Vegetarians' Stories

Why did you become a vegetarian? Did you receive a lot of support, or did you struggle through on your own? This is the place to tell it, all you have to do is e-mail me and I'll post it for the world to see! Let me know if I may use your name/handle, e-mail address, and URL.

I became a vegetarian at age 18, while a student at the University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture. As an Animal Science major, I went to the various college-owned farms as part of class. I was "treated" to the spectacle of piglet castration on an outing to the swine barn...

For those of you who have never seen one, be warned: this is gonna be a pretty graphic description.

One of the farm workers held the piglet upside down by his hind legs. The other then cut the piglet open with a scalpel, reached in and grabbed the testicles and tore them out. You cannot image how that poor baby cried and squealed...then the ends of the cords were shoved back in, and iodine was then poured on the wound. No anesthetic, no stitches...and the whole time that jerk was saying how "it didn't really hurt!" Yeah, right...I decided I couldn't support an industry that treated a living creature so badly.

At that time, I didn't know any other vegetarians...my family was pretty skeptical...and I honestly was NOT a big veggie eater; like any other college student, I lived on burgers. But I never regretted my decision, I learned to love veggies, and I never went back to meat. Now even my devout meat-and-potatoes parents eat mostly vegetarian (for health reasons). One of my daughters is a near-vegetarian, and the other contemplates it occasionally.

I did not grow up watching TV, and when my friends talk about the shows they watched as kids, I usually have no idea what they're talking about, but TV is kind of the reason I went veggie. When I was about 13, I watched an afternoon special about a vegetarian high school student who got a D in her biology class because she refused to dissect. She took the school to court, and as a result schools are now required to provide alternatives to dissection, which I enjoyed in high school and in my Biology class at Princeton University. The night after I watched this TV special, I went to my ballet classes and had little time for dinner which I got at a local shop. I had a pizza steak, a cheese steak with tomato sauce, and after I ate it, I started thinking about where it had come from. I felt so repulsed and disgusted by the thought of eating flesh that in the car on the way home, I announced to my mom that I would never eat another piece of meat, and I didn't. However, I know many people who became vegetarians gradually. Here at Princeton, the upperclassmen do not generally eat in dining halls, they join eating clubs or co-ops, which are student-run, or they can be independent. I am a friend of the large vegetarian co-op, and know many people there who joined because of the friendly atmosphere, the good food, and the low cost, not because they were vegetarian. These people end up eating vegetarian food except for when they eat out and spending much time with vegetarians who serve as examples and who will share their views when asked. After a year or two, many of these people have put a lot of thought into the matter and decide to become vegetarian themselves.

I became a Vegan in November of 1997. How this happened included years is sickness, a fall and a chiropractor.

For the last 15 years I have not been able to eat dairy products; Lactose intolerant. I would have never thought that this was a signal from my body of what would happen years later. In October of 1997 I reluctanly went to a Chiropractor due to a fall and strained my back. I was truly skeptical about what a chiropractor could do for me, but seeing as my MD would not be able to help I listened to my sister in law who is a chiropractor in New Jersey; I live in Georgia. After several visits over several weeks at the chiropractors office, I did notice a difference and a lot less pain in my neck and back. I started to discuss other health matters with Dr. Esposito. I explained that I was sick at least 2-4 times a week with upset stomache, flu like symptoms, yes I did miss work about 6-7 days a month. My Internist could never find anything wrong and always had a prescription for me. Many tests were run and came back with no more information than the doctor wrote me a prescription for. I found out later that most of the medicine I was taking added to my illnesses and sometimes made it worse. This was very frustrating as my Husband and I are weight lifters and exercise regularly. At the age of 30 I was exhausted and would have no energy to even eat dinner some nights. Dr. Esposito suggested that I take all meat out of my diet for 2 weeks and see how I feel. For breakfast have fruit, which in years past my Husband would take a picture of me eating fruit, that is how little I ate fruit. For lunch and dinner something with no meat, poultry or seafood. Over the next several weeks I lost the headaches that I had been plaqued wih for years as well as the pain in my shoulders and my energy level increased. One night my Husband & I were out to dinner and we tried a little experiment. Maybe coincidental that all this happened when it did. I ate some chicken snd shrimp and I "paid" for that over the next several days. After all these years we finally found out why I had been sick almost every day. Dr. Esposito worked with me slowly to cut out chocolate, coffee, tea, honey and sugar. He taught my husband & I how to eat healthier, what to eat and how much. Because my Husband & I are weight lifters and I'm getting started in body sculpting, we really watch what we eat. I eat lots of nuts, seeds, organic products as well as vegan meals when I'm not cooking. I have always loved vegetables and eating more fruits. Dr. Esposito has a fabulous book out called, "Eating Right...For TheHealth of it!" His eating habits for most of his life - Vegan. I've cooked up almost all the recipes and they are delicious! There are lots of recipes and very informative information about nutrition and eating the proper foods. I also subscribe to Vegetarian Times which has great recipes and articles.

Now let me tell you a little about this fabulous doctor who saved my life and has allowed my the opportunity to live each day to the fullest. Dr. Esposito is only one of 8 chiropractors in the state of Georgia with a degree in Chiropractic Orthopedics. Actually a Diplomate of the American college of Chiropractic Orthopedists. He also is degreed in Pain Management, again Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management, BS in Clinical Nutrition and a retired Licensed Dietician. He lectures all over the world and has several tapes available. If you are interested in purchasing his book, you can call him at 770/427-7387.

I never thought that I could ever feel good, but who would have thought it, remove the meats and all the health problems go away.

I am 23 now. I had made several attempts at becoming a vegetarian when I was a bit younger, but they always ended up with me at McDonald's, succumbing to the pressure of habit, peers, and family. I had never been a giant fan of meat, always picking and prodding at it and discarding anything that looked remotely as if it had come from a living creature. In today's culture of processing and presentation, it becomes difficult to associate a patty loaded with sauce, lettuce, and tomatoes with a living and breathing cow. Sometimes I would "wander" on the Web and take a gander at vegetarian websites, and I'd force myself to read the sordid details of animal slaughter for food. Slowly, my awareness was perking up. I would cuddle my own cats and ferrets, sensing the trust and love in them, and realizing that cows and pigs were no different, that they too, had the capacity to feel love and sorrow and anger. I drive by this cow pasture sometimes and I see the cows basking in the sun, lounging in the mud. And I literally woke up one morning in August and realized I could never support the slaughter of a fellow creature, that, like me, could enjoy the warmth of the sun on its back. I announced to my family and friends that I would never again eat animal flesh and the reactions varied. Some people laughed, some people expressed concern for the impending health predicaments that were sure to accompany a meatless diet, and others privately confided in me that they, too, had increasing reservations about consuming animal flesh.

Becoming a vegetarian is not easy, needless to say. It proves most challenging in social situations. People seem to be fascinated with my position. Others are hostile, feeling that by expressing my decisions I am judging their choice to eat meat. But it is by far the most important decision I have ever made. I did not realize the impact it would have on my life. I am gaining exposure to foods I never would have considered before. I feel more at peace with myself and the world, with animals. I feel brave for standing by my convictions, and I feel an unspoken bond with other humans who have chosen this path.

Hi, I am 16 and I would like to tell you why I became A Vegetarien. It all started the day I found out what hotdogs were. Wow, that is really gross, I thought. Hotdogs used to be my favorite food too! But that changed a lot of things for me. Pork started to make me want to puke. My mother would get mad at me at dinner time because I would rip the chicken and steak to shreds and pull out grissles, tendons, and any part that looked discusting to me. The smell of boiling chicken would turn my face green. I would tell my whole family about this, and why I would pick my meat apart. Pretty soon my family started to look at meat the same wayI did, so now none of us eat meat. Meat really does have an impact on the body bacause I feel great! I have a tons more energy and I lost weight I will probably never gain back unless I started eating meat again which will never, ever happen.

I will be 50 years old next month, and I have been a vegetarian for about 6 months. I will never go back to eating meat. Recently, I am "trying" to go vegan, but I am not there yet!

About two years ago, I began by eating less meat. At the time, I was dieting, and I began to stir fry dishes for my family daily, using mostly vegetables and little meat. (I am caucasian, and my family is Chinese.) I lost a lot of weight, going from a size 12 to a size 6. I also found that by eating less meat (and eating rice) my stomach troubles (ulcers) lessened.

Then I started reading about mad cow disease and books about healthy vegetarian cooking. I quit eating meat for one week, (to see if I could do it,) and then went on a trip to Ithacca, New York with my husband. I loved the lifestyle out there! They have a number of health food stores, many vegetarians, food of various cultures, and outdoor cafe eating of healthy food. I looked around me and saw people my age who looked very healthy. I also picked up, and read, the brochure "Why Vegan?" while we were vacationing in Ithacca. That week I continued my vegetarian diet, and have not gone back since.

I am also interested in yoga, and I see the link in many of my interests with vegetarianism. My reading has also revealed to me many more important global issues for being a vegetarian.

My teenage daughter has also become a vegetarian, and my husband is "working at it." (My son is a meat-eater.) My mother has been a vegetarian for three years, and she does so because of her compassion for animals.

It is challenging to be a vegetarian when one is out of the house. At work, (as a Library Director), I use a micowave and cook Amy's Kitchen products, vegan frozen foods which I buy at the health food store. When my husband and I eat out, we go to Chinese restaurants, where I order dishes of vegetables stir-fried with tofu. I ask for homestyle tofu instead of deep fried. I am very happy with these dishes. I only wish healthy vegetarian fast food restaurants were available here in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Some great benefits to turning vegetarian are that I am not so interested in eating. Food has become more of a means to nourish the body for energy. I think more about what I am putting into my body. Since I do not eat much, what I do eat becomes important in terms of nutritional value. What I loved before (butter, for example) is no longer "on the menu," (nor do I like it!) and what I enjoy now (tofu, for example) is very nutritious.

I am "on a journey" learning, discovering, and reading about the vegetarian lifestyle. It is a pleasant and rewarding experience.

I'm rapidly approaching 33. I am now a vegan, and have been so for exactly a week.

I first became a vegetarian around 1990. It came about when I finally started doing some of my own research into a dairy allergy I have. It was diagnosed by a doctor when I was in my early teens (I think) and my mother responding by trying lactose reduced milks, goat milk, etc (lactaid wasnt readily available where I was then). Nothing really made a difference. So, in starting to read on dairy-less diets, I of course ended up in the vegetarian/vegan section of the libraries and books stores.

I didnt think I could handle veganism, and in the lists of types that I thought I had to follow, they had lacto-ovo and lacto, but no just ovo. So, even though it was driven by a dairy allergy, I became a lacto-ovo vegetarian. Now, I wasnt into drinking glasses of milk, and never even kept it in the house. But I did love cheese and would occaisionally indulge in a craving for chocolate milk.

Over the years, I tried lactaid and every rumored acceptable lactose free or reduced product. None made a big difference in my allergy reactions. Later I found out there was a logical explaination for this. I didnt have a problem with lactose. I had an intolerence to every other componant of dairy products. This news was kindly imparted on me by naturopah. It actually made sense. Unfortunately, it took me years to do anything about it.

A few years ago, for convenience due to roomies that couldnt cook, and allowed chicken and fish back into my diet. This lasted for about two years. I regret the move and both are gone again.

A few weeks ago, I became aware that somehow I had made a decision to go vegan. It was mostly a build up over time, rather than a one thing kind of deal. So, on Feb 1, , out went the rest of the dairy products and eggs. Its been a fairly easy conversion so far. I dont regret it now, and doubt I ever will.

Vegetarian frustrations......does anyone else have them? Here are a couple -

why does a label say "vegetarian stir fry" and when you read the ingrediatents it has beef, chicken or pork stock in the gravy?? What about gravy? Are there any vegetarian kinds? What about re-fried beans? Have to get the vegetarian kind. When you go to a sub shop and order a veggie sandwhich and they cut your cheese on the same slicer as the meat. When you go into a restaurant and there is not one single item on the menu that you can even make into a veggie meal. (This is getting better.) When you meet someone new and you are labeled "she's a vegetarian" instead of who you are personality wise. Or when its a huge deal at dinnertime. I won't change my habits - I am enjoying the challenge and I feel better for it.

My name is Lisa, and I am almost 15 years old. I have been a vegetarian for 2 years now.

I love animals, and I always have. I never really "liked" eating meat, and would usually pick a salad over a hamburger (which my mom thought was strange for a kid!).

I had tried to become a vegetarian many times before, but for one, I didn't have the willpower, and for two, I live in Oklahoma... Cattle country. Every time I tried, my grandparents treated me like I was insane. *laugh*

Anyway, here was the kicker. I have volunteered at a wildlife sanctuary since I was 12. They have alot of animals including lions, tigers, and the like. I fed and watered the animals, taught people about them, and got alot of experience (I want to be a veterinarian). One day, a local emu rancher called us, and said a couple of his old emus had died from age, and if we wanted to feed them to the cats, we could. Well, money was short, and we had to keep the cats fed, so we accepted.

The problem was: it's not best to feed them whole. Someone had to cut the legs off, etc..(I will spare you the details). And the teenagers got elected. I almost lost my lunch, and i just thought of where the meat i eat comes from.

So, the next day, I informed my mom of my decision. She was very supportive, but.. once again, meat and potatoes grandma, thought I was insane. :)

But, this time I didn't give in, and still haven't eaten any meat since that day.Gradually, she her accepted it. Sometimes, it is very hard, especially at school. (Some of the looks I get!! sheesh!!)

So it has been about 2 years now since i went vegetarian...

Well I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and every year we have this big convention like thing at the Convention Center in Downtown that they call the "Career Symposium" (you have to forgive my spelling). Well this past year i went and they had some people out from Manitoba Pork telling people about all these so called wonderful jobs you can get in the pork industry...well you wouldn't believe what, or who, they brought along with them to help their demo...2 baby pigs...little ones and you know what their answer was when i asked them if they were pets?? They relpied "nope they will be turned into meat in a few weeks when they are large enough" i almost puked on the spot, I wanted to grab them cute little piggies and run...they were so small...That was only a few months ago..i had been vegetarian for a long time before this incident but it is things like this when you come face to face with it that you know that what you are doing, being vegetarian, is right, it lets you know that what you stand for and fight for....it really does.

So anyways this girl i know that was as well part of the "Career Symposium" say this and i recently saw her and she said every since she say those pigs she hasn't gone near any sort of pork meat and can't stomach thinking about it...I guess what they were doing is scaring people off of pork...good for the pigs, sucks for them!!

My name is Marianne. I'm 26 and have been an ovo-lacto vegetarian for the last 8 years. When I was 16 I took a biology class where we dissected fetal pigs, pigeons, and different types of fish. After this experience, I had a difficult time eating meat. I never ate pork again given the experience with the fetal pig! I can't stand the thought of chewing dead animals. It just doesn't make sense!

My parents were dairy farmers. They accepted my vegetarianism. In fact, my mom helped me learn more about what ingredients (for example, gelatin, soups with chicken broth, and lard...) were not vegetarian. My husband's family thought I would die an early death! They have somewhat accepted my choice but still don't feel it's very healthy :)

My husband and I plan to have children in the next couple of years. I'm trying to learn more about nutrition to make sure my body is ready for a baby. Because of my husband (and his family's) feelings about meat, I will allow my children to eat meat BUT I hope that they will eventually make the same choice I have. I would prefer that they be vegetarian given the benefits but...they need to make the choice for themselves.

Anyway, for those of you that are starting out...keep with it. It does get easier!

Hi! My name is Dieu Khuu (Pron. Do Koo) I'm an Asian male. I have to say that I too am a veggie. I've been a veggie since 7 yrs. old. I am now 21 yrs. old. Why am I a veggie you might ask. Well I'm a veggie because I'm Buddhaist. So it's obviously for religious reasons. But far from it, it's for the BIG THREE REASONS why aside from religious reasons, being a veggie rocks big time. Reason 1: The envronmental factor. With all the land space used, it's horrendous. And the amout of trees that are being cut down by the acres full. And the amount of pollution that the animal waste produces is astronomical. All of that goes back to the ground and water (disgusting).

Reason 2: The Moral/Conscious Factor. What right minded person would eat any product that came from once living flesh? To eat meat is like eating your brother, your sister, etc. Now that sounds crazy, but animal flesh is as much the same as human flesh. And in this and other society where you here "aws" and "ooos" over little cats and dogs and little furry things, some of those people are some of the biggest hypocrites. They care so much about their pets and at the same time they're eating meat.

Reason 3: The hhealth Factor. Well, I'm not gonna get into this cause we all know the pros and cons of meat. I too have a vision similar to Bonnie with fast food vegitarian places. I envision a world where we have fast food vegitarian places (similar to McD's), diners and restauraunts. But I would still hold the same food quality and handling standards that all food places hold.

If we could make a new food chain, us veggies would definetly be on top of it. VEGITARIANS/VEGANS RULE THE WORLD!!!!

The first time I became a vegetarian was in grade 11 biology class when we had to dissect a fetal pig. After doing so Every time I went to eat any sort of meat I felt sick to my stomach. I then decided to be vegetarian. However do to the eating habits of all the people I lived with and the fact that I had not enough income to buy my own groceries I had to start to eat meat again. It was either that or go anemic.

That was 5 years ago and about 3 months ago I just woke up one day a vegetarian. I can't say that the was any definite point when I made the decision. It just happened. This time it has been easier. My family and friends are less pessimistic, for the most part and it also helps that I am not reliant on them for my groceries, etc...

Whatever the case may be I am glad for the change. I am feeling much healthier, happier and pure.

I became a ovo-lacto vegetarian about a month ago. I'm 18 years old, and have recently started to college. To my disgust, I found that our cafeteria served the most horrible meat dishes. Luckily for me they had a large selection of vegetarian-style dishes with little or no meat for me to choose from.

Over a few months, I found that my body, and along with it, my appetite was changing. I found out that I'm allergic to shrimp, and uncooked tomatoes. My health began to deteriorate around that time and my long suppressed breathing problems flared up. A dear friend of mine noticed my sudden bad health and suggested that I try cutting out meat from my diet. I did so, and my health improved. Finally, in November I took the final step and became an ovo-lacto vegetarian.

My family reacted badly to this news, calling me insane, telling me that I was only going to make myself sicker, and a few simply laughed. Fortunately for me, my friends stood by me, and gave me support. The college's vegan community took me 'under their wing' so to speak, trading recipes and valuable advice with me.

Eventually, my family will come to realize that this is not a mere phase for me, rather that it is a life-long commitment. They'll realize that I'm not doing this to be different, to get attention, but rather because I think that the slaughter of animals to provide food is unnecessary and morally wrong, and because I know that cutting out meat from my diet has drastically improved my health.