I am proud to say I have been Meat Free since 1996. I was in the 6th grade when I decided to give it up. A very big decision for such a young person. I wouldn't change a thing though (except for eating healthier ALL the time!)

I have so much compassion for animals I could not think of eating one again. Now before you get angry at me, I would like to make this clear - I by no means judge others who do not have a vegetarian/vegan diet. I am not telling you to stop eating meat. I am not saying you don't have compassion for animals if you eat them. To each their own I say!

95% of my friends eat meat, but they respect me for my personal decisions, as I respect theirs. So let's all come together and share the kindness of a hug!

"'Hug a Vegetarian' Day is for hugging the people who love animals the most: vegetarians and vegans! Adopting a meat-free diet saves the lives of about 100 animals per year. Doesn't that put you in the hugging mood?"

I have a challenge for you on 'Hug a Vegetarian Day.' If you are not already a vegetarian, tomorrow I want you to try and go the whole day without eating meat. Will you take the challenge?

Check out this article from FOX News on the Benefits of a Healthy Whole Vegetarian Diet.

And, check out some famous Veggies HERE.

And don't forget, most importantly, hug a vegetarian tomorrow (Sept 30th)

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