It really bothers me when people use health as an excuse not to go vegetarian/vegan. To be honest, I’m only invested in my own morality and ethics surrounding the consumption of animals and their byproducts, so I really could care less about your diet. But the idea that the average omnivore’s diet is healthier than the average vegan’s is insulting. Most vegans thrive on vegetables, grains, and beans. These are foods that tend to be lower in fat and be more nutritionally dense. On the other hand, the average recommended serving size for meat is three ounces, which is about the size of the palm of your hand. I’m willing to bet that most omnivores consume a larger amount with each meal. I’m not saying that I mind either way, but you are really in denial if you think meat is going to improve your health more than it will detriment it. Seriously, just be blunt and say that you like meat. I won’t hate you for it, really.

In late December, I asked a several tumblr vegans to help me the transition from vegetarian to vegan, and I really gained a lot of support. It’s amusing to me now to think just how much help I needed. I ate plenty of vegetables as a vegetarian, but my intake has probably doubled as a vegan. I’ve also become much less dependent on meat substitutes and have began making pasta dishes, lasagna, salads, vegetable mixes, and consuming more legumes. If anything, I’m pretty sure my iron intake has increased and my fat intake has decreased. It’s second-nature for me now, and the only time I really think about it is when I’m ordering food at a restaurant.

Another note I’ve made is just how much variation there is the attitudes expressed by vegans. Some are very intense and dedicated to eliminating all traces of animal products, while others are hard-working and a little more fair. I have to say, though, that you lecture-happy vegans and vegetarians should mellow out a bit. I’ve been there before, yes, but I try to avoid the conflict as much as possible. When I first became a vegetarian in 2009, I was so preachy that I’m pretty sure I drove my family into insanity. I’ve since relaxed.

This is the longest I’ve ever been a vegan and the most satisfied I’ve ever been with the foods I consume. I’m glad I’ve finally gotten this right.

I was telling my friend how a vegan diet has many benefits, including no cholesterol, and my roommate shouted that avocado has cholesterol. I then had to explain how avocado raises HDL (good cholesterol) within the body, but doesn’t have any cholesterol itself.

When my friend poured himself a glass of milk, I inquired about his lactose intolerance and again my roommate got defensive, saying doctors recommend milk even to those with lactose intolerance. The only reason I asked is because it seems that at least 1/3 of my friends are lactose intolerant and I’ve always been curious. I then tried to explain to my roommate the consuming dairy can actually be bad for bones because digestion of milk often leaches calcium from your bones, and she grew irritated.

Look, I don’t really care if people drink milk. I don’t care if my friends are omnivores or not, but do notttt attack the health of my lifestyle. I never get sick, I don’t use caffeine to wake up, rarely get headaches, and am very rarely sore after even the toughest workouts. Veganism is good for me and I don’t need anyone telling me otherwise.

The best thing I’ve seen in a long time.

you eat: red meat, chicken, fish, dairy products, eggs, etc
you are: an omnivore

you eat: chicken, fish, dairy products, eggs, etc
you are: an omnivore

you eat: fish, dairy products, eggs, etc
you are: a pescetarian

you eat: vegetables, plant-based foods, eggs, dairy products, but do not eat: fish, red meat, chicken, etc 
you are: a lacto-ovo vegetarian

you eat: vegetables, plant-based foods, eggs, etc but do not eat: fish, red meat, chicken, etc
you are: an ovo-vegetarian

you eat: vegetables, plant-based foods, dairy, etc but do not eat: fish, red meat, chicken, eggs
you are: a lacto-vegetarian

you eat: vegetables, plant-based foods, etc but do not eat: fish, red meat, chicken, dairy, eggs, honey, gelatin, etc
you are: a vegan 

I’ve been wanting to buy ritz crackers and sour patch kids all day because they’re vegan. Total flashback to when I first became vegetarian and thought there was no food. I should probably go to the health food store. What should I get? 

I’ve been a vegetarian for almost three years. Additionally, I’ve been vegan for short periods of time (usually 4-6 weeks) a couple of times as well. I always relapse because I get cravings for things I can’t eat anymore (not for eggs or milk themself, but for things that just happen to have those products in them)

I really want to go vegan, but I don’t know how to do it in a sustainable and affordable manner. 

Help?

I came into my apartment last week and the place reeked. Turns out my roommate made bacon and left the pan on the stove. I was forced to pick it up, wash it, and spray Febreeze all over just so I could sit down in the kitchen and not vomit. 

Seriously, the smell of meat makes me sick. It’s been like that since March 09 (a month after I became a vegetarian)

(Source: searchingformynextdisaster)

*Not that I don’t respect those who try. I admire those who abstain from consuming animals & animal products, but let’s be real. Veganism is damn near impossible. You have to be really conscientious. 

** I’ve been a vegetarian since February 19th, 2009. 

(Source: the-unpopular-opinions)