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Here are 12 more stories from those who did the Veggie Challenge in Mar/Apr 2010.

I'll never look at meat the same way again

All things considered, the Veggie Challenge was an eye-opening, enjoyable experience. While I‘m not sure I‘m ready to convert to a fully vegetarian diet as yet, I'll certainly never look at meat the same way again.

Somewhere on the Challenge website, I ran across PETA's Meet Your Meat video, and it really opened my eyes to the horrors of these factory farms that produce the majority of our meat. Especially disturbing to me was the fact that 40% of cattle are maintained in such a horrible state that they can‘t even make the walk to the slaughterhouse. While I believe it is natural for humans to use other animals for food, no creature on Earth deserves to live like that, in darkness, with no exercise, room to move, or contact with the outside world. I like eating meat, but I‘m not sure it‘s worth the suffering these poor creatures go through.

Another thing that makes me want to reduce my meat intake is the fact that grazing land for cattle is short, and a vegetarian diet makes much better use of arable land. I saw a figure on the Challenge website that said a vegetarian diet requires only a half acre of land per person, whereas a meat-eater requires 3.5 acres to sustain them – seven times more! This is important as more arable land becomes useless due to erosion and over-grazing, while populations worldwide increase. Making efficient use of our land to feed everybody should become a major priority for every nation in the near future.

I‘m also now aware of how easy and inexpensive it can be to eat meat-free, and I‘ve definitely been feeling a lot less sluggish after meals because my system isn‘t all bogged down with meat. This Challenge has really helped me to change the way I think about food and my role in helping change the way we live as a society. While I‘m not swearing off meat anytime soon, I‘m certainly thinking about eating a lot less, as well as seeking out free-range and/or organic options when I do eat it.

– Doug, age 30-39, Windsor, ON

My only regret was not becoming vegan sooner

My only regret with becoming vegan is that I didn't do it sooner in my life. I have experienced so many positive changes including improved digestion, weight-loss, overall feeling of wellness, more energy, and the list goes on.

For the most part, friends and family have been very supportive however, I had a really funny incident with an old work friend. We had met for lunch, and she asked me angrily, "so how's that vegetarian thing working out for you?" I explained to her how well it was going. She actually started to get quite angry saying that there is "no way" she could ever do "that". She hates vegetables, yada yada yada." I looked at her, and quietly said, "well, it works for me, and I feel good about it."

I even started my own website: www.becomingavegan.com (no longer available) and Twitter page. I have enjoyed sharing resources and recipes and connecting with other vegans.

I believe that one person can make a difference. I have made a difference with respect to not eating animals and becoming a healthier and happier person.

– Donna, age 40-49, Mississauga, ON

Feeling so much cleaner and healthier

I wasn't eating all that much meat, but changing to vegetarian has been really easy and I am also finding that I feel physically so very much better. I was quite surprised by this. I am also finding that my snacking in the evening has gotten very much healthier than before. I am definitely going to continue eating this way.

Four weeks later after doing Phase 2

I had been moving in the direction of becoming vegetarian as I was having some issues with meat, the smell, added hormones etc when I found this website. The timing could not have been better and I found loads of fantastic information on the website. One of the biggest surprises to me was the amount of protein I 'thought' was needed; I was so far off the mark. My body is feeling so much cleaner and healthier, nothing I can really put my finger on, but I highly doubt I will go back to a meat-eating diet. Thank you all for putting this great information together for myself and others.

June 14, 2010 update: "I am still eating a vegetarian diet and trying new things regularly. I highly doubt I will go back to a meat eating as I am feeling so much better and cleaner." – Kindest regards, Lynn

– Lynn, age 50-64, Edmonton, AL

On the road to a healthier lifestyle

My daughter is a vegetarian already and has been for the past 8 months so I am already aware of many of the areas discussed on your site. I still find it difficult as I am limited in what vegetables I like. I am working on this.

I have also decided to plant my own garden and I think this will help me to eat more vegetables. I love soups and I am now making my own vegetable stock. Thank you for challenging me and putting me on the road to a healthier lifestyle.

– Beth, age 50-64, Mount Hope, ON

The Challenge opened my eyes

The Veggie Challenge opened my eyes to ways of having a healthier lifestyle. I really enjoyed going vegetarian for the week and have continued to live that way. I even bought a juicer and love having one every morning. I feel so much healthier and that I am making a contribution to this environment and the health of our planet. It's fun talking to friends and family about being a vegetarian and discovering new recipes.

– Daniela, age 30-39, Toronto

I never felt better than I did when eating vegan meals

I've been thinking about going vegetarian for many years but always dreaded the hassle of finding substitutes and the "odd one" status that would confer me among family and friends. Yet I never felt better than I did when eating vegan meals. They just seemed RIGHT. And tasted wonderful. So taking the Challenge – though not an easy step – was sort of the logical thing to do, for me. And it went great, the real and only difficulty being how not to be a pain for my family and friends. And my way of dealing with that was to be as open-minded and tolerant for myself as I am towards others. That is, when eating right gets in the way of enjoying a moment with friends or family, I chose them. I will always go for the veggy option when available but when it's not, it's ok to go for the lesser evils in my view – usually seafood. No fanaticism, no preachyness, no annoying of friends with my special needs. Anyway, that's my attitude and it suits my personal beliefs.*

I am working my way towards a vegan diet, milk being the last thing standing between me and veganism. My thanks to all of you guys for the support you provide. We're doing the right thing.

– Chafik, age 30-39

*Note: Every situation is different, but if your family and friends are sensitive then it is usually best to avoid preaching. Fortunately these days vegetarianism is more common, so most people are fine with making something meat-free or including vegetarian side dishes with the meal. People can adjust to a friend becoming vegetarian and respect their choice, and often they will be curious to try it more themselves.

I don't know why it took me so long

Every day, I look forward to my new way of eating as a vegan and can't wait for the next meal, although never feeling hungry as after a meat protein meal. I have no desire to eat after my main meal is finished.

After a week as a vegan, I suffer no more symptoms of a cold and mucus in my throat every morning upon waking... what a relief. I am hoping to eliminate the noise and fluid collecting in my ear as well.

I can understand some unwilling to convert because of the misconceptions and lack of knowledge most meat-eaters have about vegans. Certainly the clue is when asked, "where do you get your protein from if you don't eat meat?"

I don't know why it took me so long, but am sure glad I took the Challenge. Obviously time was right!

I am a hypnotherapist specializing in weight management and the knowledge and experience I gained over the past week has given me a new approach while working with clients who are obese, have diabetes, heart problems and much more. This is the answer to my prayers, asking for other ways to help these people and I am truly grateful for your website and the work you are doing. Thank You All. I plan to include the "vegetarian way" of eating into my practise.

– Beverly, age 65+, Kingston, ON

This is the first time I have gone vegan

I decided to try a vegan diet based on a few issues: Health, environment, and conscience. My family was not surprised, as this is not the first time I have given up meat, although it is the first time I have gone vegan. After reading "Eating Animals" by Jonathan Safran Foer and "Onmivores Dilema" by Michael Polen, also watching "Meet Your Meat" on the PETA website, I will never again put meat or dairy in my mouth. I feel great, and have lost weight and can live with myself and the choices I make as far as eating. I'd highly recommend more people try this lifestyle.

– Kate, age 30-39, Guelph, ON

A great opportunity to just "give it a try"

I have kind of been on the fence about becoming vegetarian for a long time. Taking the Challenge was a great opportunity to just "give it a try". The Challenge wasn't too long of a commitment and once I challenged myself I could go from there. I'm happy to say it wasn't nearly as difficult as I thought it would be. I am enjoying a vegetarian lifestyle and plan to continue on with it. I have learned a lot about the treatment of the animals and also the health benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. Some family members just don't understand why I have made this change in my life but hopefully they will be educated and made more aware through me. Thanks for this awesome challenge!

– Sherry, age 40-49, Aylmer, ON

I feel great!

I feel great! I have more energy and less sweet cravings. I feel better about myself and my children have really embraced this. I think this Challenge is a step in the right direction and we are going to continue with this lifestyle as long as I can get lots of information and recipes. Thanks for helping.

– Beth, age 40-49, Brampton, ON

I feel amazing

I had decided to not eat meat before the Veggie Challenge and found the Challenge to be encouraging and helpful with recipes. Becoming a vegetarian is a process with a learning curve but not hard at all. It was much easier than I thought it would be and I feel amazing. I now have cut fish out of my diet and have a goal of cutting out dairy in the future. Thanks for the great information and the extra boost to move me on my path of vegetarianism.

– Heather, age 40-49, Pitt Meadows, BC

I am trying a raw food diet next

Before the Challenge, I was a vegetarian but ate eggs, milk products and fish. After the Challenge I decided to be vegan – it was not much of a stress to eliminate animal products. I have become very interested in the raw food diet and have read several books. I am trying this next.

– Sandra, age 50-64, Brampton, ON