Who here is a vegetarian? I am thinking about doing it.

[TheMarkz0ne 962]

I had eggs this morning, only because of the health benefits for raw eggs(natural farm eggs). But I haven't been eating meat in excess like I have been throughout my life. I have been sticking with salads, fruit plates and just well water, coffee, tea and squeezed juice. I hear that the human stomach cannot digest meat on a level of other animals. In other words, we weren't designed to eat meat. Because I pulled up sources on how our acid strength is weak to other animals and our canines are not meant for meat eating. So for the people who might be vegan or vegetarian, can I have some help here?

 

I am also changing my attitude on treatment towards all animals. I obviously have never killed an animal and devoured him/her. But I don't think I should eat meat. What if I was meat digesting in some animals stomach? What makes us better?

Edited May 16, 2014 by TheMarkz0ne

[Scootaloodle 1,622]

I’m not a vegetarian but I am thinking about it:

 

I couldn’t give a rats butt if meat is murder, but recently I’ve been enjoying meat foods less than I think I used to so for that reason I might go veggie 2

Edited May 16, 2014 by Asherdangerdash

[Everleaf 541]

I'm not vegetarian but sometimes I wish to be but well not easy so I will stick with it but maybe I will....maybe 

 

actually eating meat in a way is murder being the Flutterleaf (Fluttershy/Everleaf or just kind of Fluttershy I think it is pretty cruel I love animals and I wish it less painless for them like nothing happened I can't help but think of the poor chickens/cows/pigs and so on     it is hard for me to even try become one but I would say it IS a good idea but it is your choice...

[Evilshy 5,090]

Just because we can't digest meat as well as carnivores doesn't mean we shouldn't eat meat. Increased brain size in evolution seems to coincide with increased meat in a diet.

We're omnivores, so obviously we wouldn't be optimized for eating meat. We aren't optimized for eating plants, either. We don't need full carnivore canines because we aren't ripping through skin, flesh and bone with our teeth. We don't use our mouths to hold prey, and we basically never have. Far back on the evolutionary line, even before humans were around, our ancestors used their hands to hold and manipulate stuff. Even modern primates use tools and such to make eating easier.

 

But hey, its your business. I just hate to see people make big decisions based on flawed information.

[TheMarkz0ne 962]

Just because we can't digest meat as well as carnivores doesn't mean we shouldn't eat meat. Increased brain size in evolution seems to coincide with increased meat in a diet.

We're omnivores, so obviously we wouldn't be optimized for eating meat. We aren't optimized for eating plants, either. We don't need full carnivore canines because we aren't ripping through skin, flesh and bone with our teeth. We don't use our mouths to hold prey, and we basically never have. Far back on the evolutionary line, even before humans were around, our ancestors used their hands to hold and manipulate stuff. Even modern primates use tools and such to make eating easier.

 

But hey, its your business. I just hate to see people make big decisions based on flawed information.

Well to avoid conflict for the sake of staying on topic. The human and ape relationship argument has been weak. I need feasible proof we are apes. Darwinism is based on appearance equals relation. Apes have more chromosomes than we do and the human "tail bone" was axed more than a decade ago. You need to coccyx for ligament attachments for muscle movement, there was never a tail.

 

I accept evolution, but not Darwinism, which has no empiricism. It seems humans were meant to be herbivores. Meat, especially the cloned GMO crap is linked to heart disease and all sorts of illnesses.

[DragonFlyer 329]

I couldn't help seeing this topic and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. I've been a vegetarian for over fourteen years and a vegan for three. My only regret is that I didn't go vegan sooner. Now I don't want to get into any heated debates with people here (I came to these forums for ponies ) but the fact is you can be perfectly healthy without consuming animal products. As long as you're smart about it and eating properly it's practically impossible to have any kind of deficiency. But trust me if you eat nothing but pasta and cookies (I've known people that did this) you're gonna have a problem. Variety is key!

If you love the taste of meat/dairy the veg alternatives available these days are immense - veggie burgers, hot dogs, chicken, Daiya cheese, pizza, almond milk, ice cream, yogurt, veg bacon, the list goes on and on! The only downside is they can be a little pricey and even though these alternatives are a healthier option to their non-veg counterparts processed food is still processed food. I guess what I'm saying is focus primarily on whole natural foods: lots of fresh vegetables (dark leafy greens are especially healthy), fruits and proteins (Where do you get your protein!? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n20uGGNoVdo <- I can't get enough of this song, it's fun and informative!)

If you're interested you can find a nice starter's guide here: http://www.veganoutreach.org/guide/ or get a free starter kit from Mercy for Animals: http://www.mercyforanimals.org/vegan-starter-kit.aspx it's wonderful to hear you taking an ethical standpoint on this as well, that's the main reason I went vegan. The health benefits were just an added bonus. The sites listed also have more information on this. I hope you find some of that helpful and if you have anymore questions I'll do my best to answer.

[Admiral Regulus 2,769]

I am not a vegan, and I will probably never be. I love meat too much.

 

Veggie burgers are crap. It's like eating dirt, and that's on the optimistic side. There are no good alternatives to a nice, savory, juicy barbecue grass-fed beef burger.

 

I don't care that it kills animals. If I'm hungry, I will kill an animal to eat it. I'm not squeamish. I just got back from a week-long fishing trip. Just last Wednesday I cut open a redfish that I caught to eat it for lunch. It was delicious. I can't imagine feeling any differently about killing a cow or chicken.

 

The whole argument about humans being herbivores is ridiculous. Yes, it is true that our anatomy matches that of a herbivore. But, we don't need the digestive systems of carnivores to eat meat, because most of our food processing is done externally. We cook our food to help us digest it. We cut our food with knives and forks. We've become so fragile internally, to the point where we can't even drink untreated water. It's because we've evolved to do most of our food processing externally.

[Sugar Pea 2,682]

Do what you want to do, is all that must be said. Not "eating meat is evil" or it's murder. Hell, I just eat what comes on my plate and be thankfull I even get food at all...meat or not. If it's on the shelves, i'll eat it. That's just my opinion though. ^^'

You don't need people to tell you what you can and can't eat. You can be both, for all I care. lol
If you want eat veggies because they are more healthy, go right ahead and do it!

[NeedsMoreGoth 164]

From my perspective, people should eat both meat and plants. That's just how I've been raised I guess but c'mon. Nature knows. Just eat what you feel like eating. Heck, I've seen 1 guy that eats ONLY raw sheep and cow meat. There are also people who only eat plants. As for murdering animals, why not? That's the whole course of nature, to eat or be eaten. Collecting and picking is fun but I can't say no to the thrill of the hunt. If you are going vegetarian, mushrooms are a good choice. 

[TheMarkz0ne 962]

I am currently eating some homemade non GMO french toast with some fresh apples and real maple syrup 

 

I need to be careful with this, because I LOVE LOVE LOVE fish! And giving up fish is going to be insanely hard.

[Toast 55]

I only eat meat once a week. Sometimes once every two weeks. I was reading the same "humans weren't designed to eat meat" topic.

Ever since I began to eat meat a lot less, I feel much better spiritually and physically. My digestion seemed to have improved as well. I'm 20 years old, 5'11, and 120 pounds. I've always had a problem swallowing meat for some reason.

[TheMarkz0ne 962]

I only eat meat once a week. Sometimes once every two weeks. I was reading the same "humans weren't designed to eat meat" topic.

Ever since I began to eat meat a lot less, I feel much better spiritually and physically. My digestion seemed to have improved as well. I'm 20 years old, 5'11, and 120 pounds. I've always had a problem swallowing meat for some reason.

It's hard, but I have gone a little over a week without meat. So I am going to keep this going as I can. I need to hit the farm this weekend and get some fresh produce.

[Toast 55]

I only eat it when there's nothing else in the fridge. Also, some vegetarians eventually loose the ability to process it (from what I've heard) and get food poisoning as soon as they take one bite of meat again. I'm not sure if that's true.

[DragonFlyer 329]

 

Veggie burgers are crap. It's like eating dirt, and that's on the optimistic side. There are no good alternatives to a nice, savory, juicy barbecue grass-fed beef burger.

That's your opinion and I respect it but have to wholeheartedly disagree. Different brands taste different, when I first went vegan it took me a while to find a brand of non-dairy cheese that I liked. When I discovered Daiya it blew my mind...I was a "cheese addict" for years and actually liked Daiya more than 'regular' cheese. It's incredible! In my opinion brands like "Beyond Meat" and "Gardein" have really nailed it as far as veggie meats go. I've seen even the most hardcore meat addicts admit that they can't tell the difference. Maybe you just haven't tried the right brands and it's fine if you don't want to, no need to bash something just because you don't like it.

 

 

I need to be careful with this, because I LOVE LOVE LOVE fish! And giving up fish is going to be insanely hard.

Vegetarian/Vegan fish alternatives are also available, I've never tried too many myself because I've never been a seafood fan but I'm sure you could find one you'd enjoy.

[Lagom 204]

I used to be a pescetarian for about 3-4 months until I figured out it would be better for me to become a full pescetarian when I moved away from home. It isn't exactly easy being raised in a family, where the cusine is heavily based around meat. But when I started to eat meat again just recently it felt so odd and to some extend just plain and weird.

 

But if you choose to become vegetarian, remember to eat loads of beans to get your proteins! :3 Also the necessary fats, minerals and vitamins from fishs. 

[Dattebayo 2,850]

Just remember to take vitamins if you become a vegetarian.

Alot of nutrients you get from meat can't be ingested from plants.

 

That, or eat insects.

[Carbon Maestro 1,003]

Hmm, for bodybuilding I never found vegan to be an optimal choice for me. The amount of meat correlates to the amount of muscle gained, and typically I find myself to be an omnivorous type. So I end up having chicken or fish most of the time for high concentrated protein (No beef). I think this is in part of how I was raised (Cold climates with snow tend to be very bad places to be a vegetarian). Unfortunately I'm not a fan of protein supplements (Artificial), soy (If GMO, if in excess, or if not mixed with other protein), or insects (Gross), but I don't know if I can go even a few days on a vegan diet without disrupting my body build.

Edited May 16, 2014 by Carbon Maestro

[Oblivion 20,266]

I could never be vegitarian, let alone vegan! I am a man that needs his steak and chicken, however, if you feel like you wanna give it a go then by all means try it!

[Jamaican Jam 112]

Kinds like what I've said before, as long as the animal wasn't abused before the killing, eating meat is fine. Humans are omnivores. Besides, just like what can happen to meat, vegetables can be loaded with pesticides and other chemicals too. A proper balance of meat and vegetables (including fruit and grains) is the way to go.

Edited May 16, 2014 by Jamaican Jam

[crazitaco 596]

I've sort of thought about it before, but I don't think I have the willpower. I DO love meat.

Its not necessarily that I'm against meat eating, but I think the mass meat farms and cruelty to the animals in them is horrible. I have nothing against a farm that treats its animals with dignity and kills them as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Edited May 17, 2014 by crazitaco

[The Crimson Cross 7,532]

I have been vegetarian for about a year and a half now.

Mainly due to the fact that I don't particularly like the taste of meat and I can't stand to eat other animals...

I haven't had anything bad happen to me yet, but if you are considering becoming a vegetarian I encourage you to pick up some iron supplements at the local chemist.

Anaemia can happen quite easily if you are not careful.

[Nulln 755]

I've been a vegetarian for about 13 years, and I'm trying to be vegan now (i've had my cheese slip ups).  I'm actually lactose intolerant and can't have cheese and get really sick, but cheese has extremely addictive properties.  

 

Anyways, you do NOT need to take vitamins just because you're a vegetarian.  You can get basically everything you need from plants.  I think there's like one thing that is kind of hard, was it b12?  I can't remember, but there are tons of vegetarian foods that have it added, so you don't need to worry.

 

You don't need the fake meats, but if you want them, Morningstar brand is delicious!  I like when meat eaters say there's no good alternatives, when they haven't tried everything.  XD so how would they know?

 

I basically live off fruit.  I've had tons of blood tests because my doctor is very pro-meat for some reason, but I've always had perfect results on everything he tests me on.  No deficiencies, no high blood sugar, super good cholesterol, all that.  

 

You just need to find things that you like to eat, and don't be afraid to try new things.  If you don't like it, you don't like it, just try something else, no big deal.    Good luck!

[Envy 6,162]

I don't think I could be a vegetarian. I hate the idea of eating animals, and I hate the way they are treated. However, I have such a limited diet that I can eat, and some meat is a part of that. In fact, meats like chicken fajitas and sliced beef brisket are at the very top of the list. Mmm... xD

 

Okay, sorry... Totally went off there (and also made myself hungry >.<). There's so little I can eat, I'm not sure I should even think of cutting down what little I can actually eat. Beside that, one day I had to sit there and think "If I stop eating meat, will that stop animals from being mistreated and made into meat?", and the answer is "No it won't." I may have a slightly better conscience if I stopped eating meat, but I also would be out of some great food for practically no reason in the wider picture.

[Nulln 755]

Well vegetarianism and veganism has been on the rise over the years, cutting down on the demand for meat, so yes it is saving some animals.  

Even if you just cut down on how much of it you buy makes a difference.

[DragonFlyer 329]

I've been a vegetarian for about 13 years, and I'm trying to be vegan now (i've had my cheese slip ups).  I'm actually lactose intolerant and can't have cheese and get really sick, but cheese has extremely addictive properties.  

 

Anyways, you do NOT need to take vitamins just because you're a vegetarian.  You can get basically everything you need from plants.  I think there's like one thing that is kind of hard, was it b12?  I can't remember, but there are tons of vegetarian foods that have it added, so you don't need to worry.

Hey, we're pretty much on the same page! I've been a vegetarian for about fourteen years but for the last three years I've also been vegan. Cheese was the hardest thing for me to kick too. I highly recommend Daiya brand dairy-free cheese if you're looking for a great alternative. It really helped me because, in my honest opinion, it tastes even better than dairy cheese and you can use it for pretty much anything (pizza, grilled cheese, mac n' cheese, you name it)! Here's the site for a list of their products: http://us.daiyafoods.com/

 

I've never taken vitamins as a vegetarian or vegan, ever. Iron is no issue at all as long as you're eating right (kale for example is very high in iron) Lots of foods are fortified with B12 so that's not really an issue either. I have nothing against people who choose to take vitamins I've just never found them necessary. Vegan bodybuilders and athletes are totally a thing btw, don't be fooled by the untrue "skinny and frail" stereotype! There are plenty of vegans out there rocking a six pack. In fact a friend of mine is a vegan bodybuilder and fitness trainer and he's in no way "malnourished".