Question of the month: how has your veg lifestyle influenced others?

When my coworkers see me eating so many different and great-smelling things for lunch each day, they understand vegetarianism is definitely not a handicap. One coworker made the leap herself after observing my wide range of" lunches--many made from recipes in VT!

Diane Eardley

Los Angeles

I went veg in ninth grade and endured endless mocking from my brothers. Seventeen years later, I'm happy to say that they have both gone veg. I'll take a little credit!

Jessica Rigby

San Francisco

I am a nurse and mother of four; people always ask how I look so young and stay so thin. I'm quick to attribute those things to a veg lifestyle. My coworkers are fascinated by the "weird" food I eat, but I always offer a taste and most people like it. Many show me when they have something veg to eat or ask for recipes. People often want diet advice; I explain to people that vegetarianism is not a diet, it's a lifestyle choice, and that adopting a meat-free lifestyle is beneficial for long-term health--it's not just a quick weight-loss trick.

Kristine Hunt

Mullica Hill, NJ

My veg lifestyle has recently influenced my daughter. She's started eating finger foods and just loves veg staples like tofu, beans, Gardenburgers, sweet potatoes and butternut squash. And I truly enjoy watching her eat healthy veg foods!

Amy Schwartz

Vista, CA

My husband and I became vegan overnight after reading T. Colin Campbell's book The China Study. We're much more healthy and athletic, and friends ask how we do it. We've loaned his book to so many people and even gave copies as Christmas gifts last year. As a result, many have either become veg or are eating much healthier food. While I would like to say it's our doing, the real credit goes to Dr. Campbell. Ken and I truly believe he has given us the gift of many more happy, productive years. Our first vegan anniversary was March 12, and we look forward to many more together!

Patty Gann

Via email

My veg diet makes my coworkers curious about what I'm eating, because I always have food that's colorful and smells delicious.

Paul Harrington

Via email

My friends have begun to think about what adopting a vegan lifestyle can do for our world. I cook for my friends and family to expose them to different foods and preparation styles. At the very least, my vegan lifestyle has opened up the minds of those around me, whether they incorporate a change into their lives or not.

Ashley Anderson

Via email

My vegetarianism has influenced my husband the most; he has to cook his own meat dishes now!

JoAnne Rosenfeld

Egg Harbor, WI

My parents were big-time meat eaters, and I never saw my mum eat vegetables. I became vegetarian two years ago, and when I visit my parents now, my mum always has a veg meal for us. She enjoys trying recipes from VT, and my dad even eats tofu! My mom's concern for the health of my four kids has disappeared; she's proud of how healthy they are and never tells me they need meat.

Kelly J.

Via email

My husband Shawn gave up all meat except for seafood (we're working on that!) after eating meat for over 30 years. I'm hoping I broadened that influence with our recent vegan wedding!

Dominique Cozatt

Cumberland, MD

My parents were upset when I went veg at age 16 because they thought I couldn't be healthy without meat. Fifteen years later, my lifestyle has inspired my husband, brother and sister-in-law to become vegetarian. We're raising our newborn daughter this way, and my mum, who has learned about the benefits, is now happy that we're all veg!

Jennifer E.

Doylestown, PA

My vegan lifestyle inspired my husband to become a vegetarian after 43 years of eating meat. I never expected him to adapt to my ways, but we've sampled so many new recipes and foods together that he made the change on his own--and admits that he feels much healthier and more energetic. I don't think he'll ever give up dairy, but he respects and supports my veganism. You can't ask for much more than that!

Lori Beth Kidd

Fort Myers, FL

I work with women who love having pottucks for lunch. Since I went veg, they've developed some great creative meatless dishes. Although they haven't changed their habits at home, I'm proud to have encouraged better eating at work. No more greasy, meat-filled dishes! We have plenty of veggies, fruits and beans, and they look forward to my new issues of VT.

Nancy Polidori

Via email

My mom, dad and grandma have all become semi-veg, on their way to full-time vegetarians! It's great to know I've changed their diets and views on animal welfare.

Molly, age 13

Via email

My husband doesn't eat meat around me out of respect, and rarely eats it when we're apart. After taking my in-laws to a Meat Out celebration last year, my father-in-law gave up meat on the spot after learning the benefits to himself and the environment.

Karen Wood

St. Louis

Three of my friends have become vegetarian in the past year, and my father, great carnivore that he is, even said Boca burgers "weren't so bad." That's a big compliment coming from him!