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Here are stories from teens and those in their 20's who did the Veggie Challenge in March/April 2011.

Inspired by the book "The World Without Us"

Two and a half years ago, "The World Without Us" by Alan Weisman changed my view of humanity. I went from seeing people as incredible, mysterious and inspiring to seeing us as unforgivably greedy, destructive and shameless. It really struck me how horrible we have been to the natural world in an attempt to satisfy our own need for growth, survival and domination. As my apology to the world, on behalf of the human race, I refused to consume animal flesh from that point on. Only it was not that easy.

With a father, a partner and many friends who cannot get through a day without ingesting large slabs of animal carcass, I discovered that trying to change my own life somehow insulted the people I love and respect. I also realized that it is nearly impossible to convince people in general that the way we take advantage of fragile animal species is unnecessary. The sheer will of people to convince themselves that the things they do are excusable is remarkable.

Over time I was worn down and grudgingly added seafood back into my diet, consumed meat broth based soups and ingested unforgivable amounts of eggs and cheese products. What I needed was a reminder and a little inspiration; this Veggie Challenge renewed my passion for how wrong and unnecessary consuming animal products is. I have refilled my web-browser bookmarks with new vegetarian recipes, stocked my fridge with vegetables and hummus, and stuffed my cupboard with tomato sauces, chickpeas, couscous and pasta.

I have discovered that my favorite meal, risotto, is still delicious without cheese and butter when rosemary and a flavorful balsamic are incorporated. The Veggie Challenge has reminded me that I can be happy, healthy and satisfied without a single animal product in my kitchen. My love of loving animals has been renewed and I vow to support their life, not slavery and death, from this day forward.

– Andrea, late 20's, Vancouver, BC

Saving money and feeling great

I started the Veggie Challenge because of my health and most things that I read or looked into would recommend a mostly vegetarian lifestyle. So I searched for something that could help me get started and this Challenge was exactly what I needed. Now I can't say that it wasn't a hard switch. I still love ice cream but I found it was pretty simple to give up meat. At first I did crave my regular comfort foods like cheesesteaks (a popular fast food sandwich in Pennsylvania) but after a few days I found it didn't even cross my mind anymore. My mood became more up beat, I felt better emotionally and physically. Not to be gross, but I use to go a couple days without a bowel movement but now I go regularly. I found I love curry and spicy black beans on tortillas. This has been the best thing I have found on the web! Thank You.

After completing Phase 2:

The Veggie Challenge had its challenges for me but transitioning wasn't awful at all. I have some favorite recipes from the Challenge that I still use and some not so favorites that I had to throw out the whole pot and opted for dining out with my husband. He is a great supporter of my choices but always likes to tempt me too!

When we went to visit my sister over a weekend she was supportive but had tons of questions as to why I would try a vegetarian diet and had her own feelings about it.

I found the most support from a couple of my best friends at work who didn't care one way or the other. I first became interested in being a vegetarian because of my health. Most things I read pointed to a vegetarian diet for health and weight-loss. And now I totally believe it! I feel great, I think I look great and even though I haven't lost weight I feel like I can.

Continuing my lifestyle past the Veggie Challenge may have its hard times because I still use dairy products. But by exchanging cheese and yogurt for soy versions, I don't think it will be too bad. I still can eat at my favorite restaurants. My favorite is a Mexican place and they have the vegan option right on the menu. I can still have Chinese but I think it will end up being healthier if I make it myself. Italian is always a cinch!

And talk about cheap! I saved tons of money on this diet! I had no idea how much I was going to save. A can of beans is like 40 cents! Comparing that to a $5 pound of meat! I am in heaven with this!

– Lara, late 20's, Williamsport, PA

Excited and motivated to try out a vegetarian life

I started the Challenge after learning about the cruelty and abuse of animals. On my first day I announced that I am trying out the vegetarian life. Immediately my friends and family were skeptical and against it, saying that "I wouldn't be getting the proper nutrition I needed" and that "It is a waste of time" and that "It won't stop animals getting killed". This was even more encouraging to me because if I showed them that I could do it, and by learning more about it, I could educate them and perhaps change their minds. Now that the week has passed, I still feel motivated and I want to learn more. I am continuing the Veggie Challenge!

– Sanja, early 20's, Toronto

My parents decided to go "old fashioned" with a home supply of poultry

My journey actually started way before the Challenge when I lived in Alberta. My parents were renting a farm house and decided to go "old fashioned" with a huge garden and raising a home supply of poultry.

Photo is creative commons. From drspam's Flickr site. Not related to Mandy.

We kids were to help. I was suppose to hold the birds down so their wings would not flap during slaughter.* Lets just say it didn't go so well. I was splashed with undesirable materials. I went 6 months, no meat. I still took in dairy but NO MEAT, until my small town doctor created a stir with my mom because of my iron levels*. I agreed to seafood and I lived that way until before the Challenge. Now I am happy living with a vegan diet, especially with all these healthy protein alternatives.

I thank you a lot for the mock tuna salad filling. That was one thing that was making me want to falter in regards to sticking to a vegan diet.

– Mandy, early 20's, Chatham, ON

*Note: See our nutrition page for iron. For mock tuna salad see our our lunch page.

Started scared and reluctant, ended up loving the creativity

I started the Challenge a little scared and reluctant but after a few days it really wasn't that hard at all. I found I really didn't miss meat that much. Knowing that I was making a positive impact on the environment really helped me along. Its nice to know you're doing something good through something as simple as eating. I found that I got to be more creative in the kitchen and tried some new recipes and new ingredients. It was a great experience and has changed my overall eating philosophy for good! The emails were great!

– Lauren, late 20's, St. Catharines, ON

Living veggie on a Reserve

When I first became vegetarian I thought it would be really difficult but I soon found out that there are so many options out there and more are coming out everyday.

The only challenge really was that I am currently living on a Reserve as a teacher where meat and hunting are a big part of their culture. I find it can be difficult sometimes to get them to understand my choice but they are getting better and now are starting to remember veggie options for staff functions. Now that I am more educated and aware I could never go back to eating meat again.

– Rita, late 20's, Nelson House, MN

Challenged by family and friends

While I was doing the Challenge it was hard to convince my friends and family that I was not eating meat. They made fun of me, or they would cook meat and wave it in front of my face and ask if I just wanted a bite. It's difficult to go vegetarian if your friends and family are not and everything they cook has meat in it. People should be more considerate to others’ food choices and just accept when a person makes a choice for themselves.

– Stephanie, teen, Waterloo

Nutrition information a big help

When I signed up for the Challenge, I had just gone vegetarian and was trying to eat vegan when possible. I'm not much of a cook and I wanted to make sure I was eating nutritious food so I signed up for the Challenge as a way to learn more.

The nutrition information was really helpful -- some of it confirmed what I thought I knew, but there were many things that were new to me. The recipes look tasty and I have saved many of them to try. I really liked the book suggestions as well. And as a Torontonian, it's great to have a local resource to go to.*

In all, I feel more confident than ever that I can continue with a vegetarian diet for life, and that it doesn't have to be hard or expensive. I'll be signing up for phase two of the Challenge!

– Terri, late 20's, Toronto

* Toronto Vegetarian Association's Resource Centre is at 17 Baldwin St.

Enjoying letting go of fish

I have been a "semi-vegetarian" for almost a year now, still eating fish on a regular basis. In fact its been a very difficult attachment to let go of, especially salmon. The highlight of my Vegetarian Challenge week was going out for sushi with my friends and enjoying the meal without eating any fish.

I tried items on the menu that I would never have taken a second look at, if it weren't for the Challenge. I feel more confident and inspired to let go of fish than ever!

Great program, thank you!

– Deniz, early 20's, Oakville, ON

Note: Veggie sushi recipes are easy to find online. Or try a Google search.

Challenge helped me lose weight after pregnancy

I tried the 7 day Challenge with my family to get healthier and lose some post-baby weight. I found it easier to lose the post-baby weight with the Challenge. My four year old daughter is also finding that there are tasty vegetarian snacks that don't have to be candy or junk food.

– Christine, late 20's, Ozark, AL

Tempted but stayed with the Challenge

I joined the Challenge at just the wrong time because while I was on it my entire family came over and had pulled pork (probably my favourite meat in the world) so it was tough but I did it. And I felt good about myself for having the sticking power not to cave in.

– Corinne, teen, Burlington, ON