We are living in the 21st century. Society has made significant advances in technology, health, medicine, agriculture... So, you must understand my complete confusion when someone discovers I am a vegetarian and doesn't understand it. The first question is always, "why?" Honestly, I never really know how to answer. I know why I'm a vegetarian but my reasons are really no one's business. The next question is always, "well, what do you eat?" Quickly followed by something along the lines of, "I'm basically a vegetarian. I only eat red meat like twice a week.. I usually only eat chicken. But, I could never give up steak." What am I supposed to say to that?
I don't eat animals because I really like animals. Seriously. I woke up one morning and thought to myself, "I really like animals.. so, why do I eat them?"
It started with pork a few years prior to this thought. I hold a special place in my heart for pigs. I told myself that because of this I could no longer eat pork products. That lead to the discovery that I could find no good reason for killing an animal, any animal, for food. Also, factory farming is one of the most horrible things to happen on and to this planet.
My husband's reason for not eating animals is because he doesn't have to (and because it is gross.) The world knows much more about food now than we did even 20 years ago. We no longer need meat to get protein (it started as a propaganda stunt.) There are healthier ways to get just as much, or more protein from plants... along with other essential nutrients and the ever important fiber.
Other simple reasons I don't eat meat: cancer, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease. (my risk for all those things has dropped significantly since I stopped eating animals.)
Also, I lost 15 pounds after I stopped eating meat. If that isn't a reason to take a day or two off of meat each week, I don't know what is.
