Going Vegan
Going Vegan
Dianne Edjan — Plant-based Food
Veganism is often identified for many things–having a healthy food lifestyle, fighting for the animals, and advocating for the environment. For those who are interested in going vegan, these assumptions may be based on what they currently know or what they want to achieve. This stems from its various angles given that it is portrayed differently depending on the individual. While some assumptions may be true as they are a part of the effects of going vegan, there is still a primary definition for it that should be clarified in order for people to truly understand the rationale behind it. The essence of veganism will always be “for” the animals. The vegan society emphasized veganism as “a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude — as far as is possible and practicable — all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms, it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.” From that, it is a way of living that aims to value animals because they see them as sentient beings that should not be exploited for profit. More than a diet or a lifestyle, it is a belief that gives awareness to the life and sensibilities of animals.
As a Filipino, I grew up in a culture wherein almost every dish contained meat. The standard plate would consist of rice and an “ulam”–a viand that is paired with the rice. Some of the traditional Filipino food are adobo, sinigang, kare-kare, lechon, and lumpia. These are all meat-based dishes that are eaten on a regular basis. I had a lot of favorite dishes but I loved anything with chicken the most. I even preferred eating the thigh or leg part just because it was the juiciest. I had no idea before that I was partaking in the reality of animal agriculture. It never crossed my mind that I was contributing to the violence that the animals have to endure just for human gains. It was normal, therefore it wasn’t wrong.
At the beginning of 2018, I came across a movie titled “Okja.” It was a movie focusing on the meat industry and how it affects the wellbeing of the animals. I remember wanting to watch it because the trailer was captivating; I didn’t have any knowledge of its actual message. After watching, it made me realize that we were all playing a part in the supply and demand of meat products. The fact that we are the reason behind the pain and suffering of animals, most especially cows for their dairy. I was bothered by this but I didn’t have any idea how to sustain a vegan lifestyle as I was only turning 19 years old at that time. I also doubted myself, knowing that it would be impossible to adhere to that lifestyle–aside from the fact that we regularly eat meat-based dishes and that most restaurants do not even have vegan options, I certainly enjoyed meat and dairy products. The idea of giving up cheese made it evident that I was aiming for something implausible. In that same year, I got chickenpox. I was advised to refrain from eating egg and chicken because it would only trigger the itching and worsen my condition. I solemnly followed that advice because I wanted to heal as fast as possible. I was shocked as to how I was able to control my food cravings even when the fried chicken or sunny-side-up egg was literally in front of me. I commended myself for having such discipline because I never thought that I was capable of holding off those cravings. This made me recognize that I can be vegan and that I can change my way of eating if I strongly believed in the purpose behind it. Indeed, a powerful mindset can outweigh temptations. After recovering from chickenpox, I transitioned into a vegetarian lifestyle. I chose the Lacto-Ovo vegetarian diet so that my food options would not be limited, I could still eat eggs and dairy but not any meat products. I had the most difficulty every time my family and I were eating out. We had to choose a restaurant wherein I would have something to eat and it usually took us hours before finding any. We would often argue because we were all already “hangry.” Most of the time, they just end up eating in the restaurant they wanted and I simply have to buy food from a different restaurant. This was also the time that they try to convince me out of that lifestyle–they kept telling me that eating meat is a part of life, that I was only depriving myself of delicious food, and that I was too young to start that early. Furthermore, it was a similar process when dining out with friends–except that this time, I cannot simply hold them off as much as I did with my parents. I also did not know any vegetarians or vegans in person. Generally, it was not an enjoyable experience for me. Imagine how difficult it was to have little to no support with that way of eating. Despite that, I truly believed in its essence that a year later, I decided to be vegan.
The transition from being vegetarian to vegan was an easy process. I was more knowledgeable about the food I can eat and restaurants we can dine in. My selection of food is even wider now compared to the time I was non-vegan. In addition, I also started to cook. I had zero knowledge and experience with cooking. I only knew how to cook instant pancit canton, processed meat, and scrambled eggs yet I was determined to make that happen. Initially, I made a lot of mess in the kitchen but currently, I already know a variety of recipes by heart and can cook without having to look at measure accurately or review cooking procedures as much. I was able to take more responsibility for the lifestyle that I chose, instead of frustrating the people around me when dining out, I should be able to motivate and inspire them with the meaning of being vegan. This will allow them to gain more awareness of the intention behind it. I became more involved with the meaning of being vegan, that there are also other areas that I get to have a positive impact on such as our environment and my health. Until now, I am still a vegan who enjoys cooking, advocates for animals, and continues to inspire (or infuriate) people. I would definitely not have it any other way.
