The videos of animals for slaughter are catching my attention

Instagram’s algorithm is — obviously — very good at identifying your attention and showing you more similar content.

This for example.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2iap-4q4mU/?igsh=ZXVrdnJmenBoeWY4

A cow looks scared and sad. I realize this is very anecdotal, but I can no longer ignore the images of animals suffering or on their way to being slaughtered.

I’m not a vegan, not even a vegetarian. In recent years I’ve reduced my meat consumption but mainly for health reasons. As a runner, I feel better following a plant-based diet. I don’t claim that my approach to nutrition is science-based. I simply feel better avoiding meat, especially anything that originates from industrial-scale production.

But I’d have some meat once a month or so. I often have chicken.

I never thought there’d be a more emotional side to how I think about my nutrition but suddenly I’m starting to understand the sentiment of people who believe in the ethical treatment of animals, and compassion and empathy for all living things.

The change won’t happen fast. The problem with the vegan diet is that it requires a time investment. I can’t just eat greens. I need to get all the nutrients, especially considering my…