In response to what I learned during our Food Unit, reading Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan, reading Quantum Wellness Cleanse by Kathy Freston, and hearing vegans and vegetarians express their beliefs, I decided to stop eating food products that come from animals. In other words, I became a Vegan. The dominant food discourse in our society and country is embodied by eating industrially produced, fossil-fuel exhausting, and genetically modified food. I hate the fact that most of our food comes from a source that is not only unsustainable, but cruel to animals, pro obesity, pro disease, propaganda-filled, manipulative, and even disgusting. Most meat, milk, eggs, and other products that come from animals are a result of industrially producing food. Eating such animal products, in my opinion, substantiates the common discourse of America, which is something I wish to avoid for the sake of my own health and the overall health of my world.
Some people can respond to industrial corporate monsters, and support different sources of food by buying strictly organically, even "beyond" organic. I hope that, for their own good, these people also live near a farmers market or a local farm, have space and time for a garden, control over where their family obtains food, and an excessive wallet. Unfortunately, I have access to a farmer's market, but not the other aspects of strictly organic food ways. What I do have is the power to vote: not for presidential candidates, but for nutrition that will benefit the environment, other people, animals, and me. I find that the wisest way to vote for such nutrition is by eating organic food when I can, and by obtaining comestibles that have never touched animals.
For about 3 months, I have maintained a Vegan lifestyle, and learned much in the process. First of all, I learned that it is sometimes best not to command perfectionism of oneself, which in my case meant I should ease into a Vegan diet. I still occasionally have a splash of Half&Half in my coffee when my family is out of milk substitutes, indulge in a friend's birthday cake although its ingredients include eggs, or pick meat out of soup before eating it, even though residue from the meat is still there in the broth. I learned that one mistake does not constitute an excuse to go all the way and order a burger. Although mishaps in my Vegan endeavor are regrettable, occasionally permitting them enables me to sustain such a diet for a longer time, because it is a little easier and motivates me not to give up ultimately.
I came to understand in a tangible way that I can help people and animals across the globe or country, albeit my inability to directly see what I am doing. Contrary to popular belief, forgoing animal products is not nearly as difficult or ridiculous as it would seem. It is possible, although comparably difficult, to give my body the right nutrition, protein, vitamins, etc. that it needs, even as a growing teenager. I also learned that no matter what paths I chose or what actions I take, there will be someone who disagrees with me. Depressing though it is, I cannot live by my values without meeting with opposition, even enemies. However, I can approach opposition from others with respect and patience, which makes Veganism, or simply thoughtfulness toward what we put in our bodies, more attractive to others.
In order to further educate myself on nutrition and find more vegan options, I am reading Vegetarian Beginner's Guide, published by Vegetarian Times, Inc. This book summarizes a lot of what is said in Omnivore's Dilemma and Quantum Wellness Cleanse. It also offers applicable nutrition suggestions in the form of recipes, exercise options, meat, dairy, and egg alternatives, and daily recommended intake of protein, iron, calcium, and various vitamins. My experience as a Vegan is one of learning and improvement rather than of superior feelings or spending lots of money. Like in any pursuit in life, it is a constant struggle to maintain balance, and I think the means are equally important to the ends.
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