Thoughts on veganism?

Hello! I'm a vegan (only of a month, but it still counts right? Haha.) And I'm wanting to hear all of your opinions or experiences in being vegan? Just out of curiosity! I respect all opinions.


Thanks! :smiley:
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Replies

  • Hornsby
    Hornsby Posts: 10,322 Member
    I've never been a vegan, but definitely respect the principles of veganism. Why did you become a vegan? Ethical reasons I assume.
  • astronomicals
    astronomicals Posts: 1,537 Member
    Most vegans dont know wtf veganism is. Thats my thoughts.
  • Most vegans dont know wtf veganism is. Thats my thoughts.

    Explain?
  • Hornsby
    Hornsby Posts: 10,322 Member
    Most vegans dont know wtf veganism is. Thats my thoughts.

    Explain?

    I am guessing it's because a lot of people do it because they think it's healthier, or that they can lose faster with it, and things of that nature rather than for ethical reasons which is really the only reason to be a vegan.

  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    I disagree with the idea that the use of animal products is unethical.
  • Hornsby wrote: »
    Most vegans dont know wtf veganism is. Thats my thoughts.

    Explain?

    I am guessing it's because a lot of people do it because they think it's healthier, or that they can lose faster with it, and things of that nature rather than for ethical reasons which is really the only reason to be a vegan.

    Oh, okay. Yeah thats true. Veganism is -not- a weight loss plan! And I did it for ethical reasons because I don't agree with anything the meat/egg/dairy industry does.
  • I disagree with the idea that the use of animal products is unethical.

    Though I respect your opinion, and I agree that the use of animal products isn't all that bad, but the way we get these products is pretty messed up. Its sick.
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    I would dispute the health benefits when compared to a nutrient dense diet that contains some portion of animal products. I think the China Study is silly. But having said both of those things I don't care if someone chooses to be vegan.

    I do think that respecting all opinions is silly and wrong. People are entitled to their opinion but if their opinion is full of hatred then I don't respect it. Think of the opinions of certain hate mongering groups -- do you respect those opinions? I hope not. But that's an aside and I probably shouldn't derail your thread.
  • besaro
    besaro Posts: 1,858 Member
    oh dear. this went sideways quickly.
  • jrline
    jrline Posts: 2,353 Member
    not for me. You do have to make sure you are getting all your protein if you make the jump.

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  • The_Enginerd
    The_Enginerd Posts: 3,982 Member
    Hornsby wrote: »
    Most vegans dont know wtf veganism is. Thats my thoughts.

    Explain?

    I am guessing it's because a lot of people do it because they think it's healthier, or that they can lose faster with it, and things of that nature rather than for ethical reasons which is really the only reason to be a vegan.

    Oh, okay. Yeah thats true. Veganism is -not- a weight loss plan! And I did it for ethical reasons because I don't agree with anything the meat/egg/dairy industry does.
    If you are vegan for ethical reason because you don't agree with industry pratices, is there a reason you did not move to eating ethically produced animal products?
  • Ladybug1250
    Ladybug1250 Posts: 366 Member
    I'm a transitioning vegan but I will never officially wear that label because I'm still striving for about 90 %. Ethical reasons aside the diet is healthier. I cook mostly vegetarian at home and rarely eat red meat. I will still eat eggs (cage free) here and there and chicken in small doses.

    The way the animals are treated is horrendous end of story but a lot of things that go on in this world are horrendous, its a sad truth. I do the best I can. I'm kind to others in all walks of life and I try to live my life as gentle as possible.

    OP have you noticed any health benefits now that you're a month in?
  • lisaabenjamin
    lisaabenjamin Posts: 665 Member
    I respect people who choose that way of life, but it's not for me.
  • Hornsby wrote: »
    Most vegans dont know wtf veganism is. Thats my thoughts.

    Explain?

    I am guessing it's because a lot of people do it because they think it's healthier, or that they can lose faster with it, and things of that nature rather than for ethical reasons which is really the only reason to be a vegan.

    Oh, okay. Yeah thats true. Veganism is -not- a weight loss plan! And I did it for ethical reasons because I don't agree with anything the meat/egg/dairy industry does.
    If you are vegan for ethical reason because you don't agree with industry pratices, is there a reason you did not move to eating ethically produced animal products?

    Because there is no such thing as "ethically killing" anything. At least in my opinion.
  • VeryKatie
    VeryKatie Posts: 5,961 Member
    There are studies of some of the longest living humans on the planet. They live in Japan and are vegans. Studies conclude a large part of the reason they live longer is because of their vegan diet. So I definitely understand being vegan. When people do it for ethical reasons however, it is a very rare case that I meet a vegan who has actually done sufficient research of both sides of the animal product industry to be making a well informed choice. Most just watch a PETA video and take it for gospel.

    Me, personally, I love meat too much to do it... and I don't care much for beans so I don't know if I'd be able to make myself get enough protein and still enjoy life. I'm also iron deficient and it is a medical fact (from my doctor as well as my pharmacists) that your body doesn't absorb plant-based iron even close to as well as it does animal-based iron. I'm also at risk of a B12 deficiency (genetically) which can only be obtained from animal products (especially since I tend to barf when I take vitamins). So for me, it doesn't make sense to be vegan.
  • astronomicals
    astronomicals Posts: 1,537 Member
    Most vegans dont know wtf veganism is. Thats my thoughts.

    Explain?

    Many people follow the aspects of veganism that fit their beliefs while disregarding other aspects which are crucial to its core definition. I think I'm going to call them "veganisnts". In all honesty, I could care less what people call themselves. Carry on.
  • Hornsby
    Hornsby Posts: 10,322 Member
    Ethical reasons aside the diet is healthier.

    No, it's not.

  • VeryKatie
    VeryKatie Posts: 5,961 Member
    edited October 2014
    Hornsby wrote: »
    Most vegans dont know wtf veganism is. Thats my thoughts.

    Explain?

    I am guessing it's because a lot of people do it because they think it's healthier, or that they can lose faster with it, and things of that nature rather than for ethical reasons which is really the only reason to be a vegan.

    Oh, okay. Yeah thats true. Veganism is -not- a weight loss plan! And I did it for ethical reasons because I don't agree with anything the meat/egg/dairy industry does.
    If you are vegan for ethical reason because you don't agree with industry pratices, is there a reason you did not move to eating ethically produced animal products?

    Because there is no such thing as "ethically killing" anything. At least in my opinion.
    Haha but can you ethically kill a plant? If so, then nothing wrong with chopping trees for Christmas or cutting down the trees in a rainforest, especially if it helps preserve human life. Studies have also shown that plants feel pain.

    I would understand not agreeing ethically with the treatment some animals go through before they are killed.
  • VeryKatie wrote: »
    There are studies of some of the longest living humans on the planet. They live in Japan and are vegans. Studies conclude a large part of the reason they live longer is because of their vegan diet. So I definitely understand being vegan. When people do it for ethical reasons however, it is a very rare case that I meet a vegan who has actually done sufficient research of both sides of the animal product industry to be making a well informed choice. Most just watch a PETA video and take it for gospel.

    Me, personally, I love meat too much to do it... and I don't care much for beans so I don't know if I'd be able to make myself get enough protein and still enjoy life. I'm also iron deficient and it is a medical fact (from my doctor as well as my pharmacists) that your body doesn't absorb plant-based iron even close to as well as it does animal-based iron. I'm also at risk of a B12 deficiency (genetically) which can only be obtained from animal products (especially since I tend to barf when I take vitamins). So for me, it doesn't make sense to be vegan.

    Do what works for you!
  • ohsweetballs
    ohsweetballs Posts: 2 Member
    I've been vegan for two years, vegetarian for a decade. Ethical reasons as well. I feel amazing mentally, lots more mental clarity. Physically, I feel 'lighter' if that makes sense - my digestive tract feels cleaner, not as heavy. Hard to explain. But I've only seen good things. Iron is fine (I donate blood), B12 is fine, plenty of protein. Feels good man. :)
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    Hello! I'm a vegan (only of a month, but it still counts right? Haha.) And I'm wanting to hear all of your opinions or experiences in being vegan? Just out of curiosity! I respect all opinions.


    Thanks! :smiley:
    It's like exploring yourself and engaging in same sex relations, just to see how it fits. Totally do it once and see.
  • JenAndSome
    JenAndSome Posts: 1,893 Member
    This is just not going to end well. Why do you care what other people think about veganism? If you want to be a vegan, go ahead.
  • astronomicals
    astronomicals Posts: 1,537 Member
    edited October 2014
    I disagree with the idea that the use of animal products is unethical.

    Though I respect your opinion, and I agree that the use of animal products isn't all that bad, but the way we get these products is pretty messed up. Its sick.

    You dont sound vegan to me. It sounds like you have no issue with family farm raised and slaughtered animals. Sounds more like ya watched a few netflix documentaries and got appalled by the food industry conglomerates. Thats not veganism.


    Im gonna go put on some wool socks and rake some leaves.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    In order to get proper nutrition, a vegan has to be much more knowledgeable about proper nutrition than someone who just eats a balanced and varied diet. Unfortunately, many vegans I know don't really know much about proper nutrition and while they may feel good about themselves from a moral standpoint, they're really not doing themselves any favors health wise because they really aren't getting proper and balanced nutrition and are nutrient deficient in many respects.
  • pinktoesjb
    pinktoesjb Posts: 302 Member
    I went vegan for a little while for a blog experiment, to be honest I didn't care for it and I felt quite listless and unwell a lot of the time and slept a lot more than usual! I didn't keep it up for a month though.

    I think each to their own, sadly there are too many militant vegans trying to shame everyone else into doing it!
  • neandermagnon
    neandermagnon Posts: 7,436 Member
    Hornsby wrote: »
    Most vegans dont know wtf veganism is. Thats my thoughts.

    Explain?

    I am guessing it's because a lot of people do it because they think it's healthier, or that they can lose faster with it, and things of that nature rather than for ethical reasons which is really the only reason to be a vegan.

    Oh, okay. Yeah thats true. Veganism is -not- a weight loss plan! And I did it for ethical reasons because I don't agree with anything the meat/egg/dairy industry does.
    If you are vegan for ethical reason because you don't agree with industry pratices, is there a reason you did not move to eating ethically produced animal products?

    Because there is no such thing as "ethically killing" anything. At least in my opinion.

    you can ethically source milk and eggs though. You're not killing things when you eat milk or eggs. Okay, I know some of the farming practices in procuring milk and eggs harm the animals, but that's not a foregone conclusion... organic free-range eggs and milk that come from happy chickens and happy cows is a possibility. I think that's what the above person was getting at. Vegan = eating no animal products at all. Vegetarian = abstaining from animal products that you have to kill the animal to get.
  • Biologically, I don't buy into the claims that we're not meant to eat meat/consume dairy. Just my humble opinion. That said, I do spend way too much money on ethically produced, environmentally sustainable meat/fish/dairy, because even though I'm eating an animal, I care about how they're treated in their life. And if someone wants to be a vegan I definitely respect that, but like others have said... it's not for me.
  • _lyndseybrooke_
    _lyndseybrooke_ Posts: 2,561 Member
    I think I'd have a hell of a time reaching my protein goal without eating delicious animals and animal products. Life would be sad with no meat, eggs, or dairy.
  • Tbaby1514
    Tbaby1514 Posts: 216 Member
    2 reasons I could never be a vegan: Steak and Bacon.

    On a side note, I respect people's choices on what they want to put in their body. I agree that the meat/dairy/egg industry is disgusting, but I think to say there's no "ethical" way to kill the animals is a bit far fetched.
  • kristydi
    kristydi Posts: 781 Member
    If I were moved to avoid factory farm produced animal products, I would seek out "ethically raised" animal products. Because of cost, that might mean I'd have to reduce the amount of animal products in my diet, but that wouldn't be the same as totally eliminating them on principal.

    Veganism seems like the most extreme option and mostly for people who have a moral objection to the very idea of animal products.

    While I respect the right of everyone to have any opinion they choose, I don't think that particular opinion makes sense considering our biology. Humans are omnivores biologically. Trying to fight that seems like an unnecessary PITA.