Vegans? Vegans!

Let’s be frank here, this is the internet. Nothing goes unsaid and no one is not made fun of. That includes the groups of people who decide that, to make the world a better place, they will give up eating or using products that come from animals. 

Let’s get one thing straight: I’m not about to have a go at vegans. All that crap about vegans forcing their beliefs on others isn’t true. I don’t think so anyway. And if it was true at one point, it certainly isn’t now. I’ve seen more meat eaters try and push their beliefs down people’s throats than anyone else, and that includes Christians and Game of Thrones fans. Vegans with strong beliefs aren’t the problem here.

What we meat-eaters need to understand is how frustrating it must be, to see the majority of the planet be knowledgeable about the harm we’re causing on animals and the environment, but for us to continue to ignore it. It’s like that really racist or homophobic family member you have, even though the entire world has evolved and become more accepting, they just refuse for no good reason other than pure, ignorant bigotry. It’s exactly like that. So, meat-eaters, listen up and stop giving people a hard time just because of their passionate beliefs. It might be annoying to you, for whatever reason. But you know what else is annoying? Whiny bitches.

Honestly, the reason I’m writing this post is because a lot of people I know and people I look up to, for example YouTubers, have recently tried to change their diet and reduce their animal intake.One of my favorite YouTubers NinkComPoop (Ellie) just announced proudly that she’s completed her first month under a vegetarian diet, which I think is awesome and I’m really happy for her. And those people doing that has made me consider again and again changing my own diet.

However whenever I mention this idea to friends and family, or even bring up the subject of vegetarianism or veganism, I get laughed at. These lifestyles may be all the rage in the cultural capitals and much more accepted, but in a smaller town (especially where the most exotic thing a restaurant can do is offer one token gluten free dish), they’re practically comical.

I would like to say I’ve tried my hardest to cut down on my animal products but I have not. Not yet anyway. I want to, because the idea is growing on me. And not just because of the environmental factor, but because of selfish reasons too. I’ve heard so many accounts of how changing your diet in this way can make you feel lighter, less lethargic, reduce health problems, etc. For someone who is 1. tired all the time, 2. moody all the time and 3. needs something to work for, none of this sounds bad at all. My only problem is that I need to branch out and try new things. With my current diet, if I purely cut out all meat, and then further cut out animal products, I’d pretty much just be eating bread and dry cereal. Maybe some Pringles. I’m not healthy and I don’t eat many vegetables or fruits, so it would be difficult for me to substitute my Nutella-on-toast breakfast for a smoothie bowl.

But that’s another thing, these changes don’t have to be all-or-nothing. A lot of the ‘vegan community’ or whatever are known for being ruthless critics, but in all honesty if you want to change your diet, going slow is far better than doing nothing at all. Which is what I’m aiming to do by the end of this year. I know full well that I probably will never go cold turkey on eating chicken nuggets, they’re just too good. But if I can cut down considerably, start swapping meat-based meals for other options and feel better for it, no one can say I didn’t try.

I’m urging anyone reading this, vegan, meat-eater or otherwise, to just consider their views and have a think about what they could do to start making a difference. If not for the environment, but for your own health too. And if you’re reading this getting all negative and stroppy and judgmental about anything I’ve said then… to be honest I don’t really care.

Til next time, foodies!