Although much health research supports widespread adoption of a mostly (if not totally) veg'n diet, vested political and economic interests are able to successfully downplay the significance of that research.  Remember, changing the status quo is much more difficult than simply maintaining it.  While those who want to change the status quo have to win, the defenders don't have to win, they simply need to avoid losing.  Additionally, many of the dominant movement strategies employed up to now are fundamentally limited in their effectiveness.  Until we respond to these challenges, movement progress will necessarily be limited.

Although supportive research is one of our most powerful tools, the supporters of the dominant nutrition paradigm present a formidable obstacle, and are able to maintain the status quo.   Thus, one essential step toward substantial movement progress is to present a credible challenge to the dominant nutrition paradigm.  Developing such a challenge is virtually impossible without a large number of professional, credible veg'n voices.  Therefore, a "critical mass" of veg'ns who make nutrition (or a related health profession) a career is necessary to alter the dominant paradigm.  It may be an unfortunate comment on society, but recognized credentials bring instant credibility; imagine the potential impact of 25,000 veg'n, CREDENTIALED nutrition professionals advocating the cause. 

It's time for YOU to step up to the plate.  Make nutrition your career.  You---and the animals and the planet---will be glad you did.

For more information, advice and to share ideas, please join us on our new Veg Nutrition Professionals Board, hosted by Mark Rifkin, MS, RD.

• Nutrition Careers board

Mark Rifkin, MS, RD, is a former animal activist and has been a vegetarian for over twenty years. After being employed in another field for fifteen years, he recently became a Registered Dietitian. He also earned an MS in Health Education. He is starting a private practice in Baltimore, MD focusing on plant-based nutrition for prevention as well as treatment of various chronic diseases and conditions, including diabetes, overweight/obesity, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, gout, women’s health concerns, cancer, and early stage kidney failure.

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