I do not eat animal products.
I do not wear leather.
I used to snicker at people like me when I was younger.
I’ve turned into someone many would find silly and annoying.
Because my not-eating meat is a reminder that things are NOT okay in the world.
I don’t preach my veganism to anyone — not even my kids.
I just put it out there so that people realize they have a choice in all this.
The cruelty to animals (on farms and beyond) in this world is beyond mind-boggling and beyond disturbing. Some people can handle it. They can stuff it in some pocket in the back of their mind and forget all about it.
I can’t.
Every time I cook chicken for my children, I feel it in my heart. I see packages of meat in the supermarket and I feel sick with sorrow. I can’t drink milk or eat eggs without knowing where they’re from.
It’s hard.
And, so I’ve decided. I’m no longer a vegetarian. I’m a vegan. All the way.
Please enjoy this blog as one of your sources for vegetarian recipes. So you can incorporate more vegetarian meals into your diet — thereby saving more animals. I do cook meals with poultry, eggs and dairy for my children, and I will continue to include them here.
Why aren’t my children vegan, too? Because I can’t make this choice for them, or for my husband. I respect everyone’s freedom to choose — to choose their causes and the foods they eat. It’s an individual choice.
I do make sure that I buy free-range eggs, organic milk and chicken and turkey (when possible and affordable) that’s hormone and antibiotic free and that are, preferably, from a smaller farm. I gently encourage you to do the same.
I also encourage everyone to thank the animals (before meals) for giving their lives for our nourishment…. A little respect can go a long way in your own eating experience.
May all the animals on this earth find comfort tonight….
Love, Haley-O
Laura October 7th, 2008 at 7:50 am
ohhh yeah… we went vegetarian for 3 meals a week, sometimes more.. my littlest ones of course resist.. but….. I think we can raise kids that are conscious and aware… they dont’ eat any kind of red meat or pork and with all the chicken and turkey and great veggie choices they don’t miss it… do you make separate meals for your family or do you try and make a compromise?
Lauras last blog post..awwww love the beach!~
Marie-Christine October 7th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
I only eat about 5 meals that contain meat every week… But if you post great vegetarian recipes here, maybe I could end up having only 2 or 3 times a week… :P
You’ve got a challenge here! Make me like beans and tofu!!!! haha!
Anyway, I really admire your commitment Haley! :D
Heather October 7th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
I eat fish, eggs and milk. I eat meat when I’m at other people’s houses. I don’t share your animal loving soul, but I care for how animals are treated all the same.
Your commitment is great Haley. As is your open mindedness towards others and their choices.
Heathers last blog post..My Mom is a WINNER!
LAVENDULA October 9th, 2008 at 10:31 am
I am trying to incorporate more vegetarian meals for my family.sometimes the changeling doesn’t want to eat meat so she eats what i’m having.its a concious choice to find cruelty free food and its not always easy…
junctionmama October 10th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
my dilemma is what to do with my little baby girl when she’s a bit older, do i tell her about animal suffering or make her draw her own conclusions?
btw, next tuesday (oct14) oprah is doing a special on where your food comes from and how the animals are treated…
Brooklyn August 21st, 2009 at 11:20 am
Some sites mention that marination should be done overnite in refrigerator ? Is that correct ?
Haley-O August 28th, 2009 at 12:17 am
It depends! Sometimes an hour is enough. :)
Sinead December 6th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
Hi there,
Please don’t think i’m attacking you, I’m not, just curious. I understand that you can’t make the decision for your husband, but I really do think your children are a different story. All parents raise children under what they think are the best values. I’m assuming you raise your children, not to murder, lie, be rude or selfish. If you believe veganism is the right way to eat, why wouldn’t you teach your children what is best?
I plan on raising my children vegan. I am not going to bring more meat eaters into this world. I can’t justifiy that.