I've been a lacto-vegetarian since the beginning of this year - and I think I'm ready to take it to the next level - veganism. I'm becoming more and more aware of the cruelty of the dairy industry and I want to be done with it. Any tips for going vegan and soothing my conscience?
BTW - I'm in school right now and I'm extremely poor.
2006-12-12 04:01:53 · 11 answers · asked by Cristy 3 in Food & Drink ➔ Vegetarian & Vegan
Congrats for deciding to make a more ethical choice! Unfortunately, there are no ethical dairy farms. Small dairy farms might be less cruel than factory farms, but the cows are still kept pregnant, the calves are still taken from the mother for veal, the cows are still sent to slaughter in a few short years once their milk dries up.
There is a non-dairy substitute for practically every dairy product out there. The only thing I haven't found a good substitute for is cheese, so I've just decided to focus on other foods instead of cheese.
For a milk substitute I use Silk soymilk. If you find you don't like the taste at first, mix it with milk and gradually increase the soy milk. Your taste buds will adjust.. it's just different.
I enjoy the Tofutti brand sour cream, cream cheese, and "Tofutti Cuties" (dairy free ice cream sandwiches that are to die for). Tofutti cheese slices are good in a pinch, if you're desperate for a grilled cheese sandwich. Silk brand yogurts are the best I've tried.
Experiment a bit. Feel free to slowly adjust to this new lifestyle. Trust me, the conversion process is the hardest - once you find vegan products and get used to the new foods, it's really quite easy.
I strongly suggest www.vegweb.com for recipes.
And remember, veganism is more than just eliminating animal products out of your diet. It's about deciding not to use any animal products whenever possible (no fur, leather, wool, etc).
Good luck!
2006-12-12 04:28:33 · answer #1 · answered by fyvel 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
well, since almond milk is the cheapest, try that kind. I am sure that you will see that there is really no difference. I used to drink it all through my 2nd pregnancy because I threw up from milk and was lactose intollerant at that time. It was really tasty too compared to the competition soy milk and rice milk came in an easy 2nd place. If I were to try any, it would be almond or rice. As far as the cheeses and all that, I can not say, the subs are highly priced. I am sorry, but I hope that this at least helps you a little! Good luck!
2006-12-12 04:10:36 · answer #2 · answered by fatiima 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, besides the testing many drugs are made from animals. But its not about being perfect, its about doing the best you can and eating a few gelatin capsules is not going to negate all the other veggie things you do. If you have a choice to use veggie capsules i'm sure you will. Each time the doctor perscribes then ask about veggie vesions. They may not have any, but at least you've raised the docs awareness of your concerns.
2016-05-22 23:49:40 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eats whole grains, fruits and veggies, which are cheap. Fake meats and vegan junk food are what really hit you in the pocketbook. Splurge a little and buy at least 1 vegan cookbook so that you have some new and appetizing ways to spruce up veggies. I recommend Vegan Planet. There are so many recipes and many of them can be remade into something else to eliminate wastefulness. For instance, veggie chili followed by a chili mac casserole to use leftovers. Happy eating!!
2006-12-12 04:29:10 · answer #4 · answered by briadangelo 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Someone once put it to me this way- when one person decides to stop buying milk / cheese / eggs from a large company, it makes no difference at all in their overall profit. But if you start buying these products from small, local farmers who treat their animals well and practice responsible farming techniques, it makes a big difference to those small farmers. If you are having a hard time giving up dairy, you might find it easier to go gradually. Soothe your conscience in the meantime by supporting better industry.
2006-12-12 04:14:33 · answer #5 · answered by Krista D 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
If you feel is not enough to be a lacto-vegetarian become a vegan.
2006-12-13 03:14:06 · answer #6 · answered by Tclauk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good job for wanting to take more action!
i say just gradualy cut dairy products out. i had to do that when i found out i was lactose and tolerant. first cut out things like yougurt and cheese. then slowey take away any sweets or other things with dairy. after that cut out direct milk, like glass of milk and milk with ceral. you can buy soy milk or almond milk.
good luck, and stay vegie!!!!!
2006-12-12 09:21:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could go to some veggi web sites.
2006-12-12 04:11:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
make your own fruit and veggie garden....
2006-12-12 04:10:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't do it. You will look like those skinny celebs. Eating is a social event as well. How will guys like you when you eat nothing they like.
2006-12-12 04:28:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 7⤋