When I learned that workers in the animal agriculture industry tear babies away from their mothers, I felt a familiar ache in my chest.

It was the same ache I felt when my child experienced breathing issues after birth and had to be taken from me for medical treatment. My instinct to hold my baby was primal. Cows, pigs, and other animals have the same instinct to protect their babies and feel unbearable pain when they’re stolen from them. The difference was that I knew where my child was going and that I’d take him home when he was better. Animals used for food never see their babies again. After that, I knew I would no longer eat animals.

When I went vegan, I not only changed my meals but also made an important stand against the exploitation of animals for food, clothing, and other products. The peace I found in knowing that my choices wouldn’t contribute to their pain and suffering was just the beginning. There was so much more.

Here’s how going vegan changes lives.

Personal Growth

• Deconstructing speciesism: Going vegan allowed me to deconstruct speciesism, the misguided belief that one species is more important than another. I started to see this unethical view everywhere—on TV, in books, and in language—and it was empowering to follow my innate conscience by standing against it.

• Speaking up: Now, when I see a chained dog or find an animal in trouble, I know it’s up to me to speak up for them.  PETA’s tips on handling animal emergencies is a great resource on how to do that. If an animal were in imminent danger, I’d call my local police department immediately. But if authorities were unresponsive, I’d call PETA at 757-622-7382, option 2, and I’ve saved the number in my phone.
• Seeking compassionate entertainment: Since going vegan, I’ve realized that animals don’t like to put on shows. Still, they’re used and abused for the sake of human entertainment. Now, I refuse to go to SeaWorld or any other attraction that exploits animals.
• Connecting with all sentient life: I thought I cared about animals before I went vegan, but when I ditched their flesh and ingredients derived from their bodies, I felt more empathy for all living, feeling beings. There’s so much joy to be found in this connection. But it’s not just me. Studies show that vegans tend to be happier than meat-eaters.
• Connecting spiritually: I found a deeper connection to my spiritual side when I began to follow the Golden Rule and realized that my body wasn’t a tomb for dead animals. Many people find that going vegan enhances their spiritual practices, fostering a greater sense of connection to source, the universe, God, or another higher power. (Check out PETA LAMBS or Salam for Animals for more information on the spiritual aspects of vegan living.)
• Connecting with other vegans: I didn’t go vegan to make friends, but like-minded people are easy to find. Many thriving vegan communities—online and off—are full of compassionate folks, and I’ve found a warm community of local vegans. PETA’s Tik Tok, X and Facebook pages are great places to connect with other vegans.
• Protecting the environment: Being vegan aligns with my environmental values. It can reduce an individual’s food-related carbon footprint by up to 73% and save over 219,000 gallons of water annually. All vegans are de facto environmentalists because this way of living is much kinder to the Earth. Going vegan has allowed me to focus on quality over quantity and made me more conscious about my purchases, which has led to a less cluttered and more purposeful life. 

• Increasing energy levels: I’ve noticed a significant boost in my energy levels since going vegan because plant-based proteins are easier to digest than those found in meat. The high fat content of meat slows down the stomach-emptying rate, leading to bloating, discomfort, and a higher chance of unwanted weight gain.
• Getting a “vegan glow”: My skin and hair look better in my late 30s than they did in my late 20s. Certain types of fruits and vegetables contain nutrients known to enhance the skin’s appearance—making it clearer and more glowing. On the other hand, meat, eggs, dairy, and processed animal-based foods often contain chemicals, hormones, antibiotics, and other toxins.

Conscious Consumerism

• Reading labels: I became diligent about reading the labels on foods, cosmetics, and household products. When I started doing this, it was helpful to review PETA’s animal-derived ingredients list.
• Boosting personal finances: By being mindful of my purchases, I stopped impulsively buying things. Plus, vegan staples are generally more affordable than animal-derived foods. The money I’ve saved by buying foods like pasta, chickpeas, rice, tofu, and beans has helped my finances greatly.
• Supporting ethical brands: My shift to vegan living encouraged me to support brands that prioritize cruelty-free and sustainable practices.  When choosing cruelty-free makeup, skincare, and household products, I rely on PETA’s extensive Beauty Without Bunnie database to make sure that I’m supporting brands committed to treating animals with respect.

A Journey Worth Taking

My decision to go vegan has been one of the most transformative choices in my life. Vegan living has made me more compassionate, healthier, and more aware of my impact on the world and everyone who lives in it. If you’re considering making the switch, go for it! You’ll see your life change for the better, too.