BETHANY CHESTER
is a vegan blogger and freelance writer. Visit her website at littlegreenseedling.com
“I initially gave up meat at 17. I had always disliked both the taste and the texture, and found that it made me feel heavy and sluggish. Additionally, I was growing increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of eating animals. A few of my friends were vegetarians, so it didn’t seem like a big deal.
Though vegetarianism had always made sense to me, veganism seemed extreme. I didn’t understand why people gave up eggs and dairy, as I didn’t think animals were harmed in their production.
My eyes began to open when I dated someone who followed a plant-based diet for environmental and ethical reasons. I began to understand why people chose to be vegan, and tried products I’d never known existed, like vegan ice cream, yoghurt and cake.
DITCHING THE DAIRY
I found myself increasingly avoiding milk and cheese. After going to university, I decided to attempt the Veganuary challenge, going vegan for the month of January. Watching documentaries like Earthlings and Cowspiracy cemented my conviction that this was the right thing to do. The challenge seemed easy, and I discovered so many delicious new foods. Two weeks in and I knew I would never go back.
For me, veganism was so much more than a dietary shift; it was like an invisible burden had been lifted off my shoulders. I discovered a new connection to animals and the planet that felt almost spiritual, and found myself becoming more compassionate and in touch with my emotions.