I would like to be a vegetarian and i was wondering...?

Question

well, i found that lacto- vegetarian suits me the best. is there anything else i need to do besides taking a good multi vitamin and eating only plant derived foods and some dairy? like, would i have to switch to all natural products (e.g. bath and body stuff...etc.)?

Answer 1

Lacto-Vegetarian sounds great. As long as you are eating a variety of foods, you wont need a multi-vitamin any more than you did while eating meat. Of course, vitamins are always good for anyone.

Whether you choose to switch out the other stuff is up to you. Some people find it difficult and some find it easy to give up meat and eggs. You should start exactly where you said, the one that suits you best. If you feel comfortable there and would like to start working on other aspects of you life such as bath products, then great!

Here is a site to give you an idea of vegan (no animal products and not tested on animals) options.
http://www.veganstore.com/
:)

But a lacto veg means no dead animals and no eggs. You do not have to give up any other products. If you are going veg because of animal cruelty or environmental damage, then you may want to address those aspects of you life eventually.

Here is where I have collected info and thoughts on a bunch of issues such as becoming veg, where to get Iron and protein and other fun stuff. Feel free to check it out.
:)
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-GXLd3H0hc6klMFe3HeGqSDn7SVlgijZ53gHnrrlGNoFgNut5?list=1

Yay for you!
& Good luck.

Answer 2

A lot of vegetarians (especially vegans) try to eliminate anything from their lives that causes animal suffering. That means not buying any more leather, wool or silk clothing, and not buying health and beauty products that contain animal products or are tested on animals. A lot of vegetarians also choose to no longer support the abuse of animals for entertainment, as is the case in circuses, rodeos, bullfights, poorly run zoos and "bloodsports" like dog fighting.

"All Natural" is just a marketing term and doesn't really mean anything as far as animals are concerned. Something can contain any number of disgusting animal products (placenta, carmine, beeswax, civet extract, gelatin, egg albumin, etc.) or be animal tested and still legally be labeled "All Natural." That said, health food stores are a good place to start looking for cruelty-free beauty products.

Animal products are used in a lot of industrial processes too, though, and it's up to you to decide what you are or are not comfortable with. I still say the most important step is to stop eating animals, and from there their exploitation will gradually cease.

Answer 3

Technically, you don't have to switch anything, but from my point of view, yes. No more make up tested on animals, no bath things containing animal stuff. That sounds vegan-ish, but that's how I am, even though I'm vegetarian.
In addition to the multi-vitamin, you should probably start eating some soy and tofu, like Boca stuff.

Answer 4

I am 14, I've been a healthy vegetarian for a whiles now. No pediasure, no supplements or vitamins at all. I eat nuts, grains, veggies, and cheese. I am trying to cut the cheese, as if it is for the animals sake, dairy kills the same as the meat industry. Most veal cows come from the dairy industry, as do most of the beef you eat. At 5/6 years old female dairy cows are slaughtered, and when they are forcefully impregnated, the calf, if it is sick, or if it is male, is reared, drugged so its so fat it cant stand on its legs, and then slaughtered for veal. Female cows are grown, impregnated yearly, and face the same fate as their mothers.

But otherwise, nuts, dairy, grains, veggies and fruit. I eat Mac n Cheese a lot, noodles, like ramen, (High sodium be carfeul) and a lot of bread.

Answer 5

you dont have to do anything. as you get more comfortable with vegetarianism you will figure out what works best for you. And researching not only what goes into what you eat but what goes into the things you wear, wash with, etc is great - arm yourself with knowledge so you can make educated choices! Eating naturally, organically, locally and sustainably are all good things, but each takes effort and time to learn how to work into your life. Take your time, read, explore, ask questions, and what you learn will lead you to your preferred lifestyle. Have fun!

Answer 6

you don't have to switch to all natural products, but there are a lot out there that are tested on animals so i try and buy the ones that aren't (which is hard sometimes). i also refuse to buy leather or anything with fur. don't feel like you HAVE to do anything though. giving up meat is a great idea, anything else you do is just icing on the cake. =)

Answer 7

Most vegetarians choose to be a vegetarian because they are against animal cruelty. Not using any products that come from animals usually go along with that. i.e. not wearing wool, leather, and fur and not using beauty products that are tested on animals. Check out www.peta2.com for what really happens to animals in laboratories, and waht happens to the sheep whose wool is harvested and the other animals who are killed for their fur.

Answer 8

there are no "rules" that must be followed-its a matter of personal choice. Many products are tested on animals, causing all sorts of defects, skin conditions, and pain. If you want to help animals, don't buy products tested on them. Otherwise, do what works for you. The veggie police wont turn up on your doorstep. Congrats for going veggie!

Answer 9

No bath stuff doesn't make a difference. You should make a conscious effort to get enough protein in your diet. Start eating tofu and beans.

Answer 10

do not use soaps that have sodium tallowate or tallow which is an animal by product. Also, many shampoos contain urea, and placenta.