Would you ever become Vegetarian?

[Ava]

Poll question: Would you ever become Vegetarian?

So would you?

I personally don't think I could do it. I love animals but I don't think I could give up my burger.

[Robeson]

1. But of course! I'm a proud veggie!.....

...:hi:

[Ava]

3. that's cool

like i said, i love animals, but i don't think i have the willpower to become veggie :shrug:

[laheina]

12. Who needs will power?

http://www.bocaburger.com/

:hi:

[TheMightyFavog]

2. Nope.

I'm an omnivore. I could never go veg.

[yewberry]

4. How about an "already did it" option?

I mean, if you really want to know.

[Ava]

5. just added

[yewberry]

6. Yay, you!

I'll add my vote now.

[Robeson]

7. That option wasn't there when I voted!....

...dangit! x(

[Ava]

8. sorry robeson

:(

[yewberry]

9. Aw, Robeson...

when are you going to learn to ask for what you want?

</therapist>



How goes it, friend?:hi:

[Robeson]

10. Going fine, thanks for asking....

...hope all is going well with you.

I didn't ask, 'cause I knew I wouldn't have the pull you do 'round these parts...;-)

[yewberry]

11. ...the pull I do 'round these parts?

:spray:

[scarlet_owl]

13. I was a vegetarian for three years.

I could probably do it again.

[Hissyspit]

14. I couldn't. I made it 3 months about 10 years ago & kept slipping.

I am too addicted to meat and culinary arts involving meat.

[YankeyMCC]

15. I agree 100%

I love vegitables and other non-meat food but I gotta get my steak now and then.

Nice and rare...mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[lakemonster11]

16. I could, but I probably wouldn't.

I eat meat rarely as it is, but when my body tells me to eat meat, I don't fight it. I just generally feel better if I don't eat meat. Plus, I think it makes more economic and ecological sense to eat meat occasionally rather than every day (or, God forbid, every meal!). It takes so many more acres of land to support a carnivore than it does an herbivore.

I would probably eat a burger every once in a while if the government would require mad cow tests on every cow. Right now it's just not worth it to me.

[Random_Australian]

18. *giggle* You've heard of Grammar Nazis, but

what about 'definitions even when EVERYONE get's the point Nazis'.
Though, technically you ARE correct, but no carnivores are farmed on any significant scale.

[lakemonster11]

41. I was referring to what are called energy pyramids.

Here are some examples:





As energy moves up the food chain through predation, a lot energy is lost at every stage. Therefore, there are much fewer carnivores at the top of the food chain than there are herbivores further down.

As the charts show, a lion requires a much larger range than a giraffe just as a wolf requires a much larger range than a deer.

I wasn't implying that carnivores are being farmed, but that people who eat meat often, like carnivores, require larger "ranges" (more cultivated land per capita) than people who eat meat infrequently. In other words, if we eat lower on the food chain, the earth can support more people.

[Kali]

45. Not so simple

When we eat meat it does not translate necessarily to land that needs to be cultivated. Grass fed animals on native pasture are a way of utilizing that plant matter for human consumption WITHOUT cultivation.

[lakemonster11]

51. But how much meat can be produced that way?

Certainly not enough to sustain the meat-heavy American diet. I'd be willing to bet that if all meat were produced without cultivated animal feed, meat would be an occasional treat for us rather than a daily staple. At least if it were distributed equally among the rich and poor (which I'm sure wouldn't be the case).

I'm not saying that we shouldn't eat meat at all. I'm just saying it makes more sense economically and ecologically to eat meat occasionally, rather than using it as the basis for most of our meals. I imagine it's probably healthier, too.

[Kali]

54. Oh I agree

about the amounts we eat etc. I have heard that 20% of the animals that end up in the system are raised in the west, so if that were to be changed and they were to stay longer on western pasture there would be at least that much. I honestly have no idea how much native pasture is available or used elsewhere, but it must be significant, and add to that the INTEGRATED farming that could occur - where yes, land is cultivated and partly used to raise animals but they become part of the system again - cycling nutrients, providing fertilizer etc... I think perhaps there could be adequate supplies, although certainly costlier without some sort of subsidy to encourage the changes.

[flvegan]

59. Pasture?

The majority of the cattle raised for human consumption is feedlot cattle, not grass-fed. We're wiping out the Amazon to grow soy to force feed these animals so that we can eat them.

There aren't adequate supplies. The production of meat is worse than the automobile for this planet.

[Kali]

62. You seem to have a problem with verb tense.

What we are doing and what we COULD be doing are two different things, as I was saying.

Do you have figures on how much soy we import from the Amazon to feed cattle? The US imports less than 1% of its beef from all of South America, so whatever fraction is from the "Amazon countries" is even less) and that tends to be lean meat for mixing with other hamburger for pre-made patties or for canned product. THAT certainly wasn't fed much soy or anything but grass.

[flvegan]

66. On the face of your post, you appear confused

You ask about the imports of soy, then suggest the percentage fo beef imported.

You should try looking this up, THEN posting opinion.

Have at it.

[Kali]

68. You do remember that you got me to look something up once before

and it turned out to be a bit embarrassing for you, don't you?

When you make a claim you really ought to be able to back it up. But <sigh> yes I shall go see what I can find.

[Kali]

74. Interesting info

Almost all exports of South American soy go to Europe (why did I suspect that?) I didn't find any final figures yet, but since the US is the largest producer of soy beans I doubt we import much, although I did find a reference to a consortium bringing in under 200,000 tones one year when the domestic prices were high. It seems pretty clear we aren't feeding cattle in this country with South American soy. However there are some US greedheads in the picture for sure!
I found a very interesting report:

Corporate actors in the South
American soy production chain

A research paper prepared for

World Wide Fund for Nature Switzerland



<a few relevant snips>



this study aims to identify the main corporate actors involved in the

South American soybean production chain. Geographically, this production chain is defined

as including the South American soybean production countries Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and

Paraguay,



Globally, soybean production is increasing rapidly (+47% over the past six years), driven

mainly by the demand for soy meal from the animal feed industry. As soy meal is very rich of

proteins and has a low percentage of raw cellulose, it is especially suited for compound feed

for single stomached animals such as pigs and poultry. <hmmm not cows? - Kali>



Main export markets for South American soybeans are the European Union (45%) and China

(35%). Within the European Union, the Netherlands, Spain and Germany are the most

important destinations.



Major players in the South American soy production chain

Soybean trading and crushing in the four South American soybean production countries is

dominated by a limited number of large, international commodity trading companies. The four

most important of these are:

· Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) United States

· Bunge United States

· Cargill United States

· Louis Dreyfus France

Moreover, the three American trading companies mentioned also control 80% of the European soybean crushing industry.

<these bastards really are running the world - anybody ever read Beyond Civilization by Daniel Quinn? - Kali>

[xchrom]

60. lol -- not if you go by the buffalo.

but alot of ranchers would be unhappy with all that free-range goodness walking all over their property.

[Kali]

63. Very good point, actually

Estimates of MILLIONS of bison and similar numbers of antelope, not to mention the megafauna prehistorically present on this continent equals a HELL OF A LOT of "pasture raised" meat.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

17. No way.

[Ohio Joe]

19. Not a chance

I simply enjoy meat way too much.

[flvegan]

20. Have been for years.

I could never NOT be a veg.

[bigwillq]

21. No (nt)

[JitterbugPerfume]

22. I probably could

I do not consume much meat

[TheBaldyMan]

23. I hardly eat any meat anyway, mostly vegetarian diet

I'm trying to stay away from factory farmed stuff and unethical produce. Not that easy due to availiability problems. For instance, try and boycott Nestle produce, some days it seems like they own everything.

[GalleryGod]

24. Never.

[L A Woman]

30. You hit the nail on the head, gallerygod...

i tried to become a vegetarian once and the establishment pictured in your post was responsible for my failure!

[driver8]

80. I love In-n-Out as much as the next person, but I gave up beef and

pork about a year and a half ago. When I go through In-n-Out now, I get the "grilled cheese" combo. I do miss their burgers once in awhile, but the grilled cheese is pretty good and, I still get those delicious fries!!!

[GalleryGod]

84. Good discipline by You! As for me ...

Gimmee the 4X4 !:bounce:

[kedrys]

25. Oh hell no.

I didn't claw my way to the top of the food chain to eat veggies. :D

[Radical Activist]

26. I did for a while.

I haven't been able to keep it up in the small town I'm in now.

[BikeWriter]

27. Not in this lifetime.

[Fox Mulder]

28. Not in this lifetime.

I love my hamburgers and my steaks a little too much. I hate veggies. :puke:

[LeftyMom]

29. I did four years ago.

I wish I had done it years prior.

[richmwill]

31. No way, no how

Love my hamburgers too much. (And if anyone says the word "tofuburgers" in a response, you get slapped... ;))

[auntAgonist]

32. If someone would 'teach' me how ..

And IF I could get enough protein I would certainly consider it! I could do it, I honestly just don't know how or what foods to eat or what to buy .. :shrug: I'm all for good health, I NEED more protein than the average person does, so that's definately a concern.

so my answer, YES.

[Droopy]

33. I'm in the same boat

It would be very difficult for me to become a vegetarian because of my lifestyle and inability to cook. But I dig veggies and if I had more time I would definitely consider it.

[auntAgonist]

34. Hey Droopy .. I sent you a PM !

just an answer to something you mentioned the other day :)


aA

[prolesunited]

43. It's easy to get enough protein

especially if you don't go vegan.

Why do you say you need more protein than the average person?

[auntAgonist]

46. I need more protein

because I had surgery. Biliopancreatic Diversion with a duodenal switch, in easy terms weight loss surgery. My nutritional absorption is affected by the surgery (desired effect)but it means that I have to supplement w/ vitamins, nutrients and lots of protein.

The small intestines are rearranged to separate the flow of food from bile and pancreatic juices. This inhibits the absorption of calories and some nutrients. Further down the digestive tract, the divided paths are rejoined; food and digestive juices begin to mix, and limited fat absorption occurs before food enters the large intestine.

[flvegan]

48. It's just as simple

to get protein as a vegan as it is as a vegetarian. Animal-free food has come a long, long way.

[flvegan]

47. I'd be happy to assist. You could also visit the veggie forum here

at DU: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=231

I'm a 215 lb bodybuilder/gym rat/vegan and I have NO problems at all getting enough protein.

Send me a PM or come visit us in the Tofu Ghetto...

[auntAgonist]

49. thanks ..

I've added the forum to my list and I'm checking out the recipes, they look really good. I think I have a massive restocking of my pantry to do.

I'm sure I'll have lots of questions :)

:yourock:

[yewberry]

55. I'd like to help in whatever way I can

...no pressure or judging.

If there's any advice or ideas you need, please ask. Feel free to PM me.

(I've been veg for 20 years, and I'm a pretty good cook, too!)

[auntAgonist]

61. great!

thanks so much, I've added you and flvegan to my buddy list. (hope you don't mind)

aA
kesha

[yewberry]

76. I'm on a buddy list?

Dang, my streak just ended!


(Seriously, ask away--I'll help if I can.)

[Ekirh]

35. Giving a cop out Maybe

I'm one of those who have considered.. thought about it . .but so far has never attempted.

[Kali]

36. other

don't eat meat daily - we eat a lot of ethnic meals, either completly veg or only using meat as a condiment/flavoring agent. On the other hand I can do a huge ribeye weekly or thereabouts!

[JohnKleeb]

37. Couldn't

Ah yeah Burgers definely can't give em up and Thanksgiving dinner wouldn't be the same either same with St. Patrick's Day Dinner, Easter Dinner, Christas Dinner, etc and besides meat is great.

[zanne]

38. If I could learn to like tofu.

If I could learn to like tofu and other vegetarian dishes, I would stop eating fish. I cut out the meat about four years ago, but I don't like meat "substitutes", any kind of bean curd, or hot stuff.

[laheina]

64. There are a lot more options.

I was really shocked when I looked into it. In the last ten years, there are so many different forms of meat-a-likes, cheese options, and milk substitutes that I started giving them to my family immediately. They even *like* them!

There's a lot of info in the veggie forum. Come check it out. :)

[ldf]

39. i'm from the south....

by the time you get the sweet cream corn, black eye peas, lima beans, butterbeans, collard/turnip/mustard greens, mashed down taters, fried okra (not that slimey mess...) on your plate, there is NO ROOM FOR the meat.

the only thing is, almost EVERYTHING requires bacon drippings...

:-(

but, boy is it GOOOOOODDD!!!!!!1111!!!!!

i mean, SERIESLY!1!1!1

:shrug:

[Arkana]

40. No. I have no desire to become a vegetarian.

I love eating a good steak, I've fallen in love with my father's venison recipe, and I will not go without my hamburgers. And yet I'm still liberal. *GASP!*

[Kerrytravelers]

42. I was a vegetarian for years.

I slowly began eating some fish and chicken again. Mr. kt and I are considering limiting our meat intake to fish.

[laheina]

65. You might want to check out some of the info

regarding mercury and toxins in some of the large, sea fish. The environmental effects of the fishing industry are another thing that is worth looking into.

If anyone wants links--let me know!

[arwalden]

44. No. I Like To Eat Cows, Chickens, Turkey, Crab, Shrimp, Pork, Ham, Bacon,

... eggs, cheese, milk, tuna, salmon, trout, flounder, cod, catfish, squid, shark, and baby veal!

I'm not so big on lamb, mutton or venison... but I've eaten it.

I've never eaten snake, frog, gator, squirrel, rat, raccoon, possum, or bear... I'm not sure if I'd be interested in that though.

[Katherine Brengle]

50. Oh jeeeeeez...

already am.

:)

[Thtwudbeme]

52. What kind of vegetarian? We still eat fish and dairy.

But no beef, chicken (super rare) or pork.

Do we count?

Oh and by the way the fake burgers that are out now taste fuckin' GREAT!

[ThomCat]

53. I've been for 15 years now.

I can cook meat for other people with no problem, but I can't look at it and think of it as food for me. I can't imagine ever going back to eating meat.

[adriennui]

56. i wish i had the discipline

to become a vegetarian. in my heart i know eating animals is morally wrong. i've tried at various times but the infrequent urge for a juicy steak or bacon ruins it for me. i completely respect vegetarians (as long as they don't preach).

[I Have A Dream]

57. I'm already a vegetarian. n/t

[Maine-ah]

58. if I had no choice in the matter

like, food supply is completely diseased, including all wild animals are all unsafe to eat, and you couldn't breed anything healthy.


I will always be a meat eater.

[DS1]

67. Did, didn't stay

[Norwood]

69. Not a chance in hell

I dont have any problem at all with vegetarians at all, but theres no way I could do it

[Fleshdancer]

70. I think I could

maybe not for the rest of my life, but I think I could do it. The hardest part would be giving up seafood...I'm a huge sushi fan. :)

[Telly Savalas]

71. If someone genetically engineered a bacon tree, then maybe.

[jakefrep]

81. I'm looking for Steak and Ribs Trees myself

Unfortunately, I have no experience as a genetic engineer.

[realisticphish]

72. Nope

like vegetables, could certainly go without meat, but i just don't think that there is a real reason for me to be a vegetarian
(and for the love of god, no posts about health benefits, or links to sites, or anything. I've heard it all before)

[pitohui]

73. i did it, it was a mistake, i'm ok now

my body is also an animal and deserves to be properly fed

[SmileyBoy]

75. No, I couldn't. I gots to have me some MEAT.

MEAT!!!!

[bumblebee1]

77. I'm not a total vegetarian

I enjoy vegetarian meals when I get tired of the routine of meat, starch, vegetable meals.

[fortyfeetunder]

78. Only if it's ovo- lacto-

I don't have a problem missing meat, these days I can only take a couple of ounce servings of any red meat. But I love to have spells when I eat mostly veggie, like when traveling alone on business trips or when it's just me to cook for.

But the ovo-lacto- I still want my eggs and cheese. Soy substitutes just don't turn me on yet...

[wickerwoman]

79. I think I could

as long as I didn't have to give up cheese, wonderful cheese! and eggs.

On the other hand, I don't think I would. I believe we're designed to eat pretty much anything we can keep down and the only thing that keeps me on a diet is *a lot* of variety.

[Beware the Beast Man]

82. Possibly.

I've tried to reduce the amount of meat I eat in my diet anyway. It's not meat that's my downfall, though- it's carbs. I love breads, rolls, chips, cereals and the like.

[rbnyc]

83. Man, I had the sickest dream about the meat industry last night.

I dreamed about how many bug parts are allowed in processed meats, and about all the different parasites you can get from eating meat, and about how sick all the animals are all bunched up together and the things they have to do to them to keep them alive.

Ugh! I definitely skipped the ham this morning.

:puke:

[Lilith Velkor]

85. Not voluntarily. n/t

[jukes]

86. vegetarian since november, 1968

pathologically unable to eat meat. it's a Nam thing, so don't ask.


i do dairy, however. y pop ant-cholestrols like M&Ms.

[LynneSin]

87. I have no clue how I would survive as a vegetarian

There are only about 5-6 veggies I eat on a regular basis and I hate most types of beans.

I would probably have to survive on grilled cheese sandwiches which isn't the best way to be a vegetarian.

But I have cut back dramatically on red meat mainly limiting myself to Chicken & Fish

[jukes]

88. L/S

yes, it's def not necessarily a healthy lifestyle. LOVE me some "fromage". fortunately, i enjoy almost all legumes, y the lovely US pharma industry is lowering my towering cholesterol count!

[Rob H.]

89. Already did

Went ovo-lacto vegetarian 2-1/2 years ago, but wish I had done it way sooner. I started gearing up to go vegan (reading some books, scouring the internet, etc.) a few months back, but haven't gone "all the way" yet, so to speak. ;)

[veganred]

90. vegetarian for 12 years!

I once said I would never go vegan and I have now been vegan for 10 years. As an animal activist I really found it easy to give up eating animals.

[Beaverhausen]

91. Veggie for about 20 years

First it was for environmental reasons (cutting down the rainforests for Big Macs didn't appeal to me) then health reasons (colon cancer in my family.)

[progmom]

92. I was for several years

And could easily become one again.