My husband surprised me last week. It went something like this…
“I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and I think as of today I’m a vegetarian.”
To say I’m excited is an understatement. I’m not so much excited that he’s decided to go veg to go green or prevent cruelty to animals (which of course it does, those are great reasons to go veg!), but more so for the health benefits vegetarians and vegans have over omnivores. Knowing my hubby will enjoy a naturally appropriate weight, lower cholesterol, and longer lifespan allow me to sleep better at night.
I’ve been a vegetarian and a vegan for a combined total of over 15 years. I was a vegan when he met me. He always told me he thought the fact I had such conviction for my beliefs and restraint in what I ate that he finds it very sexy, which always makes me smile. Deep down I always hoped he’d one day share the same beliefs, and as of last week I’m so excited he now does.
A lot of fellow vegetarians and vegans might wonder why I’d stay with an omnivore for so long, never mind marry one. We veg-heads tend to stick to our own kind. Truth is, I feel what we choose to eat and believe is a very personal choice, and no one should be judged for it no matter which way they chose is best for them.
I’ll rarely ever speak about why I’m a vegan unless someone asks me. I also won’t go into great detail about it. I believe if someone is seriously considering becoming a vegetarian or a vegan, they really need to do the research on their own as to what they’re getting into and why, and make the decision for themselves. That’s the only way I really think it becomes a lifestyle choice and not a phase. The best I can do to aid in this process is lead by example and do what works for me and hope others will do the same for themselves.
I’m really happy to say that besides my husband making this big decision, most of my friends and coworkers all now take more consideration into what they eat and use on a weekly basis as well. Though they’re not all vegetarians or vegans, they now won’t always dismiss the vegetarian option on the menu when we go out, or they’ve incorporated meatless mondays into their routine. One of my friends lately loves to show me every time she purchases a pair of vegan shoes. Another woman from my office who loves to bake purchased Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World and brings in vegan cupcakes for everyone occasionally. There’s no better testament to me that shows how leading by example can make a bigger impact than ad campaigns, pamphlet distribution and protesting put together.
My husband’s goal is to start as a vegetarian, and eventually become a vegan. His reasons for doing so? That’s none of our damn business. All I know is he came to the decision on his own, and he’s doing it for himself and no one else, not even me. That and as a vegetarian, vegan or omnivore I love him no matter what he is.
Brooklyn Bliss 