Why I Chose Vegetarianism(And Why You Should Consider It Too)

Life-Altering Truth

I was 12 years old when I first learned about vegetarianism and decided to give it a try. Before that, I naively figured a vegetarian was just someone who ate a lot of vegetables. Given my age, the oversight was understandable. But that innocent misunderstanding led me to a moment that would change my perspective of our world—beyond myself.

That year, my mom won an iPad in a raffle. She let my siblings and me share it, unaware that she had just handed me a gateway to limitless knowledge. My ADHD-driven curiosity led me down countless rabbit holes of Google searches, satisfying my obsessive need for answers. During this time, my lifelong obsession with The Beatles deepened. I had been fascinated by them since before I was five, but before the iPad, my knowledge came from books and TV. Now, that I had internet access I had access to interviews, rare footage, and insights into the philosophies of each band member. One day, I stumbled upon a video narrated by Paul McCartney, explaining why he chose a vegetarian lifestyle.The video exposed the brutal reality of factory farming—the suffering of animals and the ethical implications of meat consumption. He famously stated:

"If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be vegetarian." – Sir Paul McCartney

The footage left an indelible mark on me, on my soul, exposing the inhumane realities of livestock husbandry. It vividly revealed the immense suffering animals endure—what can only be described as systematic slaughter within commercial meat production. Billions of animals are subjected to extreme suffering in an industry where efficiency is prioritized over ethical considerations, a reality reinforced by regulatory frameworks designed to serve profit rather than compassion (European Journal of International Law).

Why do we value certain lives while disregarding others? Some species—such as dogs, cats, and horses—are showered with love and protection, while others, like cows, chickens, and pigs, are denied the same compassion. Studies show that many consumers remain unaware of the suffering endured by farm animals, leading to an arbitrary distinction between species deemed worthy of moral concern (Frontiers in Psychology). But this inconsistency extends beyond animals. Even within our own species, we see the same moral contradiction. The homeless, the marginalized—those cast aside by a system that claims to value life—are often denied basic dignity and kindness.

Why is it easier to show affection to a stranger’s dog than to a homeless person? How can anyone truly believe that people choose to be in such a predicament? The vast majority of the homeless population consists of individuals who have been left behind—the mentally ill, veterans, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community—people failed by a system built to serve only the privileged. LGBTQIA+ individuals, for example, make up an estimated 20–40% of the homeless population, despite comprising only 5–10% of the general public(National Library of Medicine). Veterans, particularly those suffering from mental illness, also face a disproportionate risk of homelessness (Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority). Compassion should not be conditional.

Choosing to consume animals when survival does not necessitate it contributes to a cycle of suffering. Advances in plant-based and cell-based meats provide viable alternatives that reduce farm animal suffering and minimize environmental harm (National Library of Medicine). Are you as empathetic as you believe yourself to be—or as you hope to be perceived? Are you truly doing everything in your power to make the world a better place?

I do not seek to impose my beliefs, only to challenge the unexamined. My hope is to reach those who have yet to consider the full weight of their choices—their actions, or lack thereof.

I was overwhelmed by a wave of horror and sadness as I witnessed their fear and pain. I had always known that animals were killed for food, but seeing their suffering firsthand was something else entirely. My heart ached for them—no living being should endure such distress, especially when it is not required for our survival, for our continued role as Earth's custodians, as the only known intelligence in the universe (or universes?).

Perhaps Homo sapiens—the self-proclaimed "wise ones"—are not as enlightened as we like to believe. Many people, shaped by cultural norms and cognitive biases, accept certain beliefs without questioning them, often unaware of the moral contradictions they uphold. Psychological studies suggest that speciesism and cognitive dissonance influence how people justify ethical inconsistencies, shaping their perception of animal suffering and moral responsibility (Appetite).

But wisdom requires curiosity, and morality requires action.

Will you stand for change or uphold the status quo?

The real question is: What will you do with the power you hold?

Understanding Suffering

I first grasped the concept of suffering when I was about eight or nine years old. My grandma, Joan, was dying from pancreatic cancer. Surrounded by family, we witnessed her endure unimaginable pain in her final moments. Shit was actually kinda fucked, but the experience shaped me into who I am today. People kept saying she had gone to a better place, that her suffering was over. In my eyes, the suffering had simply transferred to my grandpa Lou, who was left heartbroken and alone.

That experience shattered my faith in prayer. If there is a god, and he has the power to stop suffering but chooses not to, then he is either cruel or indifferent.

Years later, when I saw how animals were treated in the meat industry, I connected the dots. They suffered too—terrified, helpless, waiting to die. And if I continued to eat meat, I was complicit. I refused to be part of a system that treated sentient beings as mere products, as if their pain didn’t matter.

Navigating Meals with Family and Friends

My dad found my decision intriguing. After learning about the health benefits of vegetarianism and the upsides of cutting back on meat, he gave it up and has been a pescatarian ever since. My mom, on the other hand, wasn’t thrilled. Most of our dinners had always included meat—and now her entire cooking routine had to change because of me. I was 13, and even though it disrupted how things usually worked at home, my parents let it happen. Looking back, I’m glad they didn’t try to stop me. Not that they could have.

My grandfather, Lou, was born in 1933 and always found my vegetarianism entertaining. Every Sunday at dinner, he'd chuckle and ask, "So, are you still a veggie?" as if he were waiting for me to snap out of it. He also liked to say I "talked like a sausage," though I never quite figured out what that meant. When I asked him, he'd shrug and say, "That's how sausages talk—just like that." That was Lou—forever playful, always carrying a youthful spirit even as he grew older.

Maybe the key to life is maintaining a youthful spirit. Or maybe success looks different for everyone—my key won’t unlock your door, and yours won’t unlock mine. Anyway, I’m getting sidetracked. That’s a topic for another day.

Still, if you ever want to know what a sausage sounds like, listen to me speak.

I'm not sure Lou ever fully understood my reasons for going vegetarian, but he never judged me for it. He came from a generation that didn’t always welcome change, yet his ability to make space for different perspectives—even ones he didn’t share—is something I deeply admire.

I wish he—and all of us—could live forever. However, perhaps immortality would diminish the value of everything life has to offer. Would those who are eternal cherish their memories in the same way that we mortals do?

All things must pass, I suppose. Life feels like a cruel joke sometimes. I miss Lou more and more every day. It reminds me how lucky I am to have been born into a life surrounded by a loving family—objectively lucky, if you will.

My friend Nicole also took an interest in this lifestyle. After I shared the ethical and health benefits with her, she decided to give up meat—and she’s remained a vegetarian ever since. It's rare to find someone who not only considers such a major change but actually commits to it. I admire her for taking that leap. Out of everyone I've talked to about this, only my dad and Nicole have followed through—and both have stayed consistent to this day.

In high school, my decision sparked lively debates that echoed throughout the classroom. I noticed many of my classmates simply echoed their parents' beliefs, often without questioning or critically examining them. That realization unsettled me—I couldn’t accept the idea of blindly inheriting opinions without thoughtful reflection.

My own experiences with my family had taught me the value of questioning the status quo. Besides, I’ve always loved a good debate—one that blends logic with heartfelt emotion. Armed with logic and a dangerous amount of curiosity, I challenged perspectives. I posed thought-provoking questions, dissected weak or uncogent arguments, and encouraged my peers to dig deeper.

While some dismissed my reasoning outright, others grappled with ideas they had never considered. Our discussions often got intense, but they fostered a richer understanding of differing viewpoints—proving that questioning the status quo is always worthwhile.

We're all creatures of habit, and changing how we view meat isn't easy. Growing up, we're told it's essential—when in reality, the meat industry is a multibillion-dollar machine that thrives on keeping us believing just that. They don’t want people like me walking around thinking differently. It's not about health; it’s about profit. These corporations want what all industries want—your money.

And when your health starts to decline in your 40s, guess who profits again? Big Pharma. Health insurance companies. These systems thrive on the very consequences of the poor lifestyle habits they help normalize. Greed thrives on ignorance.

Just look at the numbers: diet-related chronic diseases are responsible for approximately one million deaths annually in the United States, according to a 2024 study published in Frontiers in Public Health. The same study highlights that nearly half of all U.S. adults have either prediabetes (38%) or type 2 diabetes (11.3%), with the majority of these cases being preventable through dietary and lifestyle changes.

Additionally, the American Heart Association emphasizes that poor diet quality remains a leading cause of cardiovascular disease—the number one cause of death nationwide.

Don’t let corporate America win. Don’t fall into the trap. Most people act out of self-interest—not because they’re bad, but because it’s instinctive. Still, just because something is instinctual doesn’t mean we have to act on it.

Some humans have something most animals don’t: time. Freedom—not to be confused with free will. The ability to reflect, imagine, and make conscious choices. In the wild, primates are in constant survival mode, always evaluating threats. We're lucky enough to let our guard down, to be creative, to laugh. So why would we use that privilege to exploit beings who can’t fight back?

If we’re really the “wise ones”—Homo sapiens—then let’s start acting like it. We have empathy, intellect, and the power to make ethical decisions. Let’s use those gifts not just for ourselves, but for the greater good. We could dominate other creatures—but why should we? True strength is measured by how we treat those who are weaker than us. Let’s be better than animals by not treating animals as lesser.

I'm not trying to convert anyone. Meat tastes good—I still miss hot dogs. But I feel better when I don't eat that stuff. Short-term pleasure doesn’t lead to long-term fulfillment... at least not for me.

As children, we often don’t get the chance to make meaningful decisions. I hope future generations are raised by parents who encourage them to explore, question, and choose freely—without fear of judgment.

If you're thinking, "I could never give up meat," that mindset alone may limit your potential. To unlock what you're capable of, you have to reimagine what's possible. If reaching our goals were easy, everyone would be doing it. We don’t pursue things simply because they’re convenient—we chase after what challenges us to grow. Learn to welcome discomfort. Over time, it might just become second nature.

We can’t keep doing things simply because that’s how they’ve always been done. Step out of your comfort zone. Try something you never imagined. Or don’t. It’s your life—with a splash of external influence and control.

The Unexpected Benefits

Beyond ethics, quitting meat had surprising effects on my mind and body.

Clearer Skin: Three months after quitting meat, my acne vanished. I had tried everything before; dermatologists, ointments, creams, changing my pillowcase nightly—but nothing worked. Then I cut out meat and dairy, and suddenly, my skin was clear. Coincidence? Maybe. But I know when and how fast the change occurred. Maybe puberty was doing its thing, but I like to think my diet played a role.

Easier Digestion: No more heavy, sluggish feeling after meals. My body processed plant-based foods effortlessly. I just felt better overall. Even my bathroom trips became smoother—if you know, you know. I won’t get into but this is one of the greatest benefits of a plant-based diet.

Deeper Connection with Animals: Dogs seem drawn to me at social gatherings, almost like they sense something different. My own dog, Lucy, interacts with me in ways she doesn’t with the rest of my family. Maybe animals recognize when someone doesn’t see them as food. Maybe it’s nothing. But I like to think they know.

Why Everyone Should Reduce Their Meat Intake

Ethical Reasons

Factory farming is rooted in a system that prioritizes profit over the well-being of animals. Every year, billions of animals, such as cows, pigs, and chickens, are crammed into overcrowded, unsanitary conditions where they experience extreme confinement and mistreatment. Many live in stress-inducing environments with little to no access to natural light, fresh air, or the ability to engage in natural behaviors. This suffering culminates in inhumane slaughter practices. By consciously choosing plant-based meals, even part-time, we can significantly reduce the demand for animal products and help decrease the cruelty these sentient beings endure.

Environmental Impact

The meat industry plays a critical role in escalating climate change, widespread deforestation, and alarming levels of water waste. Research indicates that the production of just one pound of beef requires more than 1,800 gallons of water, a resource that is becoming increasingly scarce (National Geographic). Moreover, raising livestock is a leading cause of deforestation as vast areas of forests are cleared to make space for grazing or growing feed crops (World Wildlife Fund). Even by slightly reducing our meat consumption, we can contribute to conserving essential natural resources and protecting our planet's fragile ecosystems.

Health Benefits

Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated that adopting a plant-based diet can significantly lower the risks of developing heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. For example, a study published in the Journal of Geriatric Cardiology highlights the cardiovascular benefits of plant-based diets. These diets are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, which are packed with essential nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber. Additionally, individuals who switch to a plant-based lifestyle often experience various health benefits, such as increased energy levels, enhanced digestion due to the higher fiber content, and clearer, healthier skin attributed to the abundance of vitamins and minerals. A review in Nutrition Reviews also supports the role of plant-based diets in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Many people find that reducing their meat consumption not only improves their physical health but also positively impacts their overall well-being and quality of life.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Transitioning to an entirely vegetarian or vegan diet may feel daunting for many. However, you don't have to make a dramatic change overnight. Simple, manageable steps like participating in Meatless Mondays or swapping one meat-based meal per week for a plant-based option can lead to meaningful change. Consider the collective impact of millions of people committed to reducing their meat intake by just one meal daily; the ripple effect could substantially minimize resource use, greenhouse gas emissions, and animal suffering.

Final Thought

I was 12 when I first started thinking differently about food. It wasn’t some big transformation—I just made a choice that felt right to me. The goal was never perfection, just a shift in a better direction. Every plant-based meal might seem small, but those choices add up. They matter. We all have an impact on the world, whether we mean to or not. The real question is: what kind of impact are we okay with having?