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Vegetarian Times Study Shows
7.3 Million Americans Are Vegetarians
Additional 22.8 Million Follow a Vegetarian-Inclined Diet
The just-released “Vegetarianism in America” study, published by Vegetarian Times (vegetariantimes.com), shows that 3.2 percent of U.S. adults, or 7.3 million people, follow a vegetarian-based diet. Approximately 0.5 percent, or 1 million, of those are vegans, who consume no animal products at all. In addition, 10 percent of U.S., adults, or 22.8 million people, say they largely follow a vegetarian-inclined diet.
Data for this survey were collected by the Harris Interactive Service Bureau on behalf of Vegetarian Times. The poll surveyed 5,050 respondents, a statistically representative sample of the total U.S. population. Vegetarian Times commissioned RRC Associates, a research firm in Boulder, Colo., to perform the data analysis.
The 2008 study also indicates that of the non-vegetarians surveyed 5.2 percent, or 11.9 million people, are “definitely interested” in following a vegetarian-based diet in the future.
The study also collected data on age, gender and other demographic factors. Of the vegetarians surveyed:
The 2008 study also indicated that over half (53 percent) of current vegetarians eat a vegetarian diet to improve their overall health. Environmental concerns were cited by 47 percent ; 39 percent cited “ natural approaches to wellness” ; 31 percent cited food-safety concerns; 54 percent cited animal welfare; 25 percent cited weight loss; and 24 percent weight maintenance.
“The vegetarian sector is one of the fastest-growing categories in food publishing,” says Elizabeth Turner, Vegetarian Times’ editor in chief. “It’s a dedicated group of consumers that is growing daily.”
“A vast number of people are seeking to reduce their meat intake, creating a rapidly growing market for all things vegetarian,” says Bill Harper, vice president and publisher of Vegetarian Times. That trend is reflected in the growth of the magazine, which saw July through December 2007 newsstand sales increase 19.4 percent over the same period in 2006.
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Good!
Do you know how many people in the US are pescatarians? I am very curious if this is a growing trend, and wondered if that was a question in your survey?
Thank you.
When was the survey conducted? That's great news. I think the number will continue to grow for many different reasons. I'm a vegetarian and have been for 17 years. Keep doing what you're doing...VT is a wonderful magazine!!
Pescatarian - Now here's a term I've never heard before. What does it mean?
Hi Deborah, people who refer to themselves as pescatarians usually follow a vegetarian diet with the exception of eating fish/seafood (but don't eat red meat, poultry, etc.).
I only wish they included people under the age of eighteen.
A pescetarian is a vegetarian that still eats fish. and i agree with Ana, I would be very interested to know how many vegetarians are under 18, being one myself.
i am a vegetariann !!!
and i have been one for only about a year :[
but im only 13, and i plan to stay one my whole live!
"pescotarian" makes about as much sense as "bovovegetarian" or "swinovegetarian.
Does anyone know of a source where more vegetarian demographic information is available? By the way, I have been a vegetarian for 10 years.
I would also like to know what state has the most vegetarians, and i have been a vegetarian for 30 years.
Why do people see being a vegetarian as a fashion trend!! iam so annoyed by that!! being a vegetarian should be moreso a lifestyle and the conviction not to EAT ANIMALS BECAUSE of the animals!!!! vegetariansim is just so commercial..it is so annoying!!!:(
It's so hard to be vergetarian and everything around us promotes meat, like the TV ads. These kind of ads should stop, like the cigarets ads stoped.
I became a vegetarian when I was 16 but it only lasted 3 to 4 months because my summer vacation ended, I had to go back to school. My freakin' high school doesn't offer any veggie items. Even the darn salads had chicken strips in them! But all is good now I'm 23 and out of the whole stupid high school drama crap. Now I'm VEGAN FOR LIFE!!!!!
Try saying "vegaquarians" - it's cuter than pescatarian.
i have been a vegetarian for two years since 4th grade and i currently in 6th grade. VEGETARIANS ARE THE OVERALL BEST YA!
I am so glad for this info because I am writing a book about being vegetarian/vegan. All the comments are great as well,they help me understand things that vegetarians are interested in learning about which I can further research for my book.
Hi, For those Young Folks:
I have decided to become an Ovolacto-vegetarian since 2002 for various reasons. To be a vegetarian is one of the most easiest thing for me to do. I become a vegetarian and I never look back. I am very pleased to become a memeber of the vegetarian world. For one thing, I love animals and I just found it more consistenrt to be a vegetarian.
For young folks, which I am not, one advice would be to watch out for the protein intakes. I have some friend who became vegetarian (vegan) for a few years and his doctor (who is not vegetarian) suggested him to start to eat meat again because my friend's protein level in the blood is on the low side. The doctor who is self-proclaimed nutritionist also used lots of Ying-and-Yang balance theorty to tell him that eating certain meats will balance his Ying-and-Yang. I was surprised to see that he took that advice and started to eat meats again because there are really so many ways you could increase your protein intake without "resorting" to eating animal meats. There are really so many non-meat-based hight protein foods, such as nuts, milk products and legumes that are readily available. There are now many high-protein vegetarian (even vegan) foods available every direction you look. I found, without much efforts, many high-protein cereals, bars, drinks etc. I don't think, you can run low on protein level just because you are a vegetarian. But, for young folks,I do encourage you to stay on vegetarian diet and pay attention to protein intakes so that you don't fall into the situations like my friends had. (It was sad for me for see what had happened to him - in some way, it is partly due to the fact they don't understand some of the food chemistry. Ying-and-Yang in foods? I am Chinese but I have not heard of such stupid thing in my life. My friend and his doctor are not Chinese)
So, just watch out for the protein and you should be a happy vegetarian like me. (And don't ever listen to those Ying-and-Yang theory about foods and diets. It is totally nonsense!)
Plato
Why don't you include the percentage of vegetarian kids? I'm a kid (13) and I've been a vegetarian for 8 years.
i,m gonna be doing a speech on being a vegetarian and this article was really helpful thanks to who ever wrote it.
by the way i have been a vegetarian all the 19 years of my life.
i have been a vegetarian for 42 days. i had tried it multiple times previously, but hadnt had any luck. i gave up meat for lent, and i was able to not eat meat for 40 days, and now that i have been more informed about what happens to the animals, i dont even want to eat meat. at first it was a challenge, but now the idea of eating another living creature makes me feel sick. this article is really informitive, thanks. =] i would also like to know what the percentage of vegetarians under 18 is, being one myself (11)
This article didn't mention another big reason for vegetarianism: religion. My neighbors don't eat meat because they're Hindu.
I am not a vegetarian because I still eat fish. Some would say I am a "pescatarian" but since Mark thinks that being a semi-lacto-ovo vegetarian doesn't make sense I would just like to present my debate in that the label is not what matters here. It's almost like a strict vegan telling a vegetarian they make no sense because they're not eating the meet yet they still sit on leather couches. The point is that the vegetarian is still making a difference with room to advance. I think people need to get off their high horse and rather than disrespecting others, remember why they eat this way and encourage it. Positive reinforcement is the key. I feel it is better I am not eating beef, chicken, pork, etc., and have minimized my meat intake to strictly fish.
I think young people aren't included in this survey for legal reasons. It is harder to survey young people, as parents permission is needed to participate. And parents would be concerned if someone they didn't know called up and said "Are there any people under 18 home that I can talk to?"
Rachelle, I agree it is good that you are reducing your intake of animals. Every effort counts, and I would be thrilled if everyone reduced their animal intake by 50% (even if none of them went veg). I think Mark was just pointing out that fish are animals too, so if you eat fish, you are eating animals, and thus (by definition) aren't vegetarian. I think it is great you don't eat cows, chickens, and pigs, and hope you continue to keep these animals off your plate. It would be even better if you, and everyone else, eliminated fish, eggs, dairy, skins, wool, and other animal products from their lives too.
Keep up the good work, and keep striving to create the kind of world you want to live in with each bite you take.
I've been a veg for a little over a year now, and I am 15. It's not an easy lifestyle for me because of health problems, and tight money. It may not be easy, but it's so rewarding to know that I'm not part of the problem.
And I would also like to say that I'm ovo-lacto-pescatarain, myself, but I'm trying to cut fish and seafood as well, which isn't easy when you live in Maine. I think anyone who makes any attempt to pull any type of meat from their diet is trying to do something that can be difficult at first. Even someone who still eats meat but buys from a local market where animals aren't mistreated is doing something to help better the world! Long live the 7.3 million of us!
I've been a vegetarian for 3 yrs. I felt weaker and weaker everyday because of my eating was irregular and I'm a picky eater too. BUT I'm now not as picky as I used to, and I eat almost any kind of vegetables,fruits, nuts, and chocolate which I didn't like. Anything but animal flesh! I'm now feel a lot better and happier because I don't have guilty feeling of eating animals anymore, yike! WE'VE MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR A GREENER, BETTER WORLD. Goodluck to all of vegetarians!
Its a beautiful thought that comes from most of you. For me, to show love and compassion to animals is a beautiful thing to do, since they cannot express their pain and sufferings. If you love animals, you probably don't want to see them on your plate...
It's so wonderful to know that this is a changing world, and that the vegetarian/vegan population is growing. I'm vegan, but I believe that even if you don't eat meat for just one day per week, that's a start.
Sarah,
You're not a vegetarian, you eat fish. You can eat fish or you can be vegetarian, but you can't be both. It's great that you're "trying to cut fish and seafood as well", but until you eliminate them from your diet, don't say things like, "Long live the 7.3 million of us!" It pisses real vegetarians off.
No, I'm not on a "high horse." A definition is a definition. Deal with it.
Vegetarians don't consume animal flesh. It's pretty simple. Don't claim to be something you aren't.
This is perfect! I couldn't find any recent statistics on vegetarians in US for my article in my school paper. The only one I could find was from 1994!
Anyways on the pescatarian issue: I don't understand pescatarianism because eating commercial, mass-produced fish is horrible. So many fish species should be considered endangered, but many countries won't name them so because of money!!! And farmed fish is even worse they over fish other types of fish to feed farmed fish and the farming pollutes the water. In British Columbia the Orca, a beautiful creature is in trouble because the wild salmon are dying out from fishing and the sea lice brought in by the farmed fish.
So I don't eat fish for the above reasons and more. I seriously don't understand pescatarianism.
Being a vegetarian isn't something that should be a real struggle for people. i don't see how people say they're trying to be one. if you really want it its not hard, if you dont really want to then don't, there is nothing wrong with that. As a nutrition student studying to be a dietician (and also a vegetarian for many years) iron and vit B12 are actually some of the biggest nutrients to watch out for a deficiency in, like Plato Lee i don't see how someone will easily end up with not enough protein, especially if you are lacto-ovo.
Hi -
I just wanted to say congrats to all the people joining the ranks of the vegetarian! On behalf of the planet thanks for your choice! On the issue of people eating fish - I agree that fish isn't a vegetable, and if you eat fish you aren't a vegetarian. It is great, however, that people are making that step to cut meat and other animal products out of their diets, and we should encourage them in their transition. People never respond well to anger :)
As for the transition, it takes time and it is difficult for some. I have been vegan since '92, have travelled the world and was vegan in a combat zone, but for some just eating a veggie burger is an ordeal. What are you going to do? Lets live and let live, and sooner or later we will come up on top. Just think where the vegan diet was 20 years ago...
Peace.
I live in England and I am a lacto-vegetarian (no eggs or meat!).
There are clearly labelled vegan foods in England, which is good.
I didn't know there were so many vegans in America!
I am from India and currently studying in Santa Barbara. Nice to see so many vegetarians. I have been a vegetarian all my life and will continue to be so.
I am writing a paper on vegetarianism, and i found this information very helpful. :) I think that anyone who is trying to cut meat out of their diet is very inspirational to younger people. If they haven't cut out fish out of their diet yet you should encourage them.
Thanks for the information! I've been a vegetarian for about two years (I still enjoy eggs and dairy products), and I'm currently writing a paper for my English class on the advantages and disadvantages of vegetarianism. I'm hoping this will help both me and my classmates understand being a vegetarian better.
Even though I've been one for two years, I know I still have a lot to learn. So thanks, this has helped a lot.
Hi! Wow, so glad to hear so many positive stories about vegetarianism. It is quite comforting to hear that this lifestyle is growing daily. And thankfully this means that slowly but surely being a vegetarian is becoming easier.
I do however want to offer my humble comment on the labeling that some of you have mentioned. I think a lot of people are discouraged by these 'definitions'.
It may be true that 'either you want it or you don't.' But I doubt we can change everyone's mind from morning to night about the treatment of animals or following a healthier diet. Most new ideas need a little time to be accepted and are greatly benefited from being introduced slowly. Otherwise you create a constant state of war.
Pescatarian or not, you really should encourage every little step. Might have a better chance of achieving full vegetarianism with a little patience than immediate and complete abstinence. It is really not about vegetarians against vegans against pescatarians. It is simply about DECREASING the intake of products that are promoting mistreatment of animals and/or not too healthy for our diet.
I've been a vegetarian for almost 15 years now, but it was definitely not a smooth transition, and more than 80 percent of the world population is not yet adapted to it. Which means that you really have to get creative. I would imagine it is especially hard for younger people in school. I mean in the end I would think it might be better to buy fresh fish from a local independent fisherman than a veggie burger from Mcdonalds or other fast food chains and continue giving money to their slaughter houses.
But that is just my opinion. Anyway good luck and good on all of you for your individual endeavours in taking on a diet that suits you. :o)
Hi, I am very happy to see the number of vegetarians/vegans are higher than I expected! Hopefully these numbers continue to rise. I have been a vegetarian for 10 years now and try my hardest to buy milk and eggs from companies that treat their animals humanly. I agree with Sharon that we don't want to discourage anybody that is starting to cut slaughtered animals out of their diet. It's a step in the right direction. Initially, when I first became a vegetarian it was a slow process of cutting dead animal by-products out of my diet. For about the first 6 months I would still eat things with chicken/beef broth and I didn't even know about gelatin. Now I wont even eat anything that has come in contact with meat. (Yuck!) To me, eating meat seems barbaric and unnecessary. I couldn't imagine any other way and wish everyone felt the same. I think all meat eaters need an education on where their meal comes from, how it was treated and slaughtered and a little less selfishness.
Hello, I'm so excited to hear there are quite a number of vegetarians out there! 2009 was a big year for me as I made the final step to become Vegan and it has been so easy. I now look back on the year and realize that slowly I was progressing towards this step throughout the year. "Reading Flesh of your Flesh" by Elizabeth Kolbert and watching Earthlings sealed the deal for me. I can never go back to eating animals or any animal products.
For those lacto-ovo vegetarians out there. Just a few facts. Consuming milk and eggs unfortunately supports factory farming as Dairy cows are turned to meat once they become "unproductive" and their calves suffer greatly too. Male calves become veal without even getting a chance to bond with their mothers while female calves start their miserable lives as dairy cows. The poor chickens on the other hand are kept in tiny little cages their whole life, debeaked and forced to produce eggs. And you guessed right, once their "production" levels drop, they are also food on the table.
I origionally became a vegetarian for health reasons and had difficulties with remaining meat-free. A friend turned me on to the animal rights and it finally sold me. I have never liked fish/seafood so no problems there. I do wish they had statistics on teenage vegetarians because I am putting a proposal together to present to my school administration to try and get vegetarian friendly options in the cafeteria. Wish me luck.
Why do people keep saying that going veg is expensive?? For most cities there are farmers markets. Find the nearest one and stock up on veggies and fruit for the week for less than 20 bucks. Beans and rice are cheap, cheap, cheap.
If you buy all of those processed unhealthy veggie faux meats, then yes, it is expensive. Go for the fruits and veggies!!
Here's the deal I am not vegatarian (although I give it plenty of though or I would not be on this website) but I have multiple friends who are and they say their biggest issue is other people judging and making fun of them because they choose not to eat meat. How are those being rude, judgmental of those who to eat fish any different than these individuals vegans/vegatarians have to deal with every day in society who call them odd/flower childs/weird etc.? You are being no different than those people and hypocritical. I have thought about gradually going vegetarian and I will work toward it one day but I will do it for my reasons not what others think I should do it for. I love and respect all my friends who are vegan/vegatarian and guess what I get the same respect in return for who I am as a person not just for what I do or do not eat.
Be positive if you do not consume animal products! Carnivores should be on the defensive, trying to justify a lifestyle that promotes cruelty and ill-health.
I am a vegan for 20 yrs! Go Veg! Be Green! Save our Planet. www.SupremeMasterTV.com
Im 16 and have been a vegetarian for 10 years!
Never had red meat in my life.
Power to the veggies!!
I became vegetarian 7 years go. I was on all kinda pills now I'm doing just fine I wouldn't go back to ever. (oh yea my skin is great too.)
To make fun of a pescatarian is no better than carnivores making fun of vegetarians. To say it doesn't make any sense is ridiculous. Even if a person says they will never eat pork again and another never eat chicken, etc. It does make sense because they are still saving many animals. They are doing the best they can to help the problem. That is certainly better than doing nothing! It's like an animal loving compassionate vegan thinking that being a vegetarian makes no sense.Anything any of us do to end any animal suffering MAKES SENSE!
I agree 100% with Linda J. I'm 16 and it's hard to not eat fish and go to public places and not just eat carbs. I know I'll go vegan in the future, but for right now, can't pescatarian be enough for you people? sheesh. Go vegetarians/vegans/pescatarians!!
I was vegetarian for several years when my children were younger, vegan for an even shorter time. I love all kinds of food, but find a complete vegetarian diet was not the best fuel for me. It is not for everyone. It is funny how those who choose that lifestyle refer to people who eat meat as carnivores and act as if they have something to justify because of their choice of eating. Maybe that warrants a lesson in acceptance of others values. I love vegetables and often have a whole grain/vegetable meal feeling satisfied, but I get appropriate nutrition with the addition of meat including high biological protein, zinc, iron, and B12 in ample portions and do not have to worry about deficiencies or taking vitamins. Say what you will about those who eat meat, fish or seafood, eggs, dairy or other animal products - for I love my veggies, whole grains, fruits, nuts and seeds, along with small amounts of animal products. I just don't need to label the eating pattern I enjoy or justify what works and is appropriate for me.
My wife and I (mid 20s) are new vegetarians on our way to going vegan. I must say that seeing all of these comments really gets me excited. We feel pretty alone in knowing the truth, trying to spread the word and no one wanting to hear it. Thank you everyone!
Now you can save the Planet,be vegetalian.For your
child for my child and for world child Thank you!
It is good to see so many of us, I decided to stop eating meat when I was 11, it'll be 20 years soon..
I do hate to think of it as a trend too, but if that can push some other people to think in other ways, it would be great to get that 3.2% a little higher ;-)
I'm not one to push my beliefs, but you can't argue with the fact that (as long as it's done right) We are healthier, and create a Much smaller impact on our earth & environment. Especially when you keep it Natural!- Not only non meat, but non-additives & 'flavor enhancers'. These things are not good for anybody!
the only reason im on this site is because we are doing a debate in my forensics class about this and im curious about why its bad to eat meat. can anyone tell me this?
Are there any statistics for number of vegans or vegetarians for 2010?
Judgement is the worst promotion of any kind for any issue. Give the world a chance to educate themselves before we as vegetarians force-feed comments and anger towards those who consume animal products. In reality, it is the mass-production and consumption of excessive amounts of meat and dairy that makes me boil- let's be proud that others make an effort to educate themselves on what is on their plate and where it came from. Let us do our part in removing animal bi-products from at least ONE meal per day from others' plates! This in itself will make a big difference. Drop the judgement and create ways for others to be educated and yearn to be educated to fuel their bodies, rather than simply feed.
www.parttimevegan.com
You ask why it is bad to eat meat, Justin. I just found this site today so the information may be too late for your debate class.
Diets that include animal products have been implicated in cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and numerous chronic degenerative diseases.
Food for Life was written by Neal Barnard, MD. Ongoing research (lots of it) continues to find increasing evidence to support those words written in 1993. A plant based diet is much healthier.
Of course, the Meat and Dairy Industries conduct their own studies which are structured to show different results.
Check out The China Study for the big picture of the impact of diet related to the health of the human body.
Bad to eat meat also includes animal welfare and factory farms, pollution of air and water, and inefficient use of available planetary resources.
On June 3rd I will have been vegetarian for 1 year.
People keep asking me why I'm a nonmeat-eater and well I just feel that animals have a right to live and we shouldn't take thier lives away to feed us. we can eat plants and survive!
Josh, This may be too late for your class, but meat, in general, is very resource intensive. The world, right now, produces enough food to feed 10 billion people if we ate it directly. But since we feed so much of that grain to animals rather than eat it directly, the poorest billion starve. Also, meat (and beef in particular) is really really bad for the environment. It's a major contributor to global warming. Agricultural runoff contaminates our water supplies. It comprises a significant chunk of our oil use. It drains non-renewable underground fresh water sources. Finally, and this is a more esoteric point--since meat is land intensive rather than labor intensive, it unbalances many developing economies.
This is such great news! Ive been vege. for 2 years, and I am 14.
I think it's a little soon to start calling myself a vegetarian, but for three weeks I've been making an effort to cut down on the meat I eat and researching vegetarianism.
Originally I wanted to reduce my impact on the environment by eating only two meals with meat a week, but a week ago I watched "Meet Your Meat" and it pushed me to want to go entirely vegetarian. I teared up while watching the suffering that animals are subjected to. It's inhumane. There's no justification; it just isn't right.
It's been interesting so far. I'm a very picky eater, so I will have to try many new things in order to make this work. Just over a week ago I ate my first veggie burger-- and I liked it! I've barely begun, but I think it's safe to say I'll never go back to eating meat again.
One thing I want to say to anyone considering going vegetarian: If I can do it, anyone can. Take baby steps, eliminate meat from just a few meals a week to begin, and find motivation, whether it's support of family or friends, and online forum for vegetarians, your health, or your own sense of right and wrong. We all have the power to improve the world we inhabit.
:)
As I only scrolled and read comments partially down, I confess to have not read the entire thread. I would like to comment though.
Being a vegetarian for whatever reason is a lifestyle choice. It is environmental, nutritious, and animal friendly. I applaud all who make an effort and kudos to those committed.
I do take issue with putting down others for what can be deemed as faults, such as consuming fish and or dairy. Every step is a step in a positive direction. Applaud the steps for they grow daily, do not condemn and put another down. If everyone simply reduced animal consumption one day a week, great strides in the environment can be accomplished. With time and confidence the days can multiply, become weeks, months and years.
Embrace attempts, do not condemn another for not completely changing their lifestyle overnight, some people take time. Applaud each step! Practice compassion and encouragement.
I too only read a few comments.... but feel I need to comment. I'm vegan 4 years now and Vegetarian many years before that (from a teenager). Animals are being killed/ exploited/ and experimented on; every second by the millions because of selfish humans. And it's has got to end. It can't just be like I think I'm not ready. The Animals do not deserve this way of life. Slavery ended and the holocaust ended... this torturing must end also. Watch the movie 'Earthlings' and see how cruel humans are towards animals. Please make it stop already. GO VEGAN ; )
Thank you to who pointed out the negative comments. We all have different opinions and beliefs and we should learn to agree that we disagree in some areas.
That being said, I came to this site to learn more about plant-based diets, find statistics and learn from those who follow this dietary practice.
I am an event planner with food allergies that has started my own company to educate the hospitality industry on how to accommodate guests who have special dietary needs whether it is from food allergies, medical conditions or personal preference, such as vegans, vegetarians. etc. I am personally tired of not being able to eat well or at all at events that even I plan.
I would love to hear YOUR real-life experiences - good and bad - about eating when attending meetings and events. What could have they done better? What would you like to eat? Besides the food, how was the service? Did the staff understand your needs? Did you communicate your needs before you attended the function? If not, were they able to provide you something substantial to eat.
You can send reply here or send me your stories and ideas at thrivemeetings@att.net.
Thanks!
Tracy
P.S. I am looking for constructive criticism that I can use to educate others on how to accommodate you when attending meetings or events. Please do not use this as an opportunity to bash a company.
Hi! I was wondering what you all thought about the GMO's.it is said in article,"GMO's in Food:Genetically Modified food and Our Kids", that strawberries are grown from seeds injected with DNA from arctic flounder to make them frost-free. Really... The article can be found at http://www.longislandpress.com/2010008/12/gmos-in-foo-genetically-modified-food-and-our-kids/. Thank you. Watch the labels. Ha, Ha. Legislation has not yet been enforced for GMO-produced foods to be put on labels yet. Ask your grocer.
I only changed my diet starting on July 20, 2010. So I'm only going on 2 months now. But, I quit all animal products for the most part "cold turkey" (no pun intended). I consider myself Vegan because I'm pretty careful in EVERYTHING I eat to read the label and try to understand what is in my food and survive on veggies, fruits, nuts, and grains. However, I'll admit that a couple of times now I have had a strong craving for a chocolate bar. I love the new diet and feel so much more energetic and more healthy. The biggest downfalls for me are; 1. The people around me who don't respect my decision to not eat meat and give me a lot of crap about it. 2. The people who organize events that are considerate enough to make sugar free items available for diabetics but can't put a plain old salad on the table. 3. And this is the worst one! RESTAURANTS!!!! I live in a "small-town" area of the midwest with the typical franchise places where there is absolutely nothing vegan on the menu. They may offer sides of baby carrots, or broccoli, etc. but they are all slathered in butter. It makes me feel better though to see how many people are out there that practice being vegan or vegetarian and maybe if more people get the word out and educate people it will be easier for us to get a decent meal. I'll admit that my particular reason for doing this is my overall health and the prevention of heart attack, cancer, and other diseases. It doesn't bother me to see another person consume meat, and I think it's great for those of you above that have at least cut down on red meat or are only consuming fish. You are that much closer to achieving the best health you can ask for. I have 3 young children and am trying to educate them on healthier choices as well.
I am trying very hard to convert to a meat free lifestyle that does not condone the suffering of innocent animals. After so many years of eating meat it is quite difficult. But I am making progress, and the other posters above have been an inspiration. Thanks to all!!
i am a meat eater now but i am interested in bieng vegetarian i just want some details about bieng vegan so if i can get some supporting details..
thank you
@AMiller
My Vegetarian Anniversary is July 20, 2009! Crazy!
Congratulations on the switch! I am also from the Midwest, and completely understand what you mean. Meat-and-potato meals are abundant, and butter is almost worshiped where I'm from. BetterHealth Stores have been exceedingly helpful, but I have also found that Wal-Mart and other large grocery chains are increasing the number of "Organic" options they carry. The hardest thing for me was giving up Vegetable Soup....which is of course made with beef broth =[ I have found that it is really helpful to do some on-line research before going grocery shopping. You might find some foods that you didn't know were vegan! I also think it's wonderful that you are teaching your kids about health. The world needs more parents like you! Keep up the GREAT WORK, I know it can get stressful at times!
Some veggie soup is made in tomato broth, I believe. :)
Omnivores are wack! Haha jk. Go Veg!
Make your own veggie soup. It's much better and you certainly don't need beef broth! So very easy to do.
For those of you wanting teen stats, you can find it at the Vegetarian Resource Group website. I've been vegan for 14 years and have never looked back since. I don't even see animals as food anymore, it just doesn't register. Animals are not ours to exploit in any way that suits our fancy.
http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/faq.htm#poll
kinda wanted to know which STATE or AREA most vegetarians live.
It is hard to know what you are being served. Many veg. foods have lard (i.e. pie crust,beans,soups,etc.) I am allergic to meat and have been a lacto-ovo veg. for over 50 years. Pizza makers and sanwich shops use the same cutters,+ dippers for meat as vegtables and the grease makes sores in my mouth...worse when I accidentally injest. I know when they cross contaminate. Best solutions: 1.Get to know the people who serve/make food at your favorite places and ask for kindness. 2. Read labels for home and when out, usually servers will show you if you ask nice. 3.Eat Kosher..these cafes are careful. Good Luck.
I LOVE BEING VEGAN! BETTER FOR THE ANIMALS, BETTER FOR THE EARTH, BETTER FOR YOUR HEALTH! KNOW YOUR STUFF (GELATIN, RENNET, NATURAL FLAVORING, GLYCERIN, ETC.)! GO VEG!
No food with a face. THE most basic VEGETARIAN "rule". If you eat Fish... you are Pescatarian not VEGETARIAN. Notice the difference in the names?
Hey! These surveys should really count kids too! I've been a vegetarian for four years and I'm 12 right now!
I am 17, and I have been a vegetarian for 5 years. I love to see that more and more people are becoming vegetarian, because I remember being 12 and I didn't know a single other vegetarian, and people looked at me like I was an alien when I told them that I didn't eat meat.
I personally think it is wonderful that people cut out as much meat as they can, being a pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan or simply cutting down on eating meat. But I also find it very disappointing to see vegetarians ridiculing others for eating fish. I personally am very happy to know that people are making and effort at all, and I think you all should do the same. It is very rude to put someone down because they eat fish. I think that being a pescatarian is a very honorable thing to do, and I don't want to be associated with the people who would be that rude to a fellow vegetarian, pescatarian etc. Does that really give us a good name? Think about what you're saying: You giving up all meat except fish doesn't make you one of us because you aren't a full vegetarian. I disagree!
I really liked this article also, it is adding great information to my article for journalism, and hopefully I can have a repeat of last years presentation about vegetarianism, and convince someone else to go veggie! But like others before me, I would find it very interesting to see what percentage of people under 18 are vegetarian, and also how many continue it through their lifetime. I will most definitely be subscribing to this magazine to see further information from the veggie world!
I have been a vegetarian for a year and a half now, at first i thought it was going to be extremely hard because i loved K.F.C and pizza with all kinds of meat on it but after watching how are meat was made it just inspired me to push myself and it actually wasnt hard at all.! I plan on being a vegetarian for the rest of my life! I SPEAK UP FOR THOSE ANIMALS WHO CANT ! GO VEGETARIANS!!!!!!!
If almost everyone reduced their meat & animal product ingestion by about 80%, would it be enough to stop a need for factory farming?
Since September 10, 2010. Almost to my 6 month!
I found this article when looking for information for a class report. I have not read this whole thread, and am not trying to criticise others for thier beliefs, but I would like to make a point.
I feel that people who call themselves laco vegetarians or even lacto-ovo vegetarians are VERY VERY VERY hypocritical, and it annoys me to not end. Do people realize that something eventually has to happen to the cow when she stops producting milk? What do they think is going to happen to her? She'll move to a nice open pasture full of lush green grass until she dies a quick painless death? NO she'll be slaughtered and sold at your local grocery store as hamburger. Also do these people realize that to produce milk these cows need to have babys? They dont just magically produce milk. And what happens to these babys? They're placed in veal crates and again sold in your grocery store. This is the exact same with chickens. I'm an onmivore and I LOVE a nice rare steak. If you want to be vegetarian then good on you, but stop being so hypocritical. You might not be eating meat, but you sure are contributing a whole lot to the meat industry.
^^
hey, so i appreciated the information for the US nationally but i am really curious to the city and state break down. i live in Portland, so does anyone know where i could find what % are vegetarian here?
I have been a strict lacto-vegetarian and organic farmer for 42 continuous years. Fish and eggs are out of the question. Fish eat the stool of other aquatics. Eggs are the menstrual cycle of a female chicken. If you won't eat the menses of a human female, why would you eat the menses of a chicken? Both of these foods are called "foods in the mode of ignorance." They contaminate the consciousness and are liked by people in the lower modes of nature. Yes, meat, fish and eggs may be good for the body but it's time to grow-up and realize we are not these bodies. Materially speaking we are what we eat. Spiritually speaking we are what we don't eat. The most important reason for becoming and maintaining a vegetarian lifestyle is to avoid the draconian karma that goes along with unnecessary animal slaughter.
I am a young vegetarian, and I'm quite happy with my decision to stop eating meat. The only thing that angers me is that my parents often serve meals with meat, and won't make another option for me. They often force me to eat meat against my will, and I'm getting tired of it! I've been trying to feed the meat to my dog when they aren't looking, but they typically watch me like hawks. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I should convince them to make other options at dinner? I don't care if they make themselves a steak or chicken patties, but it makes me irate when they force it upon me!
Hey I 15 i became a vegetarian this year. At first it was because i wanted to be healthier and then i had to do a feature story for journalism class i had to do all this research and i was watching this one video on animal slaughtering and this has changed my view on meat ever since a week ago i would look at chicken and say "yummy...man i miss the taste" but now after that video i see someone eating chicken and i want to cry becuase it mentally has hurt me to visually see what animals go through.... why should so many animals suffer for our joy? i mean we wouldnt ever dare to treat dogs and cats this way so why are pigs so different? All im saying is i dont ever reget being vegetarian anymore. i know in my heart i was ment to be vegetarian becuas i love animals way to much!
I am a long time Vegetarian (40 years) and vegan the last 30 of those). I can tell you I have seen major changes these past 40 years. I was the only vegetarian I knew for the first 10. The selection , the recipes and vast numbers of on line sites as well as in stores to shop is great ... and seems to be getting better every year . I applaud anyone who has made a conscious effort to cut down or eliminate the use of animals in their diet and lifestyle! It may not be the easy road , but it is the right road . Your magazine is well enjoyed monthly in our home and thanks for so many wonderful stories and ideas.. always learning , ( PS.. I am healthy as a healthy horse) CC
When I was 16 I decided to go lacto-ovo (my mother was NOT happy AT ALL). In July 2009 I gave up all commercial eggs (my companion hens provide a good supply for my household). In November 2009 I quit dairy. No one in my family is veg. I met vegans for the first time in October 2009 at the Walk For Farm Animals. My advice to new 'veggies' or young vegetarians/vegans who feel they need support and advice: Look for vegans on FaceBook. I now have many vegan friends and it has made a HUGE difference not just for support but my state of mind about animal and health issues. By the way, don't let restaurants scare you, if they're clueless, educate them yourself ;)
I would assume that many of us who are pescetarians call ourselves vegetarians because a great majority of the population is unfamilair with the term pescetarian. It is truly amazing how many times I have been asked something along the lines of "Wait, why do Presbyterians eat no red meat or poultry?" or "Isn't a pescetarian a type of Christain?". It get's old after a while, and it's much, much easier to call yourself a vegetarian to avoid confusing the under educated masses. =/
yo i'm a pescetarian and i rarely eat meat but i do eat kosher meats and some organic meats depending on how they were raised.
it's a nutritional thing but most importantly to help the animals to which we enslave and kill all while turning a blind eye.
I've been a vegetarin for 6 and half months now and its been great im also doing my Huge english paper on why people should become vegetarians i've had lots of help and i became an active peta member and i support them all the way i think that evryone should become a vegetarian its beter for the world....i've also made lotsof great vegan/vegetarian foods ...just wanted to say thats its great that they have all of these websies for vegetarians like me :D
Hi Everyone,
Sadly, I am not a vegatarian.(But, listen to what I have to say before you all shun me.) My friend is a die-hard veggie, and I totally respect that. But, anyway,I am a HUGE treehugger. Yes, that means I don't use guns,don't hunt, and attend rallies that try to protect our animals. Anyway, I am doing an Engish Paper on Vegatarian-ism and why it's the best way to live. Can anyone help me with it?
I was vegetarian for a year and a half, and the pretension that most of these comments reek seriously made me consider getting the largest steak possinle just to be contrary. It's a CHOICE, you're not a better person than someone who eats meat, step down off your pedestal and people would be infinitely more willing to listen.
As someone who is vegetarian-inclined (and moving toward being vegetarian), I wanted to comment on the pescetarian issue. I hope that it is not perceived as overly critical; I am someone who has only recently cut his diet to 1 meat per day (and working on moving forward).
I know that the reasons for becoming vegetarian are quite varied but I want to challenge the pescetarians if animal life and welfare is the primary motivation. One cow will give hundreds, maybe even 1000 servings of meat. Depending on the fish, to get the same serving quantity will likely take 100 (plus or minus) lives of fish. If you get into shrimp, crabs, lobster, oysters, etc. you are talking thousands of lives for the same number of servings as one cow.
Fish farming (estimated to be 40% of the U.S. fish consumed) is just as cruel as beef, pork, or chicken farming; it just isn't as 'sexy' (or obvious) for the 6 o'clock news. Fish are crowded, water is unclean, and fish are often starved for many days to help elinate waste during the transport and slaughter process.
Any move toward eating less meat is to be commended but I challenge everyone moving to a diet with only fish or poultry that you may be increasing animal cruelty, not lessening it.
Again, before I get flamed, I make no judgements on what is right or wrong; I am not a vegetarian, I am making the move. I only want to challenge everyone to review your actions against your motivations and make sure they actually align.
I see chain restaurants that previously had non-meat or vegetarian menu item(s) no longer offer such a dish. It just proves that no for-profit business can build a business which carries items for just 3% of the population. It is a growing problem when I want to dine out with my daughter, a vegetarian.
I am vegetarian. I remember when I was little I used to cry if I saw a dead bird outside. That's why I'm vegetarian. I don't like when they're pretentious, either. But that's being human, not vegetarian. People will be pretentious about whatever they can find to be pretentious about. Anyway, meat always grossed me out and I'm so glad I switched. I don't miss it. Every day I look at my sweet doggie and I'm so glad I can at least give one animal a good happy life...
Hi everyone
I have been vegetarian for six years,my reasons are ethical, environmental and other personal believes. I am so heartbroken by unethical treatment of animals that bring tears to my eyes when I see people indulge meats in the restaurants.I love animals and I don't want to see them suffer for human kind. I am planning to go vegan very soon, but I don't like Tofu.
been a vegan for 10 years and vegetarian before that, the pescatarian issue, great you only eat fish your not a vegetarian sharks only eat fish and fish are treated even more inhumanely than cattle chickens and other livestock, they cant scream.
and people who are not vegans or vegetarians should have to go through what i went through as kid. grow up on a farm in rural montana and kill your own food youll never eat meat again. and your not a true vegan untill you give up all meat meaning soy meat and fake meat. it it looks meat and tastes like meat whats the point? your eating a meat substitute because you miss it. its so offensive when people find out your a vegan and offer fake meat its a personal choice your not better than anyone else agreed but that means the rest of the population cant treat you like crap for your personal choices
hi, one should be a vegitarian because its very cruel to eat an animal, we are inteligent creatures so we have other options so why kill for your pleasure. imagine a larger animal eating your family member you would shoot it at sight..
How come this doesn't have a religious section? A lot of Hindus i know (including me) are vegetarians!
I am 13 and i have been a vegetarian for 2 years and i plan to my whole life. I an strict i don't eat any fish or eggs. I wish that they would show kind under 18 like me. I an slowly making my way into being a vegan.
This is very interesting information but I wish the demographic was narrowed down to city of origin. I know it was published not too long ago the most vegan friendly cities and Portland was the top of the list with San Fransisco, Seattle, Austin, and others on the top 10. Just curious as to where other cities sit on there.
I recently turned 35 and have been a vegetarian since the age of 9, maybe ten. I read through about 15 and scanned another 20 or so of the comments above, and I am thrilled with the sheer number of people that are "vegetarian" (I use this term loosely here to encompass ALL types of consumers that are conscious of eating ANY animals whether they be from land or water).
It is very pleasing to me that so many young people (some as young as I was when I decided to forgo eating animals)are compassionate and courageous enough to rid themselves of this notion that another animal must die in order for us to live, this in spite of the constant bombardment by the industries that promote flesh consumption through television, radio,attractive packaging, misleading nutritional claims, recommendations by doctors that in my opinion are in violation of their ethical code by betraying their patients trust, taking advantage of their relationship while pushing them to accept (on the basis of fear) unfounded claims about eating meat being a necessity for health, while not disclosing that they are taking incentives for dispensing the many fallacies (too many to list here)proposed by the various industries (e.g., agribusiness, pharmaceutical companies, etc.) that are fed (directly or indirectly) by our ignorant consumerism of animal body parts.
I encourage you all to stand firm in your convictions about abstaining from animal body parts and food-stuff made from dead animals, as there is no singular decision you can make that has such a significant positive impact on your individual health and the health of our animals and planet then vegetarianism. My son of 9 years old, I'm proud to say, has been a vegan from the womb and by his own initiative has helped to make his peers aware of their animal consumption and challenged them to rethink what they have been taught--and guess what? a few of them have adopted a vegetarian lifestyle to some degree, and at least one has denounced animal-body-parts-as-food altogether! I will continue to be his (and yours) constant support as he enters the years when he can be seriously ridiculed into participating in animals-as-food-consumption by those that unfortunately have not had the opportunity to critically analyze their food choices.
I take my hat off to you all for being the courageous young and old people that have made one of the most difficult yet deeply positive decisions: to denounce eating animal-body-parts-as-food (in all its forms) for life!
As for the survey itself I agree with some of the comments that it can be improved upon by adding those under age 18 age, however, thanks to you courageous young people's (under 18) comments it more than makes up for it!
Standing strong about issues such as vegetarianism can be the gateway to agitate change the world desperately needs for it to become a healthier and safer place for ALL inhabitants of this planet!
I believe when it concerns Health Issues, religion has nothing to be done in this.. And we are talking about a survey in America. I am a Hindu myself, but I am not a vegetarian because of religion, but because of personal beliefs.
I'm 15 and making the transition from vegetarian to vegan. Just as I made the transition from eating just poultry meat to a piscetarian;piscetarian to ovo-lacto-vegetarian;and ovo-lacto-vegetarian to vegetarian. I'm sure most of those who are piscetarian know that eating fish is just as bad, but for most of us it is very hard. stop giving our fellow herbivores a hard time just because their in a fish to plant transition.
The origin of the word vegetable is from vegetus(Latin) and means strong-fresh-lively-whole..... people should eat for strength(fresh foods) Not much meat is really needed for humans or animal products. Most vegetarians in the west will not eat flesh but actually eat a lot of cheap animal by products without thinking about it such as eggs, gelatin and lard hidden foods. If people would eat more fresh organic type foods produced in a humane way-including fish and chicken and not worry about flesh then it would be better for the animal kingdom.
Unfortunately I have seen too many no meat vegetarians eat everything else that contains factory farm byproducts of animals and think because they aren't visible eating flesh that they are doing themselves and others good. You will probably be just the same or worse off if you are eating the factory eggs, lard-such as bean and cheese burritos or also called vegetarian burritos sometimes. Also candy, pancakes, cakes-cigarettes(filters) and too many other products to list. Just eating wild fish, Free range organic poultry and even other high quality non factory animals once in a while(then be vegan in between) would be much better for you and more concious about the planet than eating everything(exept visible flesh)....just my 2 cents worth of info.
In reading this thread I noticed the many mocking posts directed toward the pescatarians, flexitarians, or whatever the latest trend. But I want to offer another way to think about it: perhaps those labels actually HELP the cause. The fact that those labels even exist show us that more people are becoming interested in choosing a vegetarian life, but for whatever the reason they find it too difficult to fully adopt the lifestyle. What these titles do then is allow people to feel good about reducing their animal intake. Of course you can take a strictest view that it's all or nothing, but I will challenge you that that's a no-win game. If, like me, you adopted a vegetarianism/vegan lifestyle out of ethical concerns for animals and our planet, than we must admit that every little bit helps. I did not chose to be vegan for the title, in fact when I made this choice 23 years ago, veganism was considered an oddity and definitely not trendy. But, if giving people titles helps them to make better (i.e., vegetarian) choices, than I am all for it! So I welcome any and all ovo-lacto vegetarians, pescatarians, flexitarians, and yes, even Meatless Mondays.
Here is my reason of being vegetarian:
I think of the scream an animal made when it gets killed. Dead bodies go into graveyard or cremated, so my stomach is not a graveyard. When I used to eat any meat the face of that animal came in front of me. What did this animal do to me that I paid to kill and and now I am eating it? When I think how many animals birds and sea creatures are killed daily I get stunned. Life is like animal or human and life should be respected. that is all.
I wanted to go veggy all the way about 3 years ago, but settled down as a pescaterian. I realized the inconsistency of eating meats when I was often reading to my son books about the farm animals: pigs, cows, sheep, which were all portrayed as friends/pets. Fish does not quite earn the same status as the mammals in my opinion. It is not a fully consistent decision, but a better one at least.
i have been a vegetarian for 4 years now. i dont believe that i am better than anyone else, its just my lifestyle. please dont assume that everyone feels that they are better than otheres because of their eating habits.
I just started=)) 7 months vegeterian, 3 months raw vegan. Of course u get better vegetarianism is not just a lifestyle. You change your mind too
I've alway loved animals but grew up eating animal flesh and being from Boston animals from the sea were abundant. In my late 20s I became a vetetarian tho not totally vegan, like I am now. It's been 20 yrs and NOT eating animal flesh is very easy.
I'm an ingredient reader, and you'd be suprised how many products that one would think wouldn't have any animal products in to does.
I drink soy milk and love it and soy cheese. So if u like dairy there are soy alternates also soy yogurt is great tasting.
There is alsolutly no reason for anyone to eat animals and once one totally finds all the other great foods to eat that taste great you can't ever imagine that at one time u did eat animals. It's a clean lifestyle.
heeey i just started being a veggie gurl a week ago,., QUESTION:: can u eat fish?
i ahve been a vegetarian all my life. i dint grow up in USA though. i have been here for over 4 yrs now and work. i eat out most of the time. i find it extremely tough at times to find an option to eat here. most of the places either have no pure veg(no fish) option or otherwise i see them cooking on same grill as meat. and i cant eat that. i often stay hungry or eat something not too godd. i wonder how all other vegetariand deal with that. I am and will be vegetarian for my life, nothing can change that. I just wish we had more options.
Went vegan at the beginning of 2011 for health reasons and love it. Don't quite understand all of the in-fighting though "You're not a real vegan", "I'm more vegan than you." it's a real turn off so I stopped calling myself vegan. I guess I am herbivore.
Once you label me then you negate me (Soren Kierkegaard)
I am looking for quotable statistical evidence that the number of Americans not eating meat is on the rise.
Some of what is on this page suggests that, but a statement to the effect that the numbers have increased in some number of years would be more useful. I wish to help write business plans that create businesses that increase convenience and economy for vegetarians.
Thank you for your help.
Jim Adrian
jim@futurebeacon.com
http://www.futurebeacon.com/
hi ive tried being vegan 3 or 4 times before and i couldnt give up certain meats i than watched a tv show and they showed the slaughtering of piggys and i now am full out attempting to be vegan it is hard though bc i go to a middle school i am 14 and the schools have to produce meats all the time so im stuck with nothing which is better than eating poor little animals
hey im 13 and ive been a vegetarian for a year and a half now and im really enjoying it! it was one of the most clear and easiest decisions of my life. i became a vegetarian because i am against killing animals just so humans can eat them. i think its wrong.
hey im 13 and ive been a vegetarian for a year and a half now and im really enjoying it! it was one of the most clear and easiest decisions of my life. i became a vegetarian because i am against killing animals just so humans can eat them. i think its wrong.
and to the anonymous above my comment about trying to become a vegan, i suggest starting slowly instead of rushing into being all the way vegan in one day. if its difficult for you to make the switch, start out trying to only eat meat once a week, and then slowly lengthen your time between eating meat. then, once you get the hang of going without meat, you can try to slowly take out all animal products to be a full vegan. and i know its hard to eat lunch at school because they serve meat, but try packing your lunch from home, or eating the non meat parts of the lunch and bringing a little extra to eat from home. i know you can do it! good luck:) love, a fellow teenage vegetarian;)
I am pescatarian and proud of it. I am 12 and have been pescatarian for ten months and five days!! Lots of people say "oh its probably soo hard" but its actually quite easy if you have enough will power. How ever I do have to make sure I get enough protein (I'm an athlete) so I stuck with pescatarian!! :)
I'm 16 and I've been a vegetarian for 5 years now. I love doing my part to help animals and as the years have gone by, being a vegetarian has only gotten easier. I just wish that other people would understand why eating meat is so wrong and disgusting.
I would just like to point out that humans are evolutionarily designed to eat meat, as are thousands of other species of animals. I respect vege-/pescetarians, but I disagree with the notion that eating other animals is "wrong." However, people who choose to eat meat ought to make sure that the former animal they are eating was treated humanely.
I started being a vegetarian when i was 10, now I'm 12 and i don't regret it at all. I'll be a vegetarian for my entire life!
I have been a pescetarian since I was in 3rd grade! Im in sisxth grade now, and Im happy :)
I am a vegetarian and have been for 5 years now. I am eighteen, and have no intentions of ever eating meat again! I loved this article. I am doing a persuasive speech on becoming a vegetarian and it was very helpful!
When was this article published? I would like to use it as a reference in a research paper I am writing about a vegan diet. Thank you!
I am a vegetarian and have been for a year and a half now. I'm 13, and this is definitely the best decision I've ever made. I'm healthier and happier, and couldn't be more pleased with my desicion. I'm doing my social studies fair project on the increase of vegetarians in America, and how it is effecting animals. This article was very helpful! Thank you! :)
I am a vegan. Only have been for a few days. I watched the documentary, Earthlings. It changed my life. However, I DO NOT BELIEVE EATING MEAT IS WRONG! I believe the way many many many slaughterhouses and people as a whole treat animals is disgusting and just repulsive. I refuse to spend a cent on any meat or dairy product and support their cruel treatment. Yes, not all places are cruel towards the animals they slaughter... but the majority are, and I cannot buy my produce based on the possibly that the animal may or may not have suffered.
Unfortunately, Charlotte, slitting an animals throat can never be humane, not to mention the other abuses they are subjected to.
I Like Veg America I Read America Because American Person is very inteligent .talented minded.also strong and Helthy Minded After they eat veg than Most Healthy and strong .
Pradip Ingale
Osmanabad Marathwada India.
I have been vegetarian since I was 15 and vegan since I was 18. I am now 30 and raising my children vegan. I think it is just awesome to see that more and more people are getting interested and involved in saving and respecting the planet and their bodies as a whole. It is great to see young people taking a strong stand for animal rights and health and wellness in general. Keep up the good work!!! People pumping positivity will change the world for the better.
Eating meat, milk, eggs and fish is a good way to introduce lots of toxins into your body. Look up "Dr. Greger" on you tube and watch his 2007 thru 2011 series of videos on latest clinical nutrition lab studies. The milk is really bad too. Look up "Udderly Amazing" on you tube for a series of lectures by Dr. Walter Veith that explains why we shouldn't drink milk or consume milk products.
I've been eating a calorie restricted near vegan diet with optimal nutrition for 3 years now and feel much better as a result. CRON is healthy.
DEAR FRIENDS,
I have a vegetarians for the last 35 years and has done immense good. Research studies have also showed it is better to be a vegetariean so that your health improves a lot and you will go eco-friendly. Life span gets extended and you will glow with full of energy. You will not have unwanted fat in your body. Life willl be full of energy and meaninggul and purposeful. Why not become one fron to day?