02 March 2010

How and why I became a Free-gan

Well, I am sure, first of all you might wonder what a free-gan is. I heard the term a while ago and it is really what I am, rather than the Vegan that I called myself. I goggled the word and found quite alot of definitions AND they have nothing to do with what I heard and would think I AM ABOUT..... The word's meaning comes simply from being a Vegan with a more free attitude to the food that I consume. Which is mostly from the Vegan diet, but occasionally I am 'cheating' - but I don't like the bad taste of the word cheating. I chose to become Vegan exclusively for my own health, not for animals rights or something. I mean, don't get me wrong, I don't like animals to suffer and the thoughts of animals being used for testing kind of irritates me, but I am not saying they are not suppose to be killed for consumption. I do believe that God gave us the animals for that reason.

So what am I saying after all this? I am a Vegan that eats mostly Vegan food. But after trying to follow it strictly, I decided that I want to add some stuff that I enjoy. For instance, I am eating fish. I started loving fish when I became a vegetarian. The reason for that was simply health reasons (after the cancer) and my taste. I just don't like meats. So I was a pesci-vegetarian.

The definition for Veganism (also known as strict vegetarianism or pure vegetarianism), as defined by the Vegan Society, is "a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude — as far as is possible and practical — all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose." So for those possible and practical reasons, I reintroduced some foods that I find beneficial for my health. Including fish. The fat is so healthy and it makes me feel good when I eat it. SO I figured why not? It was my personal choice in the first place, so I am free to chose what I do with it on the long-run.
Then there are those times when I crave something, like from my childhood, and why should I not satisfy my hunger for it? I try to limit it as much as possible. But life is supposed to be enjoyed, also with food.

1 comments:

C. Beth said...

Okay, I love this term! I need to share it with my mom! Because she doesn't like the "vegan" term and its philosophical implications either. She's like you--mostly vegan, occasionally eats non-vegan foods, and regularly eats fish. All for health reasons.