I have been a vegetarian off and on ever since high school.....so for a while. I would certainly go through spurts where I might have meat if I really crave it. But honestly, I have never been a big fan of meat, and I would often think of the animals....and in high school....it also had to do with having unhealthy eating habits (i.e. disordered eating). But anyway....then after I got married and had my first job as a RD at Ashland, I began reading about vegetarian eating...clean eating....vegan eating.....and with the help of a wonderful RA found some really great resources that started me on my journey.
I think I experimented with vegan eating.....oh....back in 2002 for the first time. I would do this off and on....go dairy & meat free for 3 months or so...then have dairy again. And of course, over the last 7-8 years would have meat off and on. Again, typically only if I really craved it, and really was only in the Summer I may crave a braut (yes, real healthy meat), or I like lamb if I would go out to eat with my husband's Greek family.
I haven't had meat in well over a year and honestly, never plan to have it....even if I crave it. I have been reading more and more about the treatment of factory farmed animals....and it is just deplorable. I passed a semi-truck carrying a trailer full of cows a few weeks ago and started bawling. Yes, I know.....I may be feeling the empathy a bit too much.....but I can't help it. It is who I am. I could never imagine intentionally causing harm to a living creature. I am not able to read too many books or stories about factory farming, or testing on animals, or slaughterhouses because I know it would depress me for a long time. However, I have read enough to know, that they are treated horribly. Sure, there are some small local farms that give their animals good lives until they are slaughtered, but for the vast majority of animals....they are confined in a small stall, to stand and lay in their own feces....not given any open pastures to walk around in.....and chickens are in small cages...with their beaks often removed...or if they are still intact....they will be pecking at their neighbor because they are so confined. And of course....we have the way people treat them as they are hanging to be slaughtered. Believe me...that is just the tip of the ice berg.
So.....needless to say......I really try to minimize animal cruelty (including buying cruelty free cleaning products, make-up and clothes). Now, I am by no means perfect...as I have not fully given up dairy. But when I do purchase dairy, I typically buy from local dairy farms where I can research and know how they treat their animals. I also only buy "Certified Humane" eggs. But.....when we go out to eat.....that is not the case, of course. I do not know where their dairy comes from (unless it is NorthStar :-)). I really do hope to be vegan again.....one day soon. Which leads me to the main reason for blogging during my lunch hour today......
I bought Alicia Silverstone's "The Kind Diet" last night at Borders. I read about its release last Fall...and added myself to the wait list at our local library. However, somehow (of course), I missed the email notifying me it was in. So.......instead of waiting forever again, I decided to use my 30% off coupon and buy it. She has been vegan for over 10 years and has really lead the march in animal cruelty, living green etc. So far I have enjoyed this book.
Last night, while reading the book, I really got a first-hand look into Alicia's heart. I really am not one to follow celebrities that much......but I was honestly very "wowed" while reading her journey last night. I actually felt that we deeply shared our love for animals. Considering how much I care for animals.....I am by far a minority with anyone I know. Again, I cried while passing a truck full of cows a few weeks ago.....and cry if I hear about an animal dying...... So, anyway, it was really awesome to see her deep love for animals (I could relate...and I LOVE relating). WAY TO GO ALICIA!!!!
Beyond animal cruelty, factory farming is very draining on natural resources and creates a lot of pollution. I highly encourage people to read about this.....as it does go beyond not eating meat because you are killing animals.
Why do I do it....for three reasons....... #1 the animals, #2 my health, #3 the earth!! I am happy and confident with my choices, but I am also not one to push my beliefs on others. Now, I will talk and share if provoked.......but you don't have to worry about my pushing my convictions on you for eating that hamburger. :-)
So, anyway.....I thought I would link to Alicia's website regarding her book. It has some great information, forum discussions, recipes, etc.: http://www.thekindlife.com/
Oh.....and her book has some amazing recipes. :-) Speaking of recipes....a few of my other favorite cookbooks that I use weekly are: all 3 Vegan cookbooks by Sarah Kramer (highly recommend), and the Simply in Season book is pretty good for simple and healthy recipes. And vegweb.com has AMAZING recipes!
Okay.......off my soapbox now!! :-)
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