Do you eat meat anymore?

Asking that question is my family and friends who believe meat and dairy is important for strength and the primary source of protein, iron and calcium. Nurse training also supported those ideas, as do our local hospital health programmes. Everyone knows that processed foods are not great, but to say that meat and dairy are also not healthy causes a riot!
Now I am finding out that it seems we were all misled, and that eating anything with a face or a mother are the reasons for our increasing rates of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, obesity, depression and the list goes on.
Add to that, I am now starting to think, I wasn’t created to hunt down a lamb and devour it with my teeth and hands. In fact, the realisation that someone does have to kill a lamb and eventually package it into plastic, so that I can purchase the small cut and be oblivious to the slaughter process. (http://www.vegsoc.org.au/)
As well, I would rather not directly suck onto a cow’s teat to drink milk, and packaging into bottles does not soften the growing distaste for the product.
Back to answering the question, I nod my head shyly stating that I no longer eat meat or dairy. So now opinions are flowing, challenged with the concept of only eating plant-based foods.  Fortunately, as I start this low fat vegan journey, I discover there are very credible individuals and groups supporting my decision. (http://www.forksoverknives.com/)
Other plant-based diet enthusiasts are emotive about the subject of animal cruelty, but that doesn’t convince my farming friends who earn their income from farming animal products and love the taste of meat.
Finally, at 45  I am at a loss why I didn’t consider this way of life earlier, why was I so blind and ignorant to the issues of real health and ethical choices to not just the food I eat and serve to my family, but also other products that come from animals?
I have prayed and asked God for a revelation to various health issues in our family, from acquired brain injury, seizures, psoriasis, diabetes, allergies and food addictions.  I believe God always wants to heal. (http://www.awmi.net/extra/healing) but we need to also take responsibility for our own well-being. Low fat, plant-based diet, I believe holds the answer. My goal is to keep learning and sharing with those who are interested in health and healing.
Cathie (28th of May 2013)
 ps http://veganeasy.org/vegan-easy-challenge This link is one option if anyone is considering trying a plant-based diet lifestyle.