From a Vegan Point of View by Holly Strohl

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From a Vegan Point of View
By Holly Strohl

This article was submitted by Holly Strohl. Holly is 34 years old, owns her own vending business and has been vegetarian/vegan since 1987. She states, "I wrote the article basically for myself and to give those around me a clearer understanding of why I have chosen this lifestyle and how much it means to me. It was through the convincing of friends and family that I decided to share it with others. Hopefully you will feel the same."

What do you mean gelatin is made from animal bones? Soap is made from animal fat? Waiter is this vegetable soup made with a beef broth? A far cry from those younger omnivore years of "Hey, she got the steak bone last week! Give it up! " My parents have still not come to grips with my 11 year old dietary change. Aside from the common questions such as, "Are you eating enough? What did you eat today? What are you eating later? Eat something, but what could you eat?", they felt it had to be a fad because it is too crazy to go without the meat centered diet we have grown so accustomed to for centuries. They have come to accept (but not understand) my food preferences over the past few years, except for the occasional meat offering from my father who claims to conveniently forget every so often.

It all began when a friend had asked me to join her at Concordia University in Montreal to watch a film entitled "Hidden Crimes". It is an honest and frightful documentary displaying the horrific methods used by the factory farms of raising and killing animals. Everything from the debeaking of baby chicks to carcasses hanging by their hind legs, still alive squirming from the pain of being slaughtered. I could not stop visualizing these animals in my mind. Thinking of their suffering and fear that we inflict on them so that we can have that palate pleasing meal, and then not give it another thought except what to cut up and serve for the next day. Without a moments hesitation, I went home and emptied out my freezer and vowed to never ingest another food that ever had a face again. I continued to stand by my new dietary change and felt better emotionally and physically.

I began doing extensive reading on vegetarian health, recipes, associations, etc.. I became a member of several organizations and decided to learn as much about this new responsibility I had undertaken as I could. I began to learn what had originally started out as an ethical obligation to animal kind was in fact twofold. It was an obligation to myself as well. To eat healthier and take better care of my body which is what results when you follow a well balanced vegetarian diet. I experimented with new recipes and new foods. I familiarized myself with common vegetarian staples and made sure I knew of all the best health food stores. It makes me laugh when people ask, "How many ways can one person eat carrots?" It is this ignorance that will continue to exist as long as people are kept in the dark of what really goes on in the factory farms. It is true that some, whether this realization is brought forward or not, may not have the compassion to make such a change and sacrifice. Although, even if it touches just one more person, then hey - that is a lot less squirming cows to think about.

There came a point however where I had to reflect upon my own thoughtlessness and inconsistencies. The same animals I would not put in my mouth, I would not think twice to put on my body. So out went the leather shoes, purses, belts, jackets, etc... only to find that they do make fashionable items in synthetic fibres which are just as nice, not to mention, a little cheaper. It also made me think of the treatment of laboratory animals and animals in captivity (zoos and circuses). We do not have the right to dictate what kind of existence these species are to endure. Due to the fact they cannot speak or communicate in ways in which we feel are comparable to our own, does not mean they do not feel fear. I believe we owe the same to these special species we share our world with.

Aside from the animal rights aspect of the movement, there is also an agricultural issue to contend with. How many people could be fed if we were to reduce our meat consumption by just 10 percent for just one year you ask? 60 million. Which translates into 12 million tons of grain. The arguments and facts are endless. Animal rights organizations have reported to have tremendous membership increases over the past few years which is indicative of what increasing public knowledge can do to help.

So for the peace of mind of my parents, I have never felt healthier or stronger. Gone are the days where my idea of getting my serving of protein, vegetables and fruit was a Big Mac, French Fries and an Apple Pie. (I can hear some of you saying "Sounds O.K. to me" ).

As far as raising my children is concerned, they will be raised as vegans. Although, if they ever choose to discover what meat, fish, poultry or any other animal product tastes like, they will not be refused. They will however, be reminded of what it is they are eating, and the choice will be theirs. As far as my husband to be is concerned, the chances of finding him at this point are slim pickin's, so to think that he will be vegan to boot... I don't think so. But I'm sure with a few concessions and several good meals, it will work itself out.

So I shall continue to irritate my dinner hosts and send waiters/waitresses into an early retirement by not closing my eyes to the callous inhumane treatment we put these innocent creatures through and hopefully, in time, others will realize the same and turn to all the wonderful food alternatives there are out there waiting to be experienced and enjoyed. So for all of you wondering how many ways there are to cook carrots, have a seat you've got so much to learn!

[Aninajess]

So I want to become vegan, but my husband is a very meat and potatoes kinda of guy..... how do you do it? what did you say when you first decided to be vegan?

[Delina]

You have a very positive attitude Holly!  I am glad everything is working out well for you being vegan and that you are remaining positive. 

When I became vegan, I told my husband that I was going to do this, and that he didn't have to himself but that it would be very hard for me with all the cheese and meat and eggs lying around the house.  So he said "Well, I'll eat whatever you cook."

Eventually after getting him to eat some healthy vegan food that was also very delicious, he started to feel better, noticeably.  He watched some videos with me on cruelty and our fridge has not had animal products in it for almost a year now!  We are both happily vegan and we have not looked back!

I guess I'm just lucky, so I can't relate to the having a steak and potatoes husband, but I can tell you what my mom did.  SHe is a vegetarian, becoming vegan at the moment, and both her husband and teenage son are addicted to meat and don't want to eat too much of her vegetarian food.  She tells them "That's fine, I will cook full, healthy nutritious meals in my vegan way, and if you want meat you can have it but you gotta cook it yourself."  Occasionally they will make themselves meat dishes but for the most part they just enjoy her vegetarian stuff, which is really good.

Explain to him that this is your life choice.  If he's that good of a husband, he'll probably just go along with it.  Good luck.

[VeganSapien]

Hi Holly,

Good article.  I was wondering about the film you mentioned "Hidden Crimes".  I would like to find a copy if possible. Do you have a link or the filmmaker's name? 

Thank you and best wishes, VS

[endiahna]

I thinks so many of us can relate to you and your article, I know I can. I'm glad you shared your story.

[TamaraHarden]

vegansapien,
here is a movie similar to the one I think you were inquiring about.  Be warned, I cried, sobbed thru the whole thing.
http://vegetarian.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=vegetarian&cdn=food&tm=249&gps=210_883_929_564&f=21&su=p284.8.150.ip_&tt=3&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http://www.goveg.com/factoryFarming.asp

[gratefulbeauty]

So I want to become vegan, but my husband is a very meat and potatoes kinda of guy..... how do you do it? what did you say when you first decided to be vegan?

Aninajess, I know you posted this comment months ago, but I just came across this article on Veggies and Non-Veggies eating together.  It might give you a bit of advice on your situation.

http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/svreports/veg_and_non-veg_eat_together.pdf

[danleep]

Sometimes partners can be quite cruel...as well as quite wonderfully supportive.  I have endured  both and the latter the best!  When a partner is the former, the question may be "What can be done to improve or change the situation?" without falling prey to the manipulater/controller.  If the manipulated partner is  weak and/or sensitive (and who isn't some or all of that), dissaster is brewing and formative action of some kind is encumbant.  There are some good suggestions from some of the other respondents and again, with a willing/loving partner, vegetarian and vegan goals can be happily successful.  But there are those partners that have no intent on being lovingly responsive to the other partner and only wish to control the other partner...to the end...and the end can be spiritually and emotionally bankrupting.  If this is happening to anyone, and I am sure that it is, we must do something!  One thing that we don't want to do is become disruptively, negetively involved with the controlling partner and event, regardless of what the other partner does.  We don't want to beome like them!  We  must maintain our own goodwill and spiritual wellbeing, never loosing our love towards ourselves and others and striving to become stronger, not weaker in our emotions.  This can be quite difficult when the other is 'brow beating' us, demeaning us, pushing and shoving us into 'dark corners' no one in their right mind want to go to...and don't think that there are not those that will stop at nothing to force us to do anything they want us to to do...controlling and manipulating every move of ours into what they think is best for them, not us, and that is always the way it is.  So, once again, what options do we have (in combating such negative control)?   Even when reasonable, rational deliberation is fruitful, finding others of like interest is paramount.  The networking capabilities of such is wonderful and should not be underrated. Face to face networking  is probably best, along with letters, emails, etc.  Start a personal blog, diary, if you will, that no one save yourself has access to...no one!  Write anything and all things relative to your intended goal and always try to be positive, without making excuses for anybody.  Create a computer program or folder that is password protected and blog at times that are convient to you. When ever we transcribe our thoughts as such, we are often relieving our emotional trauma and can sometimes come up with startling solutions, or at least, other courses of action.  Remember, also, don't just complain about it...strive for action... When speaking to others of any partner problems you may have, make sure that, once again, you keep on the positive side without making excuses for anyone about any thing...and TELL THE TRUTH, don't spin it.   As to actually addressing a direct method of affecting the controlling partner's mindset...good luck! but don't give up, ever.  Perhaps there are some psychiatriac methodology that might work...do some reading, consult a professional...and try not to get confused in the process and if you are wrong on something, admit it and make changes.  There may be NOTHING that you can do in this life time to effect meaningful change with/in your partner and if remaining in your relationship is important, then...never give up...always keep trying and loving.  If you decide to separate, plan your next relationship, don't just get into one.  Even if you reunite, make sure you have solutions at hand and on paper to look at.  Have your solutions (expectations) divided into two groups:  one list that is negotiable (that you can modify if necessary) and one list that is non-negotiable (NO CHANGES AT ALL- MUST HAVE).  If you are entering a new relationship, do the same thing...develop a checklist of that which you want in life.  First just make a list.  Keep the list with you at all times so that thoughts can be listed as they arrive.  After a while, a month, months...review the checklist and devide it into two sections:  one for negotiable desires (things that you can live with or without and/or modify;  another list for the NON-NOGOTIABLE things (things you must have, no if's, and's or but's).  When preparing this list, think  and record any and all topical thoughts, from sexual relations to child rearing to diet to anything of importanct, bar none and don't be squeemish as all is important.    Well, I guess I am done for now...wishing all well.

[Cynders]

Amen sista!! I could not have said it better myself!!  One of my more funnier experiences at a non-Vegan outting was when this random guy offered me a burger, to which I refused and he kept probing me for reasons why I wouldn't accept this nasty hamburger..I think he was in some way insulted or something..to which I'm all, "no worries, dude I'm a Vegan"...and seriously his reply is "Oh, I'm sorry"...??!! At that point, I'm like what?? Sorry for what????the fact that I'm going to to live and stay beautiful (my skin has never looked so amazing!!!) for far longer than you?? Or the fact that I have like 0 cholesteral...hmm thanks but I don't need any sympathy...

[Val1232]

   So glad to hear that you are not bothered to ask a waiter what exactly your food is  cooked in! At one point, shortly after I became a Vegan a year and a half ago, I was a bit reluctant to ask, but now have no qualms. People are sometimes rude, but I've developed a thick skin, and frankly do not care. My father cannot get his head around the way that I eat, but my motivations for being Vegan are very similar to yours and I am not bothered by this anymore either. That was a well written and intelligent post and I thank you so stating some things that I may not have stated so eloquently.

[Val1232]

  Oops! Grammar usage out the window today, apparently. I meant "Thank you for stating some things...."

[jalynnconcepts]

Hi, I own a health and fitness magazine called PhillyfIT(phillyfit.com) and would love to publish your article..can you let me know if you will allow me to?? Do you have any pictures to go with it if so? I really enjoyed it..
Jami
jami@phillyfitmagazine.com

[Smallie_Biggz]

It is always very interesting to me the different reasons why we choose to become vegan or vegetarian. I was just discussing this with my fiance and there are defiantly two or maybe even more dynamics to vegan/vegetarianism. For instance, the reason I chose to cut meat and dairy out of my life is not because of the major industries that are abusive to animals and treat them as product instead of an actually living creature, which in my opinion can desensitize a person even further beyond that to not care about most everything else that we need to co-exist with on this planet. The reason I became vegan is because of my body. I learned that eliminating animals from your diet actually frees up your pancreas to do what it is meant to do, which would be protecting you from illness.

It is so sad to see how horrible animals are treated all for money and greed. There are so many benefits to eliminating horrible energies from entering your body!!

Great article!

[velvetrabbit]

Thank you, I have not yet donated my leather belts and sneakers to Salvation Army  thrift store but most likely will soon.
I'd like to eventually have an all hemp wardrobe, as the cultivation of hemp is much "greener" than cotten, and it is more durable.
I was vegetarian for two years (but then had a relapse) I endured a lot of idiotic crap from family and friends. I lost a lot of weight and they were worried about me. At that time I had not yet read The China Study ( a book I recommend for everyone) and so I had bought into the belief that I needed more protein than I actually did. I am now convinced that a low fat moderate sodium low protein (yes I said low protein)
vegan diet is the very healthiest diet a human can eat.
Some of my friends think I have given up something by not eating animal products, but the only thing that I enjoy less of is convenient.
Flavor and enjoyment of meals has grown not diminished, and now that I have found this site, I have hundreds of new exciting recipes to try.
Before when I was veggie I ate cheese, and veggie processed foods, patties etc. I do still like some Tofurkey products but am anxious to learn to make my own veggie patties from recipes found here.
I am excited, and off to the kitchen!

Namaste'

[GoinVegan]

Wow, you sound like me. When I became vegetarian at age 16 my mother's glib comment was, "If you don't eat meat you'll die."  Here I am in my 30's, married with a kid, and it still bothers her!  I am loads healthier than she is.  My  husband says unless it becomes illegal he will continue to eat cows (and chickens and turkeys).
The 4 of us just went out to a chain restaurant 2 nights ago...My mother is convinced the server and manager will run away if they see me come in again.
Being a vegetarian was a piece of cake, I thought omitting factory farm eggs and cow milk would be too.  Boy, was I wrong!