Choosing Compassion

To me, being vegetarian is an aspiration to live as kindly and compassionately as possible. It’s an ongoing process. Nobody is perfect. We cause harm just by living on this planet, but we can all aspire to be mindful and conscientious and to continue making improvements. The ultimate goal is to create a mutually beneficial relationship with other animals, with other people and with the environment.

Even if you never plan to become a vegetarian, it would be good for your overall health as well as the rest of the animal kingdom (remember everything is connected), if you cut down on eating meat and fish and start eating more vegetables at every meal. The benefits are numerous; the main ones are that you will taste a great variety of new flavors, experience the body lighter and full of energy and most important- enjoy peace of mind.

Start by trying meatless foods that you already eat- for instance, spaghetti with tomato sauce, minestrone, black bean, tomato and vegetable soups, salads, fruits and whole grain breads. You can replace the beef in a burrito with beans or grilled vegetables. While on the road, you can try rice and beans at any Cuban restaurant, spinach ravioli at any Italian restaurant, falafel with hummus and Greek salad at any Mediterranean restaurant…the list is endless. Explore, create and have fun expanding on your menu! Do the research, consult a vegetarian nutritionist, surf the net for vegetarian sites…and make some gradual changes for the good of everyone! Check our “menu” page for some suggestions. To learn more about being vegan, recipes, facts, and answers to many of your questions go to Vegetarianism.
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