veganism: I am a young adult looking into a career with animals involved, and was curious about the whole vegan/vegetarian lifestyle. I feel horrible about eating animals, but like the taste! I have stopped eating red meat, and am currently only eating chicken and vegetables..I'm not sure what's involved with the vegetarian lifestyle and would like to know more...|||There isn't really a vegetarian "lifestyle." You just don't eat meat. (Although vegetarians are more likely to recycle and belong to groups like the Sierra Club, and less likely to drive a large SUV.) Vegans don't eat meat, dairy products, eggs, honey, gelatin, whey, or any other animal byproduct, and they usually don't wear fur, leather, wool or silk. A vegetarian or vegan diet can be much healthier than a traditional one, providing you consume a variety of foods like beans, peas, tofu, dark green vegetables, whole grains and fruits. In response to the argument that humans are biologically designed to eat meat, most human teeth are designed for grinding- like a horse's. Canine teeth could just as easily be for tearing the husks off of corn, or piercing vegetable rinds. Besides, biology isn't destiny. Biologically, women should probably have a baby every year. We evolved beyond that. The reasons for adopting a vegetarian diet have less to do with any warm fuzzy feelings for animals, and more to do with environmental concerns, (deforestation to create more foreign grazing land) global hunger concerns (It takes SIXTEEN pounds of grain and soybeans to produce one pound of beef) and health concerns. (Animals raised for food are fed increasingly harmful amounts of pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics.)|||vegans dont eat any animal products. we are made to eat meat. its called the food chain.|||This is my philosophy on vegetarianism. Humans have been eating meat long before the factory farms and genetic manipulation. Our mouth is designed to eat meat. A moral way to eat meat is to buy chickens and cows from free range ranches or to only eat meat from animals you have hunted. Your teeth are pointy, is that for cabbage?|||There's a lot more to vegetarian eating than just veggies. Almost every meal can be made vegetarian. There are a lot of real tasting meat substitutes out there, so if all you like about meat is the taste, you might try them.|||Look at your teeth in the mirror... see those two pointy one's on either side of your mouth? Those are for tearing flesh. If it tastes good, EAT IT!|||I have recently switched to a vegetarian lifestyle and I have to say, I don't feel all bloated and gross after eating anymore. It is a great change for me. I would get "Vegetarianism for Dummies". It is one of the best books I've read on the subject. All I can say is, don't switch to the junkfood only diet instead....a lot of people make that mistake. There are many "levels" of vegetarianism, so you will want to read up about it a great deal (tons of books out there) and decide which will work best for you. Good luck!|||Vegans, only eat raw fruits, vegitables, grains,nuts, ect.ect., and don't eat meat or animal products of any kind. They also don't wear or own any products made from animals.|||Well there is nothing wrong with eating red meat.as it was given to us to consume.There are only limitations on types of animals that are not for consumption,such as a camel,elephant,horse etc.not eating beef at least one time a day can actually cause health problems such as different types of vitamin deficiencies|||Veganism is not eating any animal or animal product, nor using any animal product (i.e., leather). If you have any of these items, and wish to convert to veganism completely (not just diet-wise), then it is acceptable either to use them until they fall apart, replacing them with vegan items, or to give them away. Vegetarianism includes eating no animal flesh, but dairy and/or egg products are OK. Most also avoid leather and such, as well. I recommend getting some books on vegetarian lifestyle, and possibly looking into a few cookbooks for ideas on cooking. One thing you need to ensure is proper nutrient intake - a multi-vitamin can help, but is not the best way. Eat a variety of leafy greens, legumes, and other healthy foods. Vegan cooking isn't actually all that hard. I frequently adapt recipes to make them vegan and/or low fat. Good luck!|||I would say veganism would be too difficult to manage in life...you'd always have to make sure your food didn't have any animal products in it, and it just seems too complicated. Go have a hamburger, instead. ^_^|||Becareful with veganism. They tend to get sick VERY easy..and can be very weak. If you like the vegatarian lifestyle go for it.. Its not hard at all. Try using the same recipes but instead subsitute the meat with firm tofu. I am a vegatarian..But because of my lack of protein I eat chicken. (I do feel bad haha) I really dont know how to explain the 'life style.' I just live it.. Sorry...Doubt that helped at all. Look for recipes online..there are loads.|||Look through the websites listed below to get some decent info (just to start with). If you want the taste without the cruelty check your grocers freezers for products from Boca, Gardenburger or Morningstar Farms as these are readily available and can take care of cravings<g>. Just to point out a few specific products that 'fool' people: MS Farms frozen hotdogs MS Farms breakfast pattie (been told often it's Boudin) MS Farms chik nuggets (just as nasty as McDonalds<G>) Gardenburger riblets (just like a McRib<G>) Boca bratwurst (not really like a brat but people *do* think it's meat based sausage) Worthington foods potpies (just as yucky as Banquet) I'm a long time Vegetarian and we do *NOT* get sick easier than deathmouths! I consider myself proof of that as males on my paternal side die young (under 50) and I've past that point way back-now the oldest ever on that side (records go back to 1400's)|||I would check into: http://www.goveg.com/order.asp It's a FREE vegetarian starter kit! :) If you still like chicken, Morningstar has fake chicken nuggets that are great! They also came out with chicken strips for enchiladas and stuff :). I've been a strict vegetarian for over 2 years, when I began I was afraid I'd miss it too, but with so many options and recipes via the internet, it's been really great! Best of Luck! :)