The KInd Life Community Forum

Use this space to share stories, exchange ideas, ask questions, and contribute to our growing community!

It's a Personal Preference to Eat Meat . . .

15 Comments
User Avatar
cheryl koots said #11 May 23, 2011 at 7:12pm

I think the longer we are vegan the easier it gets. It's been three and half years for me and quite frankly now I don't care what anyone thinks. Even though they eat "normal", it's not normal for me.

User Avatar
Patty Henrichsen said #12 May 23, 2011 at 8:19pm

Great post, Hazel! I also have this book and love it. I'm so glad that Colleen wrote it. I think she's a great writer, thinker, and speaker. I think the book is a great inspiration and resource, that you can read from front to back or just pick-up and flip to any spot and enjoy a page here and there or mark favorite pages to refer back to frequently....it's a great go to resource. Love it! I agree with Colleen's points about it being a "personal preference" that has a victim akin to spousal or child abuse, etc., it's not a victimless "crime" so to speak. When I made this connection, that the animals that I love so dearly, and completely, had suffered, and were tortured for all of their lives just so that I could thoughtlessly stuff my face with a meal...well that's when I realized that my actions were not in alignment with my beliefs, and heart, and then I changed and became vegan. And, I've never been happier or more at peace. Reading The Kind Life was a huge help to me and so is this new book of Colleen's. It is hard sometimes to know what to say to non-vegans when the various "food related topics" come up, even though I do not care what anyone thinks of my choices, because I am extremely happy with them, but it's hard sometimes from the perspective of answering their questions to give them info. in an open-hearted, non-judgemental, way or it can be hard when they are being defensive, condescending, insulting, etc. I'm learning how to respond to them, because I want to be a good advocate for veganism and animal rights, but it is taking a little time and Colleen's book is helpful as are her podcasts. So, sorry for the long reply here, but I just wanted to share. I do feel that not being honest about what you know about factory farming, animal suffering, etc., is doing a disservice to the animals. They deserve better.

User Avatar
Hazel said #13 May 23, 2011 at 9:11pm

Patty - it is a great book to just flip to here and there and read a page and feel good. I also like how she mentioned how important our responses can be, especially not to seem annoyed (even though in our head we might be!) when you get asked the same questions over and over again, because each time we have an opportunity to expose someone to veganism and it would be a shame to waste that opportunity. I'm so glad you've read it, too!

User Avatar
Amber Gligor said #14 May 27, 2011 at 9:06pm

Thanks for sharing! I like the tips on how to handle different aspects of being vegan, those are always helpful. It sounds like a really cool book. =)

User Avatar
Lulah said #15 Nov 11, 2011 at 3:23pm

This is an interesting topic (I know this is an old thread). I think we should be respectful of others' choices. If I'm ever judgmental of someone choosing to eat meat, especially in moderation, I hope someone calls me out on it, because I don't want to be that person.


Here's how I look at it: I love animals, and have never felt right eating meat. But I did, for years. After reading this new literature about veganism, how healthy it is, and how horrendous and widespread factory farming horrors are, it is pretty easy for me to decide not to be part of that. I will spread the word by being a good example and by sharing the benefits and exposing friends to yummy vegan treats.


Do I necessarily believe that humans are absolutely not meant to eat meat ever, across the board? No. But I do believe that 1) It's not right for me, 2) I make much better health choices now than I did on the SAD, and 3) Any dent I and others can make in the sheer volume of cows, pigs and chickens that are mistreated and slaughtered for convenience's sake is a FANTASTIC start, and the more folks who are exposed to sane vegans and loving example will do more good than judging or berating.


I think we should all remember that most of us were meat-eaters at one time. Why would we judge someone else for making the same choice? Since the post WWII era, meat has been hyped to be part of a balanced diet. It's going to take more than scornful vegan side-eye to help carnivores see that veganism is something that would benefit their lives.

1 2

Join the Discussion!

Login or create an account on The Kind Life today and you'll be able to leave comments, share photos and videos with friends, and participate in community events!