I was a vegetarian for around 8 years (hard to recall exactly), a vegan by default for most of that time as I just did not like dairy or eggs, etc.
I had to go on a medication years ago, which required my cholesterol and triglycerides to be low, and they weren't. They were terrible. I was not raised without any source of meat, it was a decision I made based on my love for animals, which unfortunately now takes a back seat to my health and my own suffering. My apathy has grown to the point where most of my softness toward other creatures stops at cats lol.
Because my levels were so terrible and I was desperate for this medication (not psych related), I started to incorporate fish into my diet (which I stayed away from even before I was veg) and overall, add more balance. That, along with exercise, really did work. Eventually I added meat and poultry back in, and eggs.
Regardless of supplements, I am just not one of those people who can be physically healthy and vegan/vegetarian. I also dealt with disordered eating in the past and adding meat and fish to my diet really helped to keep that at bay, I was much more easily satisfied when on an omnivorous diet.
Currently though, I avoid dairy and sometimes eggs, I have skin damage and skin issues and I have to do everything to avoid any more inflammation or triggers. No gluten either, even sugar is technically a no-no for me, it's just harder to care at this point.
I don't seek out animal based clothing or decor, but I do own some things that are leather, certain items were bought under the seller's guise that the fur or leather was faux. But I admit that some other handmade items, bought as gifts, were purchased knowingly. I would never hunt for sport, though I know people who do and I don't get on their case about it if they are close to me. Not now. I have to choose my battles, I can't show my face on social media-or the dinner table-and speak all my truths and opinions like other people.
I can try on here, as it's much more discreet and anonymous, but otherwise..no.
Either way, I detest those who think a vegan diet makes them superior, or that it is suited to everyone.
It's absolutely not. I know some vegans give other vegans a bad name by attacking anyone who doesn't share their discipline or ability to thrive on meatless meals.
I also know of many meat eaters who give innocent vegans a hard time. I guess it goes both ways.
What I do agree with is that we shouldn't be using animal's dead bodies for decor or to clothe ourselves when it's not necessary. I don't really have an excuse for participating, even minimally, in that.
I guess I reached a point where I just can't be bothered, because I am suffering so severely and because I have been stripped of any dignity, I have less room to care about anything or anyone else experiencing the same, especially when they don't have the more complex mind of a human, to even feel or understand the level of violation they are experiencing, even after death.
I am so restricted in other areas of life that I cannot be placing any more restrictions on myself. It's also damn expensive to eat this way and to eat ethically in general.
I don't have the money for it.
I try to source my meals from places or people that do give their animals a decent life and a humane death but I know I likely don't succeed in that endeavor as often as would be necessary. Anyway, sorry for rambling!
