Becoming Vegan

The process of becoming vegan is incredibly rewarding, as you're learning what is vegan, what do vegans eat, the benefits of a vegan diet, and why some people are anti-vegan.

I find that most people have personal stories about becoming vegan that revolve around some of the same issues.

In some cases, a person learns about how factory farms mistreat animals. For most of our lives, we're given a double standard about animals; we learn about Old Mac Donald's farm animals, and then we're told to eat the chicken on our plate. We're taught to love all creatures and beings, but then we're forced to eat salmon "because it's good for us."

We're certainly never taught about what really happens to those chickens and salmon on the factory farms where they're raised for food. In fact, most of our parents and teachers don't know about those amazing cruelties. I feel confident that if most people knew what happened to animals on animal agriculture farms, they would be vegetarians.

Other times, people become aware of veganism through education about some of the serious environmental consequences of the animal industry. More greenhouse gases are produced by animals raised for food than all of the transportation industry combined. So, for a real environmentalist, it doesn't do enough to simply give up SUVs and regular lightbulbs.

Along with the travesties to the environment, people suffer from animal agriculture as well. Millions are going hungry while simultaneously agreeing to clear-cut their food-rich forests to make room for grazing animals that will eventually go to feed wealthy, fat countries. Because the environment is in such bad shape, weather phenomenoms are increasing and causing land to erode, floods and tidal waves to destroy entire countries, and more.

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Many vegans dispel the common myth that they care more about animals than humans by letting people know that humans are being destroyed with our addiction to meat as well.

Small farmers have been almost completely wiped out, which is another reason many people become vegan. Corporations have taking over farming across most Westernized countries, making it nearly impossible for small farmers to compete with the prices they can offer grocery stores and restaurants.

And one of the biggest reasons for becoming vegan is for your health. Some people choose the diet simply for the health benefits of being vegan, perhaps because their doctor recommended it, or because they heard about what it can do for their body. Others start with their personal health in mind, but sustain their vegan diet by learning more about the meat industry's affects on the world around them.

To read my story for why I chose to become vegan, check out this page.

In your process of becoming vegan, here are a few resources you might like:

• Definition of "what is a vegan?"
• Facts about veganism
• My hand-written guide to becoming vegan
• Vegan Nutritionista Fall/Winter Meal Plan
• California Proposition 2, one of the first states to ban confinement crates on farms
• Learn the common anti-vegan arguments like "humans are carnivores," and as well as "we're all going to die anyway, why eat healthy?"
• Check out VegetarianWomen.com, a great resource for recipes and shopping, dedicated to women.

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"You have a terrific website - one of the best vegan sites I've seen. Your style is warm and personal, and you make excellent use of pictures."
~Judith K. _________________________________________________________________

Why Are You a Vegan?

I hear from many people who are on the brink of going vegan, but aren't quite sure if they can make it happen forever. I remember what pushed me over the edge. When I learned what actually happens to dairy cows and egg-laying chickens, I had to give it up.

What pushed you over the edge? Did you hear about one group of animals being so badly abused? Were you raised vegan? Did you decide to start eating healthier to lower cholesterol or lose weight? Are you looking out for the environment or the economy?

Share your story of what made you go and stay vegan to help others along their journey.

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

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