Vegetarianism and Veganism
There seems to be some confusion about what it means to be a vegetarian.
Simply put, it means you don't eat anything that has a beating heart. All animals, fish included, have a heart, a set of lungs, a brain ... just like you.
Veggie Paul McCartney once said "I don't eat anything that has a face" -- I think that sums it up.
Vegetarians : No fish, no beef, pork, lamb, chicken, goat, duck, buffalo, veal, venison, shrimp, mussels, clams, lobster, oysters.... you get the picture. However, dairy products such as milk, yoghurt, cheese, butter etc... are allowed. Eggs are iffy -- eggs can be considered a life-to-be. So some veggies won't eat them, others will. Veggies do not wear fur coats.
Vegans: No animal products whatsoever in daily life. No meats, fish, chicken, eggs, or seafoods. But also no dairy products - no milk, ice cream, cheese, butter etc-- because they come from animals. Vegans also do not use leather, silk or wool because these come from animals. Honey is not allowed because it comes from bees and bees are killed in the harvesting of honey. Hairbrushes or makeup brushes made from animal hair and not used. Vegans do not use down pillows, duvets or coats (feathers belong to ducks).
Veggies and Vegans do not use cosmetics that contain animal products e.g. hand lotion with lanolin, lip balms with beeswax.
By extension, neither vegans nor veggies use cosmetics from companies that continue with cruel animal testing. Look for cosmetics that dont test on animals.
Vegans do not use leather coats, shoes or bags. Vegans buy shoes made from canvas (espadrilles, sneakers) or synthetics. They do not wear wool so they wear fleece and microfibers in the winter. Vegans do not wear fur or down coats.
You can be vegan and still be ultra fashionable -- Stella McCartney is one designer who goes out of her way to make vegan shoes and accessories. Dior created vegan fashions for Natalie Portman to wear for their current advertising campaign.
There are lots of books on the benefits of vegetarianism. The China Study is one book that is often referred to as having comparative scientific information on the benefits of eating only plant products.
For those of you who are wondering where veggies get their protein -- all vegetables are full of protein !! But so are lentils, nuts, quinoa, beans, whole grains, dairy products, hemp seeds, soy products... there is no shortage of proteins. For vegans that dont use dairy, there is almond, hazelnut, hempseed milk ... all delicious and full of nutrients. Another benefit is that plants have no cholesterol and plant derived proteins are easy on your kidneys.
If the idea of going veggie is daunting -- then try one meal a day. Oatmeal with cashews, almonds, cinnamon and dried cranberries for breakfast instead of ham and eggs. A grilled veggie sandwich with mozzarella, fresh basil and olive oil on french baguette for lunch instead of a tuna sandwich. There is no deprivation in vegetarianism.
Eventually, try going veggie or vegan for a whole day or a whole weekend. Observe how you feel. You'll notice you feel better. And you'll find your taste changes -- it only takes about 2-3 weeks to change your tastes !
If you find you prefer the veggie lifestyle, dont be upset if you fall off the wagon from time to time -- you know, your mom makes the best fried chicken in the world and you couldnt resist -- it's ok, it happens. The world wont end. Just observe how your body feels after eating meat -- and get back to your veggie lifestyle.
