Vegetarianism

[Snadger]

Why do people become vegetarians?

For once I'm not trying to stir things up, but have seriously thought about becoming a veggie.

I like the taste of meat myself but think that possibly in the distant future the human race may all become vegetarian. To put vegetable matter through an animal first, then eat the animal is quite a waste of resources methinks?
The only misgivings I have is that I think our bodies have evolved to be omniverous and I rather fancy that it will be a gradual phasing out of meat eating for the population over hundreds or even thouisands of years that will allow our bodies to be more receptive?

What do you think?

[Jeanied]

I went off red meat during the BSE crisis and never resumed it. I can't stand the smell even, these days.
I am not totally veggie by any means but when I crave foods it is almost always veggie stuff, not meat.
I do like fish though - so I try a Mediterranean diet which seems to be really healthy.

[Two_Sheds]

I think our bodies have evolved to be omniverous

We don't need meat though (well I don't). I've been veggie for 23 yrs now, never did like the taste of meat, any of it. Never been anaemic either.

I guess my main reason is that I don't like eating meat - the flavour nor the texture. I care about animal rights/welfare, but that's not my main reason.

[zazen999]

I just can't stand the thought of eating anything that had eyes and a brain and is now dead. Bleugh.

Simples.

[Two_Sheds]

I have always found it weird that people want to eat a dead animal (though I suppose a live animal would be worser)

[cardiffsteve]

A serious side question...
Do vegetarians eat eggs?


I'm afraid i do like meat its a matter of choice and i understand why people choose to be vegetarians
My BH doesnt like beef, she says its got no taste

[Two_Sheds]

yes

it's not flesh


but vegans don't

[cardiffsteve]

Thanks TS
I have always wondered but never asked and i hope you didnt think i was being "funny"

I not a troll

[VirginVegGrower]

I have been vegetarian over the years as I went through various health kicks/phases. I was certainly healthier but I live with a meat eater now from Yorkshire and cooking is too much of a faff. I love fish but he doesn't. I do also suffer with periodic anaemia which red meat helps with as I don't like spinach, etc. We only eat organic as I don't like to perpetuate the cheap cruel supermarket meat supply chain. I hope I am helping our farmers in part too, but I can understand vegetarianism as a health choice for both sides. Quorn is a good meat substitute.

[Rabidbun]

I grew up pretty much pescatarian, then changed to meat eating as I got a taste for it later on in life. I do however try to buy ethically and locally whenever I can and try to respect the animal that will have its life taken so that I may eat it.

In any event though I do like eating meat, and (luckily as it happens) I am quite happy to do so.
I would not be one of those who could have a vegan or vegetarian diet and remain healthy, as I am unable to eat many pulses, have to limit my intake of beans and cannot eat much soya or any quorn (or mushrooms). I also have to avoid wholegrain wheat products.

We do however limit our intake of meat for health reasons, and often use a much smaller amount to flavour a meal rather than having, say, a steak or chicken breast each as part of a meal. The chicken breast usually goes into two meals for two, a steak could stretch to three.

[Florence Fennel]

Very thought provoking Snadger. I'll need to think about this one

[Piggle]

I was a veggie throughout my teenage years as we had a trip to a farm during school and the farmer had a lorry full of something off to slaughter... it just put me off.

When I was body building I started eating it again as I just couldn't get enough protein down me ... I mean we're talking over 12 eggs a day and far too much chicken to contemplate.

Now I don't actually eat very much meat at all and when I do it has to be free range, I will not buy cheap meat ... I still can't stomach lamb but it's the smell of it more than anything, I'm not that keen on pork either but I do like all the gamey things like venison.

Good discussion Snadger.

[Rocketron]

My wife became a veggie at a young age as she doesn't like the taste or texture of meat.
I became virtually veggie very soon after meeting her as I can't be bothered cooking two meals and don't expect her to do so.
I can honestly say my diet is the best it's ever been.

[Snadger]

I grew up pretty much pescatarian, then changed to meat eating as I got a taste for it later on in life. I do however try to buy ethically and locally whenever I can and try to respect the animal that will have its life taken so that I may eat it.

In any event though I do like eating meat, and (luckily as it happens) I am quite happy to do so.
I would not be one of those who could have a vegan or vegetarian diet and remain healthy, as I am unable to eat many pulses, have to limit my intake of beans and cannot eat much soya or any quorn (or mushrooms). I also have to avoid wholegrain wheat products.

We do however limit our intake of meat for health reasons, and often use a much smaller amount to flavour a meal rather than having, say, a steak or chicken breast each as part of a meal. The chicken breast usually goes into two meals for two, a steak could stretch to three.

Had to look that one up!

[valmarg]

Oh dear Snadger, a view from the 'other side of the fence'

Man is naturally an omnivore, in that the gut is able to process meat and veg.

Personally I vere towards the carnivore.

I am a meat eater. The thought of being a veggieburger is not something I could be.

I am not saying that we don't occasionally have a meat free meal, but it would most definitely be the exception.

valmarg