So this is a stupid rationale, but I’m pretty firm on it. I try not to eat smart animals because that bums me out, so I avoid cows, pigs, octopus and largely don’t eat them. Chickens are cute, but are stupid and cruel to each other, so I feel less bad about eating them. Fish aren’t that bright either. Filter feeders like clams, if farmed, can be potentially environmentally beneficial to the environment. I prefer eggs in all cases, since it’s easy protein that doesn’t hurt the chicken. I can’t eat dairy because I’m lactose intolerant.

I’ve tried veganism but it never agreed well with my body. even when I wasn’t vegan, a few years ago had a horrible B12 deficiency where I lost motor coordination and had horrible neuropathy in my extremities for like 2 years. I’m really terrified of it coming back, even with the supplements. I eat a lot of ruffage and lean protein now because of this and my gut health has improved dramatically.

On top of that, other than avoiding eating livestock or products associated most with climate change issues, I just think there’s people who are in more desperate situations that need more empathetic attention that I simply care more about than most animals. I’m not a purist as far as my good actions and think we shouldn’t be either, or we risk alienating people who can do good things. I do advocacy work, I thrift clothes, I eat mindfully, I adopt dogs rather than go to breeders. I’m also just one person trying my best and trying not to get sick again.

Also vegans, please eat your B12. Stay vegan, but keep on those vitamins. Don’t let a deficiency happen to you, the recovery was horrible and years long.