed my lifestyle the way I have? Because I want to. Shouldn't that be enough? After all, I don't go around asking silly things like...why again do you believe in God? Still not enough for you? Okay, well try this on for size...this is from the PETA website.
Those are good enough reasons for me.
Cheers,
M E
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