As for morals, i think it's a personal thing for what each person thinks is right for them. I don't eat eggs because there's nowhere near me (that i'm aware of) to buy them where I know that they are coming from a humane situation. However, when I was with a friend on her family's farm for a weekend I ate eggs then. Their chickens are pets for the most part, they're happy and loved. I could see no reason not to eat the egg.
I don't eat meat in the States at all, however, when I head back to DR and visit family that lives on the farm.. I will occasionally have a bit of sancocho or something with goat in it. Again, there's no factory farming and I know the animals are being raised humanely. Nothing is at the expense of the treatment of the animals. They raise them, love them and when it's needed (which isn't that often) in a humane way kill and consume the animal. This is rare that I'm a part of this, but it happens and I don't feel guilt.
I'm about 85% vegan or so. I'm not militant about it. I do what works for me and what let's me sleep at night. From switching to a mostly vegan diet I see huge differences. BUT I have to say it's not just about being vegan (a plant based diet). It's about getting the right amount of nutrients my body needs in addition to no longer consuming fried, processed, GMO, etc... foods. So, yes I see many of the same differences that Casey mentioned. Near flawless skin (a blemish here and there, sure.. but good/clear complexion, great elasticity, no acne, etc), much more energy (I only sleep about 5 hrs per night and it's really all I need), I've lost weight which i'm not thrilled about.. but for someone who wants that as well.. it's there. Yes, I've seen benefits. But I can't say it's completely from being vegan as it's moreso about lifestyle changes.
I had to learn HOW to be vegan. Which was a transition. A lot of people simply leave out the meat on a meal or switch to a lot of unhealthy options and processed powders/etc to get their nutrients which isn't healthy or safe. The same with being a vegetarian.. a lot of time people end up with diets based on a lot of cheese and pasta.. again, not the best way to go.
For me, I'm not a huge fan of vegetables, lol. BUT i'm a major fruit person. SO.. I consume a LOT of "green smoothies." This is 50% fruit to 50% leafy green vegetable. It takes some initial planning to get the nutrients you need for the day right, but once you know it.. you know it. They are absolutely delicious and extremely filling while being simple to make. An example of an easy one can be as simple as carton of mixed berries from the grocers, one whole mango and 2 cups of Kale. blend. It comes out a gross green color (hence green smoothies) but you do not taste the vegetables. I share them with my dog

lol. That doesn't cover me for protein though, so I make my dinner protein heavy.. something with quinoa (can be used like rice or pasta) or something with various beans.
Daiya I use for cheese. No, it's not a perfect comparison but it's close. But the thing is, you can't look for something to be exactly the same as what you're used to otherwise you'll fail at being vegan/vegetarian. I've seen a lot of people go back to eating meat/dairy because they couldn't find perfect replicas of what they were used to eating. it's a different thing and should be treated that way. Play around with what works for you. My fav non-dairy milk is Almond Breeze. It's not soy (which is great as soy isn't good for you anyway) and it has a very mellow taste. Works great with cereal and in recipes. Another thing I'd suggest avoiding are the processed vegan/vegetarian "meats". They're pointless. A ton of calories and outside of not being actual meat, they simply aren't healthy or beneficial.
Although i'm generally not a fan of Peta, they do have some amazing books with simple recipes for vegan/vegetarian meals. Fast and cheap with easy ingredients to locate. As for fast food, stick with ethnic restaurants. Caribbean/South/Central American/Indian/Asian, etc restaurants almost always have vegetarian and/or vegan options or something really close.
I feel like i'm rambling. Hopefully that makes sense. I tried to offer not a textbook answer but a more personal answer. Hope it helps.
