I've been a vegetarian fopr abour 2 years, Should I now make the transition to vegan?

Question

I really feel ready and I dont want anything to do with animals or its milk, eggs, etc etc etc etc...so thats why im a proud vegetarian because i love animals and i dont like the way meat eaters and fur wearers treat them so... what changes will i have to make now? does this mean that I will never be able to eat out??? like almost all food has animal products now... what do you think? thanks

Answer 1

Yes, you should!
Besides the horrors that animals used in dairy and egg production must endure, animal protein is REALLLY bad for you! Many studies have shown that consuming more than miniscule amounts of animal protein are linked to ALL KINDS of diseases (the most famous is THE CHINA STUDY - google it for info).
So, yes, definitely give up dairy and eggs if you care about animals (including yourself).
It is a challenge eating at restaurants, but if you just accept that you no longer want to hurt your body or contribute to animal suffering anymore, you don't feel denied. You might feel frustrated at time because there's not a lot of choices, but that's a small price to pay. You can get creative with the menu. Don't be afraid to ask for changes to a menu item. One of my favorite dishes out is a plate of refried beans (ask if it contains lard or any other animal products) topped with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, guacamole (ask if it's dairy free), and I spoon salsa all over the whole thing. YUM! A lot of bread contains some sort of animal product. It's hard to get ingredients on bread at a restaurant. If they offer a sandwich with French bread, go for that, as that rarely has animal products. Sometimes I'll get a bun if that's all they have. I like ordering a burger on French or sourdough bread (usually patty melts or "San Francisco burgers" will be on bread) and replacing the patty with a couple onion rings. It's yummy! Just order without mayo (add mustard! it's always vegan) and cheese and no thousand island or anything like that. It sounds harder than it is. You get used to it. And you find your own comfort level. I may have a bun that has mono and triglycerides in it once in a while, but I always avoid dairy and casein if I can help it. You'll do fine. There's no hard rules - just do what you feel comfortable with. Good luck!!!

Answer 2

That's entirely up to you. As for eating out, the options depend on where you live. But even Subway and Chipotle have vegan options! As for getting a pizza, you can always get a cheeseless pizza with lots of veggies on top. Just make sure they don't use butter in the crust or animal ingredients in the sauce. If you like Chinese food, you should be able to get a veggie stir fry or a Buddha's Delight. Any good restaurant will want to work with you to get you something you can eat.

For dining out options, check out www.vegdining.com or www.happycow.net.

Vegetarian Resource Group (www.vrg.org) also lists vegetarian options at many chain restaurants.

Answer 3

Well, only you can know for sure. If you are ready to give up cheese, eggs, et cetera, then you can seriously consider switching. Remember, this will mean giving up things like milk chocolate, pizza, many cakes, pastries and the large majority of commercial products, unless you find an easily accessible vegan substitute you like. Look for vegan restaurants in your area. Remember, this will mean a lot more cooking, and also having fewer opportunities to eat out with friends.

Answer 4

Never thought I'd see the day that I agreed with Dion. Although I do Vegan Monday's (as it would be a bit silly to do 'Meat Free Mondays' as I already do that every day of the week), and I don't wear animal products, nor use animal cosmetics, cleaners etc. basically living as animal free as I can, I don't go Vegan because I don't choose to. I also don't choose to follow Paleo, gluten-free, fruitarian, carnivore yadda yadda yadda as I've found that I'm happy with what I do eat. What I eat is up to me and trying to badger and guilt people into following your diet is just as annoying as omnivores posting 'just eat a goddam bacon sandwich'!!!!!

Answer 5

This is a matter of what you want. I consider myself a strict Veggie. In fact I just started doing another RAW stint as I did early in the summer. BUT I allow myself the flexibility of eating out socially. As you say it is harder to do if strict VEGAN. So if I order a Salad(less of all the animals stuff: cheese, bacon etc.) & a baked potato (plain) maybe with salsa on the side. Harder if they don't have baked potato, as they might have might, butter etc. This doesn't freak me, but will it you? Or I do hash-browns that might be made on a grill that cooked meat that day.
My joy of life, my friends & family are more improtant than those things.

Slainté (to your health)

Answer 6

Well, it depends on your stance on the subject. If I were you, I would do a little research on vegans. What is their motivaion? Do you agree with all of their stances. For exaple, vegans, eat nothing that comes from any animal biproducts. This includes cheese and milk. Does it really hurt or help the cow to milk it, or does it help? Do some research - pick a stand, and try to stick with it.

Answer 7

You could choose to avoid obvious milk and eggs, e.g. omelette's, french toast, milk, yogurt, cheese. But when you eat out not stress out if the salad you buy at a restaurant as trace amounts of milk in the croutons or the veggie lo main has a trace amount of egg.

That might not technically make you a vegan, but it will accomplish 99% of you goal of avoiding abusing animinas while still allowing you to eat out with friends.

Answer 8

I really think you should just eat whatever you want to eat and avoid everything that you're not comfortable eathing. You should only make the changes that interest you... as far as eating out, you'll just have to keep doing what you're doing now; only order things that fit your chosen diet. Lots of vegans eat out, but the selection is just minimal usually.

Answer 9

you can go vegan whenever -- you don't have to wait.

milk and eggs are probably worse for you than flesh -- you have nothing but good to gain.

Answer 10

i think that if u feel that u are ready to let go of eggs,mily,chese,etc. then i thnk u should go for it!!
i've recently had thoughts of becoming a pescetarian, becasue i'd nvr be able to be a veg./vegan because i luv sushi so much!!!!!!
i think u should follow your heart and wat feels best to do at this time