This past Thanksgiving, I ate a substantial amount of meat, which I regret because I know that it sanctions the inhumane treatment of animals at industrial farms. On the other hand, my mother had prepared a great dinner with so much love that I couldn’t bring myself to reject it.
However, during break I also talked to a friend about the benefits of switching to a plant-based diet. I explained how this reduces the likelihood of suffering from heart disease and reduces inflammation (Adler 2018), an argument that he found very compelling since he is an avid runner.
Moreover, after thanksgiving dinner (which made me wake up with a headache), I came to the conclusion that I would benefit greatly if I adopted a (mostly) plant-based diet for the long-term. Realizing also that it wouldn’t be wise to commit to this diet religiously, because there will be moments when meat is the only available option.
I also have the intention to keep sharing my reasons for embracing a plant-based diet, even after the semester ends. In this manner, I can continue to spread awareness about the inhumane practices of the animal husbandry industry, and also share information that may help others increase their quality of life.
Finally, at the beginning of my project I foresaw constant struggle, mostly because I had the preconception that any form of nonviolent activism required sacrifice on some level. And this is true, transitioning into a plant-based diet was difficult, and in some instances of hunger I found myself craving animal protein. However, I also feel better physically, as I now feel that my energy levels are more stable throughout the day. More importantly, I feel better spiritually, since I know that my diet no longer comes at the cost of the extreme suffering of other conscious beings.
Adler, Allan. 2018. “The darker side of inflammation”. Accessed November 28, 2018.
Mateo, first I would like to extend my congratulations to you for finishing your project. I think that internal conflict between you wanting to stick to the project but wanting to eat the delicious food is emblematic of many of the struggles people face when engaging in active nonviolence. I think it’s admirable that you admit your flaw but use it as a platform to talk about why eating animals is wrong. Constructively, please consider continuing this vegetarianism beyond the semester and advocating for awareness of this socially acceptable form of violence.