When did Vegetarian Become "Vegan"?

[imported_User Name]

OK heres the deal; MobilJay is close in the definition, but it goes a bit further.

A vegetarian will not eat 'flesh' of any kind but will consume dairy/eggs. A vegan will not eat flesh, dairy, eggs. Additionally a true vegan will not wear leather or other item of clothing which is made from, in whole or in part, an animal and some will not take medications which is animal based or has an ingrediant that originates from an animal/living creature.

I have been a vegetarian for about 30 years, not really sure why and not only do I not miss meat but I become ill in every sense of the word when I see meat-can't explain it.

Since making the switch my health improved 100%, was taken off all blood and cholesterol meds.

There really are alot of good reasons to get off meat, the consumption has a great impact on resources as does the production of vegetables but to a lesser extent.

But I guarantee you that anyone who visits a packing plant (and yes CERTAIN types of poultry operations) will be changed forever.

We do like traveling in the South but going near/by the processing factories is difficult; an endless procession of livestock/fowl being transported in ways that really should be regulated more.

Gelatin anyone?

Some of the numbers are staggering-the DAILY consumption-according to some- of chicken in the US is about 24 million birds (270/sec), the global yearly consumption is approaching 10 BILLION.

Pigs, roughly 318,000 per day, US and cows, about 400/hour US.

Imagine the resources needed, feed-water-medications, total manure proudced :w00t:

But, to each their own.

Tom,

A few things...

First, I agree with you 100% on the health issue (as it concerns cholesterol). I WISH I had the resolve to stop eating meat, as I come from a family with a history of heart disease, yet I can't seem to stop. It is as though only meat fills me.

Second, my brother in law owns a company that is one of the largest suppliers of fine meat so fine dining restaurants in Canada. He and I have this debate (about the cruelty and conditions at slaughter houses). Again, I must say that I agree with you 100% on what goes on in these places.

Unfortunately, for all of that which I agree with you, I would be lying if I thought I could give up meat entirely. I don't eat meat on Wednesdays and Fridays for religious reasons, but I just can't see myself stopping for life.

Who knows, maybe with age will come wisdom and I'll become a vegetarian as well.

I do however have questions about "non-meat" protein and whether it is truly sufficient to sustain a healthy lifestyle. I remain unconvinced that the proteins found in beans and other legumes is sufficient to sustain the body in a healthy way. Maybe I'm wrong, but I've read a lot of literature to suggest non-meat protein is in many ways inferior to the protein found in a good old steak!

 

[imported_Flash Gordon]

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[Paul Sparks]

I've learned in life if it taste good then it must be bad for ya or so the experts say. Funny thing is you see a lot of people over 80 eating meat and having a adult beverage and or a smoke after the meal . " When the gal told me she was a vegetarian I just smiled back and told her I was a humanitarian " .

Paul S

 

[imported_User Name]

I've learned in life if it taste good then it must be bad for ya or so the experts say. Funny thing is you see a lot of people over 80 eating meat and having a adult beverage and or a smoke after the meal . " When the gal told me she was a vegetarian I just smiled back and told her I was a humanitarian " .

Paul S

I think that's like the 1% rule.

1% of the population can get away with anything and still live well.

My maternal grandfather. 86 and still going strong. Smoked until age 80, drinks every single day. Eats what he wants to eat. Worked in a steal factory until age 65 inhaling all kinds of crazy fumes and doing extremely hard labor. Took a terrible beating at age 76 during a home invasion (front page news in Detroit years ago) but other than a few busted teeth and some now-heeled broken bones, guy is still in great shape. Go figure.

(Now grandpa sleeps with a 50 caliber magnum on his night stand - lol).

 

[imported_broker99]

I think that a lot of it comes down to genetics as far as life span goes. I am not saying that good choices dont come in to play but you always hear about the health nut that has a heart attack. I could really get going about this post but I am going to stay out of it.
However I do think that a clean car help you feel better. :biggrin::biggrin:

 

[imported_Tom]

Good point about protein, while all meat is a complete protein all vegetable protein may not be complete but can be made so with a few additions, it is my understanding that all dairy/eggs offer complete proteins, good for me as I do consume dairy.

The pediatrician in the family has no issues at all with kids going vegetarian but he will qualify it by saying - if done correctly, the complete protein thing-then he will go on to say on little protein we really do need.

My problem is that by eating lots of pasta, rice, bread, cheese I do have to exercise alot to keep the weight off, but that is genetic with my family also and of course its not inexpensive, but then again meat costs are very high also.

And of course there are risks associated with vegetables from south of the border, which is why I do NOT eat food from those areas.

When the local/US veggies end its time for Candian hydroponic crops, then European veggies, then frozen and canned US stuff-thank goodness for Walmart and BJ's-gotta love those 3lb tins of stuff, :biggrin:

It can drive you nuts at times.