Do Most Vegetarians Ever Craving Meat Again?
It's a common question that often arises within the vegetarian community: do most vegetarians ever experience cravings for meat again? While the answer can vary, based on my experiences and the testimonials of others I know, it appears that most vegetarians do not get cravings for meat.
The Inevitable Question of Cravings
Most vegetarians I know indicate that they no longer crave meat. However, some do mention occasional cravings for specific dishes or flavors, such as pasta with sausage or pulled pork, rather than the meat itself. In my experience, I craved certain dishes and flavors rather than the meat itself, and I missed hamburgers.
Overcoming Meat Cravings
For many vegetarians, the cravings can be resolved by broadening their awareness of vegetarian dishes and exploring new flavors and textures. This process can help to satisfy their taste buds and address any cravings they may have.
From Vegetarianism to Veganism
Interestingly, not all vegetarians become vegans. In my case, by the time I turned 40, I had not consumed the flesh of a sentient being since I was 14. This journey was not an easy one. My mother initially refused to feed me the plant-based foods I wanted, even resorting to utilitarian tactics to enforce it. I was given the choice to either continue being bullied into oppressing others (I admittedly participated in some bullying at the time) or go get a job to support myself. I did the latter the very next day.
The Ethical and Environmental Arguments
The concept of being a vegan goes beyond just a dietary choice. It is about ending the exploitation and death of sentient beings. The term "vegan" was coined as it combines the beginning and end sounds of the word "vegetarian." Veganism is not merely a destination but a journey of moral and ethical responsibility.
There are multiple ethical reasons to consider veganism. Farmed animals are often subjected to inhumane conditions, which can contribute to future zoonotic pandemics. For instance, animals are kept in conditions where they are exposed to their own feces, leading to unsanitary living conditions. The environment cannot sustain the constant assault of animal agriculture, which impacts our quality of water, air, and contributes to climate change. Furthermore, the health of individuals and the global community would be significantly improved if we reduced the consumption of factory-farmed animal products, which are often linked to serious health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and gout.
The Environmental and Health Benefits
Additionally, the current global food system, which heavily relies on unsustainable agricultural practices, is a major contributor to world-wide hunger and starvation. The consumption of meat and animal products is linked to the overconsumption of resources, which exacerbates hunger and malnutrition in many regions. By choosing a plant-based diet, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable food system that supports both the environment and global health.
Switching to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle is not just a personal choice; it is a responsibility that extends to environmental sustainability, ethical treatment of animals, and health benefits.