Why did I become a vegetarian (confession: sometimes pescetarian)? Last winter Chris and I watched this documentary called "Vegucated."
In the words of Wiki it's a
"...2011 American documentary film that explores the challenges of converting to a vegan diet. It follows three meat- and cheese-loving New Yorkers who agree to adopt a vegan diet for six weeks."
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This documentary had a big impact on both of our lives. It takes two approaches to it. One one side, if you're like me, you don't care as much about whether it's a healthy lifestyle you just really love animals and there's a point where you can't pretend that you don't know what goes on in Factory Farming anymore.
The other side is the health side. The veggie diet has huge effects on health if you balance your diet correctly. Certain vegetables and grains are packed with protein, even more than a lot of meat. After Chris was on the Vegetarian diet (we haven't been able to go vegan) his blood pressure dropped and he just felt better.
I also have seen the good side effects of eating vegetables. I eat a lot more than I use to, but feel much healthier when I do eat. Also for both of us, it's all about peace of mind.
I feel strongly about animal rights and I believe that God expects us to take care of His creation. Now does that mean never killing an animal for food? Probably not. That may have been in the beginning where it sounds like we were meant to be veggies, but out of the garden things changed. However, I know God cares for the littlest sparrows (Matt 10:29) and it must pain Him to know that many of his created animals die in the way they do at Factory Farms in the US. I'm talking about large corporate farms where animals are separated from their babies, where they're beaten, they live in small areas that would drive anyone mad, and eventually are killed in often cruel ways. These animals don't have the lives that farm animals do, even the ones that are killed for food. Frankly, they don't get to be living, breathing, happy creatures that God created them to be.
For awhile I tried to pretend that this didn't happen. It's pretty easy to do since everything comes neatly packaged in Saran Wrap. You forget that it's even from an animal. Finally I decided to throw in the towel and not feel guilty anymore, but little did I know there were so many health benefits!
Here's an article that I think is really interesting on connections between religion and meat. Take it how you want. Chris and I really like some of the points she has in it. Also I will be bringing up in future posts about the Monastic diet (since I'm purchasing a Monastery Cookbook--that's mostly Vegetarian.)
I do have to say that I occasionally do eat meat still. I work with a diverse population of people through my work, many which have cultures that would think I'm crazy for not eating meat. When I'm offered meat by others, I don't turn it down because it is usually seen as a great insult. I haven't gone vegan yet, I've cut out dairy milk, but I still have products like yogurt, eggs, and Keifer (especially now with my new Naturopath diet). I do my best to find local products that are American Humane Certified. I also do my best to make sure I have food that's packed with protein--that's for a later blog though.
Even if you don't want to give up meat completely there are things you can do for the animals. Try to find meat that is "Humane Certified." Do some research to find a farm in your area that provides its animals with a life they're intended for. You can go meatless somedays, like the new phrase "Meatless Mondays." When you're at a restaurant get a Veggie Burger (I actually like them better than meat burgers now) or something sans meat. Also, I'll be posting Vegetarian recipes that I hope you'll want to try in your own kitchen.
These are little things that can make a big difference for our animal friends and it's good for your health too!
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