Is it possible to make the transition from meat-eater to vegan and eat a plant-based diet from one day to the next? I have many people around me who have suddenly given up meat and other animal-based foods from one day to the next. And even though I was initially a vegetarian myself for some time, I can certainly understand this sudden switch.
In this article, I would like to briefly explain the reasons for this and show you how you can successfully master the new eating habit in practice without any major stressful moments, despite years of meat consumption. Let's go!
Why are many people switching directly from meat consumption to a plant-based diet?
The motives for switching directly to a vegan lifestyle vary from person to person. Ecological or health reasons are often the decisive factor. For example, when you learn that the Factory farming crucial for the Deforestation of the rainforests and others Environmental problems of our time is responsible. Others are convinced by medical advice to avoid meat and other animal-based foods because their consumption causes antibiotic resistance.
Most people, however, will be out of ethical reasons vegan from one day to the next. In the truest sense of the word, the vegan lifestyle usually only becomes second nature after intensive Examination of the production of animal foods or other key experiences involving animals. I would now like to show you how this inner change occurs in practice.
What is the Difference between veganism and a plant-based diet? In the linked article, I explain in detail why veganism is a way of life and why the exclusive consumption of plant-based foods is a way of eating.
1. because they experience the animal suffering in the meat, egg and dairy industry for the first time
Animal foods on the dinner table have a history. This can be ignored as long as you do not question your own meat consumption. or one of the Cruelty to animals for your own diet. But at the latest after one or two vegan documentation or reporting on the background to factory farming then heightens awareness. Because in a place where animals arrive whole and leave in parts, nothing "human" can have happened to them.
For me personally - and for many other people - the Documentation Dominion ultimately convinced me to take the step towards veganism. You simply see what animals have to go through for our food, our entertainment and our clothing and feels his own responsibility up close and personal. Animals are kicked, beaten against the wall and, last but not least, gassed or killed by other methods.
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2. because they can put themselves in the animals' shoes
We humans eat meat mostly for four reasons: Taste, tradition, habit and convenience. But as soon as we think outside the box and put ourselves in the animals' shoes, the questioning begins. If you yourself were treated like the animals in factory farming, one would also desperately wish that the perpetrators would finally stop. The likelihood of going straight from meat-eater to vegan increases the moment you make this connection.
3. BECAUSE THEY ARE fed up with the contradictions between their thoughts and actions
In everyday situations, meat eaters and vegans find themselves in this situation time and again, justify their eating habits to have to. Since meat consumption is rightly criticized for health, ecological and ethical reasons, the defense of this action repeatedly leads to fierce internal conflicts, the so-called cognitive dissonance.
This unpleasant feeling arises above all, because one's own values and one's own actions do not fit together. I love animals but eat meatis a classic example of this. As people prefer to act in accordance with their personal values, many people decide to make the quick and direct switch from meat-eater to vegan.
Notice: I watched a lot of vegan street interviews and realized how contradictory people argue in order not to have to change anything. When I recognized myself in them and felt very uncomfortable, I quickly came to my senses.
4. because they have experienced the closeness to a commonly exploited animal
Many people don't even think to question their own eating habits because they see differences between farm animals like pigs and pets like dogs. But at the end of the day, both are innocent, sentient beingswho do not want to die. You can experience this aha moment, for example, at the Volunteering on the mercy farm or visiting a friendly farmer.
Basically, it doesn't matter where: as soon as we get to know pigs, cows, chickens or other "farm animals" personally, we suddenly no longer see any differences - and the way is paved for the transformation from meat eater to vegan.
Tip: There is now a technical term for the belief system that leads us to simply accept the torture of animals for our eating habits as "normal" - the so-called Carnism. You can find out more in the linked article.
Switch from meat eater to vegan made easy
At some point, something clicked for me and I made some positive changes in my life. Here I would like to briefly share some Tips that you can use in a fairly comfortable and sustainable way to start into the vegan life can:
- Know alternatives: Whether pizza, pasta, burgers or schnitzel - you don't have to do without anything. Everything is also available in vegan form. Let yourself in addition gladly in the Store category "vegan inspire.
- Watch YouTube channels: To master the change from omnivorous "meat junkie" to herbivorous "herbivore" in the long run, I recommend you, vegan YouTuber to view. From Niko Rittenau to Earthling Ed, you can pick up knowledge, motivation and countless tips.
- Watch documentaries: You can learn more about the background to factory farming and the benefits of a plant-based diet from documentaries such as "What The Health", "Dominion" or "The Game Changers".
- Devour recipes: I don't think there's a classic meal with animal ingredients that can't also be prepare vegan or sustainable cooking let The Internet is full of vegan recipes - just try them out!
- Seeking like-minded people: The likelihood of a successful transition from meat eater to vegan increases if you do it with like-minded people. This can be a good friend - but of course it is also possible with support from a vegan Facebook group.
From meat eater to vegan: usually triggered by a key experience
Like any change in life, the step towards veganism is usually triggered by a specific experience or event that sticks in your mind and provides lasting motivation. This can be a stirring documentary, a personal experience with an animal or even a simple blog post. 😉
In any case, I hope that I have been able to make you aware of why so many people suddenly become vegan from one day to the next. Finally, I would like to give you a few further contributions along the way:
- From vegetarian to vegan
- Veganism is just a trend - is it true?
- Why people often find change difficult
- No longer vegan - When people turn away from veganism
Do you have any questions, suggestions or your own experiences that you would like to share? Then write me a comment as always!
Stay animal-friendly,
PS.: Look you with pleasure still something in the Blog for vegan nutrition around. There you can find out, for example, whether Veganism really so expensive is, as is often claimed.
