14 Reasons Why I'm Glad I'm Vegetarian

I’ve become a great advocate and supporter of the vegetarian movement. I was put off being vegan for a long time because one of my aunts was vegan in the 1980s and collapsed due to a lack of vitamins. Now there are much more foods available to suit all kinds of diets, I feel that I can embrace this diet change. I do think that eventually I can go vegan full-time. I’m already half-way there. I think the only food that isn’t fully plant-based would be bread and pastry products and some soups that have milk and eggs in it. Other than that, I’m good to go.

A friend of my mums gifted me a little book about being vegan. When I read it I learned that even just having one plant-based meal saves gallons of water. That’s good to know. I think a lot of us are more conscious now and are doing our own research. We don’t just believe everything because the news or people with money tells us to do things. We’ve all been told that meat and dairy products are essential to our diet. I’ve not had diary milk or any meat products for nearly a month. I don’t miss it all. Nor do I notice anything that’s been detrimental to my health.

On the 20th of August 2021, I attended Vegan Campout. It was a gamechanger for me. I have not eaten meat since August and I don't miss it at all. I think it was a natural progression for me. I had a few meat-free days. Some weeks I would only eat meat on Sundays or at work. When eating out, I started picking vegetarian or vegan meals. I've heard a lot of people say that they could never be vegetarian or vegan because they love their meat too much. To be honest, I used to think like that. I thought it would be impossible for me to become vegetarian or vegan because I loved seafood.

I've been wanting to do this for a long time, but never wanted to offend anybody when they offered food. Now I've told everybody I was officially a vegetarian; they've become more supportive. When people ask me why, I tell them these things.

1) I just don't like the taste of meat anymore. I’ve found a lot of meat dishes nowadays are either too dry or greasy.

2) I never liked beef. Something about the texture I don’t like. I know you can have it cooked in many different ways, but if it’s well done, it’s too chewy and if it’s rare, you can still see the heart beating.

3) Viva!'s documentary about mass production farming, it was enough to put me off eating meat for life. The documentary also reminded me of Orwell’s animal farm.

4) For my health. Having less processed meats and fatty foods has given me more energy.

5) Seen the benefits it's done to others. My friend’s dad is diabetic, and his sugar levels are much more manageable since going plant-based.

6) Saving money. I noticed vegetarian meals were a lot cheaper in certain restaurants.

7) Healthier choices – it’s changed the way I’ve dealt with food. I’m cooking more and rarely eating out and getting takeaways.

8) A lot of the vegan and vegetarian dishes are tastier. I’ve had some amazing oat and soya milks. One of the best puddings I ever had was nut-based ice cream I got at Vegan Campout.

9) It benefits the environment.

10) I feel better in myself as well.

11) There are lots more delicious plant-based meals around.

12) The term plant-based sounds more appetizing.

13) There’s more joy in making your own meals as you know what’s gone in them.

14) There’s supportive groups that are there to help you.