The Marietta Times, September 2, 2006

Andrew Husk

At the ripe old age of 18 years, Andrew Husk made the decision to try a meatless diet for one month.

"I was really into nutrition anyway and once I got through that first month, I liked it very much," Husk, 19, of Parkersburg, said.

The decision was a combination of things -- a concern for health issues, friends who were living a vegetarian lifestyle and curiosity.

When he was in high school, fast food and burgers were a steady diet, he said.

"The last few years I decided to try to be healthy," Husk said. "It's hard, because when you go out to eat with your friends, it's more difficult, but has been well worth it."

His favorite food is hummus and vegan cookies.

Today Husk is working on a brand new goal -- veganism. He's giving himself 40 days to adapt to the exclusion of all dairy.

He is beginning a new adventure soon -- four months training to work with inner city children through Metro Ministries, based in Brooklyn, N.Y.

"It's more difficult to be vegan," he said. "I have to read labels a lot more, but I really like trying new things."

For those who are just getting started with a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, Husk has advice:

"Try it for fun and see how you like it," he said. "There's a lot of health benefits and environmental benefits. I've lost some weight on it too."