Can You Be a Vegetarian and Still Eat Meat?

[Thetaloops]

'Flexitarians' can have their meat and eat it, too.

content.health.msn.com/content/Article/86/99210.htm

I think if they want to use the term 'Flexitarian' it makes more sense then to say that you are a vegetarian, if you still ever eat meat.

When it comes down to it, I don't want to turn people away from having a healthier diet, by making the rules to strick. But, The part I personally can't get over is the cruelty to the animals. To me part of being vegetarian is being sensitive to the suffering. So call it Flexitarian, it's definitely better than a straight meat eatting diet for your mental and physical health.

[AtomHeartMother]

Your right, Theda, on less meat being more healthy. In the past few years I have lost my taste/appetite for flesh. Since I have immensely decreased my intake of meat (no pork at all) my digestive system works better than it ever has.

I love to eat fish. I was always wondering, (as there is no one I know that is a Vegetarian, most of them don't even know what one is), are fish in the same category as fleshy meat? And would a person who eats just fish and veggies be considered a vegetarian?

[Swamp Gas]

ATM,

When Theta and I first switched over from cow to fish, 32 years ago, we had no idea where it was heading. The mooing Hindus when we were eating a roast beef sandwich caused the change.

Then we switched from fish to milk. Then from milk to bee pollen. Thn gave up bee pollen. Now only plants! We try and not be too judgmental, because we were transisitioning in the past, and would not have wanted people to ridicule or judge us.

I can tell you this though. Health wise, the herbivore diet has helped, and I do feel more enlightened, but that's my own observation. We have known some sleazy vegetarians, and king meat-eaters, so there is no strict rules. I believe eating plants makes a nice person nicer, IMO.

[Thetaloops]

Some vegetarians have become very self righteous about the fact that they don't eat meat and this turns persons who are transitioning, away from the idea. It's not easy to change eatting habits, especially if you are surrounded by people who think it's insane to change, and that your going to get weak and have no energy, etc. And also, if you are the cook and have to cook meals for meat eatters, you end up having to cook two meals, thats rough. Although, there are so many new products out there that are vegetarian, it does make it easier than when we changed over. Another change that can be made initially is to go to foods that are organic and unpesticided. This alone can help the way you feel.

Once your on the path of eatting better. By not eatting especially the red meats. You do start to feel better and that leads to the next step. It helps weight control, hormone balancing, maintains the youth of your skin, etc.

Other than the fact that you have to put more time into making sure that you are getting all of the necessary nutrients, I have only good things to say about a vegetarian diet. And only encourage others to try it.

Gary Null and Life Extension Foundation are two of our most influencial sources of information. Gary Null still eats fish and Life Extension products have animal products and their research uses animals for experimentation. I personally don't agree with it, but their results are outstanding. Everyone has to find their own point of comfort with the whole idea.

[AtomHeartMother]

Thanks Theta and Swamp!
Now that I know that it's alright to transition, I may (one day) be able to become an accomplished Vegetarian. I don't think I ever would have been able to it cold turkey.

Thetaloops said:

. It's not easy to change eating habits, especially if you are surrounded by people who think it's insane to change, And also, if you are the cook and have to cook meals for meat eaters, you end up having to cook two meals, that's rough.

This will be the hardest for me (and probably most other moms too) as it already is. It seems every one in the family likes something different. I try to alternate and fix a favorite each night but the others complain so I have to remind them that their's will be served later on during the week. Sometimes it can get downright nasty when there may be a reason that I have to cut back on grocery spending. We eat a lot of venison, less chicken and fish. I don't buy red meat from the grocery store, but my husband might.

Thanks again for your very helpful information, and with it I will strive on towards a better diet.

[Thetaloops]

That's great! It has become a life time adventure, it tastes good and in the long run you can stay thinner and feel better. I have especially found that it made for an easier menopause.

I can see how you must get frustrated trying to feed everyone. Luckily there are many things that are in common. Vegetables, salads, starches like bread, pasta and potatoes, then the big difference is the protien. You can then have the meat/cheese for some and then have soy products, beans, seeds and nuts for the yourself and maybe one of your children?

Good luck with it and enjoy!

[AtomHeartMother]

Thanks Thetaloops!