Mafism & Vegetarianism

[sunsplash]

For those of you who made a transition from a fully carnivorous diet to one exluding mammals and/or poulty, how did you do it? Did you quit all at once or ease your system into a more plant-based diet? I don't know if I'm strong enough to quit meat all together yet and I am not interested in giving up fish, but would like to start making the transition to mafism and eventually vegetarianism later down the road.

Advice? Stories?

 

[Breathe]

I'd suggest cutting down slowly.

Many who cut it all at once tend to struggle more with it. If possible, try to switch to meat analogues when possible. Quorn has been a godsend even though some of it sucks. I don't know what kind of meat analogues are popular across the pond, though.

 

[Noaidi]

I gave up all meat in one move. I felt that if I eased myself into it, the transition period could go on and on and on... ("I'll do it tomorrow...")
Making an absolute break was difficult (and I still miss bacon and fish), but it was worth the effort. I'm moving towards veganism now, but that's a gradual process as I live in a rural area with not much access to alternatives. Leather was the first to go (I can get online vegan shoes, belts etc easily enough) and I'm currently working on reducing my dairy intake. The local shop's supply of soya products is sporadic, so I'm having problems making the full transition.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Cypress]

What is mafism?

 

[Breathe]

What is mafism?

No consumption of red meat, but poultry and fish are ok.

Mafism is from Mammals First, I think.

 

[Venatoris]

I always hear people mention the health benefits of a vegetarian diet but what are the benefits really? I do know a couple vegans and vegetarians but they have never given me a straight answer. I do know that they all lost a considerable(almost dangerous) amount of weight when they assumed these diets and they have to take dietary supplements to compensate for things they don't get in their food. Myself, I have an exceedingly high metabolism and from what I have seen of my friends, if I adopted a vegan diet I would probably die. Are there any legitimate, provable health benefits that have been attributed to an herbivorous diet?

Sidenote: Does anyone remember a legal case from a few years back in which a company producing vegan/vegetarian dietary supplements was being sued for using animal by products in their pills? I vaguely remember it but I can't find any reference to it on the internet.

 

[Noaidi]

Venatoris

I found this ( abit basic, but it's a starting point):

"Eating animal fats and proteins has been shown in studies to raise a person´s risk of developing cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, and a number of other illnesses and conditions. The fat and protein content of cow´s milk is very different from human milk - vegans say that we are not designed for consuming cow´s milk.

Men with early stage prostate cancer who make intensive changes in diet and lifestyle may stop or perhaps even reverse the progression of their illness, according to a study. A US study that looked at half a million people found that red meat and processed meat eaters died prematurely more frequently than other people.

Whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes contain no cholesterol and are low in fat, especially saturated fats. They are also high in fiber and other nutrients. Vegans say there are several plant based foods that are good sources of protein, such as beans, peanuts, and soya."

From: What Is A Vegan Diet? What Are The Benefits Of Being Vegan?

 

[cynic2005]

I always hear people mention the health benefits of a vegetarian diet but what are the benefits really? I do know a couple vegans and vegetarians but they have never given me a straight answer. I do know that they all lost a considerable(almost dangerous) amount of weight when they assumed these diets and they have to take dietary supplements to compensate for things they don't get in their food. Myself, I have an exceedingly high metabolism and from what I have seen of my friends, if I adopted a vegan diet I would probably die. Are there any legitimate, provable health benefits that have been attributed to an herbivorous diet?

Sidenote: Does anyone remember a legal case from a few years back in which a company producing vegan/vegetarian dietary supplements was being sued for using animal by products in their pills? I vaguely remember it but I can't find any reference to it on the internet.

I started about a week to two weeks ago. I've been losing weight slowly (fat mostly). If I want to gain more weight I'm pretty sure that all I have to do is add more nuts to my diet. (Nuts can be pretty fatty, and tend to have monsaturated, polysaturated, and saturated fats).
I meat occasionally (poultry or buffalo meat). Overall I feel healthier than I was before. Before I ate mostly grains and meat, did not eat fruits or vegetables often, and ate a lot of processed sugars.

 

[Smoke]

I don't think it's that big a deal giving up mammal meat. The only thing I miss is breakfast sausage, and that's not a major problem. We still eat pizza (with turkey pepperoni) and chili dogs (turkey smoked sausage with vegetarian chili). I eat barbecued chicken instead of barbecued pork. Really, there's not that much adjusting to do.

Cutting out poultry as well would be a much bigger adjustment, though, and I don't foresee ever cutting out fish and shellfish.

 

[Duck]

For those of you who made a transition from a fully carnivorous diet to one exluding mammals and/or poulty, how did you do it? Did you quit all at once or ease your system into a more plant-based diet? I don't know if I'm strong enough to quit meat all together yet and I am not interested in giving up fish, but would like to start making the transition to mafism and eventually vegetarianism later down the road.

Advice? Stories?

I admit to back sliding from vegetarianism, largely due to impulse eating due to stress.

What I did to make the break, was first I got some vegetarian cook books, and made a list of dishes to try, then reduced my meat intake to once a day (vice every meal). After a couple weeks of once per day meat eating (partly to empty the freezer), with otherwise vegetarian meals (not strictly vegan -- if the dish had non-vegan cheese or eggs I didn't have an issue, but I did try to reduce the amount of dairy and eggs consumed), I went grocery shopping for the dishes I had selected.

Then I made the switch. Be careful, I found that initially, the meals didn't seem to be as filling, then I realized I just needed to adjust the portions a little to be fully satisfied.

 

[LuisDantas]

I always hear people mention the health benefits of a vegetarian diet but what are the benefits really?

You may want to check this other thread.

http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/religious-debates/104062-vegetarians-5.html

Specifically about health, plants do not accumulate toxins as much as animals do; meat has a tendency to stay for a remarkably long time in the digestive tract before its residue is expelled, leaving behind rotten bits that are believed to help in causing cancer and other diseases; and finally, vegetarians simply tend to be more aware and therefore more careful about the balance of their diets.

Not overpowering reasons, except perhaps for the first one, that much I readily admit. Still, they do exist.

I do know a couple vegans and vegetarians but they have never given me a straight answer. I do know that they all lost a considerable(almost dangerous) amount of weight when they assumed these diets

Didn't happen to me, for whatever it is worth.

and they have to take dietary supplements to compensate for things they don't get in their food.

Really? Unless they are strict vegans (as opposed to lacto-egg-vegetarians) that sounds unlikely in the extreme. The only nutrient that is actually difficult to take from a vegan diet is Vitamin B12. People often talk about protein intake, but soy and many easy-to-find beans are in fact superior and well-balanced sources of protein.

Myself, I have an exceedingly high metabolism and from what I have seen of my friends, if I adopted a vegan diet I would probably die.

I personally doubt it, although of course I can't expect you to act on my belief, and I am assuming a certain amount of care about balancing nutrients (not too hard in most big cities, actually) and either B12 supplements or a not fully vegan diet.

 

[SageTree]

I have been a vegetarian since 2002. I eased into it over a year, although I quickly went to just fish, as this has been my preference throughout my life.

One thing I'll tell ya' that really helped me was that I grew up in a family where 90% of the meat that we ate was killed, hunted and processed in our basement, which was set up for the freezing/canning process as well. From fur to freezer in just a few hours. Morbid facts.

When I moved out on my own, I found I lost the interest and urge to take part in this process.

THAT logically conclusion that "if I couldn't do it, then why do I want to encourage some one to do it for me?" Is when I started considering it and cut most of it out eventually all but once a month, over that year I mentioned.

So I thought it'd be all natural and good one canoe trip to upstate New York, to get my license. It didn't work out, I caught a fish and new instantly I had not done the right thing. I took off my ticket only keeping it in case a game commissioner asked us 'whats buddy doing here w/out his tag?'

That is when I stopped all together. My ecology, compassion and logic melted into one.

Now from time to time I'm in a place where I don't have the option to share my preference and have put charity and kindness before what that kindness is made of. But generally I can serve onto my plate what I like. This has only happened a handful of times over the years and I just took a moment and contemplated the life and the gift of the creature and cook.

I have excellent marks on my health bill, and my cholesterol is out of this world good. Granted I am 155lb 6ft tall, but I have been pretty much since I was 15 and eating meat like a nutzo. So I don't think it's that. I have a very varied diet and feel just fine inside and out. Dr. Hunt told me elephants live longer than lions, anyways, in his own practical and quirky way. lol.

You have to do what is right for you in the end. Mindful consumption above all is what I advocate. There is a lot of Dependant arisings that get that compounded matter to the ones that form my plate


In my heart of hearts though, I feel if more people had to kill the meat they ate, there'd be a lot less meat going around the table. And heck.... we could serve the left over corn and wheat to the starving masses instead of feeding something we eat, that really isn't all that good for us in the first place in regular consumption. ..... just saying, no bias haha.

Good luck on your journey.

:namaste
SageTree

 

[sunsplash]

Today marks the first full week that I've made it without red meat! A small feat considering I've been at this over a month but I underestimated just how hard it would be to adjust when my husband is a serious meat eater. I hate having to cook separate meals or make adjustments for myself, it really is a PITA, but I feel really good about making the effort. Wish me luck as I continue!

 

[Breathe]

Congratulations!

 

[PVE1]

Today marks the first full week that I've made it without red meat! A small feat considering I've been at this over a month but I underestimated just how hard it would be to adjust when my husband is a serious meat eater. I hate having to cook separate meals or make adjustments for myself, it really is a PITA, but I feel really good about making the effort. Wish me luck as I continue!

That's good to hear!

For me, I stopped eating meat "cold turkey". I never struggled being vegetarian and even though I do miss meat sometimes, I knew I'd never forgive myself if I ever ate meat again. Going vegan was a little harder, but I'm a 2 year vegan now and I find that my diet and my spirituality correlate immensely. I hope you remain successful in your diet!

 

[LuisDantas]

Best of luck, Sunsplash, and congratulations.