To Veeg or not to…

What keeps me from being vegan? I could look at the choice through philosophical, ethical, and practical lenses. I could, perhaps, and maybe it reveals my defeatist attitude, but the very idea of making such a sweeping lifestyle choice for myself feels foolish and self-gratifying. The question I began with seems to morph into “what keeps me from adopting changes that improve my life or help me live with more integrity?”

Philosophical considerations are: Why is being vegan better than any other dietary system? What is the significance of the act of eating? What are the benefits of a personal regimen that has limited influence on everyone else’s behavior? What is the role of taste or preference?

Ethical considerations include taking another living thing’s life, destroying our ecosystem with large-scale commercial livestock, and the possibility of divesting in our current food production system.

Finally, there is the pragmatic point of view: Based on my current situation, what are the pros and cons of switching to a vegan diet? How many calories will I spend just thinking about vegan food sources or how to prepare vegan meals? How far will I have to travel to get to a vegan restaurant?

I have known people that describe their wildly creative and distinctive approach to life as an ‘inquiry.’ There’s an expansiveness that accompanies philosophical uncertainty, Socratic questioning, and embrace of paradox. This deep thinking has led me to a more conscious appreciation of food, where it comes from, how I prepare it, and also focusing my choices on local, slow, and sustainable wherever possible.

I have decided not to become vegan, but to become attentive, responsive and flexible with food. Feels like a decent compromise.