Louise and I were vegetarian for one year. She continues to aspire to being vegan. And of course there are many reasons for this. The health, the ethical treatment of animals (once in awhile in Cotacachi you hear that awful squeal of a pig being killed), etc. But we are unable to maintain anywhere near a complete abstinence of meat. And as far as vegan goes - I could never make to that level because of cheese. Anyway I have adopted the engineers practical stance that eating "less meat, etc" is still beneficial. A practical comprimise.