when people find out I am vegan, one of the first responses I hear is "wow that must be hard," followed inevitably by "Why would you ever do that?" and "I don't think I could ever do it, but good for you." All of these statements and questions are somewhat troublesome. After taking the time to educate myself on the practices of the meat industry in this country it was not even a remotely difficult decision to make. The question why is so troubling to me because in the light of even the tiniest bit of education into the business practices and atrocities of the meat and dairy industry coupled with a knowledge of vegetarian nutrition the question really is, why not? As for the last statement it is, in my opinion, one of the biggest problems society has today... "I don't think I could ever do it, but good for you."
Since I have made the decision to eat vegan (and as local as I possibly can) my overall health has improved, my energy levels have improved, and my performance in sport has improved....
oh yeah and lastly:
"How do you get your protein?" There is a world of ignorance behind that question so please spare me pal.
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated" -Ghandi
4 comments:
I hear you man. I am always amazed at how consistent the questions are! Its like a broken record from a band you never wanted to hear in the first place. Huge 10th annual Vegan Thanksgiving down here on Sat. Nov. 28th! You and your wife are totally invited. I'm sure you are busy but gotta invite those who are the reason we are hosting it.
peace
Chester,
You have to remember that people have different views, and also the right to eat how they want. For every person that called you an idiot for being a vegan, I can name a vegan who called me an "animal killing murderer" for eating animals.
Moreover, we really don't know much about nutrition as a whole since most of it is from physicians who REALLY don't know nutrition. You also have to remember that most of the reason meat products in this country are bad for you is because of all of the hormones that are pumped into them. Organic meat (any animal) is just fine for you.
We get told not to go in the sun too much; yet my skin and overall energy feels better when I get sun.
We get told not to eat animals; yet it's common knowledge that humans NEED protein to repair themselves (especially nutzos like you and me who can't stay still.) And YES I know there are other protein sources.
Anyway, if it works for you then cool; I've never knocked anyone for doing their own thing, and you're in great shape so it must be working.
And you haven't said if you checked out my last ride to the Baldy Ski lifts or not sucka!
What about fish? I try to avoid meat, but eat fish. If fish is not farmed, & just caught wild then it's not pumped full of hormones or forced to live a life in a tiny cage. I never buy meat or order it if there is a fish option, but if I'm a guest at someone's place & they serve it, I'll eat it ant not freak out. I probably eat about 5% as much meat as the average American.
Just came across your blog, I race (cat2) and am vegan and think your blog is great!
Lisa
Post a Comment