Vegetarian ethical ? - long post

[mickeyfan2]

If you want to eat fish and chicken then do. Don't eat beef if you find the texture of it not to your taste. If you feel your health would be better off than don't worry that you are not a vegetarian anymore but do what is right for your body. I live in an area that has many Amish people. They us the "old" farming methods and it is all organic. I love to buy my food from them. The Amish love their animals and treat them kindly but still realise that they are animals and will eat them. As the Amish show, you can love and be kind to your animals and it is ok to eat them too, but not be wasteful in any way. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I'm a vegetarian and have been for 25 years. I'm lacto-ovo so I do eat eggs and dairy. I do not eat meat of any kind, including fish and chicken.

As far as your decision, everyone needs to draw their line in the sand with whatever they are comfortable with. If asked to explain my views with others I do share, but otherwise my decisions are mine to make and mine to live with.

I do use leather products. I have leather shoes and I just bought a van with leather seats. I'll have to say I love the leather seats and do not feel like a hypocrite in any way. The leather is a by-product of the meat industry--the animals are not killed for the leather, but instead for the meat and some of the leather is used in various products. At least that's what I've heard so we'll go with that. In the case of leather seats, for practical purposes I believe that it's a good choice for me and my family. No more concern about my children sitting on the seats in their dirty baseball or soccer clothes--the seats wipe off, etc.

It's not an all or nothing thing with you. You can try eating fish and see if that helps your issues. If you want you can give it up again or continue to eat it. It's really only your business and for your friends to try and convince you otherwise is wrong.

Be secure in your beliefs. You are obviously an intelligent person who has put a lot of thought into your choices. That is wonderful and whatever decision you make in the future I''m sure you'll think through it. I should have said "decisions" because you will change and evolve as you get older and your decisions should and will reflect that.

I do agree that you are probably not experiencing a protein shortage--most people get more protein that they need and since you do eat animal products and are watching your protein intake you are probably fine. maybe some bloodwork and an exam to make sure everything is ok with your health would be a good idea.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Great, I killed a vegetarian thread!

 

[luvmydogs]

Great, I killed a vegetarian thread!

It's payback, my leather-wearing sistah!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

It's payback, my leather-wearing sistah!

I'll burn in....uh, better be careful what I say with these word filters...

 

[Sandy22]

Make sure your doctor tests your iron levels. I'm a lacto-ovo vegetarian but lately I've been struggling with anemia. If you want to incorporate eggs in your diet, I strongly recommend the liquid ones in a carton. They are much more visually appealling.

I often get bored eating the same things and it does take extra effort to plan well-balanced meals. Maybe if you took a vegetarian cooking class it would help spice things up for you?

 

[siouxi31]

My father and step-mother are vegetarians, however, my step-mother will eat fish on occassion when she feels she needs it (protein and omegas). They're also both members of PETA, do not buy anything leather, and do their best not to buy products which were tested on animals. There are others out there like you.
You don't have to fit in one category.
Good luck with your struggle. I'm sorry that I have nothing better to offer than to let you know that someone out there feels the same as you. I'm sure she went through feelings of hypocracy but she is what she is and that's it.

 

[Keli]

It's like this, you are a dynamic human being. Your thoughts and feelings have changed and developed over time. For anyone to expect you to feel the same way about things when you're 30 as you did when you're 20 is unrealistic and in my opinion, actually silly.

I think you need to do what you are comfortable with in regards to your vegetarianism. Eat those things that you think are best for your mind, body, and spirit. And when someone says something about it explain your new thoughts regarding the issue. You have good, valid reasons to consider eating the fish and you have nothing to feel funny about.

Good luck. BTW, I am not, nor never have been a vegetarian but my beloved nephew has been one since he was 5 yrs. old so I have an understanding of the issues you are speaking of, both mental and physical.