I always find the perspective of a new vegetarian very informative and insightful. My husband became a strict vegetarian almost two years ago. I asked him to share his perspective on his transition to vegetarianism.
"My transition from meat eater to vegetarian was gradual, and took several years. I convinced myself that eating vegetarian was not a moral choice….only a health choice. For several years, I categorized myself as a “flexitarian”, who ate vegetarian at home, but was perfectly happy to eat poultry or fish when eating out. It was only after I had spent several months eating only vegetarian, that I was finally able to see the issue more clearly. I hadn’t planned to go that long eating only vegetarian…it was more coincidental than by intent. It was then that I ordered a restaurant meal with chicken, and I had the oddest experience. As I ate the chicken, I felt a vague feeling of disgust. I had never experienced that before. I finished the meal, and have not tasted meat since. I later realized that it was only by stepping away from meat completely, even if only for a couple of months, that I was able to fully realize the immorality of consuming killed animals when perfectly acceptable plant based alternatives existed. It was as if a veil of fear or ignorance had lifted, and I was finally able to see what was really involved in eating meat. It was as if I had been blind my whole life, and suddenly was able to see clearly for the first time. I certainly don’t judge anyone else for choosing to consume animals. I completely understand how society….even our own families…trains and conditions us to not see the horror of killing an innocent creature that is part and parcel of the meat industry. There’s even a certain element of fear involved. I was actually afraid of eating a totally vegetarian diet. The thought of having to give up those delicious cuts of beef, pork, poultry and fish was actually scary to me. I even joked with my wife about never going “cold-turkey” (pun intended) to a vegetarian diet. What I have learned, is that sometimes you have to step back completely from an activity, and observe it from the outside looking in, before you can truly understand and appreciate all aspects of that activity. When you gain that independent perspective, you may be shocked at what you suddenly are able to see and understand clearly for the first time."
