Quotes

Below are some of the best quotes from submitted stories during the March 2006 round.

About doing the Challenge

Overall, I feel healthier and happier than I have in years. I also feel that the choices that I and my family make have a positive impact on ourselves, our friends and relatives, and the environment. Most importantly, I enjoy living a life based on compassion for all living creatures.
– Ron, 30's, from mostly vegetarian to vegetarian

This has been one of the best decisions I have ever made, not only for myself but for the animals who would have died to satisfy my appetite!
– Sonya, 20's, from vegetarian to vegan

This contest gave me the opportunity to take the plunge and experience a full vegan lifestyle. Boy did it make a difference – I put more time and effort into shopping and cooking – cut a lot of foods that were convenient but not so healthy out of my diet, and put a lot of attention into taking care of myself.
– Monica, 20's, from vegetarian to vegan

I didn't think I could really cut out meat altogether. For one, I grew up on a meat-centered diet (in large part because of my cultural background). For another, I enjoyed eating meat along with my significant other. But, nonetheless, I decided that I'd give it a try for a week after your pamphlets kept popping up (at the grocery store, yoga, etc.). For the most part, I enjoyed it. Today is day 9, and I'm thinking this could become a lifestyle – it seems like the right thing to do. Thanks for the incentive!
– Sue, 20's, from mostly vegetarian to vegetarian

I recommend this challenge to anyone looking to improve their health, body, and planet!
– Alex, 20's, from mostly vegetarian to mostly vegan

I had been thinking about going vegetarian for a long time but it was this challenge that made me consider it seriously.
– Wayne, 30's, from meat-centered to mostly vegan

I insisted and insisted, and he finally promised to do it for me. As moral support for him, I promised to do the same, and enter the challenge with him.
– Meagan, 20's, from mostly vegetarian to mostly vegan

I do not live in Canada and chanced upon this website via the Singapore Vegetarian Society. It is very interesting to find one can actually be rewarded for just trying out a vegetarian diet. This is very encouraging.
– Dawn Low, 20's, from vegetarian to mostly vegan

Family and friends

My family and friends have been surprisingly supportive (in fact, my sister is now thinking of doing the same).
– Sue, 20's, from mostly vegetarian to vegetarian

What finally tipped the scales was a vegan co-worker. She never foisted her beliefs on me, she just wore me down by setting an example.
– Hayden, 30's, from meat-centered to vegetarian

"I'm a vegetarian, Maria. Can you make it without meat?" I waited, nervous for her reply. "Good for you!" my Aunt said, "I didn't want to eat meat no more anyways. We'll have meatless pasta!" I was shocked. The woman I figured would understand my choice least, wound up being more supportive than I could've imagined.
– Allison, 20's, from vegetarian to mostly vegan

My family was absolutely shocked that I had decided to go vegan. They kept telling me that I wouldn't get enough nutrients and would die of malnutrition.
– Monica, teen, from vegetarian to vegan

I've gotten a lot of odd reactions from family and friends which I did not expect, and actually found hurtful in some instances. Being told I was ungodly, foolish, living an unhealthy lifestyle, etc. All of these claims are, of course, false, but I was shocked that some of my friends and family were so abrasive as to suggest some of these things... What happened to live and let live?
– Relznuk, teen, from mostly vegetarian to vegan

My biggest supporters were my mom, my sister, my best friend, and one of my cousins who have already changed their diet styles to vegetarianism – so it felt great that I could relate a lot more to them (now having something in common), and that they were there for me with recipes and all kinds of helpful advice and tips. However 4 of my 5 siblings gave me grief as they teased and taunted me about making the switch.
– Adrianne, 30's, from mostly vegetarian to vegetarian

Animals

After reading about fish, their cognitive abilities and the poor treatment of them, as well as the cruel practices used to acquire milk and eggs, I am now determined to become a vegan.
– Meagan, 20's, from mostly vegetarian to mostly vegan

One day in my teen years, I realized how awful it is to "murder" living creatures and feed off of their dead bodies.
– Camille, 20's, from mostly vegetarian to vegetarian

When I saw someone eat a rotisserie chicken this past week, I was surprised to find myself conscious of what it was – not food, but something that was once alive.
– Sue, 20's, from mostly vegetarian to vegetarian

I passed a tractor trailer transporting live pigs. I had seen them before but it finally hit me that they were being taken to the slaughterhouse. I couldn't stop thinking about the animals on that truck. They seemed so docile and innocent and I couldn't help thinking about the fate that was in store for them. A fate I had created with what I chose to eat.
– Wayne, 30's, from meat-centered to mostly vegan

I am stronger, I eat a more balanced diet, and my temperament has improved. But what is more important is that now I can ethically feel good about what I am doing each and every day – for the planet, and for the things living on it.
– Relznuk, teen, from mostly vegetarian to vegan

I petted a cow and it licked my hand with it's enormous pink tongue – like a dog! I just couldn't eat beef after that. ... I saw a Telus calendar with the baby pigs, and as odd as that may sound, that was it for me for pork.
– Laura, teen, from mostly vegetarian to vegetarian

I visited this PETA website and was shocked to see the treatment of chickens by Tyson employees. That day, January 7, I removed my chicken sandwich from the refrigerator at my office and ceremoniously threw it in the garbage.
– Ron, 30's, from mostly vegetarian to vegetarian

I completely disagree with the complete lack of care and respect for life that characterizes the meat industry.
– Monica, 20's, from vegetarian to vegan

The thought of having an animal killed for the sake of my taste buds is a very disturbing and sad thought.
– Natalie, 60's, from mostly vegetarian to vegetarian

I learned I need to PLAN meals and it'll take some effort. But if it means I'm making the statement that it's not okay to chemically-induce animals so they can grow bigger faster, which ultimately leaves them with cancerous lesions and lame muscles, then I'm going to continue on this Challenge.
– Patricia, 20's, from meat-centered to vegetarian

Health

So far the benefits have been great. I feel better after each meal – there's zero guilt associated with eating vegetarian food – and I find that my energy levels and general sense of well-being have improved.
– Blair, 20's, from meat-centered to mostly vegan

I have been weight lifting/body building for 10 years, and have slowly cut out meat from my diet. I definitely noticed a difference when I decided to try the vegetarian challenge. I noticed I never felt bloated or too full, I ate all day long, and my energy levels remained high! I noticed a reduction in body fat and had much more muscle definition.
– Alex, 20's, from mostly vegetarian to mostly vegan

A vegetarian colleague at work lent me a book, "Becoming Vegetarian". After reading it I understood that it is not simply taking meat off your plate. It's about understanding nutrition and opening yourself up to a whole new world of possibilities.
– Wayne, 30's, from meat-centered to mostly vegan

I can honestly say that I feel more energetic, my face has cleared up and my hair is shinier.
– Monica, teen, from vegetarian to vegan

Since I've massively reduced my consumption of animal foods, I feel much healthier. I am stronger, I eat a more balanced diet, and my temperament has improved.
– Relznuk, teen, from mostly vegetarian to vegan

I felt lighter, more pure, more energetic, my stomach was never bloated. By observing me, I influenced a friend to become vegetarian. And I realized that veganism is not only possible for me – but optimal.
– Monica, 20's, from vegetarian to vegan

All in all I have found that I have had a lot more energy, I feel "lighter" (less sluggish), and my insides are working a lot more efficiently.
– Adrianne, 30's, from mostly vegetarian to vegetarian

My health had deteriorated after 7 years of living a low carb, high protein diet, so I could keep my weight low. My kidneys were not working properly, I had psoriasis, constipation and had alopecia areata. It was the hair loss that really had me stop, re-evaluate my life style and seek guidance from a naturopathic doctor. Dr Molly was wonderful. She had me on a vegan diet for 2 months to help detoxify my system. My kidney's are starting to filter the toxins again, my constipation is a thing of the past, my psoriasis, which I had for 20 years had disappeared and my hair began to grow back in the patch I had lost.
– Susan, 30's, from meat-centered to vegan

Turning 60 last summer has made me increasingly health conscious. I have really begun to prefer vegetarian eating. I feel less heavy and certainly have more energy.
– David, 60's, from mostly vegetarian to vegetarian

I have never felt better since making this change. I feel happier, more energetic, and quite a pleasant unexpected effect... I haven't suffered from any acne outbreaks which I was prone to.
– Sonya, 20's, from vegetarian to vegan

For those who don't "sympathize with the animals", there's still something you have to think about: the meat industries in North America accept selling meat of a cow which had cancerous lesions on more than one part of its body. Mmmm, yummy, isn't it?
– Patricia, 20's, from meat-centered to vegetarian

Environmental

A plant-based diet is the best choice for your body, your environment and your quality of life.
– Blair, 20's, from meat-centered to mostly vegan

Reducing our meat intake might be necessary for our survival, health-wise and for the planet as a whole.
– Camille, 20's, from mostly vegetarian to vegetarian

Only now can I truly be the pacifist that I've claimed to have been for years. A true pacifist would not contribute to the unnecessary suffering of living creatures, would not take part in the unnecessary depletion of the earth. I opened up my mind when the world told me to close it, and it was the best decision I've ever made.
– Relznuk, teen, from mostly vegetarian to vegan

I began to question why we eat animals and I realized how our culture's focus on meat-eating causes so much destruction to our fellow beings and to our environment.
– Ron, 30's, from mostly vegetarian to vegetarian

Facing challenges

Even though I agree with vegetarianism 100%, how can I convince myself to get past loving the taste of meat? For me, it was as simple as eliminating meat from one meal per day to start (lunch) and then, after seeing how easy that was, eliminating it from supper too!
– Blair, 20's, from meat-centered to mostly vegan

My first week being a vegetarian was really tough. I didn't know what I was doing and I wasn't sure what to eat. When I went to food courts for lunch I was startled by how few vegetarian options were offered.
– Wayne, 30's, from meat-centered to mostly vegan
[Response: For finding vegetarian meals see our directory and fast food report.]

I also really needed to (and still do) increase my level of cooking competence.
– Hayden, 30's, from meat-centered to vegetarian

It can get somewhat tricky in the grocery store: you have to read all the labels until you become familiar with what is vegan-friendly.
– Sonya, 20's, from vegetarian to vegan

It was disappointing and distressing (and rather gross) to find out just how many things, particularly food, have animal products hidden in them. Like most practicing vegans I became adept at reading ingredients labels, sighing, and placing the item back on the shelf at the grocery store.
– Stefania, 20's, from vegetarian to vegan
[Response: Natural food stores are the best places to find vegan foods. Eventually you will know which foods are ok to eat.]

My only concern is getting enough protein from other sources. I have to watch that.
– Karine, 20's, from meat-centered to mostly vegan
[Response: See our nutrition page.]

Sometimes I hanker for meat – especially if I smell it – but I have discovered some great substitutes.
– David, 60's, from mostly vegetarian to vegetarian

The week itself went fine; no lack of energy. It felt like I ate a lot less in general; not as full (or satisfied?).
– Peter, 20's, from meat-centered to vegetarian

Going vegan

I do love cheese but there are so many great vegan options that don't involve artificially impregnating cows so that they're pregnant 9 months out of twelve. Plus, dairy-milk contains hardly any nutrients, tons of fat and is contaminated with cow's blood and pus. (Mmmm..that really sounds like something I want to consume! NOT!!)
– Monica, teen, from vegetarian to vegan

Testing out the vegan waters made me realize that although it can be more challenging, I have the ability and the moral obligation to make a concerted effort to continue to eliminate these products from my day-to-day diet and lifestyle.
– Stefania, 20's, from vegetarian to vegan

Being vegan for this past week has been even better; I feel lighter, more energetic, and healthier. Grocery shopping may be slightly more complicated, restaurant eating may be a pain, and narrow-minded people may say what they will, but over all, I know my lifestyle choice is worth it.
– Kaela, 20's, from mostly vegan to vegan

Influences

A vegetarian colleague at work lent me a book, "Becoming Vegetarian ". After reading it I understood that it is not simply taking meat off your plate. It's about understanding nutrition and opening yourself up to a whole new world of possibilities.
– Wayne, 30's, from meat-centered to mostly vegan

I went to the Toronto Vegetarian Association to rent some of their videos on vegetarianism, specifically 'Peaceable Kingdom' and 'The Witness' (Earthlings was out). The movies are really well done and make their case without being graphic.
– Hayden, 30's, from meat-centered to vegetarian

I attended the Paul McCartney concert in Toronto in October, 2005. I encountered a PETA display table in the arena. Another incident that led me to take the challenge was a news report that a young man in the US had changed his name to "kentuckyfriedcruelty.com." I visited this PETA website and was shocked to see the treatment of chickens by Tyson employees.
– Ron, 30's, from mostly vegetarian to vegetarian

After reading John Robbin's "Diet for a New America " I now consider myself a stricter vegetarian – WOW!! That book really opened up my eyes to what is going on in the Meat, Dairy, and Egg industries. As a result of the disturbing information in this book (like how they treat the animals, and the impact of their practices on our beautiful environment) changing my diet to vegetarian was made a whole lot easier. I lost my desire to eat meat all together.
– Adrianne, 30's, from mostly vegetarian to vegetarian

The horrific footage I saw on PETA TV and read about over the internet was all the encouragement I needed to adopt a plant based diet immediately.
– Sonya, 20's, from vegetarian to vegan

Taste

My wife and I prepared a healthy meal of green mango salad and gluten based pepper steak with red onions, green peppers and shitake mushrooms over brown rice. When dinner arrived and the food was served, conversation stopped and everyone ate, and ate, and ate.
– Janos, 30's, from meat-centered to vegetarian

I found most often that vegetarian options were cheaper, more wholesome, and, still satisfying. There's nothing more appetizing than a fridge fully stocked will colourful vegetables.
– Blair, 20's, from meat-centered to mostly vegan

What I once considered hard to find and difficult to prepare exotic ingredients are now a part of my diet. And food tastes better. It's as if my body purged all the bad stuff and became even more receptive to the good stuff.
– Wayne, 30's, from meat-centered to mostly vegan

I have incorporated many new ingredients to my meal preparation. I've introduced my kids to different ethnic foods that offer a variety of vegan dishes.
– Sylvia, 40's, from vegetarian to vegan

One thing that has come up over the past few weeks (gradual buildup to this challenge week) has been a general appetite and craving for certain vegetables, like broccoli and bok choy. A nice change from craving steak.
– Peter, 20's, from meat-centered to vegetarian

Weight

My transition to vegetarianism has been a long time in the making. As far back as 2001 I lived on a steady diet of McDonald's (at least daily), did little to no exercise and carried around 240+ pounds on my 5'9" frame. Finally, in 2001 (age 21) I came to realize that since we've only got one body in this life, I better take care of mine. I immediately cut out all fast food and began making other changes to my lifestyle. Five years, and 60 pounds later, I've run two marathons and feel more in control of my destiny than ever before.
– Blair, 20's, from meat-centered to mostly vegan

My health had deteriorated after 7 years of living a low carb, high protein diet, so I could keep my weight low. My kidneys were not working properly, I had psoriasis, constipation and had alopecia areata. It was the hair loss that really had me stop, re-evaluate my life style and seek guidance from a naturopathic doctor.
– Susan, 30's, from meat-centered to vegan

Children

I take my kids grocery shopping with me and have taught them to read labels and compare foods for their nutritional value and get them involved in meal preparation.
– Sylvia, 40's, from vegetarian to vegan