Vegetarian lifestyle can be difficult

Editor

Upon reading the 7 December 2005 article on animal rights and vegetarianism, I felt a desire to write and discuss a few issues from that article. I would like to express my appreciation to those who are for animal rights. I too am very big on animal rights, and appreciate knowing that I am not alone.

I would like to give my view on the idea of being vegetarian and/or vegan. I am not against it. I do see many benefits of having that kind of lifestyle, but I do not feel that it is for everyone. In my life I have fallen on some illness. With this illness I could not eat anything other than raw vegetables. I learned what it was like to be vegan. It was very difficult for me at first, and then became a part of my life, but I did suffer in ways.

The article spoke of certain vitamins and minerals along with needed fats and protein that you can get from a vegetarian diet, but in my situation I found that it is very difficult. I could not easily function from day to day due to the lack of energy and protein I was getting. I took many pills and supplements that were supposed to replace them, but it didn’t. My grades continued to plummet and my energy decreased at an even faster rate. In the long run it did help me fight my medical condition, but not without a price. Living that type of lifestyle is wonderful, but isn’t for everyone.

I fully support those who are vegetarian or vegan. My main disagreement was

that “everyone” should. I accept all who choose that life style and have no desire to change them, and would appreciate it if you would do the same for me. I know that there are people that do try to change you, and say that you are wrong, but I am not one of them. I respect your beliefs and ideas, as long as you respect mine.

Thank you for your time,

Kathy Hanberg