Posted by Healthy Bitch Daily on Dec 3, 2012
Beyond that insatiable urge to spend money you don’t have, it ignites a feeling of warm appreciation for family, friends—even that smelly homeless guy who harasses you on your way to work each morning.
Smiles are more abundant. A sense of giving is everywhere you look: food drives, soup kitchen volunteering, that bell-ringer outside your local grocery store (that you either give change to or flip off, depending on your mood). Something in our hearts sings “give, and give thanks.” Bear with me,cupcake—it’s not too often we get smooshey-face, lovey-dovey on this blog, so get into it while it’s here.
We’d like to reflect on something we’re eternally grateful for, and that is being healthy. If you're a vegan, an almost-vegan, trying to be a vegan or you know one, you understand what we're getting at.
Veganism promotes compassion to all sentient beings. Without compassion, we’re doomed, really. As vegans, we make cruelty-free choices not only when it comes to the food on our plates, but also the clothes on our backs, and even the products in our pores. That means less suffering for animals, and less guilt for us as consumers. While millions of people choose ignorance, those who make choices from an ethical stance are responsible for the gradual positive changes we need.
Veganism puts pressure on companies to make responsible choices. The more we, as consumers, make informed, empathic choices, the more businesses will respond to our needs. Those who claim one person doesn’t make a difference are mistaken. Every time a purchase is made, a vote is cast, and believe us, businesses are keeping tabs.
Veganism promotes physical health. You health-savvy chicks know all about the benefits of a plant-strong diet. Eliminating rotting flesh, pus-filled, mucus-forming dairy and a laundry list of other animal products is the most powerful tool you can utilize to fight poor health. Not only is a plant-based diet full of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals, if managed responsibly, it can be the fast track to optimal weight, balanced internal pH, a healthy complexion and high energy. Not to mention, ditching animal products dramatically decreases the chance of of developing illnesses like diabetes,heart disease and even cancer.
Veganism cultivates spiritual well-being. Breaking free of the violent demise so many farm animals face on a minute-by-minute basis frees our consciousness of associated guilt. E.G. White once said, “Whatever affects the body has a corresponding effect on the mind and soul.” When you abstain from animal products, you free yourself of the burden of ever having participated in another living being's suffering.
Veganism supports a strong and healthy ecosystem. It’s easy to challenge a self-proclaimed “animal lover” on the hypocrisy of eating meat, but what about the conflict of interest when the “environmentalists” we know and love sit down to a non-veg dinner? Factory farming has had a devastating impact on Mama Nature. Fossil fuels, water, soil and forests are grossly neglected when meat production is a priority, and we’re finally seeing the consequences of such mindless behavior.
This is just a small sampling of all the wonderful reasons we love being vegan, so whether you’re taking small steps toward more conscious actions in your dietary choices or have been a veg-pro for years, hats off to you. We’re grateful for every little thing you do.
What makes you grateful about being vegan/vegetarian? Leave a note in the comments section below.
Sara Crolick, Contributing WriterSara Crolick is a little lady on the quest for all things green, nutritious, and joy-inducing. After a Lupus diagnosis in 2008, Sara revamped her diet and lifestyle, addressing symptoms with good food, a happy spirit, and a whole lot of laughter. Creator of HerbvaceousLady.com, Sara writes from her experiences as a Lupus patient and a thriving vegan. When she’s not spreading love on the web, she’s raising two little humans with her man in Pennsylvania.
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