I conducted an interview of a fellow classmate, Ali Winiesdorffer, who is a vegan and has been for a while
Are you vegetarian or vegan? Answer- Vegan. Although I did go through a period of vegetarianism, I found that I preferred the way veganism made me feel. Reflection- I find it interesting that she tried vegetarianism, which is thought to be easier, but preferred veganism.
When did you make this decision? Answer- About two years ago. Reflection- I’ve heard “veganism is a phase,” but Ali has been able to live happily as a vegan for two years now.
Why did you make this decision? Answer- I was getting really sick whenever I ate, and I decided to try veganism to help alleviate my issues. This was one of the best decisions of my life, because not only did I stop getting sick, but I started feeling better than I ever had. Reflection- This proves that a vegan diet can make you feel physically and mentally better.
Is it hard to find things to eat as a vegetarian/vegan? Answer- Not at all. While eating out is sort of a challenge, there is always a vegan option on any menu. Not only that, there are so many awesome vegan recipes and foods, that being vegan is never boring. Reflection- It seems to be a concern of outsiders that you can’t eat anything as a vegan, but this proves them wrong.
Have you noticed any changes in the way you physically feel? Answer- Yes. I have so much more energy, and I feel healthier. Reflection- This is good news to me.
Have you noticed any changes in the way you emotionally feel? Answer- Yes. Because I’m vegan, I don’t have to worry about getting sick and it’s really made me a happier person. Reflection- It’s great to hear that simply changing to a vegan diet made her less prone to sickness and happier. Vegans can, and prove to be, happier.
Do you like to talk to other people about yourself being vegetarian/vegan? Answer- Yes. When people find out you are vegan, they naturally have questions and I always am very open about explaining why I’m vegan and how it’s positively changed my life. Reflection- It’s good to hear that she’s sharing veganism with those around her.
Do people generally treat your decision with acceptance, are they defensive, or somewhere in between? Answer- It’s a pretty good mix. There are always going to be people that don’t fully understand or accept it, but overall most people are pretty supportive. Reflection- It is surprising to me to hear that most people support it, but I’ve found that trend to be more reoccurring in my own personal experience as well.
Is being a vegetarian/vegan worth it? Answer- Yes. It’s not easy, but it’s definitely worth the sacrifices that I’ve had to made. I’ve honestly never felt healthier or better about what I am putting in my body. Reflection- This is fantastic.
Would you suggest others to be vegetarian/vegan? Answer- Yes and no. While I think everyone should try it, it’s really not for everyone. Some people do really well on a plant based diet and some people don’t. It’s all about knowing what you work best with. Reflection- This makes sense. Some people don’t respond well to a vegan diet, but most do. It’s a sentiment that I need to be more aware of as well.