Vegetarianism

Vegetarianism questions and answers

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Q: Vegetarianism?
I've been debatng vegetarianism for awhile now, and I would love to stop eating meat, but there a few things I still don't get. 1. why do some vegetarians eat fish, while some do not? what are the main arguments for and against this, and why is fish a debatable meat? 2. how do vegetarians get enough protein? i'm not found of pills, and i'm sure there would be some other way. I believe thats probably the biggest problem for me with vegetarianism; it'd be really hard for me to get enough protein. 3. how does not eating meat affect your body? both positively and negatively. thanks everyone, i know there were a lot of questions in this one.

A: here are some recipe ideas... Vegan Meat and Dairy analogs Angel Food Cake http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/301/Angel-Food-Cake/ (vegan angel food cake) Bacon (vegan) http://recipeswithtofu.blogspot.com/ (2 recipes for vegan bacon) http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Faken-Veggie-Bacon/Detail.aspx (fake bacon) Bean Cooking and cooking times http://www.chezbettay.com/basics_beans.html (cooking times for various beans) Beef (vegan) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/1190/Swiss-Steak/ (swiss steak) http://www.ellenskitchen.com/recipebox/glutensteaks.html (seitan steaks) http://www.vrg.org/recipes/vjseitan.htm (seitan beef stew and stroganoff) http://www.vegparadise.com/news18.html (stroganoff from sunburgers) http://www.theppk.com/recipes/dbrecipes/index.php?RecipeID=113 (seitan Portobello stroganoff) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/222/Seitan-Beef-Cutlets/ (seitan beef cutlets) Brownies (vegan) http://www.veganrepresent.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-480.html Cabbage rolls(vegetarian) http://www.fatfreevegan.com/veggies/veg-bean.shtml (bean stuffed cabbage rolls) http://www.johnrussell.name/recipes/crock_po.htm (potato stuffed cabbage rolls..crockpot) Cakes (vegan) http://www.vegan-food.net/category/cakes/ (lots of vegan cakes,pies,fruit breads, incl. banana nut bread) http://www.veganrepresent.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-4295.html (cream cheese icing for carrot cake, vegan) Cheese (vegan) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/317/Basic-Seed-Cheese-Raw/ (basic seed cheese) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/1055/Yeast-Cheese-Sauce/ (nutritional yeast cheese sauce) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/506/Pumpkin-Seed-Cheese-Raw/ (pumpkin seed cheese) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/469/Nutritional-Yeast-Cheese/ (nutritional yeast cheese) http://www.aboverubies.org/health/cheese.html (several recipes for vegan cheeses) http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/000685.html (cashew cheddar cheese) http://www.ellenskitchen.com/clearlight/tofu/tofu1.html (almond ricotta cheese) http://www.boutell.com/vegetarian/manicotti.html (ricotta for manicotti from tofu) http://www.veganrepresent.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-1806.html (vegan cheese) http://www.veganrepresent.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-1372.html (vegan cheese like nacho or cheddar) http://www.mountainhomebrew.com/browseproducts/Vegetable-Rennet-Tablets.html (vegetable rennet and cheese making supplies) Chicken (vegan) http://www.chezbettay.com/salads_chicken.html (chicken salad..vegan) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/1153/Buddha-s-Chicken/ (Buddha’s chicken..vegan) http://www.fatfreevegan.com/Meat_subs/881.shtml (chick or italian tofu burgers) http://recipeswithtofu.blogspot.com/ (mock chicken patties) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/223/Seitan-Chicken-Cutlets/ (seitan chicken cutlets) http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-seitan/detail.aspx (seitan chicken) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/669/Breast-of-Tofu/ (chicken breast of tofu) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/1372/Chicken-Fried-Tofu/ (chicken fried tofu) Chocolate http://www.chocolatealchemy.com/recipes_soychocolate.php (soy milk chocolate candy recipe) Crab (vegan) http://www.boutell.com/vegetarian/krab-kakes.html (crab cakes) Cream (vegan) Add vegan margarine to soy milk and blend? Crockpot (vegan) http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/recipes/slow-cooker-recipes.php Egg substitutes http://www.veganrepresent.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-3106.html (several egg substitutes, flax seed and eggless baking) http://www.celiac.com/st_prod.html?p_prodid=840&p_catid=70&sid=91hH9H1jt5DS3Pb-08107426987.f8 (flax seed or Ener G..and use of almond flour with Ener G) http://www.veganrepresent.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-4941.html (flax eggs) http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/vegan.htm#egg (egg substitutions) http://www.theppk.com/veganbaking.html (egg substitutions ) Egg(less) Salad (vegan) http://www.chezbettay.com/salads_mes.html Egg(less) Omlets http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/20/Besan-Chick-Pea-Flour-Omelette/ (chickpea omelette) Eggless Recipes http://www.vegan-food.net/category/cakes/ (lots of vegan cakes,pies,fruit breads, incl. banana nut bread) http://www.hungrybrowser.com/phaedrus/m122602.htm#4 http://www.recipes4us.co.uk/Specials%20and%20Holidays/Special%20Diets%20Allergies/Egg%20Free%20Recipes.htm http://www.eggless.com/test5/index.shtml (eggless cakes) http://www.ochef.com/218.htm (scroll down for recipes) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/20/Besan-Chick-Pea-Flour-Omelette/ (chickpea omelette) Fish (vegan) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/1198/The-Best-Fish-and-Chips/ (fish and chips vegan) http://www.boutell.com/vegetarian/tunafish.html (vegan tuna fish salad) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/824/Veggie-Tuna-Raw/ (veggie tuna salad) http://www.fatfreevegan.com/soy/faux.shtml (faux fish cakes) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/1155/Fish/ (fish fry vegan) http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=14902.0 (baked tofishy) Gelatin Substitutes for Vegans (see “Jello-vegan” , also) http://www.vegsoc.org/info/gelling.html (agar, carrageen and gelzone) http://www.edenfoods.com/issues_carrageenan.html (carrageenan) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gelatin_dessert (agar and Carrageenan) Grain Cooking and cooking times http://www.chezbettay.com/basics_grains.html Gravy (vegan) http://www.aboverubies.org/health/recipes.html http://www.veganrepresent.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-2936.html Ham (vegan) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/1156/Mock-Ham/ (mock ham) Ice Cream (vegan) http://veganicecream.blogspot.com/ http://www.vegan-food.net/category/dessert/ (some general ice cream vegan recipes) http://www.chezbettay.com/drts_icecream.html (vegan fruit sorbet..see left side) http://www.vegfamily.com/vegan-recipes/desserts/lemon-sherbet.htm (lemon vegan sherbet) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/1033/Lemon-Ice/ (lemon ice) http://www.vegfamily.com/vegan-children/popsicles.htm (tofu fudgesicles and orange creamsicles) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/1455/Berry-Fudgy-cicles/ (tofu fudgy-sicles) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/588/Cashew-Gelato/ (cashew gelato) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/1030/Fruit-Ice-Cream/ (peach or fruit ice cream) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/1034/Pineapple-Ice-Cream/ (pineapple ice cream ..vegan) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/380/Cranberry-Sorbet/ (cranberry sorbet vegan) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/370/Cinnamon-Ice-Cream-Raw/ (cinnamon ice cream ..vegan..nuts) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/601/Orange-Pineapple-Freeze-Gluten-Free/ (orange pineapple freeze) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/491/Pignoli-Peach-Sherbet-Raw/ ( peach sherbet with pignoli cream) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/490/Pignoli-Cream/ (pignoli cream for sherbet above) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/1035/Tofu-Chocolate-Ice-Cream/ (tofu chocolate ice cream vegan) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/1020/Banana-and-Maple-Syrup-Ice-Cream/ (banana and maple syrup ice cream..vegan) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/1019/Kiwi-Fruit-Gelato/ (kiwi fruit gelato ..vegan) http://www.cooksrecipes.com/desserts/frozen-dessert-recipes.html (lots of sorbet recipes) Jello (vegan) http://www.kenter.demon.nl/recipes/rfvc/Art010544.html (basic agar agar jello recipe) http://www.kenter.demon.nl/recipes/rfvc/Art009221.html (more recipes with Agar Agar, jigglers, nuclear, etc) Macaroni and cheese (vegan) http://www.chezbettay.com/dinrs_macncheese.html (with premade vegan cheese) http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/000685.html (with cashew cheddar) http://www.veganrepresent.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-1343.html (Bryanna’s Mac and cheese) http://www.veganrepresent.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-233.html (PETAs mac and cheese) http://www.veganrepresent.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-2098.html (mac and cheese, vegan) http://grazingrecipes.blogspot.com/ (best macaroni and cheese) Marshmallows (vegan) http://www.cs.indiana.edu/~connelly/marshmallows.html Marveg (marmite copycat) http://www.veganrepresent.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-394.html Mayonnaise (soy) http://www.aboverubies.org/health/tofu.html (tofu mayonnaise) http://www.ellenskitchen.com/clearlight/tofu/tofu1.html (tofu mayonnaise) Meat (general fakes) http://www.vegan-food.net/category/meat/ (list of lots of fake meat recipes) Nutella (copycat) http://inlimine.net/archives/2005/02/28/vegan_nutella (hazelnuts and chocolate) Pizza (vegan) http://home.earthlink.net/~jchoosej/Vegan/pizza.html http://www.honeylocust.com/pizza/ http://www.recipezaar.com/10579 http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/185/Pizza-Crust/ http://vegweb.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=b566510044aec0ed9a1903913006c61a&topic=8102.0 (“the best vegan pizza ever”) http://www.chezbettay.com/basics_bread.html (Pizza Dough or basic bread dough) Pizzelles (vegan) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/1450/Vegan-Pizzelles/ Popsicles and Cremesicles (vegan) http://www.chezbettay.com/drts_icecream.html (vegan fruit sorbet..see left side) http://www.vegfamily.com/vegan-recipes/desserts/lemon-sherbet.htm (lemon vegan sherbet) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/1033/Lemon-Ice/ (lemon ice) http://www.vegfamily.com/vegan-children/popsicles.htm (tofu fudgesicles and orange creamsicles) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/1455/Berry-Fudgy-cicles/ (tofu fudgy-sicles) Pork (vegan) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/225/Seitan-Pork-Cutlets/ (seitan pork cutlets) Raw food recipes http://www.vegan-food.net/ (see left side..lots of raw food recipes mixed in here) http://www.vegparadise.com/recipeindex.html (lots of raw food recipes, incl. pizza) Sausages (vegan) http://www.webvalue.net/recipes/sausage.shtml (veggie sausages, not with tofu..seitan?) Seitan Recipes http://vegetarian.about.com/od/cookingtipstools/ss/HowToSeitan.htm (step by step how to make) http://www.vrg.org/recipes/vjseitan.htm (seitan beef stew and stroganoff) http://www.veganoutreach.org/starterpack/recipes.html#SeitanBasicBoilingRecipe http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-seitan/detail.aspx (seitan chicken) http://www.innerself.com/recipes/entrees/seitan.htm (basic info) http://www.ellenskitchen.com/recipebox/wheaties.html (several recipes) http://www.ellenskitchen.com/recipebox/glutensteaks.html (steaks) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/222/Seitan-Beef-Cutlets/ (seitan beef cutlets) http://www.chow.com/recipes/10596 (seitan veal picatta) http://www.johnrussell.name/recipes/seitan.htm (general info) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/889/Turkey-A-La-Mincus/ (incl.turkey) http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/seitanrecipes.htm (incl turkey) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/817/Seiturkey-with-Cornbread-Dressing/ (turkey with gravy and stuffing) http://www.theppk.com/recipes/dbrecipes/index.php?RecipeID=113 (seitan Portobello stroganoff) http://www.vegan-food.net/category/meat/ (several fake meats, some seitan, some yuba, etc) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/225/Seitan-Pork-Cutlets/ (seitan pork cutlets) http://www.webvalue.net/recipes/sausage.shtml (veggie sausages, not with tofu..seitan?) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/223/Seitan-Chicken-Cutlets/ (chicken cutlets) http://www.vrg.org/recipes/vjseitan.htm (seitan beef stew) http://www.veganrepresent.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-6437.html (seitan stew in golden sauce) Seitan with tapioca http://www.ellenskitchen.com/~cook/cgi-bin/eprintable.pl http://www.ellenskitchen.com/recipebox/glutchuck.html (unchuck roast) Turkey (vegan) http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/seitanrecipes.htm#Deborah's%20Two-Layer%20'Turkey'%20Roast (seitan and tofu turkey roast) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/889/Turkey-A-La-Mincus/ (Vegan seitan turkey) http://www.bryannaclarkgrogan.com/page/page/1435893.htm#turkey (bryanna’s seitan turkey and other vegan holiday recipes) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/817/Seiturkey-with-Cornbread-Dressing/ (turkey with gravy and stuffing) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/822/Tofu-Not-a-Turkey/ (tofu not-a-turkey) http://www.razzledazzlerecipes.com/vegan-recipes/tofu-turkey.htm (tofu turkey with stuffing) http://www.fatfreevegan.com/soy/oven-roasted.shtml (oven roasted tom tofu) http://www.vegparadise.com/otherbirds411.html (noasted nurkey, from nuts) Veal (vegan) http://www.fatfree.com/recipes/tofu/tofu-cutlets (veal parmesan..tofu cutlets) http://www.chow.com/recipes/10596 (seitan veal picatta) Vegan Recipes http://www.vegan-food.net/ (very good lots of vegan ice creams and vegan turkey..see left side) http://food.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=ArYjQvXaii1NFt_WtZ656ehzZeY5?tp=recipe&p=&dt=vegan&k=vegan http://www.notmilk.com/veganrecipes.html (link list of vegan sites) http://www.veganmeat.com/recipie.html http://www.veganoutreach.org/starterpack/recipes.html http://www.all-creatures.org/recipes.html http://www.catteacorner.com/recipes.htm http://www.earth.li/~kake//cookery/ (has by country also) http://www.veganconnection.com/recipes/index.htm http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~veggie/recipes/recipes.html http://vegkitchen.com/recipes-galore.htm http://veganconnection.com/recipes/index.htm http://www.fatfreevegan.com/ http://www.angelfire.com/wi/DebsHome/SandwichSpread.html (sandwich spreads) http://www.recipesforvegans.co.uk/index.html http://www.myrecipefriends.com/?nc=-322&page=search&search=Vegan http://www.chezbettay.com/recipes.html http://www.vegparadise.com/recipeindex.html (lots of raw recipes) http://www.veganrepresent.com/forums/archive/index.php?f-28.html (thread..lots of vegan recipes) Veggie Burgers http://www.webvalue.net/recipes/american.htm#ssb (super soy burgers with soy beans mashed) http://www.foodtv.ca/recipes/recipedetails.aspx?dishid=6890 (veggie burgers) http://www.foodtv.ca/recipes/recipedetails.aspx?dishid=1704 (mushroom cheddar vegetarian burgers) http://www.johnrussell.name/recipes/burgers.htm (award winning burgers) http://www.johnrussell.name/recipes/burgers.htm#contest2 (more award winning burgers) http://recipeswithtofu.blogspot.com/ (recipes with tofu) http://www.johnrussell.name/recipes/sloppy_j.htm (unsloppy joes) http://www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/oamc/gardenburg.html (garden burgers) http://www.recipelink.com/ch/2002/december/topsecretrecipeslite1.html (original gardenburger copycat recipe) http://www.astray.com/recipes/?show=*%20vegetarian%20burgers http://www.vegan-food.net/category/patties/ (lots of recipes) http://www.cooksrecipes.com/meatless-recipes/meatless-burger-recipes.html (2 pages) http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/recipes/tofu-burgers.php?menu1_id=2&menu2_id=13 (vegan tofu burgers) http://www.vegparadise.com/news18.html (sunburgers..sunflower seeds) http://recipeswithtofu.blogspot.com/ (tofu walnut patties) http://www.foodtv.ca/recipes/recipedetails.aspx?dishid=6890 (veggie burgers with tofu) http://www.foodtv.ca/recipes/recipedetails.aspx?dishid=3953 (vegan tofu burger) Veggie Loafs http://www.ellenskitchen.com/recipebox/meatloaf2.html (neatloaf) http://www.fatfreevegan.com/holiday/holiday-lentil.shtml (holiday lentil loaf) http://www.boutell.com/vegetarian/nut-roast.html (holiday cashew loaf with gravy) http://www.johnrussell.name/recipes/thanksgi.htm (holiday lentil loaf with parsley gravy) http://vegbox-recipes.co.uk/recipes/nut-recipe-1.php (classic nut loaf) http://www.fatfreevegan.com/beans2/1254.shtml (adobo bean loaf) http://www.fatfreevegan.com/Meat_subs/lentil.shtml (lentil rice loaf) http://www.vegan-food.net/category/nut/ (several nutloaf recipes) http://www.boutell.com/vegetarian/gravy.html (vegan gravy) http://www.boutell.com/vegetarian/stock.html (vegan soup stock for vegan gravy) http://www.vegparadise.com/news18.html (northern bean and veggie loaf) http://www.angelfire.com/oh4/YSEARC/lentiltomatoloaf.html (lentil tomato loaf ) http://www.veganrepresent.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-4924.html (thread about above lentil tomato loaf) Veggie Sausages http://www.webvalue.net/recipes/sausage.shtml (veggie sausages, not with tofu) Whipped Topping http://www.veganrepresent.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-3108.html (whipped tofu toppings..several recipes) http://www.aboverubies.org/health/cream.html (tofu whipped topping) http://www.aboverubies.org/health/cream.html (3 recipes) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/490/Pignoli-Cream/ (pignoli cream for desserts) http://www.aboverubies.org/health/cream.html (cashew cream) Yogurt (from soy) http://www.soymilkmaker.com/recipe.html#Soy_Yogurt_Recipe_(University_of_Illinois) Yuba http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/1153/Buddha-s-Chicken/ (Buddha’s chicken..vegan) http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/1156/Mock-Ham/ (yuba..vegan)

Q: When Vegetarianism started in the Western countries?
I am from India living in the UK at the moment. Vegetarianism was prevalent in India for more than 2500 years and generations together people were vegetarians may be because of many religions born in India advocated vegetarianism. I am wondering how long ago people in the West started to follow vegetarianism and why?

A: I think for as long as the West has been populated there have been people that didn't eat meat at all (for whatever reasons - not liking taste, didn't like seeing animals die, etc). There's really not too many statistics of vegetarianism that go back thousands of years, but more recently in the history of mankind (primarily in the last 2,000 years or so) there's been concrete evidence of it's existence. There's been evidence of Native Americans (not all, some) that ate a vegetarian diet and many famous historical figures - Plato, Leonardo da Vinci, Einstein and more. There just aren't very many statistics until the 1800's. Also, there hasn't been any completely concrete word or definition of vegetarian or any way to organize and to see how many vegetarians there were until the 1800's. A quote I found online for you: "On September 30, 1847, a group in England had the inaugural meeting of the Vegetarian Society. This original group of 140 free-thinking individuals publicly supported meatless eating. Their publication, Vegetarian Messenger, urged people to live and let live." There's a lot more about vegetarianism and it's history here: http://www.vegsoc.org/info/developm.html

Q: Any good sources of unbiased information about vegetarianism?
So, nothing from Peta or anything like that. I need concrete sources that are not biased but discuss about vegetarianism in length. I've been looking and I haven't found much. Anything will be appreciated!

A: Read the china study. It's clearly not biased because the guy who conducted the study ate meat and dairy his whole life.

Q: Is there a correlation between vegetarianism and atheism?
I've heard from some sources that there is a correlation between vegetarianism and high IQ levels. I've also heard that historically, some of our most brilliant minds have labeled themselves as agnostic or atheistic. Does anyone know if these two seemingly unrelated personal lifestyles have any correlation? I think it would make for an interesting study, so cite sources if you know the answer. Thanks!

A: I know plenty of vegetarians and plenty of atheists. I'm an atheist omnivore. The vegetarians are mostly veggie for religious reasons (E.G. Indians). The atheists (the openly atheist ones) I know are all omnivore. None of the atheists subscribe to the 'Fluffy animals shouldn't be eaten' point of view since it doesn't stand up to rational analysis, and people who are atheist are people who are great at rational analysis. That's why they're atheist. It is however an interesting question. It would be interesting to see a serious quantitative study on the numbers and qualitative study on peoples motivations for being atheist, vegetarian and any combination of the two to gain an insight into causation. This is where the magic combination of a 'grounded theory' study and a quantative study should be applied. It's a shame the journals pass on grounded theory studies a lot of the time, because they don't understand it. Since it is great at eliciting causation and quantitative studies establish the truth.

Q: how do you explain vegan/vegetarianism to others with out sounding preachy?
people will ask me why i am vegan. and i am just dying to tell them about what happens to that piece of animal muscle they have on their plate.but i also am very aware that the #1 thing omnivores dislike about vegans/vegetarians is that they try to convert them. as any one who felt strongly about a certain cause would want to do, i want to send the message out about the horrible reality that comes with the meat/dairy/egg industry that many many people don't realize. but i dont want to give people the message that all veggies do is try and brain wash them. where is the happy medium? (i mean if i was an environmentalist, i would want to explain to people what could be done to help the earth. its the same thing with wanting people to understand vegan/vegetarianism, you know?) please no rude answers. only helpful ones.

A: Tell them this “I looked into how most animals that are raised for food are treated and processed and decided I didn’t want to be part of that process.” If they ask more questions, give them short unbiased information. Be able to point that person to the source of the information if they asked how you know. If you can’t back up what you say then everything you say will be discarded. Be careful they maybe just trying to wind you up. Also if you find yourself giving answers that are more then 30 seconds long, then you are preaching, and the person is going ‘yep, just what I thought, nuts.’ I’ve read the answers up to my post and some have very good information and some are condescending at best, just because the path you choose is right for you; doesn’t mean it is right for everyone. The best way to win people over is to live what you believe. If you think eating animals is wrong then don’t eat them. How you live your life is more important then what you say. Actions speak louder then words, even if you don’t convert the person over becoming a vegan, you might get them thinking and that is all you can ask. Now that said, yes I understand you want to shout from the mountain top, LOOK IT’S WONDERFUL UP HERE, SEE WHAT I SEE JOIN ME, BE HAPPY. But, that will turn more people off then lead them down the path. Hoped it helped and good luck.

Q: What about vegetarianism is better for the environment?
Why do I keep hearing that vegetarianism/veganism is better for the environment. Can someone give some examples? Thanks!

A: It's probably repetitive, but I'll add it here anyway. "Not everyone realizes the impact that raising animals for food has on the environment. In the United States, more than one third of all fossil fuel and raw material consumption is used to raise livestock. - It can take up to 15 times as much water to produce animal protein as it does to produce protein from plants. According to author John Robbins in his book The Food Revolution, you could save more water by not eating a pound of California beef than you could by not showering for an entire year. - Animal agriculture contributes significantly to global warming by producing more than 100 million tons of methane annually. A single pound of methane has the same greenhouse effect as approximately 50 pounds of carbon dioxide. - Livestock operations generate roughly 130 times as much bodily waste as the entire human population of the United States, which makes its way into the environment without going through the sewage treatment systems found in our cities and towns. This untreated waste pollutes American waterways more than all other industrial sources combined. - It takes up to 10 pounds of grain to produce just one pound of meat. In the US, we feed more than 70 percent of the grains and cereals we grow to farmed animals, only a fraction of which is actually converted into the meat that people eat. The world's cattle alone consume a quantity of food equal to the caloric needs of 8.7 billion people - more than the entire human population on Earth. - More than 260 million acres of US forests have been cleared to grow grain for livestock. In the Amazon, more than 2.9 million acres of rainforest were destroyed in the 2004-2005 growing season to raise crops that were used to feed animals in factory farms. Up to 220 square feet of rainforest are sacrificed to produce just one pound of hamburger. - Due to the amount of land required to raise animals for food and the destructive effect livestock has on the land, animal farming is the leading threat to endangered species and the number one cause of species extinction in the US and around the world. - According to the Worldwatch Institute, the meat industry is directly responsible for 85 percent of all soil erosion in the US. So whether you decide to go vegetarian or simply cut down on the amount of animal products you consume, eating more plant-based foods is a powerful action you can take to help protect the environment. Finding delicious and healthy meatless alternatives has never been easier with the variety of options that are now available in supermarkets, health food stores and restaurants. In addition to saving vital chunks of rainforest, consuming less raw materials, saving water and generating less pollution, eating less meat can also provide significant benefits to you and your family. Leading health organizations agree that a balanced plant-based diet can support a lifetime of good health and can help protect against diseases such as cancer and heart disease. So the next time you go food shopping, think about the planet and buy green! Trying to buy as local as possible also helps. “We say that however close you can be to a vegan diet and further from the mean American diet, the better you are for the planet. It doesn’t have to be all the way to the extreme end of vegan. If you simply cut down from two burgers a week to one, you’ve already made a substantial difference.” - Eshel, an Assistant Professor in Geophysical Sciences"

Q: Do you think vegetarianism is bad for the enviorment?
Ever since I told my friend that I was a vegetarian, she makes up weird comments about it. IShe told me the other day that vegetarians are really HURTING the enviorment because we eat all the plants and leaves, which decreases the World's Oxygen. Do you think that is true? Why do you think Vegetarianism is Good/Bad for the enviorment?

A: It is DEFINITELY better for the environment to be a vegetarian. Yes, you're eating plants. But, before a cow gets eaten, what does it eat? Plants. And it has to eat plants all its life to convert them into the muscle tissue that people eat. I've read the statistic that a cow must eat 16 pounds of grain to produce 1 pound of flesh. So, you can actually SAVE 16 times as many plants by just eating plants in the first place. Also, eating meat wastes more water. You must water and raise the veggies to eat them, yes. But, to raise a cow, you must water and raise veggies to feed them before you can eat them, while watering the cow itself. It takes 2,000 gallons of water to produce a pound of beef, but only 14 gallons to produce a pound of tomatos. There are enormous patches in the Gulf of Mexico where no life grows because animal wastes (from factory farms) are being dumped there. You might think animal wastes are good for the environment (like manure), but not in such mass amounts. In mass amounts, they're deadly. This really isn't a debateable issue. Eating vegetables is less detrimental to the environment than eating meat.

Q: What is the ethical justification for lacto-vegetarianism or ovo-vegetarianism?
I understand the reasoning behind vegetarianism and veganism, but could someone kindly explain the reasoning behind abstaining from only eggs and not dairy or only dairy and not eggs (the ethical reasons, not health). Thanks =)

A: yeah I'm sorta confused about that too.

Q: What are good books to read if you are considering vegetarianism?
My fiance and I are thinking about going vegetarian and want to give it some thought over the summer in between classses. It seems there are three kinds of motives for vegetarianism: animal rights, social justice (agrobusiness is evil), and personal health. We were looking to find approximately three good books, either fitting with these categories or not. Any suggestions?

A: Meat Market - by Erik Marcus - good one for explaining about evil agribusiness. Diet for a New America - John Robbins - this is the book that I read 14 years ago that convinced me to become vegetarian. Vegan Freak (being vegan in a non-vegan world) Bob and Jennas Torres - you should check out veganism too! This book helps with explaining your new diet in different social sitiuations (among other things) The China Study - T. Colin Campbell - compelling evidence that chosing a vegan diet is the most healthful. Becoming Vegan - Brenda Davis/Vesanto Melina - great hands on guide to explain how and what to eat to be healthier than you have ever been!! There are tons of resources online too. Good luck and have fun reading!

Q: What was the most weirdest question someone asked you about your vegetarianism?
The weirdest questiono someone asked me was how i could get protein in my body. I was thinking for a whille and thought, all these unintelligent people! What was the weirdest question anyone ever asked you about your vegetarianism? Thanks for answering and have a nice day! Question? Let's make it an action too!

A: you don't look like a vegan.(i guess that means they think vegans are sickly and pale) My dad thinks I'm trying to lose weight(My BMI is 21 and I already have a really low bodyfat %,so I can't lose much weight,I'm not even chubby or fat.) What do you eat? Do you eat fish? My teacher pronounces it Vay-gun instead of Vee-Gun. Some people think I'm a hippie because I have kind of long hair and I'm vegan and I skateboard. What are you gonna do on Thanksgiving?(turkeys not the only thing there is to eat,they didn't even have turkey at the first thanksgiving. I usually bring my own lunch and my friends will always look at my food and be all curious and ask me what it is like they've never eaten rice or beans or vegetables or whatever. Do you work for PETA? Vegetables have feelings TOO! They assume everything I eat is organic,most don't even know what that is.I was drinking a capri-sun and they asked me if it was organic.There is no such thing as organic capri-suns. When they find out they get all suprised,they'll say "you're a vegan?" What do you eat for dinner,celery sticks? That actually came from a girl.

Q: What kind of visual aids can I use for a speech on vegetarianism?
I'm doing an informative speech on vegetarianism. What kind of visual aids could I use? Btw I can't be trying to persuade the audience, because then it would be a persuasive speech.

A: Bring in like a severed cow's head as a prop and it will scare them straight. Usually you can get them from a butcher or you can just chop off a cow's head if you own cattle. It is a really good way to be persuasive.

Q: How well do you think a book on vegetarianism or vegan would sell?
Hi. I am about to write a book on vegetarianism and vegan, and am wondering how well it would sell. Tentaively, it is called - 101 Reasons to Go Vegan: The Complete Guide. It will feautre the following sections: - Environment Aspect - Health Aspect - Humane Aspect - Cruelty Aspect - Stories from vegans - List of famous vegans - And of course, 101 Reasons to go vegan. So, tell me how well a book like that would sell, and if i should include other sections, and if so, what are they? Thanks a lot.

A: It sounds like a great idea. Two things you should consider...have you talked to a publisher to see if there is a market for yet another book of this type? Will you be objective in your writing? I always put a book back on the shelf if the author is browbeating the reader to stop being a bad person that following the author's ways is the only way to become a good person. Have you considered the economic impact caused by half of society turing to vegans?

Q: What countries/cultures is vegetarianism prevalent in?
Besides some Americans who are vegetarians, what other countries/cultures is vegetarianism common in? I know India is one such country, but are there any others?

A: I believe you question focuses on "prevalent". So that certainly would leave western Europe, the US, and the UK out. Okinawa, Nepal, Tibet, Phillipines, Japan, China, Micronesia, some of the sub-Saharan countries. Please keep in mind the term "vegitarianism" usually is not construed the same in all places/cultures . . it's common global usage includes but is not limited to "strict" vegetarianism since the majority of vegetarians are not "strict".

Q: what would be a good thesis statement for a paper on vegetarianism?
i am writing a research paper on vegetarianism and i have no clue what my thesis should be. help?

A: Vegetarians are heathier than non-vegetarians. -they live longer -they are slimmer -they get more nutrients -they do not ingest harmful chemicals and hormones from meat etc...

Q: What should i tell when people judge me for my vegetarianism?
What should i tell when people judge me for my vegetarianism?And when they call me stupid,when they say it's normal to eat meat and blah blah blah What should i tell them?

A: Just say that you have made a serious choice in your life that you believe in, if they can respect your choice then you will respect theirs. There aren't too many people that will call you stupid and you aren't going to be able to sway a person like that at all. A lot of people will ask me about my veganism and it really can be a civil conversation between everyone. Just answer questions with total knowledge and you will be amazed at how many people will start wanting to try your food and start respecting you.