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I decided to go vegan around 2012/2013 in order to reduce the amount of harm done to animals.

I do not have vegan story.

Vegan since 7 years old. I didn't know of the term until much later, I just acknowledged I was eating a dead body and refused to do it again

Started reading about nutrition and its health benefits and positive impact on climate!

Vegetarian for 33 years, and attempted vegan off and on and due to different information available at that time, I had attempted to combine certain types of food for full protein. Now with the plant based evidence, there is absolutely no need for that. I had been fairly healthy, but had no idea about the impact of dairy. I had very clean arteries, was healthy, did yoga, walked and sometimes had fish, as that was supposed to be healthy. After contracting what would be considered a mild case of Coronavirus in early 2020, right after it had been discovered, no one really knew what was happening. Back then it was thought to be attacking the lungs, but contracted more from surfaces. At any rate, I had also started investigating diet, and really having these lock downs and working from home, never really going out except maybe to shop, gave me the time to investigate. I then saw Cowspiracy, Seaspiracy, multiple movies exposing the Meat and Dairy Industry. And really was floored at how many animals we murder mercilessly. I was just shocked. I saw the lies exposed. Once you wake up, you cannot un-see or un-know the truth. Your perspective shifts. Then of course the whole climate change issue. So, it basically changed me forever. I really need at this point to connect with like-minded people. I am in the South, where meat is just a way of life. Plus we have the divisive politics, also driven by corporate American, who own the media, who drive wedges and politicize everything. I really, really love these interview on Vegan Linked. Most of these people I am totally connected with in believes. I'm a psychologist, and am thinking along the lines of mental health outcomes for vegans and balance as well. I appreciate all you have done and all vegans have done to expose the propaganda perpetrated by all these industries. I really want to move and am thinking of going to Mexico, where about 20 % of people are vegan or vegetarian, just to find a like minded group. Thank you once again, as Vegan Linked is really kind of a life line, as so many other channels I have found on You Tube.

I went vegan 6 years ago, after opening my eyes to the horrors of all animal farming, not just killing animals for meat. Every animal is a sentient being with all of the feelings that we experience! They mustn't be milked, or imprisoned for their eggs, or plucked, or sheared, etc. Becoming vegan was an awakening, even after 24 years of vegetarianism. The benefits to the animals and my own health were clear, but another thing I learned so much about was the benefit to the environment. If everyone went vegan, we'd be well on our way to saving the planet!

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I had several health conditions due to an unhealthy diet. I decided to go vegan and.my health is improving.

After my husband died of a heart attack at 44 years young I started thinking about my children been the only Parent they have I need to take care my self- t de right now I’m over weight to be exact 60 pounds overweight. I need a new me a healthy mom for my children

I became vegan because I couldn't stand being a part of the cruelty and killing of animals. It is wrong to hurt animals. All animals should be wild and free living exactly as nature intends.

I love animals and I recognize their inherent right to their own lives on their own terms. I could not live with the hypocrisy of demanding freedom for myself while taking it away from animals. Being vegan means I am no longer a hypocrite. ALL BEINGS DESERVE TO LIVE WILD & FREE WITHOUT INTERFERENCE!

Never really liked meat. But when I saw a video on facebook on the horrible conditions pigs and other animals suffer through I just there and then decided to never ever eat meat or dairy products again.

I was punished as a kid for not eating meat. As an adult, I thought I had to. I skirted it as best I could and then my nephew said that his U of O Athletic Coach said to be healthy - no meat, no dairy! I finally got the permission that I was waiting for as a kid. I went vegan mid-sentence.

I had a student share with me this weird story about a man who ate an airplane (it's true) and it made me think that our bodies can take so much abuse. And it is this abuse that is killing us. It was a click moment. I don't miss any of it. I am the biggest vegan fan in the world.

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Tried a plant based diet for lent and never went back!

I first went vegan for health reasons, but now feel equally passionate about the environment, human rights, pandemic potential, and animal rights!

My vegan journey became a blog that became a book: "The Skeptical Vegan."

Since I moved to America I question food I grew up on the farm ,food here in us taste different . And also it’s Difficult to know where this food coming from

I ran a vegan cafe, food cart and now my own vegan Chocolate company! It’s bean to bar, beyond ethical and Hawaii grown. It tastes pretty good too!

I have just begun my vegan journey!

Concerned with ethics and compassion for others since childhood.

Learning to be vegan again is much easier the 2nd time around. ✌? ❤️

Originally went plant-based with my brothers as something new to try out during the beginning of quarantine. After connecting with the ethics a few months later through watching videos and reading arguments about the vegan position, I became a vegan for life.

Just wanted to be healthy

I used to be eat meat and animal products until 3 years ago when I took part at a book study. The book was A Plea for The Animals, by Matthieu Ricard. Since reading that book I became a vegan instantly and inspired my wife, parents and sister to to the same. Now I am an activist with different animal welfare organizations and own a services and media business focused on growing the vegan and cruelty-free market in Brazil.

Nothing special

My health was very poorly till the spring of 2015. I then started to receive even more callings from my inner self telling me to do healthier changes, since i smoked for 25 years and used to have a very hedonist life. In July 2015 i decided to move again to the UK and detached from everything in my country Portugal, sold the car and moved on to a new phase and to try again some self healing. In September 2015 i was able to quit smoking completely. March 2016 was the last time i visited a doctor after a spiritual awakening that led me to study all about my neurotransmitters in order to repair them, since they were all out of order due to 13 years of chemicals medical prescriptions to treat anxiety and depression, and other ailments, it also led me to work on my chakras after i learned all about this and others related therapies, and after this i became a vegetarian on the 16 of March 2016. I had became my own ayurveda doctor and spiritual guru. In March 2016 i was diagnosed pre diabetic, so in order to overcome and controle that issue, which what i had all my life, fats metabolism and bad energy management, i became a vegan and all the remaining health issues just faded away.

Hi, I’m Fiona, a passionate plant-based, home cook.

Wholesome Bellies was created from my passion for healthy eating and cooking. A home cook since my teens, I grew up in the hospitality industry, spending most weekends since my early teens at our family restaurant. My mum was the head chef and I was surrounded by incredible cooks.

Wholesome Bellies is a resource to help you create simple, nourishing, plant-based meals in your kitchen. My intention is to inspire you to fall in love with vegetables, and learn how to transform plants into mouth-watering, unbelievable meals your friends and family will keep coming back for.

[ ] It was 1972 that I started my vegetarian journey. I was at WelMet summer camp at age 12. (Howard Stern was a counselor and kitchen boy there with his first radio show!) A fellow camper put a fork in a round deli meat slab and said “baa baa". It was leg of lamb. I see for the first time it's someone’s leg. From then on, I could not eat meat. I could no longer eat someone’s body parts.
In September after summer camp, I saw the film: “Bless The Beasts and the Children.” It’s about boys freeing bison. The bison were to be killed the next day. The boys were trying to save the bison from extinction and being killed. Excellent movie.

I learned to play the song Dona Dona on the guitar. It’s an Israeli song about a calf going to slaughter.

All three things inspired me to stop consuming meat. Still, I ate dairy and fish, not seeing the connection.

- [ ] As an athlete, I had psoriasis, arthritis and migraines. At 19 I had cancer cells burned out. At 21 I finished college and went to visit my vegan Aunt Glory. Here I learned to eat vegan and started to juice fast. This is May 1981. Aunt Glory and her son were living with her best friend, Heart Phoenix and her kids. I learned a lot.

- [ ] After 6 weeks of living with them and mostly fasting, I lost weight and felt great. I mostly fasted the first year of being vegan. I’d eat mostly raw vegan between fasting.

- [ ] Never had cancer cells again. Migraines gone. Pounds dropped off. Psoriasis lessened dramatically.

- [ ] I’ve been vegan ever since.

- [ ] Through my Aunt’s friend Heart Phoenix I learned about her sister’s place, www.GentleWorld.org, the longest running vegan non profit community living together.

- [ ] Been involved since 1981 and have seen veganism grow tremendously. We’ve written and published books (The Cookbook For People Who Love Animals; Vegan Nutrition Pure and Simple; Pregnancy, Children and the Vegan Diet; Incredibly Delicious, The Vegan Paradigm); produced seminars; had vegan Celebrity Banquets; rescued and saved animals; flew banners; gave cooking demos; demonstrated and marched for animal’s rights; were the executive chefs at Animal Rights conferences; took over hotel and restaurant kitchens; opened vegan restaurants and catered. We consulted other vegan restaurants too. We hope the world quickens its pace towards veganism.

1982, Dr. Klaper visited and moved in with us. What a game changer for the world!

- [ ] In GW you can see the wealth of information that exists with people vegan almost 50 years. I am happy to be part of an organization that has been trying since the late 70's to veganize the world!! Www.gentleworld.org

- [ ] For the past 13 years I have also helped with the NY Coalition for Healthyschoolfood.org. And I’ve been involved with FarmUSA.org and the World Peace Yoga Jubilee. Before the jubilee, I produced the first World Peace Diet retreat with Will Tuttle.

- [ ] In my 40 years as a vegan so much has changed! And we’re just getting started. Join us!

Got inspiration from someone.

Six years vegan!

Years ago, a friend showed me a homemade video depicting animal cruelty rooted in cultural beliefs. It made me realize that we do the same in the USA. That night, I decided to stop eating meat. Since then, I've grown as a vegan, learning about the impact of animal agriculture and embracing a compassionate lifestyle. Being vegan isn't just about food; it's a transformative shift in perspective. I'm grateful for the journey and strive to create a compassionate world for all beings.

Another time...

I'm not vegan but I enjoy learning new ways to cook.

Watched Earthlings

Became vegan because of health reasons but also through a deep feeling of a possibility of a more empathetic world

I was lucky enough to meet a vegan girl who opened my eyes to the truth.

I became a vegetarian 2 years ago and back then even tried to be vegan for 2 weeks. Back then my reasons were morally, and the “only” animal product i would eat was cheese, so that I could come up with excuses like I don’t kill animal to eat cheese. I started watching more and more documentaries and do some research and realised very quick that I was living a hypocritical life. Last year in December was when I watched cowspiracy and my reason to become vegan were now also based on health and environment. I knew I couldn’t fully become a vegan by then as I started a trip to South America in January. I tried as much as possible to reduce the animal products and knew that as soon as I am back home I will try. As we had to self isolate after coming and due to covid it was initially hard to buy the products I wanted to eat. After a couple of weeks I finally started living vegan and I decided to be an active part of it and maybe get a job in the vegan area to share my story professionally and show the world how much better a vegan life is.

Followed vegetarianism for years in Adventist Church. Then ate very little for many years after not attending this church anymore. Somewhere in last decade, went 99% vegan (as opposed to vegetarian). Rarely eat any meat, fish, shellfish or dairy, with occasional exception of parmesan cheese on soup. Pretty much either vegetarian or vegan for last 30 yrs. at least.

My cancer diagnosis led me to my doctoral research in search of the Ideal Diet For Humans. By following this whole-food, mostly plant-based diet, I healed from cancer and got my energy and vitality back. Then one day a friend sent me a video of Gary Yurofsky's lecture. Immediately after viewing his talk and understanding the suffering caused by the meat and dairy industry, I became a vegan never to eat any animal products again.

My wife was vegan. I resisted but finally made the connection.

I've been on and off the vegan/vegetarian bandwagon for 30 years. It always felt somewhat weird but that was due to my being ignorant. I've been strict vegan since being convinced by the irrefutable evidence based research that clearly supports a whole foods plant based lifestyle as optimal diet for humans as presented by physicians like Dr. T.C. Campbell, Dr. N. Barnard (and PCRM), Dr. McDougall, Dr. M. Mills, Dr. P. Popper, Dr. B. Montgomery, Dr. Greger, etc......and this is it; there is no way not to be convinced. I'm vegan for good.

Macrobiotic for many years, vegan from around 1990, at 62 feeling best I ever have, professional Alexander Technique teacher.

I abused drugs in my early twenties and nearly died from a drug overdose while I was suffering with suicidal depression. On March 15th, 1985, I quit smoking, quit drinking alcohol, quit doing drugs and quit eating all animal products in one day after someone helped me breakthrough my depression. I have been 100% Drug Free and Vegan for over 37yrs.
I created my company and called it Clean Machine to encourage others to keep their Machine (body) Clean (Drug Free & Vegan).

I created the first Natural (Drug Tested) Vegan Bodybuilding Competition in the world - The World Vegan Bodybuilding Championship.
I am proud to be a Natural Bodybuilding and Natural Physique Masters Champion.

Always had a connection to animals and once I learned I could live without harming any living being I couldn’t turn back!

Giacomo is the co-founder of VeganProteins.com and also co-founded PlantBuilt.com, a non profit organization of strength based vegan athletes who compete together to raise awareness for veganism and money for rescued animals at farm sanctuaries. As an assistant coach, Giacomo works in daily communications with coaching clients. Giacomo also uses his unique strengths to make sure the client is getting the best programming and guidance they can from the VeganProteins team. Giacomo has been vegan for over 10 years and involved with fitness for over 20 years in many different arenas and specializes coaching others and actively competes in bodybuilding and powerlifting specifically. Giacomo uses strength based sports & traveling to various Vegan Festivals across the country to raise awareness for animal rights and welfare. Giacomo has coached clients at NYSC, Bally’s Sport Club and LA Fitness. Currently, he coaches clients online for VeganProteins and holds a certificate in Plant Based Nutrition from Cornell University.

I had just transitioned to vegetarian for health reason, and then watched Earthlings and Forks Over Knives. I immediately cut out the dairy and eggs and went vegan. Best. Decision. Ever.

I got tired of being ill.

I have been off and on vegan for years. Was vegetarian most my adult life and part of my teen years. I’ve completely committed to the vegan life today and proud to say there is no looking back. My life’s goal is to protect all the beautiful and innocent lives of every animal and to protect our beautiful planet. Vegan for life 🌱🌈💖

8 years ovarian cancer survivor. No quimo or radio thanks to WFPB diet.

I´m vegetarian since 2010, but i´m making my transition into veganism a few months ago.

Forks Over Knives , Veducated, Cowspiracy, What the health, plant pure nation, nutritionfacts.org
Dr. Greggor MD, T. Colin Campbell PHD, Dr. Esselstyn MD, Dr. John McDougall MD

Became a vegan for all of the obvious reasons; health, ethics, environment

I have eaten raw food since I was young. I lived in a rural area

After 12 years as a lacto-ovo-vegetarian, I became a vegan in 2007 and have found the health benefits of my new diet to be wonderful and observable. I also enjoy the food. I started my Wordpress blog about vegan issues, Healthy Vegan Hudson Valley, in 2017. It focuses on the mid-Hudson Valley of New York, USA, applying insights from the work of physician and bestselling author Dr. Joel Fuhrman and noting the great variety of options and opportunities for vegans to get involved and enjoy their lifestyles in the area. For more information, please see my site!

I became Whole Food, Plant Based at 52 when I was told that I needed to start meds to lower cholesterol. I switched to a full WFPB diet in about 2 months and lowered my cholesterol from 198 to 148. I then found many other reasons to continue on a WFPB diet. My wife (51) and my daughter 19 also are now eating a Whole Food Plant Based diet.

At 58 a love for animals led me back to living as a vegan There were 4 failed attempts (from age 14 to 2005), all health-driven, each about a year long, and each ending because I felt I was inconveniencing those who cooked for me. In 2019 my biology students asked whether my love of animals had made me vegan. I was fermenting milk kefir then, and the question made me ponder long and hard. The next day I told my partner I would no longer eat animal products, and he was very supportive. COVID lockdown gave me time to learn to make my own food, so I’m never inconveniencing anyone else with my food choice. I’m a full-time wildlife and landscape painter, but 25 years in education (teaching biology) and 6 years as a chiropractor still had not readied me for the amazing health benefits that followed this last move back to the lifestyle that most suits me. Now I’m an evangelist!

Just beginning vegan lifestyle

I have be vegan since the age of 12. When I did learn the horrors of the animal Agriculture industry.
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I never really enjoyed meat, and growing up have always been eating mostly vegan, until last month when I finally took my last step. I hope this is going to be part of my lifestyle from now on, and any significant information will help me do that.

I am on a Whole Food Plants Based (WFPB) diet mostly because there is precedent of heart attack (and cancer) in my close family. I started after reading Dr Fuhrman's "Eat to Live" book... the correct description of my eating style is "Nutritarian" ... and the "deal as closed" after watching Forks over knives in 2011.
Today I am a Pharmacist advocating Lifestyle Medicine and a WFPB diet to Prevent and Reverse most of Chronic Diseases; thus reduce or eliminate the need of Medications.

Since I was very young I always thought why people eat chicken and not dogs, that made not sense to me. Later I heard of Veganism and learnt a lot about the meat and dairy industry. It was very sad and dissapointing. It was then when I decided to go vegan.

I was told 30 years ago that I had metabolic syndrome and would progress to diabetes. I left the standard american diet and am now 74 and still keep my A1C under 6.

I was a vegetarian for 10 years and once I opened my eyes to the animal cruelty being a vegetarian contributes to, I became vegan!

My quest started as a young thirteen-year-old girl at boarding school. I came across a documentary which played with my emotional heartstrings. Earthlings. I’d seen enough.. I knew I had to make change - so I started with myself.

Fast forward to almost two decades later having adventured to over forty countries living, studying, volunteering and working in over five continents. I found the single most challenging element had been sourcing plant-based food. No more sacrificing food for travel with side portions and mediocre salads it was time for change. I had to recreate the joy of travel for my fellow vegans and vegetarians. With several years in the travel industry, I set about with my goal in mind and founded VOGO.

Now in 2020 VOGO is an eco-tour powerhouse with a roster of ethical, authentic travel experiences for vegans and vegetarians with a conscience delivering rustic experiences like plant-based Peruvian super foods cooked by a vegan chef within the depths of the Amazonian jungles to bush hikes and safaris in the plains of Ethiopia whilst feasting on veggies on the barbie. Meanwhile we ensure local people profit, avoid chain hotels and instead carefully select rustic homestays, boutique accommodation and eco-lodges all whilst we work on sustainable goals set by the United Nations.

Out of necessity and in order to live, change required

I tried veganuary and carried on from there. I love animals, I wanted to get healthy and that turned into environmental impacts and becoming a more sustainable consumer.

Was vegetarian started vegan in January

I’m allergic to dairy and eggs and my sister is vegan. I moved down here and lived with her for a bit so I became vegan too.

I was off & on vegetarian most of my adult life but it wasn't until I discovered the dairy industry that I become vegan overnight. I am a mother so Veganism was a simple choice for me. I am vegan for love.

I read the Starch Diet and went plant-based about 3 years ago. Lost a few pounds, quit for a little while then realized I'd rather just be plant-based. After taking a lot of flack from people for being on a diet that I had never heard before being on any other diet, eventually I realized what the difference is and how it aligns with the highest of values.

How I become a Vegan, here is my story of being vegan.
I started feeling good with myself when I was needed to make a change for Healthy life.
It was important step for my skin care routine and now I am feeling beautiful and glow. Don't eat processed products or go on unhealthy diets, Be bold for the things you want to be done with! Veganism means for me living like a child with clear and clean mind.
It simply gives it more meaning. For me is very important how do we take responsibility & use our own energy and what we do for our planet? All of this change me and the way of thinking. Now my body happy and thankful for being green and vegan.

Vegan for the animals, the planet, and health.

I am vegan for the animals.

Watched several documentaries on factory farming and found better vegan alternatives

Vegan for 7 years following new year's resolution.

I feel like I have been constantly fought by my body over the years. . I can’t lose weight. I tried and failed a few times in 2020 to go WFPB, being increasingly convinced it is the best way to health. I have parents who have had heart disease and cancer, so I am very motivated to follow this lifestyle.

Please don't make me fill out anything that is not completely necessary- makes the process longer!

Have always been vegan at heart, but went vegan 6 years ago after watching Earthlings. I dedicate my life to spare as many lives as possible from carnists, I came to the conclusion that making a web agency and using the profit to fund activists was the most effective way, or by directly creating vegan web apps to facilitate people doing activism or going vegan.

Currently looking for a web designer and a backend developer.

I have been Vegan for roughly two years. Since then I have revamped by business and today I have the honor of working with vegan businesses only. Helping them to get more customers online!

I'm vegan for every reason that matters to me--health of the planet and body, compassionate and sustainable living, and striving to eliminate as much suffering in the world as possible.

It all started due to health issues & it kept getting easier. My health improved...haven’t looked back ever since.

just trying to do what's feels right

Veganism became a way to live a healthy and vibrant life

I started with a cooperate fast from church. We were to eat no meat or sweets for 21 days. I have been on the journey ever since. I found several health benefits and begin to share with others. I also watch documentaries on how animals are being slaughtered for human consumption and was very disturbed. I’m still free from animal consumption, but have struggled with fish / shrimp here and there.
But I’m determined to be fully committed. It’s been a blessing to learn how to eat without killing animals. I’m on a mission to help my family and friends learn more about the vegan life as well as myself.

I have enjoyed the numerous testimonials on you tube from Vegan Linked. It has truly been a great source of inspiration and information.

Thank you,
Jackie Jefferson

This is the easiest way to share my story as it's been quite a journey!

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-activist-farmer-back-again-jackie-norman-she-her-/?trackingId=runpMwJRGuIlDDrJtc91Q

I was first looking for philosophy and there was this great podcast a decade ago called "Satisfy the Mind", they had 30 or 40 episodes and one or two were vegan, I first listened to all of the shows and then went back to reconsider the vegan idea... I decided I would spend a week researching everything I could and if by the end of the week I hadnt decided to go vegan I would never waste my time again... turns out I had to go vegan and now 12+ years later I'm an every day activist

I was born into the ital life (jamaican Rasta)

Uhhh It’s the right thing to do that’s why I do it...

I realized the only meat I love in my mouth is another mans.

I’ve been vegan since birth—and I love it. 43 years and counting.

I don’t have one yet, but I will because I am a diabetic .

For 32 years of my life I loved animals, but like most of us I also ate them.
Now 33 years later a 65 I remember the day I went fishing and hooked a fish in the Eye!
That was it, I could no longer cause pain and suffering too another Sentient Being.

Devised a way to help people learn to improve health by leaps and bounds, including immunity! #byebyeCOVID and most other diseases, hello average healthy lifespans--> 120 years!

My wife decided to go vegan at the beginning of 2013. I decided to try it for a month and after three weeks I knew I was going to stick with it. I work in wine and grocery retail which is largely non-vegan. The sooner I can get into the vegan economy the better.
I have Master's Degrees in Library & Information Science (University of South Carolina) and Communications (College of Charleston). I worked as a Public Librarian for seven years and as an Adjunct Community College Instructor for three and 1/2 years.

We currently live in Western North Carolina.

After my wife went vegan, I decided to try it for a month so I would better understand the decisions she would have to make at grocery stores & restaurants, how she would have to prepare meals, etc. After three weeks I knew I would stay with it. I spent some time a few years ago trying to learn web development and built a vegan web site as my practice project. I got more involved in animal agriculture, climate issues, etc. through that.

I’ve never felt better.