To think veganism is the future?

[Libertynan]

I started eating a plant based diet for Veganuary this year and am still at it.

It has been a revelation. All the family have joined in ( although DH likes a bit of strong cheddar now and again).

We eat some really good meals and don’t feel like we’re missing out on anything.

I have been reading a lot about animal welfare and the effect that intensive farming has on the environment and I can’t see how anyone can ignore these issues.

AIBU to wish that more people would at least eat fewer animal products and try plant based.

Yes!

I agree we as a planet need to try and eat less meat.

I’ve been vegetarian for a few years and more than happy never to eat meat again.

Hmm. Of all places - in The Guardian/ poss Observer, of all places, in the past few weeks, I read an interesting article about veganism; how for their interviewees it hadn't worked out- vitamin deficiency, exhaustion, feeling caught up in a cult where questioning it lead to ostracism etc etc.

I'd go vegetarian but not vegan.

I don't think we're meant to be vegan.

Hm I am half with you on this, (and I myself am vegan) in the west I think it is definitely a thing we should be trying to do, however I don’t think it is right for veganism to be for everyone. Certain cultures, Native American groups, different communities, coastal islands etc. rely on animal products to survive and they are not responsible for the destruction of the planet because the way they use animal products is sustainable. If we used their same methods (impossible with our current relationship with animal products) but if we did we would be fine. But due to our intensive farming/absolute destruction and our step away from connecting with food- we should indeed be working towards more plant based/ at least more sustainable farming etc. Humans relationship with food/farming has a really unique impact on the planet which effects more then most realise- I too enjoy reading/researching this topic.

I agree. I've always eaten meat but a few years back stopped eating cows, then pigs, I never really ate lambs but it became an active decision. I eat chicken or fish now about once a week, sometimes 2 or 3 times a month. I have vegan days, not really on purpose, I just really like simple dishes like lentils and rice, or veg , nuts and seeds and rice. I can see dropping fish and chicken at some point... if everyone was vegan i'd be happy with that, but dropping eggs, butter and cheese will be the last thing to go for me. I always check out the new offerings in vegan "dairy", waiting for a nice alternative!

I'm following this thread as my Cousin has gone vegan and not looked back so I'm interested. Although I think I like a good chicken burger a bit too much

Don't agree veganism is the way forward, maybe vegetarian though.

I agree.

I feel pretty healthy. I do take a multi vitamin just in case, but don’t feel deificient for a menopausal woman

hope this link works

@Sexnotgender

I agree we as a planet need to try and eat less meat.

I’ve been vegetarian for a few years and more than happy never to eat meat again.

^ I think it will be essential at some point. YANBU but people will go mad if they can’t eat dead bodies lol

Nope! Looking forward to my Turkey and pigs in blankets too much!

I fail to see how eating food farmed intensively in other countries, that has to be shipped in causing massive pollution is any sort of answer.

Eating locally is the best way imo. Less food miles, and smaller producers tend to be higher welfare. I don't eat much meat but what I do eat comes from a local producer (beef and chicken)

No thanks - sounds no fun to me x

Total and complete veganism? No, probably not.

Reduced consumption of meat and dairy, probably yes.

Nope not at all. Couldn't live without dairy. I don't eat red meat and don't really eat fish anymore (don't really like it anymore, not because of ethical reasons), so it wouldn't be a big leap to give up chicken or turkey. Except it would, because I find vegetarian food so dull. A soup is ok, a salad is ok, but something like mushroom pasta or cheese gnocci is dull - ok occasionally but not all the time.

I am not sure that buying in vegan alternatives from overseas is the way forward when you can get organic dairy from down the road. Of course if you genuinely only eat fruit and vegetables in season then I suppose that is the most sustainable way.

Also veganism isn't any guarantee that animals aren't killed. They are, through production methods and shipping. And the human cost can be pretty high as well.

Lots of British pastureland can only support animals grazing. It would be a waste not to use it.

No, and I say that as a vegan. I think insects and lab grown meats will become widely adopted instead.

Most people aren’t making the choice between no meat and organic, local, grass fed - the vast majority of people are eating endless factory farmed chicken and processed junk. Because it’s cheap and easy.

I eat way, way less meat than I used to but I could never become fully vegan or vegetarian. The thought of never having a lovely steak or bacon sandwich ever again is just too much to bear!

No. Honestly I don't see how it's better for the environment to ship fruit and veg across the world than to eat locally sourced animal products.
It's intensive farming, not farming per se that's dreadful.

Also, it's fine if you are just talking about the obvious. But having to look for vegan cakes, and vegan chocolate (and referring to a recent thread, paintings that are not painted with animal-based paints) is too much work.

And also, I could never live without having proper cheese ever again either.

I hope everyone will be vegan one day. Our treatment of animals is horrifying.