Why I am a Vegan

[xise]

So I was talking to a Jain family friend the other week. I've talked about Jains being proof that vegetarian communities can exist for thousands of years without health issues.

What I didn't know, that my Jain friend informed me, that strict Jains are actually vegan, and have been, for thousands of years. Strict Jains are actually apparently more restrictive than vegans, as they also refuse to eat roots. It's kind of funny how many people spin their wheels talking about how human beings - in general - require meat to survive when actual experience by the Jain community has proven otherwise, even for veganism with the supposed B12 issues.

So I think if people were honest with themselves (self-honest is hard), they would see meat eating is a choice. But going meat-free can be difficult psychologically, so I have compassion and understanding for those who choose to continue to eat meat even if they don't require it to survive. So many social activities revolve around eating meat, and so few venues have good meat-free options, especially in some areas of the US or world. But times are changing, and it is definitely easier to go meat-free, which is awesome. I wonder how many parents have taught or will teach their children that eating meat  - or any animal product - is a choice, and that one can live a healthy life without them.