Let me make this clear at the outset: I did not give up meat because I hated it. On the contrary, I enjoyed not just eating but cooking with meat too. But I gave up meat and fish and all other animal products, including dairy, eggs and honey, because I finally made the connection between animal cruelty and the food we so thoughtlessly put on our plates.
Of course, I knew all along that meat comes from animals. But like many others, I guess I chose to not think about the tough realities that lie behind the neat packages of meat that we toss into our grocery carts: about the terrible and short lives of the birds and animals raised to feed humans; about the cruelty of the ways in which their lives are terminated to turn them into "food"; and above all, about the needlessness of it all. Humans don't need to eat meat to survive: a vegetarian diet is not only more than adequate to fuel the body, but studies have time and again shown that it is healthier to eat a plant-based diet, compared to a meat-based one.
What's more, because it takes several pounds of grain to create a single pound of meat, an insistence on meat by a few of us means starvation for many, many others around the globe.
As someone who loves to cook, I have gained a lot by becoming a vegan. I've become more experimental in the kitchen, and I discover and eat new foods every day. While I still primarily cook Indian food- and believe me it is not at all difficult to cook great Indian vegan food- I also love trying out recipes from other parts of the world- and, of course, veganizing them!
I find that without exception, the vegan meals I make are far healthier than the meats I used to cook before. What's more, after the first few weeks had passed, I have never ever craved meat or even dairy products like cheese that I thought would be hard to live without. I now crave fresh, vibrant vegetables, a steaming bowl of vegan miso soup, vegan vegan chocolate chip cookies, hot Mushroom Biryani garnished with crunchy onion, creamy coconut chutney, or crunchy vegan "crabcakes"…the list goes on.
My refusal to participate in cruelty against animals does not stop at food. As a vegan, I do not wear clothes or carry accessories made from animal products: no leather, silk, or wool. I do not use cosmetics or other products that are tested on animals or contain animal ingredients. And believe me, it is not only not difficult to do this, it makes life far simpler. All you need to do is read the labels, and in the process you also become a more aware consumer.
I became a vegan for ethical reasons, because I loved animals and I realized I couldn't be a hypocrite that loved some animals and thoughtlessly contributed to cruelty against others. But there have been many, many rewards. I feel healthier, I keep my weight under control more effortlessly, and I am mentally more focused than ever before. But the best reward of all has been this: I feel much better about myself, knowing that I am doing all I can to lead a conscious, non-violent life.
Cara
I just discovered your blog last night---yay! I, too, am from the greater DC area, and I'm busy trying to learn to cook and bake and eat in entirely new, vegan ways. It can be difficult for us foodies, yes?
Keep up the fabulous work---and thanks so much for being such a generous resource for the rest of us!
60sGirl
Hi,
I think your recipes are very interesting. I just tried the skillet baked chocolate chip cookie and it tastes soooo great! I made it for vegan friends who will help my daughter move out soon.
On the other hand, I wonder about something: when you say that you gave up honey. Although I understand that bees can be considered as "exploited", weren't they made to produce honey? Just wondering... 🙂
I love your blog and your recipes. I am very fond of Indian food!
Thank you.
Barry Knight
Amazed about wool! I have been vegetarian for 30+ years now Vaishali.
I live in Yorkshire, England which has a thriving wool industry. I am a carpet retailer who promotes wool carpets. I shall be asking ALL of our suppliers to provide proof of the sheep's wellbeing during the shearing of their wool. Any that can't or won't provide proof of ethical practice I will disassociate myself from. It's been a real eye opener reading your 'why I'm vegan' section. Been in tears this afternoon. At 47 you'd probably think 'what a wuss!' but the revelation of how sheep could be treated who's wool become the carpets I sell has cut deep within my conscience. God bless you Vaishali for bringing this to my attention - I am in your debt! x
Vaishali
Hi Barry, what a heartwarming message! Thank you with all my heart-- this must've taken a lot of courage, and I applaud you.
shashank
Hey Vaishali, so glad i found on your blog. I turned vegan Dec-2016. I had been not much of meat eater before marriage and before i moved to US 11 years ago. Turned to meat eater since my wife loves chicken and fish. But i had a change of mind after i got more into Meditation and Yoga.
Very well put " why you went vegan ".
So now I am directing my wife to your blog so i can get delicious Indian Vegan food.
Oh BTW, i am also from Mumbai (worli 🙂 )
shiva
Fantastic! I admire your will-power and simple reasoning to turn into a vegan. I know what you are talking about when it comes to the joys of relishing simple foods.
Keep up the good work of educating others with your sound logic and hope there are more 'converts' in the near future.
Judy Liebeman
Just found you and so glad I did! Made your Banana cake--perhaps the best vegan dessert I've made to date. Looking forward to trying more. Plus, I'm vegan for the same reasons as you stated. Love learning about similar people!
Vaishali
Thanks, Judy, that's just wonderful-- you made my day. 🙂 Great to meet another like-minded vegan and animal lover.
druidsgarden
Interesting article and whilst I'd argue that even a vegan diet is responsible for the deaths of many many micro-organisms and higher life forms to grow plants for our consumption, in the control of pests for instance and a diet containing wild game and organic vegetables is just as ethical, I do understand your reasons.
There are ways to be able to consume products such as honey and eggs in an ethical way, you just need to find a small local producer who keeps bee's as a hobby rather than one of the big commercial producers who practise mono-culture and stress the bee's by moving them around to different crops or someone who keeps a few chickens in their yard/garden
My biggest issue is with the consumption of Soy milk, soy isn't actually all that good for you and especially if you are suffering with any sort of thyroid disease.
Soy should be eaten in moderation and personally I'd prefer to use a nut based milk rather than soy. I will use properly made tofu but I don't eat alot of it and even those not suffering from thyroid problems should probably limit their comsumption to fermented soy products.
Great recipes btw - I will be trying them out 🙂
Therese Tisseverasinghe
Thank you for writing this piece on why you are a vegan. I too am a vegan for the exact same reason. I think the hardest part is the social aspect, you know when you go out for dinner with friends and all you can order are the fries. However, thats a small sacrifice for the benefits of being a vegan. The best part is that I feel free of guilt from eating meat. I am hoping to share this message with friends--already I have a few who are starting to consider a vegetarian lifestyle. I know many of my facebook friends are sick of my posts about animal cruelty, but even if I could change just one person, its totally worth it!
Thank you again for this blog!
Therese
Kaye Brennan
beautifully written X and exactly where I am coming from too - thank you
sai
Wonderful Vaishali! Thanks for supporting veganism in all the ways (food, clothes, etc) 🙂
Sanatana Dharma is also against eating meat/eggs.
Ruby
Reading your post made me happy that there are people who care about other species. Im vegetarian currently, I was raised to be vegetarian from the day I was born. I always try to avoid eating dairy products and eggs etc. But sometimes I do.
I think it is important to at least acknowledge where the food on your plate comes from. A lot of people don't give it a thought.
I don't understand how society let the meat industry get to this point. Far too many animals die every day, just to be put into packaging and on a shelf for people to buy as "food". I don't think that it is fair for one species to have its only purpose in life to be to serve another species even against it's own will.
Your recipes are great though. I love cooking nice food. Not only for myself but for my boyfriend, my housemates, my friends. It makes me happy to see my friends (who are meat eaters) enjoy cruelty free food.
Vaishali
Ruby, you are wonderful for trying-- being conscious about the food we eat is most of the battle won.
wayfaringteacher.com
I started eating vegan food mainly for environmental and health reasons. However, the more I excluded animal products from my diet, the more remorse I felt for animals. Becoming a vegan has changed my perspective on animal rights, not to mention the quality of my own life.
Have I mentioned that I love your blog? hahaha
I started my own blog about a healthy lifestyle and a vegan diet. If you have time, I'd love to know what you think.
Maria @wayfaringteacher.com
wayfaringteacher.com
I started eating vegan food mainly for environmental and health reasons. However, the more I excluded animal products from my diet, the more remorse I felt for animals. Becoming a vegan has changed my perspective on animal rights, not to mention the quality of my own life.
Have I mentioned that I love your blog? hahaha
I started my own blog about a healthy lifestyle and a vegan diet. If you have time, I'd love to know what you think.
Maria @wayfaringteacher.com
Vaishali
Wayfaringteacher, I couldn't agree more. Good luck with your blog-- it's great!
Ashley
Hi Vaishali! I love love LOVE your blog... for the past few months most of the meals my family has eaten have come from your recipes. I've been vegetarian for fourteen years but became vegan about a year ago when I was pregnant with my daughter. What really tipped the scales for me was reading about how calves are permanently separated from their mothers 24 hours or less after their birth. It is well-documented by farmers themselves that these mothers will wail for hours and break their necks trying to get to their children. In my opinion, separating mammalian mothers and their offspring is one of the cruelest things we can do. This really struck me as a mother but I think even someone without (human) children can appreciate it - think of how attached we are to our dogs!
I'm sure you already knew this but I rarely hear other vegans mention this specific argument and I didn't see it in the comments here so I just thought I'd contribute another good reason to go vegan!
Vaishali
Ashley, thanks for your encouraging words -- I'm thrilled you and your family have enjoyed the recipes! Thanks also for sharing that heartbreaking information about the inhumane separation of calves from their mothers. Cows are the gentlest creatures and it is appalling just how much cruelty we humans subject them to. Brings tears to my eyes just to think of it, and it gives all of us another great reason to adopt a plant-based diet.
Vaishali
Mukta, well put. These are all great reasons to eat a plant-based diet. Thanks for sharing.
Mukta Tolani
Hi Vaishali! I am a fitness professional, a yoga teacher & nutrition consultant.In my experience, a Vegan lifestyle is absolutely rewarding! Also, a question asked by Priya , which I have faced by people too, regarding 'killing' plants for our food being equally cruel to killing animals- Plants do not have a nervous system & so they would not feel the pain that animals would. Besides, its our biological design to eat plant based foods ( We do not have claws or Sharp teeth like carnivores do. Our intestine is much longer, our body Ph is alkaline & not acidic.SEVERAL more obvious factors reveal that we are not meant to eat animal based products) Glad to see your page. Here is my web address- http://www.radianthealthonline.com
Regards, Mukta
Vaishali
Hi Bek, welcome! It can be hard to explain a vegan lifestyle to people who are either new to it or unsympathetic, but there are so many great reasons you can give them as to why it is the right choice for anyone who has the ability to think: a vegan diet is better for the animals, better for the planet, and better for your health. Animals raised for food live and die in deplorable conditions, and it is possible to eat deliciously and healthily without having to kill. Vegans also have a smaller environmental footprint because it takes far less grain to feed humans than it takes to feed animals who are then slaughtered for their meat. And very important, vegans are healthier-- they typically have lower cholesterol and blood sugar than meat-eaters, they are often skinnier, and studies show they are likely to live longer.
And yes, you should definitely cook and bring food with you when it is possible, so people who turn up their noses at the idea of vegan food can find out for themselves how delicious it is. Vegan cakes and cupcakes are usually better than those made with eggs and butter, and you don't have to deal with that nasty, eggy smell. Eventually even non-believers will come around. 🙂
Good luck with your vegan diet!
Bek
Hej Vaishali!
I have been reading your blog ans I thinks it´s so great that you share your recipes, thank you very much! there is so many things I want to start trying (starting with the mango cheesecake!)
I wanted to ask you something, since I am starting with vegan life style (I haven´t eaten dairy,egg or chicken for 3 months and hamm and some meat for a month, no leather, no wool nor silk in my garderob) How can I deal with my husband´s family? or friends? I mean, in family meetings and birthdays and stuff? They will surely won´t understand, I have experienced some awkwards moments when I had to start avoiding dairy and eggs due to my baby has milk protein and egg allergy (that´s how it all began) so I am sure it won´t be easy when I reveal that after nursing period I will continue with my vegan diet. What should I do in birthdays for example? should I take with me my own dessert? like a cake? I would love to hear your opinion.
Thanks in advance!
Vaishali
Small Footprints, that's a great point to reiterate. Vegan diets are indeed all-round winners.
Small Footprints
I totally agree with you ... and I'll add another reason to "go vegan" ... you touched on it briefly. Meatless meals are Eco-friendly. Producing one pound of meat takes many more natural resources than one pound of plant-based food ... more land, water, etc. Many of our natural resources, like water, are not renewable and once used, they are gone for good. So, using less natural resources is good for the planet. Good for us, good for animals and good for the environment ... sounds like a total win-win-win to me!
Vaishali
TS, Welcome. That's an easy question for me to answer-- my favorite recipe on this blog has got to be My Dad's "Not Mutton" Mushroom Curry, for many different reasons. One is that the dish always brings back great memories of my dad. The other is that it shows that a vegan version of a meaty dish can be just as tasty and not at all hard to come up with. 🙂
TS =)
Vegan Indian food...awesomesauce. I stumbled upon your blog looking for a vegan halwa recipe (since going vegan, worried that I couldn't enjoy Indian sweets...pretty much the only food I can't veganize, since most of the food I grew up with IS vegan...just don't put ghee on the rotli).
Question: what's your fav recipe on your site? It doesn't have to be healthy...I eat enough healthy food =)
Obsessed With Animals
that it's so great
compassion is the word of the future, there'll be no place for cruel people
Vaishali
Savanah, There are some great vegan blogs in my Blogroll that you might find useful. Also, have you browsed through my recipe list (click the "recipes" tab at the top of the page)?
Vaishali
Hi Savanah, you sound remarkable-- I wish I'd had the foresight to go vegan when I was 13.
I understand your dilemma-- it can be hard to go vegan in a home when you are not making the primary decisions about the cooking and nutrition. The reason your family may be uncomfortable with the idea of you becoming a vegan is likely just that they worry about your health and whether you will get the right nutrients from plant-based foods. You might want to encourage them to read more about the benefits of vegan nutrition on great websites like http://www.pcrm.org, and about well-known people who have seen health benefits from adopting a vegan diet, like Bill Clinton. If you cook, you could try making some simple, healthy and delicious dishes to share with your family.
In my case, I made the transition in steps. I stopped buying clothes, shoes etc. made with animal products first, then became a lacto-ovo-vegetarian, and finally a vegan. I too live with an omnivore (my husband Desi does eat fish and chicken when he eats outside) but I think after worrying about me for a while he saw that veganism has lots of health benefits. I usually ace my health checkups, he -- not always. 🙂 Over the years he's come to agree with me more and more that a vegan diet is a good thing.
Savanah
Thank you so much! 🙂 and for replying so quickly too 🙂 I will try to write again if i am successful 🙂 Also, If there are any really good Vegan recipe web sites you know of, that would be great if you could tell me 🙂 Thank you again,
~Savanah~
Savanah
Hi Vaishali, my name is Savanah. I am 13 and have been a vegetarian for about 6 years now 🙂 recently i have been wanting to go vegan because i learned the reason people do go vegan 🙂 I use to think you would go vegan just to be more healthy, but now i know the real reason and how dairy cows aren't exactly treated the best. Same with chickens. Well my question is, how do you go vegan when the rest if your family doesn't want to? (My Dad and oldest brother are vegetarian, but my Mom and my other brother are not vegetarian or vegan.) I really want to, but it just seems it would be harder if your surrounded by people who do eat milk and eggs and honey and all that stuff 🙂 how did you make the change? did you just stop eating one thing at a time? or all at once? If you could answer that would be great 😀 I'm sorry if i spelled stuff wrong, I'm a horrible speller. Thanks again. 🙂
~Savanah~
Marty
I want to answer questions about non-dairy alternatives to tea and coffee, or my fav chai! Here in the U.S., aside from soy, there is almond, rice, oat, multi-grain mylks, and now Hemp and Coconut! Coconut and Hemp are both thicker mylks and lovely in teas!
I'm not sure what you'd find in India, but perhaps because fresh coconut is so available there, you could make your own. I do not have a recipe, but perhaps Google one?
I an new to this site today, and I am happy I have found it. Unfortunately I am also gluten-free so I will try and make substitutes to your gluten grains.
Blessings...
VegTomato
Vaishali,
Thank you so much for the permission, and defenitely, I will back to you for the credit.
Thanks for your support!!
Best,
Patrick
Vaishali
Patrick, thanks, and yes, you can translate the post as long as you link back.
VegTomato
Hi Vaishali,My name is Patrick and I am running a website, VegTomato, , dedicated to advocate veganism/vegetarianism among Chinese/Taiwanese community. Just found your blog and read your story which is so inspiring. I am wondering if I can have your permission to transalte it into Chinese and post in my website to inspire more people go vegan/veggie. I will link back and credit it to you.
Anonymous
i just discovered this blog today, and i think its great! thank you! keep up the good work!
Vaishali
Anja, Thanks, and good luck!
Anonymous, Welcome!
Anonymous
i find your site very touchy. i am glad that some are seriously concern to live their lives with true kindness not only for humans but for all the things around them. i feel the same way, for i love to keep my dwelling place (earth), and everything around me beautiful, peaceful and good.
as for the killing of plants, plants needs pruning, they grow and produce more when prune. you don't stop life in them. plants are the intended food for human, this is their purpose for existence. when you kill an animal they no longer can produce.
Anonymous
hello Vaishali, just want to thank you and want to leave congratulations to you and your site!! i´m vegan since a few weeks and landed here by looking for new inspirations, and its very inspiring, what i found here! looking forward trying many of your recepts, yumyum. many warm greetings from a now autumnly, sunny germany, lake constance. Anja
Vaishali
Hi Deepti, sorry for the delay in replying. Thanks for your kind words about the blog. I am no expert in child nutrition, but is your son eating any veggies and beans yet? Vegetables from the cruciferous family, like broccoli, kale, cauliflower are great sources of calcium. So is spinach and lots of other veggies. Beans are also a good source of calcium. I just looked up the Almond Breeze website and their almond milk is fortified with 30 percent of the RDA of calcium-- as much as you'd get from a glass of milk.
You've probably already done so, but it would be a good idea to get your pediatrician's opinion on foods you can give your son to ensure his calcium needs are met.
Deepti (Sharan) Shukla
Dear Vaishali,
Your replies to the comments are as enlightening at the original post itself. When I read your blog the 1st time, it shook me hard...it took me a couple of days and lots of consolidation from my FB friends with whom I shared pieces of these facts. Right now, the only thing I am doing is creating more awareness by word of mouth.
I also have a Q: My 21 month is having Almond Milk, because he has been diagnosed allergic to casein. He does not like rice or coconut milk and I have heard Soy is no longer the best alternative, since its highly processed, due to it being produces in such large volumes (due to its increasing demand)and it also interferes with hormones in humans that young. That leaves me with almond which does not have any calcium. Are tums / calcium tablets the only alternative I have to replenish his calcium needs? Or are you aware of any other sources?
Deepti
Vaishali
Shankari, glad you liked the cupcakes 🙂 Thanks for the feedback.
Amanda, Thanks, and welcome to Holy Cow! Always great to meet a fellow vegan 🙂
Amanda
I love your recipes and was happy to read your reasons for being vegan.
I was a vegetarian for 6 years. Started as a teenager. Then, after some travels I started eating meat again for about 5 years. However, it all disgusted me so much that I decided to become vegan recently and am so happy.
I like your response to the plant question, as my husband recently said the same thing.
I try too avoid too many soy products, too, so I like that a lot of your recipes don't have highly processed soy products.
Shankari
I baked the cupcakes. They turned out amazing! Thanks for this, I am definitely baking this more often 🙂 Please check