vegans

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  • Ms. HaikuMs. Haiku Posts: 7,265
    Have no problems with vegans/vegetarians. just know that i've tried doing it before and can't. not for me. like meat too much. again, i have no probs with vegans, but i DO have a problem with some of what PETA does, and some (not all) vegans thrusting their views upon meat-eaters.
    Yep, I like to listen to the podcast compassionatecooks.com a lot, but I could only listen to one of the veganfreaks podcast. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau from compassionatecooks.com is obviously passionate about her food choices, but she recognizes that everyone is on an individual path, and she is on hers. The podcasters from veganfreak podcast were more defensive, and I don't feel the need to use my time listening to them again.
    There is no such thing as leftover pizza. There is now pizza and later pizza. - anonymous
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  • Urban HikerUrban Hiker Posts: 1,312
    Have no problems with vegans/vegetarians. just know that i've tried doing it before and can't. not for me. like meat too much. again, i have no probs with vegans, but i DO have a problem with some of what PETA does, and some (not all) vegans thrusting their views upon meat-eaters.

    I have a problem with some of what PETA does, however I do support most of their causes.

    After watching I Am an Animal, I was beyond frustrated that they don't try to RESCUE dogs. If the owner can't pay for the medical care of a relinquished pet, PETA puts the dog to sleep. My impression from that documentary is that they don't even try. With all the groups out there who are dedicated to rehabilitating animals, I don't understand why PETA doesn't leave it up to them. :mad:

    Oh, and I agree that militant vegans don't help the cause, but if the subject comes up I enjoy sharing my viewpoint and letting others know where they can find the info if they are interested.
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  • Urban HikerUrban Hiker Posts: 1,312
    Ms. Haiku wrote:
    Yep, I like to listen to the podcast compassionatecooks.com a lot, but I could only listen to one of the veganfreaks podcast. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau from compassionatecooks.com is obviously passionate about her food choices, but she recognizes that everyone is on an individual path, and she is on hers. The podcasters from veganfreak podcast were more defensive, and I don't feel the need to use my time listening to them again.

    I'm surprised Vegan Freaks podcasters were more defensive. I love their book. They made me feel like I didn't totally suck for not being able to go vegan cold tofurkey. ;) They came across as very understanding in the book, bummer the podcast isn't the same. :(
    Walking can be a real trip
    ***********************
    "We've laid the groundwork. It's like planting the seeds. And next year, it's spring." - Nader
    ***********************
    Prepare for tending to your garden, America.
  • Ms. HaikuMs. Haiku Posts: 7,265
    I'm surprised Vegan Freaks podcasters were more defensive. I love their book. They made me feel like I didn't totally suck for not being able to go vegan cold tofurkey. ;) They came across as very understanding in the book, bummer the podcast isn't the same. :(
    Yippee! A book referral! Right now I'm reading the Sexual Politics of Meat. I don't plan on going vegan, but vegetarian would be good for me.
    There is no such thing as leftover pizza. There is now pizza and later pizza. - anonymous
    The risk I took was calculated, but man, am I bad at math - The Mincing Mockingbird
  • Urban HikerUrban Hiker Posts: 1,312
    Ms. Haiku wrote:
    Yippee! A book referral! Right now I'm reading the Sexual Politics of Meat. I don't plan on going vegan, but vegetarian would be good for me.

    I believe I have your book on my Amazon wish list. Please let me know how you like it.

    Anybody else have good vegan/vegetarian book suggestions? Possibly, something Omnivore friendly that would help folks like to OP understand why people do this.
    Walking can be a real trip
    ***********************
    "We've laid the groundwork. It's like planting the seeds. And next year, it's spring." - Nader
    ***********************
    Prepare for tending to your garden, America.
  • Ms. HaikuMs. Haiku Posts: 7,265
    I believe I have your book on my Amazon wish list. Please let me know how you like it.

    Anybody else have good vegan/vegetarian book suggestions? Possibly, something Omnivore friendly that would help folks like to OP understand why people do this.
    Slaughterhouse by Gail Eisintz. I reviewed it on my http://nextstopgraduateschool.blogspot.com. I just finished it Sunday. As powerful as The Jungle. Unfortunately, it tells the same thing. Unfortunately because you would think over 100 years that things would have changed a bit. Whereas both books examined the treatment of workers, Slaughterhouse also looks at the treatment of the animals. In this way its more expansive. Very timely given yesterday's meat recall news.
    There is no such thing as leftover pizza. There is now pizza and later pizza. - anonymous
    The risk I took was calculated, but man, am I bad at math - The Mincing Mockingbird
  • I've been a vegetarian for 13 years, it's not done me any harm. It makes me laugh when some people say "I could never give up meat", of course you could, I ate as much meat as the next person and missed it for a while but will power is an amazing thing. If it's a case that you don't want to, that is something totally different, and entirely your own business.

    I do kind of get irritated though by people making assumptions about vegetarians and vegans. From a personal point of view, yes I do get enough protein, no I do not lack energy, no I am not iron deficient and no I do not live on 'rabbit food'. The irony is, that the people usually asking these questions are over-weight people who live on meat and potatoes diets, as opposed to me who carries barely any fat, is in better physical shape and eats a varied and interesting diet.
  • It makes me laugh when some people say "I could never give up meat", of course you could

    Well anyone could. Whether it's a dire necessity is another thing. I like it too much to give it up, unless I had a valid reason for doing so.
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  • I just think it would be too difficult to be a *true* vegan. If you EVER eat outside the house, you never know what is going into your food. One of my friends is an animal welfare professional who hasn't eaten meat since she was about 9. I don't think I've ever seen her eat eggs, but I have seen her eat cheese. she has tried to be a vegan and found it too hard to ever eat out, so basically, she's a vegan "in the house." But that's the thing, with being veggie or vegan...it doesn't REALLY have to be all or none. when I decided to go veg, I never said I would never eat meat again, I could eat meat tomorrow if I wanted to.
  • "I could never give up meat"

    I've had no problems giving up meat (I just started last fall). The only thing I miss is like chicken when I go to asian restaurants (general gaos, orange, etc.). Sometimes I do feel like the healthier option is a meat option though (like say you're at a wedding and you have an option of chicken with vegetables or white pasta in alfredo sauce, clearly the chicken is healthier). At first I told myself that in that situation, I would opt for the meat, but I haven't, which probably isn't good but whatever. I can't give up eggs though- I eat the whites as a major source of protein that's easy to cook.
  • Well anyone could. Whether it's a dire necessity is another thing. I like it too much to give it up, unless I had a valid reason for doing so.

    Well exactly, that's totally up to you. There are plenty of valid reasons for giving up meat, but whether you subscribe to those beliefs is up to you. I just think some people underestimate what they are capable of. It's the same " I can't " mentality that prevents a lot of people from doing things, like getting fit or giving up smoking too.
  • Alot depends on where you live. Portland (voted #2 most livable vegan city I believe) has an all vegan grocery store, bar, bakery, thai place, chinese place, deli and several pizza options. Not hard for us to eat out, we do it far too often.
    I just think it would be too difficult to be a *true* vegan. If you EVER eat outside the house, you never know what is going into your food. One of my friends is an animal welfare professional who hasn't eaten meat since she was about 9. I don't think I've ever seen her eat eggs, but I have seen her eat cheese. she has tried to be a vegan and found it too hard to ever eat out, so basically, she's a vegan "in the house."
  • Alot depends on where you live. Portland (voted #2 most livable vegan city I believe) has an all vegan grocery store, bar, bakery, thai place, chinese place, deli and several pizza options. Not hard for us to eat out, we do it far too often.

    but what if non vegan friends are going to a non vegan restaurant...I know people who in this situation would eat at home and then not eat at the restaurant. I think that's a tough thing to do! (and hey if you can, more power to you). And lord, I would NEVER be able to EVER eat with my parents.
  • edvedder913edvedder913 Posts: 1,810
    I wish I liked more vegan foods. I have never really been a meat lover. I do not eat veal, lamb. I only eat pork and red meat about 3-5 times per year. I mainly live off vegetables, fish, chicken, pasta, & fruit.

    I am sooooooooo happy the Human Society's investigation got that slaughterhouse in CA closed and the beef recall publicized. All those workers should be imprisoned! cruel bastards!

    And I honestly believe the consumption of meat is one of the biggest cancer causing agents out there. It has no health benefit.
  • It has no health benefit.

    I disagree with that. I am a vegetarian + occiasional pescetarian, however I do think there are health benefits to eating meat (in moderation of course, like anything else).
  • I think it's more what animals are fed on that's worrying. Cattle by nature eat grass, and should not be fed other diseased animals, road kill etc.
  • I disagree with that. I am a vegetarian + occiasional pescetarian, however I do think there are health benefits to eating meat (in moderation of course, like anything else).

    I agree with you. It is a lean protein. That has to be a health benefit.


    I waited on a vegan the other night and she was drawn to the restaurant where I work because of their vegetarian options and that they are about 90% (or more) organic. But there is no vegan meal, unless she orders a salad without cheese. She was so disappointed, but I had the kitchen throw together something for her and it looked delicious! Rice pilaf with fried kale, roasted red bell peppers and sauteed shitakes. She loved it (and tipped accordingly).
    I really screwed that up. I really Schruted it.
  • I agree with you. It is a lean protein. That has to be a health benefit.


    I waited on a vegan the other night and she was drawn to the restaurant where I work because of their vegetarian options and that they are about 90% (or more) organic. But there is no vegan meal, unless she orders a salad without cheese. She was so disappointed, but I had the kitchen throw together something for her and it looked delicious! Rice pilaf with fried kale, roasted red bell peppers and sauteed shitakes. She loved it (and tipped accordingly).

    not just the protein, but I feel like I am missing out on some iron by not eating meat. I eat tons of green vegetables, but I feel that sometimes, especially at certain times of the month, I crave red meat. the nutritionist said it's because I want the iron.
  • edvedder913edvedder913 Posts: 1,810
    I disagree with that. I am a vegetarian + occiasional pescetarian, however I do think there are health benefits to eating meat (in moderation of course, like anything else).


    My personal opinion. Rotting animal carcass in which you have no clue if it was even a healthy cow to me has no health benefit. Yes it has protein, but so do many other things that you are not taking a risk eating. Too many beef recalls for my taste...
  • My personal opinion. Rotting animal carcass in which you have no clue if it was even a healthy cow to me has no health benefit. Yes it has protein, but so do many other things that you are not taking a risk eating. Too many beef recalls for my taste...

    well, there is other meat besides beef too. I am a HUGE fan of free range buffalo meat. way way healthier than beef and easier to know the source.

    Actually part of why I became a vegetarian was because I couldn't find any decent buffalo meat when I moved back to boston at any of the grocery stores around me! so I was like, well if I can't eat buffalo I might as well just be a vegetarian.
  • edvedder913edvedder913 Posts: 1,810
    well, there is other meat besides beef too. I am a HUGE fan of free range buffalo meat. way way healthier than beef and easier to know the source.

    Actually part of why I became a vegetarian was because I couldn't find any decent buffalo meat when I moved back to boston at any of the grocery stores around me! so I was like, well if I can't eat buffalo I might as well just be a vegetarian.


    oh i agree. i was just referencing beef - it scares me. :eek:
  • I guess we've just been fortunate enough to have friends that are open minded and try to include her. I should also mention that there are some cuisines with great options for vegans that aren't necessarily vegan - Mediterranean and Italian especially that our friends and folks don't mind eating at.
    but what if non vegan friends are going to a non vegan restaurant...I know people who in this situation would eat at home and then not eat at the restaurant. I think that's a tough thing to do! (and hey if you can, more power to you). And lord, I would NEVER be able to EVER eat with my parents.
  • I guess we've just been fortunate enough to have friends that are open minded and try to include her. I should also mention that there are some cuisines with great options for vegans that aren't necessarily vegan - Mediterranean and Italian especially that our friends and folks don't mind eating at.

    this is what I'm saying though- if you eat out at an italian place or something, do you *really* know what you're eating is vegan? tomato sauce is often simmered with meat for extra flavor, even if it is not meat sauce, per se. Garlic is often simmered in butter, etc. There are many desserts that contain gelatin (well I guess you wouldn't risk desserts due to the dairy and stuff anyway but you get what I'm saying). like you don't really know how the food is prepared in a restaurant of any kind.
  • Well its pretty easy to ask. She usually lies and says that shes lactose intolerant which usually takes care of the cheese. Alot of the chain places that my family likes to go to (unfortunately) are pretty good in terms of listing ingredients.
    this is what I'm saying though- if you eat out at an italian place or something, do you *really* know what you're eating is vegan? tomato sauce is often simmered with meat for extra flavor, even if it is not meat sauce, per se. Garlic is often simmered in butter, etc.
  • JaneNYJaneNY Posts: 4,438
    There are things that have health benefits but we choose not to eat them. Human meat for example. I expect it has good protein. We don't eat it though. Why not? Ethical reasons.

    I worked up to being vegan. First worked up to being vegetarian. Sure I miss some things that non-vegans eat, but not enough to eat them. I am happy with, and believe in my choice.
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  • pjoasisrulepjoasisrule Posts: 3,412
    Are any of you vegans involved in athletics, running, or bodybuilding?
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  • Are any of you vegans involved in athletics, running, or bodybuilding?

    I think you run and work out on a vegan diet (much much better than you can on an atkins diet, that's for sure!). It's definitely fine on a veggie diet (and I don't get sick and miss work outs!) Might not gain a ton of muscle mass in terms of "body building."
  • pjoasisrulepjoasisrule Posts: 3,412
    I think you run and work out on a vegan diet (much much better than you can on an atkins diet, that's for sure!). It's definitely fine on a veggie diet (and I don't get sick and miss work outs!) Might not gain a ton of muscle mass in terms of "body building."

    What I am curious about is if there is alot of soreness and such after doing these activities and how difficult it is to get the proper nutrition you need for recovery
    Alpine Valley 2000
    Summerfest 2006

    "Why would they come to our concert just to boo us?" -Lisa Simpson
  • What I am curious about is if there is alot of soreness and such after doing these activities and how difficult it is to get the proper nutrition you need for recovery

    recovery is really easy actually. I never ate meat for recovery when I ate meat! I go for foods high in antioxidants and stuff for recovery.
  • JaneNYJaneNY Posts: 4,438
    Are any of you vegans involved in athletics, running, or bodybuilding?

    Well funny that you should ask :D I own and run a fitness center, and teach 12 dance-based cardio/strength training classes per week. I have noticed no different in the amount of soreness since I became vegan. I am used to a high level of activity. When I'm not teaching, I'm hauling sound equipment for the sattellite classes at another location, or hauling in water for sale. I painted my whole center myself. The only thing I've always needed to watch is that I eat enough calories, vegan or otherwise, because I get busy. But that hasn't changed from when I was not vegan.
    R.i.p. Rigoberto Alpizar.
    R.i.p. My Dad - May 28, 2007
    R.i.p. Black Tail (cat) - Sept. 20, 2008
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