I've been a "vegetarian" for years now. It all started in college when my closest friends were vegan. I guess I became vegan without even realizing it since we spent so much time together. But then I decided to make the conscious effort to be "vegetarian."
I use "vegetarian" in quotes because about once a month or so, I do eat fish. I don't like treating animals like crap, but actually my reasoning behind my diet has more to do with people than it does animals. I do not support the meat packing industry. Not one bit. And the idea of eating a bit of the flesh of my cousins isn't all that appealing either. Someone told me about the fishing industry being different than the meat packing industry. I admit, I haven't done much research into that part yet. So if anybody has any info on the fishing industry I'm all ears.
I don't eat much dairy also, because I am a bit intolerant and can only consume so much in one day.
I'll admit, every now and again some meat aromas do attract my nose, but I've not had a "craving" so to speak. The visions I get of the horrific working conditions and social injustices of the meat packing industry are enough to make it disgusting to me.
Now, that being said, I'm no fool. I'm well aware of the injustices going on with fruit and vegetable pickers. However, I got a lot of info from a Farmworkers Rights group about what to support and what not to support. Basically, that means that most of my produce comes from farmers' markets. Which is a really cool thing. I've met a lot of great farmers there, and every now and again they offer me generous discounts!
The only things that make my llifestyle difficult are
1) now I'm living with my parents who aren't vegetarian and could give a shit about workers' rights
2) having to explain to people about my diet. i understand people are just curious, but it gets annoying when i'm either a) teased about something i'm so passionate about or b) told to shut up because they feel guilty that i'm talking about workers' rights while they eat their partially human burgers. i feel like sometimes i have to filter myself, and others aren't always as kind and diplomatic when responding to me.
3) i'm allergic to mugroot: carrots, celery, parsley, etc. yes, i'm a vegetarian allergic to vegetables
this can make it a bit difficult to eat out at times, and makes me a royal pain in the ass when invited to dinner.