Vegans/Vegetarians Anyone?

[pek1]

I'm trying to go totally vegan, but it's tough to do in a university setting. Anyway, since being a nudist and desiring to be healthy and all, are any of you vegans or vegetarians? What about animal rights? Do any of you subscribe to that? I am buying more and more products that show of their containers of "Not tested on animals" because I feel that we should be more aware of the damage that humans are doing to the environment.

What do you think?

[nudebushwalker]

Being totally "Vegan" means NO animal products whatsoever - only fruit and vegetables..
That means no honey, [bee-collected..] pollen, mead; yoghurt, butter, cream, cheese, milks; gelatine; beer or wine [unless you can find some vegan/organic varieties - which would be expensive and probably hard to source..]; and any other foodstuffs which are made using any animal inputs whatsoever..
That also means that no horses, cows, sheep, goats or dogs might be used during any production stage of the fruit and vege's.

As you can see, it might be easy for people to 'talk' vegan, but a lot harder to actually do it.
It's also more difficult to properly balance a genuinely 'vegan' or 'fruitarian' diet - a lot of people on the more strict vegan diets will inevitably end up with mental problems and/or some level of malnutrition; despite the denials of those who push these diets for philosophical and ethical reasons (like those nutbags from PETA..)..

On the other hand, a "vegetarian" diet, which allows some of the animal products listed above, plus whole grains, seeds and nuts, is easier to balance; whilst an "ovo-lacto vegetarian" diet will also allow milk products and eggs to be added to this - giving more protein sources and vitamins (this is the type of vegetarian diet promoted by the Seventh day Adventist church..).

Finally, you can keep on reminding yourself that something like 70 - 75% of the world's population, live (at least mostly..) on some type of vegetarian diet..
But only a very small % are on truly "vegan" or fruitarian diets.

[EricNY]

I have heard that it is extremely difficult, if not impossible to digest the proper amounts of nutrients to be healthy as a vegan. In fact I have heard it is tough just being a vegitarian to get the what the body needs.

Not knowing if that is true I would do a bunch or research. I look forward to seeing some of the input here

[nakedjohn]

Going totally VEGAN in our society, must be, I think, very difficult.

[usmc1]

I have heard that it is extremely difficult, if not impossible to digest the proper amounts of nutrients to be healthy as a vegan. In fact I have heard it is tough just being a vegitarian to get the what the body needs.

Not knowing if that is true I would do a bunch or research. I look forward to seeing some of the input here

It depends and is a bit complicated as several people have pointed out. But, for example, Mrs. USMC eats no meat or fish or poultry, but does eat cheese and uses soy milk, (as do I) both of which provide protein. Also, don't confuse canned or processed vegetables with fresh vegetables and fruits. There is a considerable difference in food values.

I eat fish and poultry occasionally, red meat very, very rarely--go insane and slam a What-a-Burger with chocolate malt and fries a couple of times a year.

But, we both eschew fried foods, canned or processed foods, and eat lots of fresh fruit, veggies of all types, soy milk, grains, nuts, tofu, and take a vitamin supplement.

Some hard-core vegetarians who are concerned about meat protein do take dessicated liver tablets.

But as to trying to be vegan in our culture, I would think it is difficult. And, in my opinion a bit over the top and obsessive.

We remain vegetarians for health and ethical reasons and would prefer not to have animal remains as part of our clothing, but...good grief, one must wear shoes and leather bio-degrades a lot faster than does plastic. Yeah, I know, hemp sandals would be an option.

I could live without eggs and cheese, but not without the odd bit of salmon with a nice tomato/basil/peppercorn sauce, or the occasional baked chicken stuffed with apples and garlic and drenched in lemon/butter baste.

[MJ_KC]

I think that I am going to continue eating what I always do and this will include a mix of things from all of the food groups.

[BillyD]

I have been a lacto-ovo vegitarian all my life. While I eat dairy products and eggs, I eat no meat or fish. As for getting all the nutrients I need, I'm 54, 6'2'', 172 lbs have run 8 marathons, am almost never sick -- I'm not missing what I'm missing. As for switching to a vegetarian or vegan, I would encourage you to not do it without guidance. It could be discouraging. Like Nudebushwalker said, Seventh-day Adventists have taught this for over a century. If you contacted the nearest church, I'm sure someone would be happy to help. They may even have cooking classes.

[MoonShadow]

Just wondering ... if you do vegan as a way of eating for health or philosophy, do you also look at other items made from flesh? Shoes (but we do need shoes); medicines, for example ... other uses of meat/flesh not used for food?

[EricNY]

Out of couriosity....Why would you not eat fish? Other than not liking it anyways

[Sauna]

Vegan is not made for human. It is hard to eat like a rabbit when your mechanisms are made for mixed meals. You do not get enough nutritions from your meals and vegan with pills is not a real thing.

It is better to be a normal eating naturist (I do not mean fast food)

[BillyD]

I find the use of the word "normal" interesting. I'd not thought of vegan or vegitarian as "abnormal." (For those who accept the Bible, one could make a case that the original vegitarian diet is the "normal" diet.) As for fish, for me it is just a preference. I never have so I never do. Actually, the only "meat" I have eaten in my life (perhaps 5 times) has been fish.

[walter05]

First of all, it is possible to be vegan and get all of the amino acids. It just requires eating a variety of foods and doing so with intelligent planning.

Also, some of the certified Kosher products can be helpful. Jewish Dietary laws do not allow mixing meat and dairy. As a result, products that are Kosher and "Pareve" are neither meat nor dairy.

Eggs are not considered meat by Jewish Dietary laws. So you will still need to look at the label to know if they are there.

Fish can't be mixed with meat so labels should show if there is fish.

The COR out of Toronto has a number next to their registered trademark. One can call them and if the number is provided, they will contact the Rabbi(s) that supervise the production to find out if an ingredient is there. (This is helpful with anyone with a food allergy.)

Other reputable Kashrus organizations can do the same.

If you will PM me with where you live in California, I will provide you with contact information for someone in California that can help you.

P.S. Some of the Amy's products are certified Kosher and pareve. You may find some of them very good. Their spinach pizzas with the rice crust are very good.

[pek1]

Just wondering ... if you do vegan as a way of eating for health or philosophy, do you also look at other items made from flesh? Shoes (but we do need shoes); medicines, for example ... other uses of meat/flesh not used for food?

Yes, I do. Although I still have some clothing with animals, I won't replace them with other articles that are made by using animals. As for wine, I didn't know this, will look into it. Thanks!

[pek1]

I have been a lacto-ovo vegitarian all my life. While I eat dairy products and eggs, I eat no meat or fish. As for getting all the nutrients I need, I'm 54, 6'2'', 172 lbs have run 8 marathons, am almost never sick -- I'm not missing what I'm missing. As for switching to a vegetarian or vegan, I would encourage you to not do it without guidance. It could be discouraging. Like Nudebushwalker said, Seventh-day Adventists have taught this for over a century. If you contacted the nearest church, I'm sure someone would be happy to help. They may even have cooking classes.

Thanks, BillyD! I'll contact them this week! There's a church just down the street from my university here in Moorhead, Minnesota.

[Croydon]

Just to clarify, it is possible to be vegan and get the necessary dietary nutrients one needs.

Today, more and and more people are becoming vegetarian and vegan. That being said, food manufacturers are making foods that are vegan/vegetarian.

We now have vegan cheese, vegan meat, and a lot of foods we eat today have a SOY version. Believe it or not, there are vegan lasagna, vegan pizza.

I am not vegan or vegetarian. I choose to not be one because I don't have the patience to plan out my meals and have a restrictive regimen. The only thing I don't eat is pork and red meat. My choice of meat tend to be turkey, chicken, or fish.

[Croydon]

Just to clarify, it is possible to be vegan and get the necessary dietary nutrients one needs.

Today, more and and more people are becoming vegetarian and vegan. That being said, food manufacturers are making foods that are vegan/vegetarian.

We now have vegan cheese, vegan meat, and a lot of foods we eat today have a SOY version. Believe it or not, there are vegan lasagna, vegan pizza.

I am not vegan or vegetarian. I choose to not be one because I don't have the patience to plan out my meals and have a restrictive regimen. The only thing I don't eat is pork and red meat. Actually, I do eat pork and red meat but I have to say that is VERY VERY rare.

My choice of meat tend to be turkey, chicken, or fish.

[walter05]

Pek1;

All Kosher wines are animal product free.

I believe most other wines are also.

[EricNY]

Pek1;

All Kosher wines are animal product free.

I believe most other wines are also.

Actually that is not true. Some wines contain what are called "Finings" and there are some that use Bulls blood, and also Isinglass (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isinglass) (usually from Sturgeon) a product derived from the swim bladder of the fish.

Some ones also use casiens (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casein) which are a protein from milk and also some may contain egg whites or albumin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albumin)

Additionally I have used a product for stabilization that is a calcium product and is derived from shellfish.

[walter05]

ErcNY;

That is news to me. Keeping Kosher, I would not have known.

There are several very good varieties of Kosher wines these days. Some of the best come from Italy, Israel, and California.

Kosher wines don't contain any animal products.

[EricNY]

This might be helpful too

Vegan Wine Guide (http://vegans.frommars.org/wine/)

[walter05]

I see that the Vegan guide does not include the Kosher wines, I will e-mail them.

However, I also saw where the website has some great looking cook books.

[bunsunr]

Being 'Vegan' does take some serious getting used to, and you must be careful to get the needed nutrients.
I recently started practicing a vegan lifestyle to help me cook for friends who were vegan. At first it was hard for me, but then I realize how many recipes I had cooked before were actually meat and dairy free.

Just finished reading "Vegetarians for Dummies" and it was very helpful. I also learned that some things that one would think was vegan is actually made with animal products.
I still eat meat when I feel the need for more protein, but for the most part, I am starting to enjoy my new lifestyle and how I feel.

[nudenwv]

i stick with mostly fish,chicken,turkey and vegetables. maybe three times a year i'll eat some type of beef looking for the fat content in it. now sweets are another thing!

[walter05]

There is a Wild Oats on US 422 East just off off of I-271. It has a lot of local Cleveland products including some great middle eastern stlye products. You may want to try some of them.

[JeepNude]

I am a vegetarian. Have been for a long time. My dog likes me more now that I am not a meat eater too, feels less threatened I think.

Seriously, I went vegetarian for health reasons (cholesterol). First, I went vegan. that lasted about 6 months. once my cholesterol was back down to normal, I started mixing in some milk, eggs (just the whites) and small amounts of cheese. About once every couple weeks, I get the craving for fish, so I do some salmon or trout (kosher fish only). My health has been better than it ever was in my entire life!

I still get tested every 6 months for cholesterol levels. If they get too high, the doc wants to put me on statins. Those are VERY bad for you long term! I am hoping to keep this all under control with diet alone.

BTW, I am a 7th day Baptist. We occasionally hang with 7th day Adventists. They do NOT teach 'vegetarianism' to their church, they do suggest it though. They, like us, follow the Word and stay away from UNCLEAN meat. In other words, only eat kosher meats. The vegetarian thing is more cultural than doctrine for them.

[Nude in the North]

Eat what you want. Or don't eat what you don't want. It's your right and choice.
But don't forget that if everyone stops eating meat or any food derived from animals, Those animals would go on the endangered species list within weeks.

Oh, and don't forget when your sick, don't take any medicine. It has all been tested on Animals. Even the over the counter pain relievers. After all, Humans are Animals too.
Without the ability to test new medicines on animals, We will become an Endangered Species.

[Yasehtor]

While I am a vegetarian, I tend to not be too rigid about it and will enjoy fish a couple of times a year. As for other meat and poultry can't remember what it tastes like as it has been so long since I've eaten it.

[JeepNude]

While I am a vegetarian, I tend to not be too rigid about it and will enjoy fish a couple of times a year. As for other meat and poultry can't remember what it tastes like as it has been so long since I've eaten it.

Ditto!!

Although, I still enjoy the SMELL of beef or chicken on the BBQ. I just don't remember what it tasted like.

For your religious folk- Now I know why God always insisted on burnt offerings!! Man, burnt offerings really smell good!!! Ha ha!!

[walter05]

I have also been fighting cholesterol with diet and exercise.

I sent you a PM with a little information.

I would like to learn more about your diet. Perhaps we can share information and help each other.

[pek1]

I haven't been here for awhile, but am glad for the responses while I was away. I'll try and be here more regularly.

Right now, I'm lacto-vegetarian; some eggs & moo juice, but that is it. It's really hard to do it on campus, but they do have vegan dishes, which I take advantage of.

Health-wise, I had an ear infection in my right ear earlier this fall. Otherwise, so far this winter, I've been as healthy as a horse, except I don't nag like one! ;)

[David77]

I am not vegetarian and I eat meat.

However, I have read articles by doctors and dietitians that state that the only danger of a diet that does not contain meat is the possibility of not getting protein that is not a complete protein.

To get a complete protein, one must eat two certain foods together. For instance, beans are a good source of protein but they are not a complete protein, so if you eat, for instance, corn bread together with your beans, you will form a complete protein content.

[David77]

I know that soy milk has become popular and our supermarkets sell it.
However, I have read that soy contains a lot of estrogen, and lowers testosterone levels, as well as thyroid level. :rolleyes:

http://www.mothering.com/articles/growing_child/food/soy_story.html

[David77]

In the biography by Muhatma Gandhi, he describes a brief period in his rebellious teen years, when he and his teen buddies in India planned to do something rebellious and daring, so went by the riverside and cooked some beef and ate it. He had never tasted meat before as his religion forbid the eating of meat. It taught a reverence for all life, including lower animals.

After eating this meat for the first time, his conscience overwhelmed him with guilt. He thus felt the need to go to his parents and confess his sin to them and ask forgiveness for this meat eating.

[walter05]

Rice Dream is a good milk substitute without soy.

At Whole Foods, their 365 brand Rice Milk is the same think and a lot cheaper.

[Eric6420]

In the biography by Muhatma Gandhi, he describes a brief period in his rebellious teen years, when he and his teen buddies in India planned to do something rebellious and daring, so went by the riverside and cooked some beef and ate it. He had never tasted meat before as his religion forbid the eating of meat. It taught a reverence for all life, including lower animals.

After eating this meat for the first time, his conscience overwhelmed him with guilt. He thus felt the need to go to his parents and confess his sin to them and ask forgiveness for this meat eating.

Yes, but hindus, like most people in the developing world tend to eat more meat as they get richer. And cury chicken is an indian speciality. Man had always eat meat.

[GrayWolf]

It is quite possable to get a balanced diet without any animal products. My wife is a vegan and makes a point of having full bloodwork done at annual physical. Always perfect. (I'm sure that helps that she has a degree in food science:D) If done properly I think you should be healthier than a meat eater. I mysel am social vegan and a card-carrying carnivor whenever we go out or have friends over for dinner. Valentines dinner tonight will be a steak for me and tofu something for her.

[JeepNude]

I have been a vegetarian for many years. One benefit- I am constantly mistaken for being in my 20's. That was 20+ years ago! My wife recently started attanding a junior college for something to do. Her male classmates are always asking her out, thinking she is also in her early 20's. She looks like it too. However, when she tells them she is a 40something, they always look shocked!

We know several vehetarians (the people at the health food store in town) and they all look very young as well.

My parents eat meat, a lot of meat. They look WAY older than they are.

[RichNH]

LOLOL I've been a carnivore all my life, People consistently think I'm younger than I am, they think I'm in my 40's, I'm 56.

Rich

[MoonShadow]

LOL I am with Rich on this one. People never think I am in my 60s. Most say early to mid-50s. I'm 63 and eat meat (no red meat, however). Many gasp when they find what my real age is but I think it is due to good genes, eating right, drinking lots of water, and exercising. I am outdoors a lot also. I have always been this way throughout life and never had to worry about weight except a pound or two around the holidays but those two or three pounds are gone by the middle to end of January as I am no longer around all those wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas treats!

I don't promote eating meat or a vegetarian diet, you just learn to eat well and in moderation. My experienced is if you do, you don't get cravings or have the tendency to overeat. What I do promote is stay away from processed foods, all kinds. Eat fresh!

[maliakei]

I don't promote eating meat or a vegetarian diet, you just learn to eat well and in moderation. My experienced is if you do, you don't get cravings or have the tendency to overeat. What I do promote is stay away from processed foods, all kinds. Eat fresh!

I Totally Agree! Junk food, fast food, fake food, diet food & diet soda always makes me feel sluggish then craving to eat more...then gain more, so no thanks! Personally, I like to try and maintain a healthy balance when eating meats (rarely red meat/pork), dairy, fruits, and veggies.

A doctor once told me .. the more colorful the veggies (broccoli, carrots..), the more vitamins & nutrients v. veggies such as cauliflower, although some veggies can be too starchy like corn, peas, even potatoes..

Eating in moderation is the key. Exercise too. Eat Fresh -- a Great motto!

Thanks, maliakei

[DoctorSurferDude]

I'm a vegetarian. Born and raises as one. So I don't like the taste or texture of meat.

In general it is a very healthy diet, good alternative.

Vegan diet....gotta be a little more careful to get all nutritional needs, particularly iron and zinc.

[JeepNude]

And B-12!!

[Hooked2]

been one for over 2 years and vegetarian for over 4 years before that. It's the best !

[Arlo]

I've been vegetarian for years. A book I found quite helpful was "A Diet for a New America" by John Robbins. He talks a lot about nutrition, and also discusses the healt advantages of a vegetarian diet. A newer book by Robbins, co-written by Dean Ornish is "The Food Revolution." This books links our diet to our environment and discusses how our food choices can impact the environment.

Like some others have mentioned, it has been so long since I ate meat, I can't really remember its taste. Now I find the thought of eating meat to be somewhat repulsive. I will cook it on the barbeque when we have guests, on occasion. My wife will occasionally eat meat at a restaurant, but we seldom cook it at home, except for holidays when we have guests.

[spiceant]

At the moment i eated cooked meals of vegetables and grains for dinner and mostly nuts / grains and fruit inbetween. I aspire to be totally fruitarian which i will get started on when i move to my own house away from my parents, within about 2 weeks.