NOTE: I'm not forcing anyone to do anything

I want to make that perfectly clear.

I promote a plant-based diet just as I promote drinking 64 ounces of water each day and flossing regularly. But there is no debate over whether or not these things are good for you. No matter how much water you drink or how frequently you floss, I am sure that you know these are things you ought to do for your health.

Even smokers know that it is bad for them. But like eating meat, it is a personal choice.

The only difference is that we, as a nation of meat eaters, are unwilling to accept that meat is unhealthy and cruel because we were raised to think otherwise. If we were all raised to smoke cigars, we would be quite appalled if somebody suggested that we shouldn't.

So all I'm saying is that people would be better off cutting back on their meat intake. And if you want to stay very healthy and enjoy a long, cruelty-free life, you must cut out meat, and other animal products, altogether.

Protein

Here is the lamest excuse most vegans hear all too much: "I could never stop eating meat. How would I get enough protein?"

Yes, protein is important. Yes, meat contains a lot of protein. No, it is not the only source of protein.

Removing flesh from your diet will be detrimental to your health if you do not make the effort to get enough protein and vitamins, ESPECIALLY if you are an athlete! This is totally doable with a vegan diet, you just have to learn how.

To get you started, here is a link to a great site about vegan nutrition and getting enough protein in your diet [just ignore that picture of shirtless muscle man at the top of the site]: http://www.vegetarianteen.com/articles/robertcheekeprotein.shtml