It is being suggested that becoming vegan can save the resources on this planet and thereby save the world. What’s more is that if you love animals this is a great bonus, in that you can feel as though you are playing a part in helping save the lives of our four legged friends. And to top it all – its healthier too! Isn’t it?
So what are we waiting for? Lets ditch the burgers and stock up on quinoa and tofu!
But hold on a moment….what if being vegan isn’t healthy for EVERYONE? What if some people actually fair better with some animal fats in their diet?
The truth is that not all eating plans, or diets are right for everyone. We are all different. Our bodies function uniquely, even though our basic physiology is the same. Its true that some people do feel healthier and more energised by having an all plant diet, but so too do some people who eat only meat! You could argue that if you are eating meat you are considering yourself more important than an animal and that this is morally wrong. Maybe that’s true, but it is possible to be kind, and honour the animal kingdom and still consume animal products. Consuming the produce of a grass fed cow that lives in a green field is not only full of wonderful nutrients, but you are ensuring that the cow will be kept alive and happy, because you are creating a demand for her produce. If we are all vegan, what happens to that cow? Even if you choose to eat meat, as long as the meat is ethically sourced from a farmer who cares for his herd, you know they will live a happy healthy life, and be treated with kindness and compassion.
We are so quick to judge the decisions of others based on our own belief systems, but the key here is that we are all different, and have different needs. Do we have enough compassion in our hearts to accept this of our fellow humans? If meat eaters were all educated to only seek the produce of animals who have been treated with compassion and love, then we create a demand for small ethical farming, where happy animals roam green fields, and live full lives. If we all turn vegan what will happen to all those animals ? We should be teaching people to eat natural, seasonal, local, real food. Not the processed artificial food substitutes (that many big corporations are now producing in the name of veganism) that will eventually destroy health, and the livelihood of the small farmer, not to mention the animals he takes care of.
So yes, if being vegan suits your body and you are thriving on a healthy plant based diet, then you are doing the right thing- for YOU. But if being a carnivore gives you more energy and less inflammation in the body, as long as you choose your meat from animals that are not mass produced, but locally farmed, then you are also doing the right thing – for YOU.
Eat natural, unprocessed, real food, from locally sourced producers. Any food that has been transported miles isn’t helping our environment. Choose seasonal produce, and check that animals are looked after and given a happy life. Protect the animals’ welfare and help the planet at the same time.
And above all, respect others – you are not in their bodies; you don’t know what works for them. Remember we are all different; we are all sovereign beings who have the right to choose how we live, as long as our choices are both ethical and work for us as individuals.
LORRAINE EREIRA 