To Eat or Not to Eat Meat

It began with an inspiring article on Veganism and ended with a craving.

Yes, I must admit the story about cows being frightened by the sounds of a slaughter house and trying to back up, but not having a choice but to continue on really broke my heart. That was it. I was done eating meat. How could we as living animals shut our minds off to the feelings of other animals? Well, if you were to ask my husband, he would tell you "Good for us! We found a way to mass produce food and took advantage." I heard that and thought 'that's a valid point.' It was obvious at that moment that I could be easily swayed.

It's part of who I am and love to be -- a person who can see all views. Not a promising quality for a vegetarian.

Throughout my two and 1/2 months as a vegetarian, I became quite the chef (or at least I like to think so). It started with a bland cauliflower soup (lesson learned: always cut the recipe when trying it for the first time). From there, I tried spinach and artichoke lasagna and black bean soup. It was just all lacking something.... something hearty and filling. It lacked meat!

It came to a point where my desperate feelings for cattle and chickens had faded. I do feel for them, but to be blunt, I just don't care enough. It's feels terrible to admit. I'm an omnivore.

Research also helped sway my decision. Vegans and Vegetarians have so many videos and blogs to back up their beliefs and at first it was difficult to find anybody rooting for meat. I spoke with a friend, who was 100% behind me when it came to my feelings for animals, but when I mentioned the belief that we were never meant to eat meat, she did a 180. I did more research and found information about human organs, teeth, etc. and how we are omnivores because of our capabilities to digest meat as well and fruits and veggies.

At the core of the debate, it doesn't matter who is right or wrong. We have the ability to choose, and that's wonderful because we are such thought-filled creatures and rarely prefer to rely on our natural instincts.

One good thing that has come from my short-lived vegetarianism is the amount of meat vs the amount of fruits and vegetables I now consume. Meat really doesn't have the same appeal to me any longer, but when my mother-in-law makes that delicious beef stew, or I come home to smell that my husband has breaded and baked some pork chops, I no longer have that awful internal struggle. Call me weak if you wish, but damn does it taste good!

-Julia