Want to be a vegetarian

Vegetarianism has a lot of benefit, in terms of health, environment and wallet.
It is also very easy to replace meat in any receipe, which would keep a similar texture, the same -or a better- nutritive value, and the same taste.

but the more important is that no matter the choice YOU MAKE, people have to respect your choices, and you have to do sure that people respect your choices. You don't have to try to convince them to do the same than you, you respect their choices, they have to respect the your.

I think being Vegan/Vegetarian is a wonderful choice.

There are three main reasons to go Veg*:

1. for the environment: there is tons of info out there about how the meat and dairy industry is wasting many of our resources (first of all fresh water). Plus, cattle is extremely polluting-they're CO2 emissions are responsible for as much damage to the ozone as cars are. Also, the Amazon forest has been destroyed-and is being destroyed- to allow cattle to graze. that's horrible, considering we can't really live without the oxigen produced by the amazon forest.

2. for the animals. it's no secret that the animals are not treated well-to say the very least. There are many sources that show this, the best one being Earthlings.

3. For the others. Land that's used to grow crops for animals-rather than for starving people. that's simply insane!

I suggest you search Gary Yoroufski's best speech ever on youtube, "the china study", "earthlings", "cowspiracy" "forks over knives"... Like i said, the info is there. it's just a matter of finding it.

if you have any more questions feel free to contact me privately!

I honestly only have one pro to being veg:

people are ignorant, and they'll give you a hard time. when we our core beliefs are challenged (we NEED meat to live), we tend to go on a defensive trip that can take many forms.

one last point to consider: why do we cry over dogs and cats, but not over cows and pigs? they are just as smart, cuddly and intelligent. they just don't have a name. to show compassion to a cat should just as easily translate into giving compassion to a cow. If you can, visit a local sanctuary, where you'll have the opportunity to meet all kinds of animals and listen to their wonderful stories.

I hope this helps. !

good luck :)

A lot of the time vegans and vegetarians eat the same things meat eaters eat, just with substitutes like tofu! In addition, things like vegtables, fruits, breads, and things like that are the same regardless. Just let them know you will be healthy about it and assure them that your diet choices will not negatively affect yourself or the family :)

Well I am surprised that no debate ensued from this post and I wonder how you are all getting on now?

I love tofu, I know I must be mad but I am working hard to improve my recipes and I find that Silken Tofu is the best and it fills me up enough,

Also veggie curries are brilliant for switching from meat to no meat, they satisfy the fullness feeling.

What other tips do people have for dropping meat?

Vegetarianism is great for the wallet, body and mind (sadly, my wallet is usually empty regardless). It really disciplines the body in the first stages and it really isn't that hard to follow up. Your body will really improve healthwise so long as you make sure you're getting all the right nutrients (protein, zinc, vitamin b12..). You're also doing animals a favour as resources are declining rapidly and the demand for the big four is only increasing. People say that they could never be vegetarian but give it a go! There are plenty of versatile meat substitutes . Try and practice vegatarianism with your family or a friend. It certainly is an experience.

Is anyone interested in going vegan with me? I