Ominvore or Herbivore?

[Niana Savage]

I have been holding off on this decision for quite a while, because I still haven't decided where I want to go with this.

Vegetarian or non-vegetarian......

What are the pros and cons.
obviously there is a great deal playing into the whole animal rights thingy which I only partially buy into.

And the health experts never really agree on what is actually healthier, not to mention that it is a great deal easier to balance one's diet when non-veg.

I have friends who are vegetarians and have a terribly complex 'this type of protein plus that type of protein' regimen that seems not only frustrating but expensive.

In the interest of the environment eating lower on the food chain is better for the world, but I also get the fuzzy feeling that it is also much more expensive for those having economic hardships to choose being veg. because a complete diet does not come cheap in 'healthy' alternative foods.

Please advise.....

which way to go?

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There's a hole in my head where the rain comes in.

[mthrlangl]

Why don't you try giving up pork and red meat first? If you can live with that, try getting rid of chicken. Then move to no seafood, etc. I would recommend going step by step until you find a level of vegetarianism that you're comfortable with. You also need to decide if you want to be just vegetarian (no meat, but dairy) or ovo-lacto vegan (no meat, no dairy), or full vegan (no animal by-products in anything - this includes leather shoes, etc.) I'm fairly sure I got the names of the levels right, but if I didn't, someone please feel free to correct me.

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We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year. ~ Pink Floyd (Wish You Were Here)

[Always An Alien]

*Well, as I always say: All things in moderation.*

I tend to eat very little meat and red meat only once in a blue moon. I think red meat is the only *real* no-no (health wise).

Try cutting down. Start by using meat as a compliment to the meal instead of the main course. I have found ground turkey works very well in most recipes calling for ground beef. If you need any recipes, let me know.

[Niana Savage]

Recipes are always a great thing.

I have switched over to meat-like soy patties and crumbles, but I am still not exactly sure why I would want to go completely over...

I think vegan is out of the question for me. I am only sold on some levels of animal rights ....having grown up on the farm I came to peace with animal slaughter and eating what you kill.

I guess it would be different if there were no alternative meat producers than the factories but there are ....and for now I can afford them....so I am unsure how to proceed....

oh well...post those recipes...


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There's a hole in my head where the rain comes in.

[liltaz]

I was what mth calls an ovo-lacto vegan for 2.5 years. It was before it was trendy and before it was easy to find substitutes for the meat. It was tough and it was expensive.

I don'tknow what it'd be like now. Tofu is your friend, though.

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"The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too."

- Samuel Butler

[Beaker]

I got E coli from the school cafeteria first semester of college, and I've been vegetarian ever since http://www.aliensoup.com/ubb/smilies/smile.gif Being a vegetarian definately helps keep weight off. In fact, I get yelled at for being too thin. So, if / when you go vegetarian, make sure you dont lose too much weight. I went down about 30 pounds, and I was only 160 to start with.

Beaker

[liltaz]

Oh don't believe that. I've known LOTS of fat vegetarians. Veggie does not = skinny

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"The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too."

- Samuel Butler

[Beaker]

I just meant *some* people lose too much weight.

Beaker

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My social security number makes me unique.

http://www.popflux.com

[liltaz]

gotcha. I've just heard too many people say "I'm skinny because I'm a veggie" or "I'm going to become a veggie so I can lose weight" it's not that easy. Whether you're a veggie or a regular person (http://www.aliensoup.com/ubb/smilies/lol.gif) if you eat right, you'll lose weight or at least maintain a healthy weight.

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"The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too."

- Samuel Butler

[Alyth]

Hmmm I'm thinking this is more food related. I'm going to move this to food & drink http://www.aliensoup.com/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

Meanwhile... Just don't leave meat out of the picture. It's good to have a little meat cause your body needs the proteins. But if you choose to become vegetarian that's great!

I am not a vegetarian personally cause I am allergic to some vegetables that alot of restaurants serve (premixed) and I don't like to cook much. I also love the taste of a good steak. I just have to be careful on how much I eat.

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"I've been around the world and found that only stupid people are breeding..."

LOVE ME LOVE MY DOG

I never make the same mistake twice. Everyday I make new ones.

[zmifwaf]

Doesn't really matter much which way is healthier, I could never go vegetarian. I love a good steak as much as just about anything else I could eat. And a meal just doesn't seem complete without some sort of meat. Be it beef or chicken stir-fry, eggs w/ fried rice, steak & baked potatoes, whatever, I need my meat. http://www.aliensoup.com/ubb/smilies/lol.gif <Homer>Mmmmm.....steak....arrr rrhhhhhggggg</Homer> Mmm, now I'm hungry.

(I'm just glad I don't (yet) have a weight problem. Phew!)

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Hindsight is always 20-20. But looking back it's still a bit fuzzy. --Mustaine

[WaterB]

yeah.. vegan != skinny.. (!= is not equal).. i went to a chinese vegetarian place.. they dumped in all this oil and other stuff to make it taste better, but all that grease will clog up your arteries as well...

and for Niana.. i think that giving up red meat and just stick to chicken/seafood is a good start.. if you feel the need to go further then go to the darkside http://www.aliensoup.com/ubb/smilies/tongue.gif

edit.. oops for got to say why.. um.. you lose a lot of protein when you switch over to vegan.. sure tofu and other meat substitutes (all made of soy) is a good substitute but there are certain proteings/amino acids you lose which your body needs certain amounts of.

remember: beef.. it's what's for dinner http://www.aliensoup.com/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

[Always An Alien]

http://www.vegetarian-recipe.com/recipes/recipemain.html

Niana:
Hey! Saw this and thought it might come in handy if you decide to give it a shot.

Poss: They even have an eggplant recipe just for you.

<font color="#000000">[Edited by Always An Alien on October 08, 2000 (edited 1 time)]</font>

[spidergoolash]

i've been "trying" to become a vegetarian for years http://www.aliensoup.com/ubb/smilies/lol.gif i actually don't like red meat and most fish at all &lt;gag&gt; so giving that up was easy, but i *do* enjoy chicken once a month or so and man, i *cannot* give up my thanksgiving and holiday turkey.

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"i like crumbs ..."