Having A Moment | Vegetarianism

Vegetarianism had never been a consideration through my whole life. My family ate meat, my friends ate meat and so, I ate meat and no doubt ever crossed my mind. This being said, I have always been somewhat of a fussy eater - there were foods I wouldn't even touch and some of these included meats, such as lamb, which I, to this day, have never tried. Things like steak didn't appeal to me either, the sight of anything showing the remote bit of redness or blood making me sick to my stomach. It was very easy, though, to be at home and have an easy meal (that involved meat) to please the whole family. The likes of chicken, sausages and beef mince involved in some of my favourite dishes.

When I moved away from home for University, I was left on my own to cook the food I wanted. I found myself delving into new and different recipes, trying new things and cutting out the meals that I maybe ate at home out of convenience. I discovered new things I loved and, soon enough, the meals that made my list had less and less meat in. I made new vegan and vegetarian friends too, whose lives were so easy and food so delicious, that the thought began to cross my mind - maybe I could do it too. I made the effort to find more veggie meals than meat meals. I still had the chicken and maybe some mince, but I was trying, and I was getting much better at cutting them out. I found in restaurants, I would choose meat-less options more so that not. I did my research - how could I get protein and what meals could I replace my favourite dishes with? I was starting to commit and experiment and I was also starting to see the value of animals.

It came to my attention at this stage; how could I not allow myself to eat a lamb, but a chicken or cow was fine? How could I go to farms and pet animals, and then go home and eat them for dinner? How could I love pets but not animals undomesticated? How could I say I love animals, while helping dig their graves?

I pledged to be fully vegetarian at the start of July, along with my boyfriend Luke, and each day has brought new and amazing meals to my mouth. I feel happy and healthy, and like a weight has been lifted. I've discovered so many amazing foods and tried new and healthier options, which have become my new favourites. I love this new lifestyle and the differences it has made to my health, my appearance and the small steps it will make towards saving animals lives.

A small fish can't make a big splash on its own, but every ripple will contribute towards a big wave. If you don't think you can do it either, the least you can do is try! Every ripple will help make a better change.

Whether it's for health or moral reasons, maybe you could give it a go too! Meatless Monday is the new Fish Friday, after all! 

~ Becca ~