To follow a vegetarian diet is no longer considered by others as so unusual. Thousands of young people in particular, have chosen to break away from the conventions of western cultural traditions – customs that are leading us to suffer more and more disease, and are making the change to a more healthful way of eating that will benefit both brain and body.
A good idea, and here there is simple logic, as most people are now informed of many of the dangers lurking in commercially produced food. They are also aware of the toxics passing down the food chain to affect all natural life.
However, there is an argument generally overlooked and that is the viewpoint of animal lovers, those who believe mankind’s role in evolutionary design is to be custodians and protectors, not consumers of animals. Anyone who is sincere about their love of animals is already vegetarian or inclined that way. Anyone who loves animals could not go out and kill one in order to eat its flesh. We would recoil at the thought of someone eating their pet dog or even the neighbour’s but it would seem hypocritical or at least inconsistent, if we could then sit down and insensitively eat a lamb chop.
If it is possible to not only subsist, but enjoy good health with a natural diet of fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and grains, seaweed, herbs and sprouts why do we not choose this path and avoid having to kill any creature for food?
The answer may lie in the fact that few people have witnessed the slaughter of animals for food. The animal’s parts are hardly recognizable in the steak or the casserole served up on your plate. It is easy to put blinkers on and subdue any thought that our meal was once a living part of a very precious and beautiful creature.
In fact it is lack of thought about the origin of our food that allows us to continue our eating habits. However they are habits that have become unacceptable to those who revere life and who abhor the exploitation of animals whose fate is to end their days in fear in abattoirs reeking with the blood of their fellow creatures.
Vegetarians may give varying responses as to why they choose to eliminate meat in their diet. Some will explain it is for health reasons, or for ethical and religious reasons but usually the reason is just because they are humane.
Can you consider a better, healthier existence by changing old tastes and habits and electing to follow a lifestyle that offers a much wider and attractive range of wholesome foods that do not require any cruelty or killing of animals?
We should try to match our eating habits with our matured attitudes.
Sally Janssen’s wonderful book “Mental Fitness: A Simple Self-Help Guide”, offers simple and timely solutions. Read more…
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