When I first thought about becoming a vegetarian, it was very out of the blue. I suppose the whole idea seemed appealing, new, and in a way, unusual to me. 

Now, I couldn’t imagine my life without it, though it hasn’t been that long since I even started my journey. Well, here’s how it all happened…  

I’ve lived full-time with my parents until 2015 (I make it sound like a job, but home life gets like that sometimes). I grew up in a household where meat and fish were a part of my diet, so I’ve never researched whether it was a good choice, or if my habits influenced anyone besides myself (selfish, I know).

In 2015, I had a change of scenery. 

I permanently moved to the UK to study. Being away from home, I started thinking if there was anything new I could bring into my existing routine, just for the sake of changing things up. 

At school, we had a vegetarian counter which I always avoided, but then, when I reflected on my eating habits, it was the first thing that popped up. Long story short, I decided that I was going to be a vegetarian. No motive – I was doing it just because why not? And it didn’t work out… I gave it 2 months and failed, thinking that it was way too restrictive. 

5 years later, I revisited the idea. Why? I became aware of the environmental impact by hanging out with people who care and gradually becoming a passionate activist myself. I learned about global issues: plastic pollution, CO2, deforestation, species extinction and so on. And that’s when it hit me. 

I started questioning my commitment to the environment – I doubted my loyalty because I couldn’t answer the following question: “If I care about the environment and animal rights, then why am I contributing to the industry that destroys animals for my satisfaction?”.

The more I thought about it, no answer which involved me eating meat seemed right. So I started doing research. I knew I was on my way to turning my life around – for real this time.  

3 FILMS THAT ‘TURNED’ ME VEGETARIAN AND WILL DEFINITELY PERSUADE YOU TO GIVE IT A GO TOO 

Being a visual learner, films were my way to go.  

1. The Game Changers (my all-time favorite!)

Now, this one is a very special one, so I’m putting it first. It was my ‘intro’ into a vegan/vegetarian life – my eye-opener – and so it became my absolute favourite. Having already watched it 3 times, I never get tired of coming back to it! 

The movie is introduced on its website as “a revolutionary new film about meat, protein, and strength”. And I really couldn’t agree more.

Strongly focusing on sports, the Game Changers explains the ways that diet can influence sport achievements. You might think “this really isn’t for me, I’m not into sports!”. Trust me, neither am I, and yet, seeing physical transformations helped me visualise the internal changes for the better. 

To say I was impressed is the least I can do to express how much this movie changed my vision. This definitely gets a big ‘recommend’ from me (I think you can tell). 

2. Cowspiracy 

 In my opinion, this film should be part of the school curriculum. As it was rightly put by Louie Psihoyos, Oscar-winning director of The Cove, “Cowspiracy may be the most important film made to inspire saving the planet.” 

Of course, I have to add a personal side-note: there’s no way you’ll find better inspiration for becoming vegetarian. This film goes beyond simply being a documentary. And it has a website too – a complete guide to being plant-based. What a catch, right? You absolutely must check it out! 

3. Eating animals 

This one was a tough one to watch, but I can’t deny its effect.The film took me through the realities of farming, showing the ‘behind the scenes’ of food production. 

The only thing I was left thinking was that I’m never having meat again – not because I no longer liked it, but because I didn’t want anything to do with the meat/fish industry anymore. It is repelling, revolting, cruel and destructive! 

This film became a winner of the 2019 Environmental Media Association Documentary Award. It was definitely well-deserved because it’s a breathtaking movie. 

So, whether you’re thinking about vegetarianism, considering it for a new lifestyle, or just interested in it, I urge you to watch these films. 

These movies show that being a vegetarian is more than simply refusing meat and fish. It is saving the lives of those who can’t speak out for themselves – the animals! It is about giving nature a voice and speaking out for it. It’s about backing up words with actions.

I’ve been a proud vegetarian for almost a year now. It’s been an eye-opening journey and a cleanse for my spirit.  I know I’m doing the right thing and I thrive from it. I’m enjoying my lifestyle and I’m so excited to see what it has in store for me for the future! 

Coming up in the next article series…

-      Challenges I face as a vegetarian: what it’s like having friends and family who eat differently.

-      Supermarket shopping: there’re more vegetarian choices than you think!

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Written by Lisa Levytska 

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