Go Veggie and Feel Better

By : Kelsey Haggerty

I have always had a deep love for the animal kingdom. I kissed worms while helping my mom garden; the family dog was always my best friend; I could always pass a baby carriage but not a leash. When I was about 5, I happened to get into a discussion with my mom about what a "hamburger" was and once she told me, she swears I cried and said "I am never eating a hamburger again!!!" Apparently I did, however, but the guilt of eating meat never left me. I came from a typical, meat-for-every-meal, American family.

I eventually did stop eating red meat and pork and settled into a lifestyle of eating turkey and chicken only. About 6 months ago, I decided that I had waited long enough to truly consider going vegetarian.

Like most people who are considering vegetarianism I wondered: How I am going to get all of the nutrients I need? How am I going to find enough to eat? Will I even like the meat alternatives? So I bought a book and read about the process, bought the meat "replacements" and bought a couple vegetarian cookbooks.

Now not only have I been a veg for 6 months, but I reeled my husband in as well. We are so happy we did and spread the word wherever and whenever we can. My favorite thing to say to people who are even CONSIDERING going veg is this: "Just try it for 2 weeks. You will feel so much better and see it as a realistic feat. You will be sold...just like we were."  :-)

PS. If every one of us inspired ONE person to go meatless imagine the difference we could make in ten years time. I am going to collect inspirational vegetarian/vegan stories to share with everyone. If you think your story will inspire others, please share with me by sending it to info@veglov.com. I will post your stories on this www.veglov.com blog. I believe everyone has his/her own story, I think it must be great when we can share our stories and inspire others. Let’s make the world a better place. ~ Xiao Kang.