posted April 22, 2004 02:45 PM         

Last summer, I visited a friend whom I haven't seen for almost a year. To my astonishment, he was (and still is) a vegetarian. Something I hadn't known at all. At that time I was a meat eater and we came up to the subject about diet. Then I found out he didn't (and still doesn't) eat meat. I asked him 'why not?' He simply replied 'just don't.' Then I just said 'I should quit meat. Everybody should.'

The next day I once again became a vegetarian. This time, I have gathered sufficient information on what to eat in order to maintain my health, to obtein enough nutrients, and the downright ugliness and cruelty of factory farming, I have become determined not to eat meat anymore.

Not long ago I went vegan. There are lots of reasons why I don't eat egg products, dairy products and bee products. I just feel like a whole new person and totally refreshed. This time I will stay vegan. For sure.

posted April 26, 2004 09:23 AM         

i've been vegetarian for 13 years - since i was 16 and got sick from eating steak before a midterm exam - overload on my poor tummy! then i read Diet for a New America and never went back. i did eat fish for about 8 of those years, and i still occassionally eat eggs and dairy from local organic farms - mostly because i love to travel and i don't want to be left with only bread and water if i end up in eastern europe or something.

we're so lucky here that we have access to food creations from around the world - yummy yummy thai, indian, middle eastern, ethiopian, japanese, korean, scottish (just kidding). even american restaurants are finally catching on and not drenching every "veg" dish in nasty processed cheese. whew.

within walking distance of my house is a totally organic, vegan, 95% raw restaurant - fancy that! it's elegant and sophisticated and unbelievable tasty. i'm still a cooked food fan, though.

thanks for bringing up this topic - always great to exchange ideas and give each other support for a huge lifestyle choice that's still sometimes seen as eccentric. (my grandmother for one will never forgive me for passing up her fried chicken!)

posted April 30, 2004 08:42 AM         

I was in a debate with a meat-eater and he said you can't get Vitamin B12 from plant sources, which is very common to hear, and said basically I need meat. I was very upset, until the next day when I started working at a local fruit shop that I read on the back of a mushroom bag that mushrooms are a strong source of Vitamin B12, so I took it home with me and showed him the truth.

I get everything I need from plant food. As I know almost everything there is to know about fruits, and veggies. And working in a fruit shop is handy, everyday I end up eating about 2 bananas, 2 apples, 1 paw paw, 2 plums, litres of grapes juice, loads of spinach, lots of mushrooms, bowls of cabbage, you name it. I eat all this everyday, for my meals, its great, all I do is gather all the veggies I want and steam them for dinner. My partner wonders how I do it? Like its hard? I couldnt put fries or donuts, or even dairy anywhere near my mouth now, I feel so clean and energised. Its the best thing I've ever done for myself.

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"Infinity Extends Outward Through Space And Time.

posted April 30, 2004 02:31 PM         

I've tried but... dang sometimes I just crave a big steak. I'd probably be able to get over it but it's difficult with a husband that is a HUGE meat person. If I serve one vegetarian dish he gets his undies in a knot.

posted May 01, 2004 12:18 AM         

I've been vegetarian for 9 years now. SunChild, thanks for that info - I thought mushrooms had no nutritional value. I love them - eat them all the time. Now I can eat them coz they taste good and know that they're fortifying me with my Vit B as well.

posted May 08, 2004 01:37 AM         

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"Infinity Extends Outward Through Space And Time.