Advocating nutrition, for a start

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By pursuing non-violence, in all its manifestations, we have to start by not attacking animals. Plant energy will do the rest for us, giving us optimal energy, and letting us see a whole potential by using that particular energy.

            Firstly, the animal industry must stop producing food. Secondly consumers must stop demanding it. For this to happen, it must be first suggested, thus making it down to vegans to put their case effectively.

But in keeping with our harmlessness we need to advocate in a non-violent manner, without using fear or force. There’s no better way for people to identify with us than by finding our persuasions helpful and not pontificating.

            If we are to put a credible case forward, for switching over to a plant diet, our persuasions need to come in different flavours. Our arguments have to be comprehensive, the alternative to meat and dairy presented attractively, and the foods we’re suggesting need to be tasty and efficacious. Above all, as advocates, we shouldn’t seem to be partisan but fair minded - to show that we’re looking out for people as much as for animals; we must seem to be concerned as much for the safety of human health as for the ethical treatment of animals.

            Whatever we might say about ethics and compassion, it’s as well to never lose sight of the importance of nutrition, for no one is going to ‘take the leap’ if they think it’s dangerous. To avoid putting their lives at risk, most people will stick to what they know best; they’ll follow the accepted scientific advice regarding the foods they’re used to, perhaps cut down here and there but never be too radical with the foods they love to eat.

People will latch onto any argument that might persuade them to NOT change too radically.  And so it is that the most convincing reason people continue using animals for food, is that animal protein has a complete combination of all amino acids, whereas vegetable protein has to be more carefully balanced in the diet, not much more but somewhat.

For vegans, there might be a need for Vitamin B₁₂ supplementation, owing to the inability of some of us to metabolise this vital element from a solely plant-based diet, but other than that we can feel safe with plant foods; if we are eating whole foods, then any amount of vegetable protein will do us no harm and be ultimately nutritious.

The same can’t be said of animal protein. With so many varieties and combinations of attractive animal-based foods on the market, people are indulging in as much of them as they can afford. Consequently there’s a danger of over-eating (animal protein) which is associated with high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Because the conventional animal-based diets are high in saturated fats and salt and low in fibre, people who indulge in them are doubly at risk.

But the mental pressures of animal-eating can be debilitating too. The foods associated with the conventional diet are getting a reputation these days. Their use is the cause of fear, especially in people of middle to old age. After many years of eating rich foods the fear of life-threatening illness can too often prey on the mind.

Maybe we vegans have to exercise some small amount of care over our diet, but that’s a small price to pay compared to the  dangers associated with a typical omnivorous diet.