Why I Choose Vegan Options Without Identifying as Vegan
Choosing a diet free of animal parts is a personal and spiritual decision for me. While it's often easier to say I'm "vegan," the reality is more nuanced. This article aims to clarify my dietary choices and the reasons behind them, so I don't have to repeat myself.
My Oath to "Harm None"
"Harm none" is a foundational tenet of Wicca, my religion. Wicca emphasizes living in harmony with nature and causing the least harm possible. This principle guides my actions and choices, including what I eat. My diet excludes all animal parts—no dead flesh or byproducts like dairy. This commitment is not just about food; it's about living in a way that aligns with my spiritual beliefs.
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A History of Plant-Based Choices
For about 4 years, I've referred to myself as vegan. Over the years, there have been times when I corrected this label, preferring "plant-based" instead. My diet is indeed plant-based, but this is not part of my identity; it is equal parts dietary and spiritual.
I've always been lactose intolerant. Even from a young age, my mom had to feed me goat's milk since it was easier to digest. In my adult years, I decided I was tired of feeling sick from consuming lactic discharge. This decision was not separate from choosing a plant-based diet after many years of considering it for spiritual reasons.
Vegan Choices on Menus
When dining out, I opt for plant-based options. It's simpler to say I'm "vegan," but my diet is more accurately described as consuming plants, vitamins, and minerals. I consider this the default human diet, and it seems odd to me that it needs a special label.
“The addition of animal parts is, to me, the deviation from the norm.”
Misconceptions and Labels
The term "vegan" often comes with a broader connotation, including lifestyle choices and advocacy, which do not necessarily align with my practice. Veganism extends beyond diet to consumer products and activism. My focus is solely on the principle of causing no harm, which is why I don't fully identify with the vegan movement.
Labeling menu items as "vegan" can be misleading. The food itself isn't vegan; it's simply devoid of animal parts, which I believe should be the standard. If we're to label accurately, items with animal parts should be marked as "includes death," and plant-based options could be termed "harm-free." This would better reflect my perspective on what constitutes a default human diet.
Image copyright 2024 thedavidjohn.com
Addressing Common Questions
Many people get defensive when I discuss my diet.
“I stand by my values and choices, even if they may not align with those of others. Harming none is my priority.”
If my diet makes someone uncomfortable, I encourage them to seek professional help for their emotional dysregulation. My choices are about aligning with my beliefs, not pleasing others.
I've written this article so people can read it in their own time. Please respect my wish not to discuss this further in person. It's inconsiderate to ask for more details after I've taken the time to explain my position here.
My dietary choices are a reflection of my spiritual practice to "harm none." While it's easier to use the term "vegan," my approach is about aligning with what I believe to be the natural human diet. I hope this article provides clarity and helps avoid repetitive conversations.
For more insights into my views on diet and spirituality, you might find these articles interesting:
Thank you for understanding and respecting my choices.
