Why I Became a Vegetarian
I grew up on meat and potatoes. And for a long time, I kept that tradition—quite literally—at my own table. Every evening I'd serve my husband hamburgers, chicken, pork chops, or steak … and potatoes. My idea of gourmet cooking was to add some rice or mix in a little salt. Sometimes I even used butter.
Then, abruptly, the tradition ended. My father-in-law suffered a heart attack; and, shaken with fear, I modified my menu. No more hamburgers or steak.
I now served chicken, potatoes, salad, and no butter.
Soon after starting this new meal plan, however, I became pregnant. And with great gumption, my doctor asked me to eat green things. I rose to the challenge. "You mean salad?" I asked.
"I mean broccoli or spinach," my doctor replied.
"Broccoli?" I whimpered. "Do I have to?" It seemed a little beyond my kitchen skills—and my taste. But love for my unborn child eventually changed my plate's contents: chicken, potatoes, salad … and broccoli.
I thought I was good for life.
A Fork in the Road
Then in my early 30s, life changed. A dear friend, 15 years my senior, unexpectedly became a vegetarian. She'd struggled with severe allergies and chronic fatigue, had researched her treatment options, and had finally decided vegetarianism could help. I was doubtful about her choice and still pleased with my own eating approach. Secretly, I wondered, Why would anyone add more broccoli to her diet?
But over the course of three years, my friend's health improved dramatically. She lost ten pounds. Her skin rivaled mine in youthful vigor. She no longer fell asleep in her chair during a conversation at 8 P.M.
I began to get curious. Soon, my friend and I started discussing a vegetable-based diet.
Intrigued by her claims that eating veggies is good for people and God's creation, I decided to do some research. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Being Vegetarian seemed to fit my level of nutritional knowledge. So I opened the book to some encouraging information: "Vegetarians have lower rates of cancer, coronary artery disease, diabetes, [and] high blood pressure." And in a world of toxic overload, the next statement was good news: "[Plant] fiber can bind with environmental contaminants and help them pass out of the body." I also learned vegetables protect against free radicals, bothersome molecules that speed the aging process and impair the immune system.
Then I discovered some disturbing information. Cruel slaughterhouse practices can cause extreme suffering for the animals. This knowledge brought new meaning to Proverbs 12:10: "A righteous man regards the life of his animals" (NKJV). I also found out animal agriculture is a major contributor to pollution of rivers and lakes. And producing a pound of beef can require 390 gallons of water, while growing a pound of wheat may take only 25 gallons. Since water shortages are closely tied to world hunger, I wondered if choices made with my fork could be a form of stewardship and ministry.
Originally published in: Today's Christian Woman, 2008, July/August, Vol. 30, Issue 4, Page 46
Related Topics:
Diet, Food, Grace, Health, Legalism, Nutrition
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Shalom Shick
Hello from a sister in Yeshua who is also high raw vegan. Just because we have permission from YHVH to eat meat doesn't mean it is a better diet than the ideal that was given to us in the Garden before the Fall, which was a raw, vegan diet. Congratulations on your newfound perspective on the sanctity of life. It is so good to see that Christian women are choosing to be healthier and to be better stewards of the earth. Compassion is a godly way, and don't let anyone tell you differently. It IS possible to care about animals, the planet AND people!!! Won't it be nice when we get to the point where Christians are not the fattest of all religious folk? Blessed, healthy, prosperous & free be, B'Shem Yeshua, with love & shalom from Shalom Shick THE HCG Coach
Tim
Read and Meditate hard on Romans 14:2-3, again and again.
homebuilding
Vegetarians are wonderful folks, but, oh aren't they vulnerable to over-emotional reports about animal mistreatment, the disaster of bovine flatus, and the gallons upon gallons of water that are "wasted" on cattle-raising. They do leave out all of those Biblical "fatted calf" celebrations, don't they? Then there's the business of all manner of livestock in the world that thrive and provide for human nourishment on miscellaneous browse, which is totally unfit for human consumption. But we do cede to them the moral high ground, don't we? Meanwhile, pass the beef and the wine!
Mr. F
Thank you for your inspiring article. I also find it quite easy to be a vegetarian (lacto) and the predjudice of others is worth the health benefit. I once heard a joke: I'm not a vegetarian because I like animals, I'm a vegetarian because I hate Plants. Cheers.
Allison
This is a well-written, thoughtful article that I appreciated reading. Although not vegetarian, for the reasons the author outlines in her article I have a lot of respect for those who are. I certainly hope to see more awareness of this lifestyle choice within the church, as there are many biblical reasons for becoming vegetarian.
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