In regards to eating meat

[Diana]

Well, I know that it isn't simply that easy, because I've had 1 vegan friend and 1 vegetarian friend have issues because of lack of protein (and other nutrients) consumption. And I don't know a single vegetarian/vegan who doesn't drink soymilk.

I have been strict vegetarian since 1993. I am very healthy and look at least 10 years younger than my chronological age. I eat no soy, and definitely do not drink soy milk. My body is strong, and healthy

I have a friend who was a professional wrestler (the WWF TV kind). He is huge muscle-wise, and was a raw-fooder during the time he wrestled and still is. (When I say raw-fooder, I mean plant-based.)

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Regarding the humane raising of animals for meat:

There is the issue of freedom. Plants don't move around. Animals do, including fish. So, no matter how humane, they are being forced into an unnatural environment. Free range cattle would have it the best in this regard, as they roam over large areas.

We are not allowing the plants to be free by cultivating them for food. The lettuce wants to grow up big and bolt...do we let it? The carrot, the beet, the radish, all want to send seed out and multiply...do we let it? The fruit tree is producing fruit for only one reason: to spread it's seed. Do you plant every seed from every fruit you eat?

Point taken. That's quite true about the seeds not all being spread. Plants are however, restricted in the wild by available sunlight and space, and are eaten by wildlife who may or may not spread the seed.

As has been stated previously, we must eat to survive (at this point).

Given that we have a choice of what to eat, taking plant life is less cruel than taking plant life. You can trim a plant without killing it; you cannot cut off an animal's limb without killing it; hence, less fear, cruelty, and injury involved.

For me, it's about taking steps toward evolution and growth. I will always choose the food which causes less harm.