Gozde Nur Kesgin: My Path to Vegetarianism & A Meat-Free Life
I wasn’t always conscious of the impact my food choices had on the world around me. My transformation began with a single, powerful moment that changed everything.
I vividly remember watching my uncle fishing one summer afternoon. As he caught a fish and threw it into the bucket, I peeked over and watched it struggle to survive, gasping for air.
This image threw me off so much emotionally that the thought of eating something so alive felt strange, even unsettling. It was then I started questioning the idea of consuming animals as a meal.
As time went on, my perspective on food began to shift dramatically. I encountered a quote that challenged my previous understanding: “Oh, you say you love fish? Is that why you took it out of water, killed it, and boiled it? Don’t tell me you love fish. The truth is, you love yourself because the fish tastes good to you.”
Those words hit me like a thunderbolt. If we truly loved animals, how could we justify treating them as nothing more than a meal?
My transition to vegetarianism wasn’t overnight. For six months, I immersed myself in learning. I devoured books about animal liberation, watched eye-opening documentaries like Earthlings, and found unexpected inspiration in music. The Smiths’ “Meat is Murder” became an anthem of sorts, its lyrics echoing my growing convictions.
A defining moment came during a mountaineering camp in the mountains of Antalya, Turkey. My tent partner, a committed vegetarian, shared her philosophy of not wanting to put anything “dead” into her body. Her quiet dedication was infectious. Those days in nature, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, deepened my connection to the world around me and solidified my resolve.
Convincing my family wasn’t easy. My mother, traditional in her cooking and thinking, struggled to understand my choice. She worried about my health, about whether I’d get enough nutrition. But as she saw me thrive—my energy levels high, my passion for life even higher—her skepticism transformed into support. Now, she experiments with vegetarian recipes, creating delicious meals that bring us closer together.
My work colleagues have been surprisingly supportive. We often dine at restaurants that cater to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, creating an environment of mutual understanding and respect. I like to think that my journey might inspire others to consider their own food choices, even if just for a moment.
One of my favorite discoveries has been the rich world of Turkish vegetarian cuisine. The Olive Oil Braised Green Beans—a simple yet hearty dish made with fresh green beans, ripe tomatoes, and golden olive oil—has become a staple in my diet. It’s a reminder that compassionate eating can be both nutritious and incredibly satisfying.
Through my work with QI and the RYTHM Foundation, I have found even deeper meaning in my choice. During a recent tree-planting initiative in Turkey, we planted 2,000 trees—a tangible way of giving back to the planet that sustains us. Each tree felt like a small act of love, a commitment to something larger than myself.
To anyone considering a vegetarian lifestyle, my advice is simple: Listen to your heart. If you truly love this planet and everything on it, you will find that making compassionate choices becomes less of a sacrifice and more of a joy.
My journey isn’t just about what I eat—it’s about how I choose to live, love, and connect with the world around me.
Gozde Nur Kesgin is a Marketing & Communications Specialist under our wellness & lifestyle subsidiary, QNET. She is a strong advocate for a meat-free lifestyle and its positive impact.