Why go veg?

So why go veg? Everyone has their own stories and reasons. Mine involves a memory from years ago when I was 17 and visited a slaughterhouse (or abattoir for those who prefer the less visual term).  I remember the blood, the butcher wiping his hands on his bloody smock before shaking our hands and the cows hanging from hooks...memories that caused me to not eat meat for a year following this experience.

Although this memory remains with me, my conviction faded and my priorities in life changed—family, house, career.

Now, many years later, I am re-visiting my beliefs and convictions after a re-newed interest sparked by discussions with a coworker.

In October 2009 I started researching and experimenting with meat alternatives, and in November I consciously decided to remove meat from my diet.

So back to the question of why?

Although I have eaten meat for many years I have always been uncomfortable in accepting the fact that animals are being killed for us to eat.

1. Although I would never criticize people for killing animals to eat (it's a personal choice), I certainly feel that I can't feel disdain for the slaughtering process while continuing to eat meat myself.
2. Under ordinary circumstances, if given the chance, I would not be able to kill and butcher an animal (even fish) in order to eat—unless I was absolutely starving.
3. In today's society there are many alternate products that would make a vegetarian diet more interesting.

I am now in my third month and counting...