A vegetarian is someone seeking a humane lifestyle free from exploiting any living species in any way where possible for the benefit of all animals, people and the environment. But there are also few other reasons as to why people become vegetarians, and they may also be in different vegetarian categories. Invite your vegetarian and non-vegetarian friends, and join us to find out more while we build together a World Vegetarian Network.

Whether you are a vegetarian or not, and whether or not you choose to become one, we hope that your stay here would give you an educational, friendly and a worthwhile experience.

Once again, welcome to the Vegetarian Group, and thank you for considering us to be part of your family and friends.

With love and peace,

Nick

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hello vegtables-

Ha.  It doesn't sound muchbetter than being a bloody carcass.  Why is that?  Is it true that we can really just live off the Light?

It woulde be a gopod thing iof we had the opportunity in this life to really have one giant Satori, a big glimpse at Reality before we made many plans.  It rarely works out that way and we must crawl for a long time before we can walk. etc.

And if we don't have to eat, maybe we can fly.  I kinda like  the hip hop term flyyy meaning the equivalent of I think  ---very good!

O---ere I go

This may seem like alot to request, but it is just a request. Please try to stop eating meat.

I became a vegetarian in 1992.  This was very difficult because at that time few supplements were offered to replace meat protein. 

I do not believe in the domestication of animals for human consumption. 

If we are supposed to be allowed to rule over "the flocks in the fields" etc., how can we rule over something that is dead?

The most difficult part of becoming a vegetarian manifested in the 20th month.  Be Aware! We have been doing this for many lifetimes.  (?)

This oral fixation with meat protein is very difficult to overcome.

Right now I have to smell the putrid smell of corned beef bacause all of my family except me thinks they have to have that for Easter Sunday.

Blessings to you and your family.  I pray thart I have not been rude or caused you any discomfort.  Please contact me if you require further assistance with anything.  I have helped several people make this transition and stop alcohol.  Smoking is some kind of ingrained oral fixation like meat, also very difficult.

Blessings,

Davi

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Nice to meet you Davi.

Great sense of humor.

Addictions are difficult to overcome.  I'm still battling those addictions. 

Support is important.  Essential to maintaining the status quo.

Easter dinner was torture for me too.  The wine with the turkey, followed by cigarettes and coffee.  I'm still recuperating from the battle with the temptations.

My friends at Care2 were a God send.

Peace & Love

Virginia

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Hello Veggies (and veggies to be )!

Thanks for the warm welcome Nick.

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Hello all. First thank you for welcoming to this group. This is my first contribution. I am an ex-veggie who became veggie again and droped off of it again and became veggie again. Sounds confusing? Well, let me explain. Until the age of 20, I was a meat-eating (from a family of voracious meat-eaters) lover. I loved my steaks, my burgers, etc... At 20, I met a new friend who was vegan. She converted me and it was a philosophical issue which happened with my rediscovery of God. At 24, I was forced to live with my family again. The pressure turned me back into a meat eater (my dad was the king of pressure. "But chicken is not meat". "It's not normal", etc... the usual crap). Finally, in 2005 (a while later), after having moved to the US since 1997, I read Eric Schloesser's book "Fast Food Nation" and it turned me back overnight. It is a moral issue to me. I think of the cruelty to the animals and it's enough to not make me eat meat (or fish) ever again.

I am happy with my choice. I feel it's the right thing to do. So thanks again for having me.

Nicole

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Welcome to the group and congratulations with your decision to try to stop eating and wearing meat.

People here will certainly support you and give you lots of information to make it easier.  Also, for things to eat, theere is plenty of really useful information available from various websites including Care2.  The Green Kitchen is very good for recipes and so is the group Vegan World Cuisine.

I wish you the very best of luck with your efforts.  Remember that most people on this group started life as meat eaters, so we do know how the changeover can go.

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if you want to convert, I believe you are in the right place.  I, too, am a meat eater.  However, after gathering alot of information, I wanted to start my path to becoming a vegetarian.  I have gotten alot of good info here and advice.  This weekend I will find the thread that had some good articles on becoming veggie and tell you where they are.

My target date is May 1st.  I am going to incorporate two days a week of non meat eating.  I can't wait.  I have gotten alot of good recipes that I can't wait to try.

Good luck.

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hello i am new to this group also only stoped eating meat about 2 months ago after staying at my daughters as she as been a vegatarion for years so i think i will keep it up best wishes

      angie

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Hi everyone, I have been a vegetarian for a year and a half.I went veg for the animals, I don't think they should have to die for our taste buds.

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I have to say my decision to try and cut animal fats and protiens from my diet did not come from a concern for animals. It came as a concern for my health and the health of the world.

We are rapidly using up our resources feeding cattle.

I'm not a vegetarian yet. I have cut back on all animal based food. Unfortunatly I don't by my own groceries and can't really afford to at the moment.

I'll get there though. I think have the battle is knowing there is a healthier lifestyle out there.

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Hello All!

I have been vege since 16.. although I do admit eating fish and white meat for a bout a year in there... I gave that up after learning that most of the 'organic'  'free range' meat i was getting was not so great as I was hoping... I have recently cut out fish totally as well.. and i'm working on checking for GMO's.. which is quite the task in many of the vegetarian foods... like morningstar.. and boca I am not sure of...

Seems like more and more companies are chosing poor ingredient choices, adding gelatin to yogurt, I just read about Mars chocolate putting animal rennet in the chocolate.. so no more twix and snickers...

I am also stopping drinking milk. I still have dairy, but will only drink soy from now on... I hope to gradually cut more and more dairy out... it is difficult living with a bf and family who dont agree with vegetarianism though...  and its certainly not an option for my cats...

Hope everyone is having a great day! and has a nice afternoon!

Kudos to all of you long time and newly made veges!

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for those that are having difficulties with meals, Amy's makes great organic GMO free frozen foods...  Boca and morningstar do Use GMO's in their products.. so i'm boycotting them.. which will be tough since they are the largest vege brands...

organic tofu is cheap and easy for meals.. its a bit of a trick to cook it, and i havent totally figured it out yet... but.. here's what i like to do with it...

*grill with olive oil, garlic and a little red pepper flakes, and soy.. till browned, add sliced fresh ginger, a bit of brown sugar...
*add crunchy peanut butter, stirr till it melts evenly over tofu * add sesame seeds if you want...

this is great with steamed veges and rice... i made it for my sis when i visited, and i'm working on her to be veg.. she only eats organic meat at this point, and she loved it and is cooking it all the time. make sure to use the oil pb.. not the fresh ground stuff, it doesnt melt properly.

and if you want to make taco salad, burritos, etc. get vege immitation ground meat.... 

cook with catalina, or french dressing similar to that, add cumin, chili pepper, hot pepper to taste, finely chpped onions,  and kidney beans.
this is a recipe i altered from one my mom used to make when i was a kid, i just season to taste, and it ususally turns out great!

sorry my recipes arent precise.. i find its best to expiriment!

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"Hello" to the group!  I recently became part of this process and am attempting to figure out postings/etc... basically how this all works!  I hope all is well!  Glad to be a part of the group.  

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Hello Mae-per your question:  just for starters, this is just one of many links for 'veganism in a nutshell'

http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/vegan.htm (basically NO animal products/bi-products whatsoever). This means being mindful of how things are made & processed etc/ 

Per the vegsource website:“Vegetarian” is a blanket term for a variety of diets that exclude meat, poultry, and fish. The most healthful, the pure vegetarian (or "vegan") diet, only includes foods of plant origin, such as nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes. A "lacto-vegetarian" includes these plant foods and also dairy products. A "lacto-ovo-vegetarian" consumes both dairy and eggs.

Hope this gets the ball rolling!

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Yeah. I know, it can be confusing at times. Both eat veggies, but the vegan does not eat anything but veggies, and does not eat eggs, milk products , or anything made with animal by-products. I am trying to not eat any meat, and it is the hardest thing I have ever done. now I have to give up meat, because of health reasons.

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Hello fellow vegetables!

I just found this group and thought it would be great to join.

I am a vegetarian, although a "lacto-ovo" vegetarian. I don't eat a lot of eggs or milk, but I do eat some cheese and an occasional fried egg or so. I am a little ashamed of that, but I think I can 'wean ' myself off of that in time.

I can't bear to think of the suffering of those poor animals. That is why I have my own chickens. They are like my family.

My family isn't vegetarian, but they are as respectful of my beliefs as I am of theirs, although secretly I wish they would change their minds.

Peace,

Christy

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Well I guess for me the first step in becoming a vegetarian is by joing a vegetarian group on Care2 (accomplished task)

Im kinda, sorta, almost , notquitethere, one foot in front of the other, work in progress, vegetarian.  Which means I need a kick in the arse to get there. When all you know is meat its kinda hard to let go. But I want to become a vegetarian because I think it would help me with my lupus.

Have any of you became a "veggie" because  of chronic health problems?

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Hi Nick,

Happy to be in this group!!

Hi all those vegans, veges and those to-be veges!!

Best of Luck to all of you!! All of you are in the right path of compassion.Success is yours!!  "Animals are my friends and I don't eat my friends" Be vegans, and become prettier, more handsome!! more macho!! healthier!! and live long!!

Love to all!!

Savitri H

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You need to ask Desirae, the owner of this group. I borrowed it myself...

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Hello Nick and all the group!

I'm a new member: my name is Cécile, I'm 32 and I'm french and live in France. 

I really appreciate the fact that this group welcomes vegetarian and non-vegetarian people as I'm part of the last category: I eat fish and chicken from time to time.

In fact I'm really interested in vegetarian diets as most of my meals are in fact vegetarian meals. I might become a real vegetarian one day but for the moment I'm still thinking..

Here seems to be an open minded bunch of people and I enjoy reading the debates within the group.

Long life to this group!

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Hello Nick and all the group!

I'm a new member: my name is Cécile, I'm 32 and I'm french and live in France. 

I really appreciate the fact that this group welcomes vegetarian and non-vegetarian people as I'm part of the last category: I eat fish and chicken from time to time.

In fact I'm really interested in vegetarian diets as most of my meals are in fact vegetarian meals. I might become a real vegetarian one day but for the moment I'm still thinking..

Here seems to be an open minded bunch of people and I enjoy reading the debates within the group.

Long life to this group!

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Hey there Cecile,

Welcome to our group. Happy to have you here. You may wanna' consider "My Humane "Reduce" Program" Do check it out. 

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Hello everyone!

I just recently joined the group and I thought I would say hello to everyone here! I have been a vegetarian for over 2 years now... 9th grade prom to be exact!! I can definately say that I dont regret it in the least. The only problem that I have is that I know noone that is vegetarian and I would like to!

And that is why I joined!

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I'm so proud for all of you and your achievements!

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I'm working very hard to become an ovo-lacto vegetarian (and for the record, all eggs and dairy that I buy are organic-the animals ablity to be free range is my first prioity!). It's party due to my love of animals and partly for health, because my dad has cancer and I honestly wonder how much of that was due to constant meat consumption (oh yes, my dad is a big meat and potatoes guy...).  My husband doesn't care so long as I don't try to make him veggie too (I respect his opinions, so its fine with me). Currently I'm trying to cut myself off poultry and red meat. I've been off pork for months and I have ALWAYS hated the taste of seafood. Hopefully here I can learn some new recipies and ways to wean myself off meat.

By the way, does anyone here have any advice regarding nuts? I know most vegetarians need them, but my husband has allergies toward all nut products, I was wondering if I could avoid them if at all possible, or would I deprive myself too much?

Oh, and am I the only one who is TOTALLY grossed out by the concept of eating seafood? My husband's family tried to convince me I'm weird for not wanting to eat sushi and acted like it was the best thing on earth-ugh! Can anyone else sympathize?

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I am vegetalian I eat only organic and I am healthy!

No need of your group I have all I need.

tks

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Hello to ALL of You!

Thank you Nick for this group and your renewed welcome to everyone. I went back and read the welcome post and felt a connection to every single intoduction.

Please forgive me if I get a bit sentimental. A very dear cousin passed on a few days ago and his death has sparked in me once again an awareness of how precious life is. I feel a renewed committment to the earth and all of life, a renewed respect if you will. Death is sobering.

I became a vegetarian on January 1st of 2007. It was a total surprise to me. I didn't do it for health reasons, I didn't do it for ethical reasons, I did it because I felt (don't laugh) God was telling me to. I don't consider myself particularily religious but more as spiritual. I believe in a supreme being, and that being resides with all of us whether we realize it or not, but this is no place for that discussion.

 Anyway, I agreed to the "call" and stopped eating meat. I thought it would be hard but it wasn't, although I knew deep inside I was going deeper and it would be a process. I was right. I moved toward becoming vegan around June and felt such a cleansing, then in August I became a raw vegan.

 Let me say what this process did for me was to open my eyes, heart and mind to the earth and all creation. I am forever changed. Now I know why I was called to this path.

To all of you who are trying to give up meat let me humbly say, I believe the way is not through your mind but in your heart. I think of the mind as a tool of the heart. Go deep inside of yourselves and listen to your heart. When you do that I believe the effort will begin to give way to your heart. That's not to say don't keep trying, but try instead to listen to your heart. I sincerely hope that helps and doesn't sound dictative because that is not my intention at all. I truely care and want to offer any help I can.

The transition is challenging to say the least. I remember recently driving down a very commercial highway (I live near Orlando, Florida...Disneyland) and was struck by the number of eating places. I had never noticed this before. I have been "unplugged" to steal a line from "The Matrix". Everything in our society is about eating and in a social sense that's a good thing. Who doesn't love enjoying family and friends around a good meal? But now I stuggle with loving them in a different way and watching what they are doing to their bodies and feeling helpless. I guess the answer is to keep loving them and be the change I want to see. After all, call me Polyanna but the way I see it, love is the answer to everything.

I am "trying" not to see us as vegetarian, vegan and non but as fellow travelers on a path toward our highest self. Celebrate who you are and as you do I believe you will be moving closer and closer to your mostest and best self.

I look forward to being friends with all of you and sharing our mutual respect and support. We all have something to give and it may be just what someone else needed to hear at just the right time.

Go Us!

Lovingly, Linda

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I recently got a blood clot in my arm.  This happened right before needing to go to Canada.  Luckily, in Canada, while searching in a health store for remedies to help me get feeling in my arm, I got a book that said there is an ingredient in animal products that causes clots, PGE2.  This came at the beginning of September 2007.  Then I befriended a vegan girl on MySpace and Farm Sanctuary.  I was touched by the story of Maxine the cow, among others.   I think right now, it has been 3 weeks.

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From 1977, I became easily vegetarian, I was living with a friend who was learnign about it.  It was easy for me.  I had grain turkey last weekend and was very sick. I put the rest of the bird in the garbages. oh la la!  I don t eat dead food.  We have all the choice.  All is there to feed us the way we want it.  I eat the way of almentary combinaison from Shelton.  And he said the best think it could happen is to have a monothrpic meal, only one sort of fruit or vegetable, non cook.  I am there, thank you for all your sharing. And to me only to read the word meat, makes me sick.

Good luck to you all

Marie

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Greetings to all!

I have been a vegetarian for over 30 years and was the only one in my family to do so!! I raised my 3 kids that I had after becoming a veggie without any form of meat. I feel that there are plenty of better alternatives available without having to ingest a dead carcass.

With all the crap they put in animals today, people wonder why they're becoming sicker and children are now being born with adult diseases! DUH!

Well, anyway that's my story and I'm sticking to it, and feeling Terrific about not causing needless pain to any creature just for my pleasure!!

Eat all your veggies and enjoy!

aro

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Hi everybody, I am new here, sorry no photo, have already tried for 2 hours to get a photo up, but no luck.

I am 95% vegetarian, with just a little fish every so often. Happy to be here and read your messages, Thanks for this group Nick.

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Its so nice to meet each and every one of you, I love the discussions and the lively debates, I cant wait to learn more each day and I love my vegetarian lifestyle!

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Hi, my name is Stuart.

I am pleased to have found and joined this Vegetarian Group.

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We must have been related in a previous life!  We keep joining the same groups!  I'm so glad you're here.

Your Friend, Lisa

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Hey! I"m happy! My mom and I recently tried My aunt sue's recipie for veggie burgers - she remembered that Sue had made them for her one time at a party and they were good so we made them again. They actually are from an 80's diet recipie collection that Sue was using to lose weight~! They are cheaper and better than store bought ones!

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Hi Dorthy Any Chance i Could Get That Recipe? Jaime ___Jaime___ --------------------------------- Instant message from any web browser! Try the new Yahoo! Canada Messenger for the Web BETA

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I have recently become vegetarian and really need some good easy recipes and lots of support.  My cardiologist says this is the best thing I can do for myself as I have heart disease and have had a double by-pass three years ago.  I'm happy to be a member of this group and look forward to a lot of fun and support.

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I am a new vegetarian and hope to get lots of support from the group.  I need easy recipes if anyone has any they would like to share with me.  My cardiologist is happy with my decision, as I have heart disease and had a double by-pass three years ago.

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Hi y'all, over the last few months I have been eating less and less meat. It just doesn't taste good to me anymore. Last night I had some tacos and put probably about a tablespoon of hamburger meat on them. I found myself wishing the meat wasn't there. I guess I put it there out of habit and not really being totally ready to go vegie. I think I'm almost there and just need to get some recipes and figure out how to cook for my meat-eating family and for myself. I'm not even going to try to get my dh to change 'cause he won't. He loves meat. He's probably going to think I've lost my mind when he figures out my plan. I'm not telling him though. Just gonna let him see it on his own. Anyway, thanks for having me and I look forward to hearing your points of view.

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Hey everyone!

I am VERY new. I joined like 10 min. ago. I will tell you a little bit about myself.

I have been a vegetarian since I was born! My dad is a vegetarian. I have 2 dogs and 2 cats. I did have fish, but they died. I am really awesome and nice. You can talk to me about basicly EVERYTHING!

Later,

Emma

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Welcome, Sandra & Lily!!

Congratulations on your new wonderful choice. There are tons of recipes listed all over this site, the vegan site, vegan world cuisine, etc. Here's one link to some recipes. I'm sure everyone would be happy to offer you more very soon.

http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=10159&pst=881223&archival=1

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Thanks for the welcome!!!

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I am also in the same situation with my DH. There are a lot of things that you can try.  There is something called TVP (texturized vegetable protein).  It is WONDERFUL!  It comes in granular form and in chunks.  For making tacos, I substitute TVP and add taco seasoning when re-hydrating.  I've also made "meatballs" (minus the meat of course)...and DH never could tell the difference.  If you can find it, TVP can also come pre-seasoned.  I've got an agreement going with my family, I will prepare a vegatarian meal once or twice a week and expect them to try it.  The rest of the time I cook two meals, one for me and one for them.  Good luck!

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Hi Melody, I don't know if that will work with my dh but I'll see what happens. I may just end up cooking for me and him separately forever!    That's okay.

Funny thing happened last night. I made our regular dinner. Sausage, rice, and broccoli/peas. I fixed their plates and then mixed up the remaining vegies with some parmesan for myself. While we were eating (my son and I - dh wasn't home yet) I noticed my son wasn't eating his meat. I asked him why and he said (and I quote) "I'm tired of meat Mom. I think I'm a vegetarian."  I have not said one word about going vegie to anyone! Not even my own son and here he is out of the blue just proclaiming he's a vegie too! I asked him why he decided this and he said he just doesn't like the taste of meat anymore. That it makes his stomach sick. I told him that's okay and we can just make vegie meals. He kind of balked at that because like most 9 year olds eating vegies isn't a big priority or a fun thing. So I told him we'd look at the store and see what kind of vegie foods we can find. That made him happy and made me happy too.

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Awesome story Lily!

If anyone is looking for recipes the c2 group vegan world cuisine has tons of great ones!

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    I just have to jump in here.  Here's an idea. I like to make pilaf type dishes.  I put in asparagus, shitake mushrooms, peas, grated carrots, a little diced onion, some Braggs Liquid Aminos, a little Nutritional Yeast. Yumm. You could make things like that for the whole family and have some grilled chicken, fish, or the dreaded beef on the side. That way you don't have to eat the meat and your family gets the benefit of the extra super nutritionals in the "main dish."  A little salad, yumm.  I have a lot of other ideas too

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Lily, That's a great story. With luck (and good management - but I have to say mostly luck cuz yer son is only 9 and that's an odd age ) you just might have another veggie on your hands! Whatever, I think you handled it superbly - good for you What a great mama you are!!! Huge hugs and love!

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Bridget - Great ideas - and you know in time the me*t dishes might end up being the ones in the fridge, left over, and the other things might have been gobbled up first! (Actually, I think a relatively clever mom/wife could arrange that they taste better ) So there we have it - easy and good food, all so easy to make. Why doesn't EVERYONE make the choices that we've made and just go veg??? It's beyond me

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Well, Lily, at least your son knows what vegetarian food is about - that's wonderful. And what a good example you set! At his age he's likely to dither quite a bit about what foods he likes and what foods he doesn't, isn't he? But the seed has been planted and . . . .

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It is lovely to be with other vegetarians.

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Welcome to all the newbies!!!!

It's wonderful to talk to other vegetarians... I feel like I'm part of a new family.

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Hi Diana and Lisa Just want to add my to any official one you get here! it IS nice to be among other vegetarians, isn't it? Such a nice safe place to chat about things that matter to us! And of course we are just like one big family for that very reason (minus the arguments over the Thanksgiving t*rkey ). Hope you enjoy this group as much as I do!!!! Oh - and Happy Shamrock Day to everyone

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Yes River, the seed has certainly been planted! I am also doing really well! Had veggie enchiladas the other night that a friend of ours made special for me. Made beef ones for everyone else. That was really sweet of him. And last night I told my dh about it. He was really supportive. When I told him I wasn't really eating meat lately he said "Yeah, I noticed of couple weeks ago that you were phasing it out." He did notice.

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Oh that's fantastic, hon! It helps sooooo much if you have support at home. Of course, many people haven't but if they do it means they can just go ahead without that extra stress So good for you for making the change - and grrrrrrreat that yr dh is with you on this! You can do it, ya know and we're right behind you!!! Love and special hugs!!!!

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Welcome Sandra, Emma, Lisa and Lilly. You have found a home among kind and caring people here. I've found myself that vegetarians tend to be a kinder breed, alot less likely to place blame or guilt. In fact I've found that becoming vegetarian is very liberating on many levels.
Peace and love to you all.
 
Lovingly, Linda

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I know what you mean .WHEN you become a vegetarian it is not easy at First but it will become easy as time goes on . I have been avegetarian for a while ,for next year it will be 30 years . Not as long as Aro A. Be close behind her .And I like her for being a Vegetarian for over 30 years. as well as other people here for taking the step of becoming vegans or vegetarians.

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Interested in learning to change 50 odd years of bad eating habits, thanks for the group and the information to start my journey.

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Hi, I've been experimenting with a vegetarian diet for over a year now. I've been collecting vegetarian cookbooks and subscribed to a vegetarian magazine. I've been cooking and practicing vegetarian/vegan recipes, joining vegetarian mailing lists and online recipe sites. I'm even getting creative with the recipes. It's difficult because there are no vegetarians around me, and people are extremely judgemental of that choice for some reason. It's so odd to me, what does what I chose to feed myself have to do with you? It's good that I'm not a meek person. For myself it wasn't an instant switch but it has been a slow transition.

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Not currently vegetarian but have been in the past and trending more that way at this stage of life.  Hope to pick up some inspiration and support here. 

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Hey fellow vegetarians! I just joined and thought I say "hi". I was reading some of the posts and realized that the people here seem so nice! But that should be a common trait since we all decided to stop the needless murder, right?

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Got someone I know to go veggie and he hasnt given up yet woo hoo! 

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Hello everyone..

Just wanted to say how much I am enjoying all the post. I was vegetarian for several years and now have been vegan for about 5 months. It's going better than expected. Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I look forward to being part of the group.

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Hi everyone, just wanted to stop by and say "Hi", I became vegan a few months ago.  My reason for going veg was first my dismay at the manner in which nearly all animals are treated by man, factory farming being the main supplier of meat products.  Also for my health--we have a history of hi cholesteral in my family and mine is still low and I want to keep it that way. It finally got to the point where I couldn't really see a difference in eating meat or running up and taking a bite out of a friend--we are all twin souls on this planet and need to take care of each other in whatever form we occupy at the moment.

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Hi All,

I am new to the Veggie group and Care 2 too but feel very at home. It so interesting to read your posts as to how and why you became vegetarians.  About 17 years ago I decided one day that I didn't want to eat meat(because I didn't want to be responsible for killing cows, lamb) plus wanting to stay fit and eat a healthy diet gave me further impetus to give up red meat. Although I knew one day I wanted to give up poultry and fish, but it would need to be a gradual process. Subsequently I gave up poultry 3 years ago and fish last year and very content. When my family asked me why I did that(not really in a judgemental way) I said it was to adopt a healthier diet(which was partly true), but since I was eating poultry and fish I felt like a hypocrite saying that I didn't want to eat animals.  I still feel awkward about it even though I have eliminated all meat products from my diet(except some dairy).

Has anyone ever felt the same way?

Thanks for the opportunituy to share my thoughts.

Scott

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Hi Scott,

In response to your previous message about feeling awkward. I guess the question is do you feel awkward about your lifestyle or is it just how other people make you feel with their looks or comments. Sometimes people make me uncomfortable when I get the 3rd degree about being vegan. I don't have a problem explaining to them this is my choice and I don't try to push it on anyone else. I'm happy with the choice I have made and try just to ignore those who put their nose where it doesn't belong! haha

Hope this helps and thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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I want to convert, but am afraid to go all the way as I am on Kidney Dialysis and they keep telling me my Anemia requires me to eat more meat and protein.  I have never eaten that much, but now days, any seems too much.  Its time to get the advice I need to start taking control.  I enjoy vegetables & fruits so I know if I knew how to balence out things, I would be ever so happy. Anyone have suggestions on what to read, or how to put together beneficial recipes and not leave some mineral or protein out? ( I am also type 2 Diabetic on regular injections of insulin !) Please help and thank you in advance for doing so.

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Hi everyone!

I just joined Care2 and this group today. I have been a pescetarian since September of 2007. I don't eat fish very often, but I have eaten it a couple of times since becoming a vegetarian which is why I consider myself a pescetarian instead of a vegetarian. My main reasons for this lifestyle change were environmental; plus I never really like beef anyways! Looking forward to chatting with you all and making some new friends!

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hi everyone

i'm C.C. I only eat seafood now. no red meat, poultry, etc. I am here to learn more about the different Vegetarian lifestyles...and some great recipes

Peace & Love, C.C.

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Welcome C.C.! I only eat seafood now too.

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I became a vegetarian a week or two ago. I was on the PETA site and decided to try it. The first night of being one, I was starving. The second night we went out to a restaurant and I ordered a salad while everyone else got meat. I got fries too though. Everyone in my direct family eats meat. Most of the people in my extended family do too. My best friend is one but she lives five or six hours drive from my house. In a little while, I have to go to a family party where everything has meat in it. I think that the only thing that doesn't is the Garden Salad and a desert.

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You could take a vegetarian entree with you so you will have something you like to eat and also share some yummy vegetarian food with others -- They might like it.  It might make them curious.  If you don't have any good vegetarian recipes that you are comfortable with check out some veggie restraunts or  sometimes health food stores have deli's Is there a Whole Foods Store or something similar where you are. Many Middle eastern rest. have vegetarian dishes you could just buy something that is already prepared. 

Good Luck

Lana  

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Thanks. Will do.

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Hi all, I am new here and new to care2....This seems like a great place to start. I look forward to being a part of this group and hope to make many friends.

Peace to you all, Becca

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I'm relatively new to care2, but not to being a vegetarian. I'm 23, and it's been a solid 7 years since i last consumed meat.  It all started after a documentary on slaughterhouses during my sophomore year in high school. I was so effected that i did more research into the animal rights, environmental, and health risks in eating meat. On my 16th birthday i declared "No more!"
The first year was extremely difficult. My family used to love sausage, chicken, pork chops, etc. I chose to stick to the mashed potatoes and spinache. After a few years of talking about the meat industry and showing my mom articles from peta, she became pescitarian, and my brother is now vegetarian as well!

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Hey all! How you be? I am a vegetarian and have been one for about two or three years... officially. I used to be one on and off but finally decided to be one permanently. It came for my love of animals and what made one animal okay to eat and another one not okay. I am not vegan and unfortunately, I can not give up cheese. Maybe someday I will? Who knows? My parents eat meat... and being a Christian I do not judge them for that... or anyone for that matter. It is not for everyone... I understand that, but it is for me. Enjoy your fruits and vegetables!

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Welcome Ariana! My mother also decided to stop eating meat except for fish once a week in the last 6 months after years of me beng vegetarian. She did it primarily for health reasons, not the animals, I never said anything to her about it. I just set an example! Like your family, she ate a lot of meat. Sausage, fried chicken, etc. Six months ago, she stopped.  She still eats the fish once a week because she has a very limited income($600 a month) can't really afford a variety of foods. She has tured 2/3 of her yard into vegetable gardens so she can grow her own food. After being  off meat except for the fish for 6 month, she is down from a size 12 to a size 4. Her skin ven looks better, she looks 10 years younger! Its great when we can set a gentle example and impact those around us to make better choices.

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Welcome Jesse!

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It is a great pleasure to join this Vegetarian group to share thoughts, ideas and suggestions, and also to have other vegetarians and non-vegetarian friends as family.

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Hi everyone! I just joined this group so I just wanted to introduce myself - my name is Lauren, I'm 27 years old from Ontario, Canada.  I just found out about Care2.com so this is one of the very first groups I've joined!  I have actually been a vegetarian for my whole life, since I was very young...I don't ever remember eating meat since my family raised me as a vegetarian since about the age of 2!  I have never wanted to eat meat, it doesn't even really seem like food to me...

Looking forward to meeting many of you! Hope you're enjoying your weekend!

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Hi Everyone, I'm a vegetarian who likes eating chicken and fish, but rarely eats red meat. I became a vegetarian, because I was eating fried foods, and sandwiches too much which made my cholesterol very high and it was affecting my health. Now that I have changed my diet I have noticed that I have lost most of the weight that I gained and am maintaining it through eating walnuts and doing a lot of walking I feel so much healthier. {Sorry for the repost I just noticed I made a mistake on the last post.} Can someone delete the first post I did? Thank you!

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Hi Everyone! I just joined and I'm looking forward to being a part of this group! I've always enjoyed eating vegetarian foods and would like to go back to being a vegetarian both for my health and in support of animal rights.

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Hi! I just joined a second or two ago.  I started to be a vegetarian for humanitarians reasons.  But I found that I also started dropping weight.  I am a diabetic but since I became a vegetarian all of my blood suger tests ad "low - normal".  I did not think it would help me, when I started being a vegetarian.  But, now that it has I think maybe people were meant to be herbivores.

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I'm so happy I have found this group I have been a vegetarian for a week now and plan to stick to it.  However I know the importance of a solid support group.  I'm doing a lot of reading and educating myself more and more.  I still can't believe the abuse these poor animals are enduring every day. 

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