[Tweety]

Hi lola! It's great that you're considering vegetarianism. Goveg.com has some great advice. Check them out. Some people like to ease into vegetarianism, and other jump in feet first and never look back.

My advice has always been variety, variety and variety and your body won't miss the "benefits" that you say meat has. Good luck. Let us know how it goes and if you have any questions.

[Scrubby]

Hey great thread! I stopped eating red and white meat about a year and a half ago because of ethical reasons and became a pescetarian. Two months ago I've stopped eating all seafood and am on a strict vegetarian (lacto-ovo) diet and loving it!

You have to be so careful though when buying food. I still eat cheese but have to make sure it doesn't have animal derived rennet in it. Also I have to watch out for gelatine as well as it's a byproduct of slaughtered animals.

I get a bit annoyed with some people though. The other day I was going to a family dinner and reminded them I'm vegetarian and was told 'that's ok we have chicken'. Some people seem to think that chicken grows on trees!

[Tweety]

Originally Posted by Scrubby

Hey great thread! I stopped eating red and white meat about a year and a half ago because of ethical reasons and became a pescetarian. Two months ago I've stopped eating all seafood and am on a strict vegetarian (lacto-ovo) diet and loving it!

You have to be so careful though when buying food. I still eat cheese but have to make sure it doesn't have animal derived rennet in it. Also I have to watch out for gelatine as well as it's a byproduct of slaughtered animals.

I get a bit annoyed with some people though. The other day I was going to a family dinner and reminded them I'm vegetarian and was told 'that's ok we have chicken'. Some people seem to think that chicken grows on trees!

Glad to see your post.

I get the "yeah but you eat chicken and fish don't you?" statements sometimes and have to laugh.

It was a rude awakening years ago when I learned where rennet in cheese came from. Also gelatin is in a lot of things. I was hurt when I saw gelatin as an ingredient in Altoids. I've recently switched to gelatin-free vitamins and the valarian (which helps me sleep sometimes).

I've recently learned about glycerin which can be found in soaps, gum, toothpaste just to name a few. It is animal derived as well. I've been trying various vegan gums because I like to chew gum. Most I've tried doesn't have flavor that lasts long.

[greenergrass]

Scrubby, Tweety -

I'm hyperventilating here! I guess I was being a bit naieve (sp?) thinking I could just eat cheese & things that weren't meat & be o.k.

Now I have to re-think the whole thing!

I guess there's not much to do about Rx meds. But I never even thought about gelatin in pills & where it comes from.

Now I'm sad. & thinking hard about things in my house.

[Tweety]

greener, it's a process. It's frustrating because animal products are in just about EVERYTHING.

This January for my News Years Resolution I decided to veganize/make greener my home and lifestyle. I did things one thing at a time. For example, I switched to all recycled paper products, I bought one green/non-animal tested/vegan cleaning product or toiletry a week - floor cleaner, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, tooth paste, etc. I switched to vegan soaps such as Veganu soap (found reasonably priced at veganessentials.com), switched to soy candles, and even switched to non-leather shoes and belts.

I switched my dogs to an all vegetarian diet and they are thriving.

Nine months later I can feel good about the things in my home. I'm not 100% green and vegan, but much better. The products can be expensive compared to some others, but I figure if I just spend an extra dollar or two a week on a product then I'm set, and can even stockpile things. Clorox has come out with a new brand of reasonably priced cleaning products called "GreenWorks" that isn't tested on animals, is non-toxic and uses plant products.

So when something runs out maybe you can switch to a better product, one product at a time.

Sometimes you do have to compromise with prescription medications that are necessary for your health and which no vegan alternative exists.

I also try not to drive myself crazy either, wondering "hmmm....I wonder if this "natural flavoring" in this sauce is vegan or not?". There's a balance between being kind to the earth and creatures in it and being neurotic. LOL

[Tweety]

Bump. No posts for this month??

What you guys up to?

[Iam46yearsold]

Actually I have been very well behaved, at least as far as being vegan goes. But it is time for deer season, and I am looking to go out. Its about the only time I ever look for anything male. But I have been eating very well. I shop at least every day or so at whole foods. They have such a grand selection that just makes me oh so happy.

[Spidey's mom]

Originally Posted by Tweety

Bump. No posts for this month??

What you guys up to?

I'm not up to much - but eating lots of veggies.

steph

[woknblues]

Flexitarian here. (love that term)

I have all but eliminated red meat and processed meat from my diet. I am probably getting the majority of my protein from fish, chicken and yellow peas and other legumes.

I have been doing this off and on for 20 years. My GF is a pescitarian.

I find for me, this works. I center my diet around complex carbs, using meat products sparingly (or more of a side dish) as compared to the veggies.

[khuship]

I m vegetarian since i was born Tell u the truth, it's great to be a vegetarian. Anyone wanna know vegetarian recipies, please let me know. I cook too