Why Did You Go Vegan?

Mary Jo

My sister had an eating disorder about 5 years ago, I was about 11. My parents would do anything for her to eat, but she wouldn't. Somewhere along the line she became a vegetarian, I guess to limit what she ate. But her choice influenced what everyone else ate. I just got used to not eating meat from that.

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Through the years though, I have slowly given up other animal products too. I have been vegan for about 4 months and counting. I am now 16. I wish I would have been raised vegan to begin with, but its not that common and my family is still big on meat. My mother supports me to a point, but doesn't agree with all my views of limiting what household products we use and reading every single label at the grocery store. She says I have to buy all my "special" things if i am going to be so picky. My friends think its stupid and I tell them information that I have learned from the books I have read and groups I have gone to, not to try to change them, but just to let them know how I feel about being vegan. I think if its possible to avoid hurting animals, then people should do that. They don't understand how just one person can actually make a difference. Its hard though being young and still not knowing everything there is to know. My school thinks a salad everyday is good enough for me and the 2 other vegetarians in my school. So I pack a lunch normally. And my part time job at a hamburger and ice cream store is not exactly my first choice of a job, but I don't plan on working there much longer anymore. I think I have influenced my younger sister into cutting back on her meat intake, and my friends try not to eat meat in front of me. I enjoy being vegan and am glad I have found such a great way to live. I will continue to try to limit the products I use such as shampoo and soap. I think it feels great how I can eat and know I did not contribute to animal cruelty. I plan on being vegan the rest of my life. After not eating meat for such a long time, I can't imagine putting meat in my mouth ever again! I can't stand when I have to touch, smell, or look at meat. And I can't believe people actually talk so freely about eating meat like they do, its so repulsive. I guess thats my story.

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