Jessie Chafin| Reporter
To some, the concept of going vegan is terrifying. It may seem impossible to put down the meat and dairy after years of living off the stuff. You may ask yourself how you’ll get the proper nutrients from vegan foods or what you’ll eat without animal products, but the most important question to ask yourself is, “Is this lifestyle right for me?”
Being a current college student, I know the struggle of trying to find healthy, delicious foods that are also inexpensive. Everyone knows the irony that is modern America, where the healthy food is overpriced, while the processed junk food is drastically cheaper. Unhealthy food can be churned out by companies and fast-food restaurants faster than you can say, “I want to be fit and healthy, but I am drowning in foods that will kill me fast and easy!” But if you are a college student that has considered going vegan, know that you are not alone.
I recently talked to a current ECC student who is vegan, and wishes to remain anonymous (we will call them “anon”), about their transition process and reasonings. During this interview, I learned how hard it can be to leave animal products behind, but also how rewarding the diet is in the end.
“I lived on an organic farm in Hawaii in the summer of 2018. We were not allowed to have any animal products on the farm, and we were allowed to eat only what vegetables and fruits we grew, along with rice and other organic foods.” Anon stated. “I won’t lie, it definitely wasn’t easy. Sometimes, I would sneak off at night, walk miles to the city, just to eat a McDonald’s hamburger.”
Anon said another benefit to being a vegan is that their health had greatly improved.
“I suffer from an autoimmune disease, which makes me unable to eat dairy amongst other things. When I became vegan, my medication dose was cut in half. I immediately noticed my skin got clearer, my stamina for workouts increased, and my aura improved, making my meditation deeper and calming.”
They elaborated,“I read an article that said when animals are slaughtered violently, their traumatized auras are still with their meat, and when we eat that meat, our auras absorb theirs.” They said that when they stopped consuming animal products they felt lighter and more perceptive.
Anon said that they also choose to be vegan to benefit the environment. “Scientists are saying that we have as little as twelve years before global warming is irreversible, and I believe going vegan can help that in a way. Think about it: 12 kilograms of grains is used to make one kilogram of meat. Think of how many people can be fed with twelve kilograms of grains compared to one kilogram of meat. It takes lots of time and energy to raise animals, but less time to make more vegetables and fruits.”
Money can be another issue. Anon said it can be difficult to find foods that are vegan friendly at an affordable price. “Would you rather waste money on cheap, processed foods that have been scientifically proven to cause loads of health problems in the future, when you will then be spending lots of money on treatments and meds, or would you rather just spend a little more and life a longer, healthier life?” They said.
Going through the process of becoming vegan is no piece of vegan-chocolate-cake. It takes will and a determined mindset, but as anon told me, “You may think at first that you miss that stuff, but you don’t. What you really need is a healthy, cruelty-free diet for your mind and body.” Most vegans start as a vegetarian and then make the transition to veganism. If you believe that being a vegan is impossible, just ask one of the many veterans or new-coming vegans about their journey. End the stigma around veganism and help save your environment, one animal at a time.
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