Software Vault: The Diamond Collection/The Diamond Collection (Software Vault)(Digital Impact).ISO/cdr15/vegsocuk.zip/GOINGVEG.TXT

Text File | 1995-03-13 | 12KB | 230 lines

                           VegSocUK Information Sheet
                             THE VEGETARIAN SOCIETY


                                GOING VEGETARIAN

   ___________________________________

WHY BECOME VEGETARIAN?

   There are as many reasons for becoming vegetarian as there are vegetarians;
   it's a highly personal and individual decision to make. But in a survey
   conducted on behalf of The Vegetarian Society the majority of people said
   that they gave up meat and fish because they did not morally approve of
   killing animals, or because they objected to the ways in which animals were
   kept, treated and killed for food.

   With the growing awareness of the importance of healthy food, many people are
   also becoming vegetarian because it matches the kind of low fat, high fibre
   diet recommended by dietitians and doctors. Concern about the environment is
   another factor as people become more aware of the effect raising animals for
   their meat is having on the environment. Or you may be concerned about
   wasting world food resources by using land to raise animals for meat instead
   of growing crops that can feed more people directly.
   ___________________________________

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT VEGETARIANISM

   Use these answers to some of the most common questions asked about
   vegetarianism to put at rest your own mind, or to respond to any queries from
   meat-eating friends.

    What is a vegetarian?

   A vegetarian is someone who does not eat meat, fish, poultry or any
   slaughterhouse by-product such as gelatine. Vegetarians live on a diet of
   grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruit, with or without free-range
   eggs, milk and milk products. Vegetarians not eating anything containing
   dairy products or eggs are called vegans.

    Isn't it hard being a vegetarian?

   Not at all. Vegetarian food is widely available in shops and restaurants,
   it's easy to cook and you're probably already eating many vegetarian meals
   such as beans on toast or jacket potato and cheese without even putting your
   mind to it. It's no sacrifice to give up meat when there are so many
   delicious recipes and so many tasty foods to experiment with. Plus you'll
   have the satisfaction of knowing that you're eating a healthy diet that
   doesn't involve the killing of animals or the abuse of the world's resources.

    Where will I buy all this new food for my vegetarian diet?

   Exactly the same place you used to buy food - in markets, supermarkets,
   corner shops. Vegetarian food, both in its 'raw state' as grains, pulses and
   vegetables, and as pre-cooked meals, is widely available nowadays.

    What do I say to my family/friends?

   Don't get caught up in arguments, just gather all the information about
   vegetarianism so you can calmly explain your decision. Then try introducing
   them to some of the delicious meat-free meals you're enjoying and see if you
   can win them over by setting  a good example.

    Aren't vegetarians being hypocritical because they still wear leather or
    exploit cows for their milk?

   There is a very valid argument for becoming vegan - for giving up all dairy
   products, eggs and any other animal by-products. But realistically speaking,
   few people can go from being a meat eater to a vegan overnight. Vegetarianism
   is a very important halfway house. And even if you never go on to being
   vegan, you've already made an impact and saved the lives of many animals
   simply by giving up meat. Far from being hypocritical, you're making an
   effort to change the way you live for the better. How far you go with
   vegetarianism is up to you, but however small the step you take, it's not
   wasted. And don't feel that you have to become a perfect vegetarian
   overnight. If you forget to check the ingredients list and realise that
   you've just eaten something containing gelatin, don't feel that you've
   failed. Take it one step at a time and enjoy learning more about the
   vegetarian lifestyle. The important thing is that you're doing something!

    Aren't all vegetarians pale and unhealthy?

   This old stereotype has taken a long time to die out. In fact, people who
   follow a varied, well-balanced vegetarian diet are in line with the current
   nutritional recommendations for a low fat, high fibre diet. That's why
   medical studies are proving that vegetarians are less likely to suffer from
   such illnesses as heart disease, cancer, diet-related diabetes, obesity and
   high blood pressure. So, if for no other reason, go vegetarian as a favour to
   your body!

    What happens if I have to try to get a vegetarian meal in a restaurant?

   There are very few restaurants now that don't offer at least one vegetarian
   option. Vegetarianism is such a growing movement, restaurateurs can't afford
   to ignore it. In the unlikely event that a restaurant doesn't have anything
   for you, don't be put fobbed off, especially with the offer of a fish or
   chicken dish which are 'practically vegetarian' - they're not!! Simply ask
   politely if they can make something specially for you. if they can't be
   bothered, why give them the benefit of your custom when there are plenty of
   other places all too willing to help.

    Isn't vegetarian food boring?

   Vegetarians don't eke out a miserable existence on a few limp lettuce leaves
   and some boiled rice. And a proper vegetarian meal doesn't mean taking the
   meat away and leaving the side vegetables. With the hundreds of different
   vegetables, grains, fruit, pulses and nuts and seeds that exist, you could
   live to be 100 without exhausting all the possibilities for imaginative,
   nutritious meals! And as vegetarian food tends to be cheaper than a
   meat-based diet, you can afford to treat yourself to more expensive
   delicacies such as asparagus.

    Won't it take a long time to prepare the food?

   Just because there are so many wonderful vegetarian dishes to try, doesn't
   mean you have to become an expert cook and spend hours in the kitchen. You
   can easily cook good, wholesome vegetarian meals in under half an hour, and
   don't forget that most manufacturers now also offer a wide range of
   ready-made vegetarian dishes.

    But how will I get enough of the vital nutrients such as iron and protein?

   A well-balanced vegetarian diet provides all the nutrients you need for good
   health. In the case of protein, it's not only found in meat. It's also
   present in adequate quantities in dairy products, eggs and nuts, as well as
   in combinations of foods such as pulses and grains. In fact it would be very
   difficult to design a vegetarian diet that doesn't include enough protein.
   The Vegetarian Society produces a number of information sheets on nutritional
   needs and dietary sources of nutrients for vegetarians.
   ___________________________________

  USEFUL TIPS ON GOING AND STAYING VEGETARIAN

   Treat yourself to a vegetarian cookbook for inspiration and advice. There are
   a wide range covering recipes for beginners, advanced cooks, slimmers,
   diabetics. Most also give dietary advice. The Vegetarian Society's
   Merchandise unit has the largest selection of books in Britain on all topics
   related to vegetarianism.

   Find our more about the subject. The Vegetarian Society's Research &
   Information unit has leaflets and information sheets on all subjects relating
   to vegetarianism from the ethical issues to the practical day-to-day details,
   as well as being able to answer any other questions you might have.

   Start gradually. Adapt familiar meals such as lasagne and shepherd's pie by
   using textured vegetable protein (TVP). Although fully vegetarian, it has the
   look, taste and texture of mince or meat chunks, according to which variety
   you buy. It is available from health food stores. If you don't buy the
   flavoured variety, be aware that you need to add seasoning of some kind or it
   will remain bland and uninteresting.

   Buy vegetarian cheese. It's not an unfamiliar product as cheese is  probably
   already on your shopping list. But whereas some cheeses are made with an
   ingredient from the stomachs of slaughtered calves, vegetarian cheese uses
   vegetable-derived rennet. Every supermarket now stocks at least one kind of
   vegetarian cheese, and many of the more unusual varieties such as Stilton and
   Brie are also now available in vegetarian versions.

   Buy free-range eggs. Again, eggs are another staple ingredient in many
   people's diets so it won't take much effort to pick up the free-range variety
   instead of the battery-produced.

   Read the labels. Although you may get the odd shock when you realise that a
   food product that seems vegetarian in fact contains something such as
   gelatine or animal fat, there are plenty of others you'd be surprised and
   pleased to find out are suitable for you.

   Look for The Vegetarian Society's V symbol on food products. It tells you at
   a glance that the product is suitable for vegetarians.

   Pulses. Forget the dried variety if you find them difficult to prepare - go
   for the tinned variety of kidney beans, chick peas, etc.

   Adapt familiar dishes. If you're the only vegetarian in your family and it's
   too difficult or expensive to cook totally separate meals, adapt a meat
   dish. A casserole, for instance, can be made with beans and vegetables in one
   pan. Then the meat can be  cooked separately and given just to the meat
   eaters. Or use TVP and see if anyone notices the difference.

   Don't be put off by unfamiliar foods. Tofu, for instance, is a boon to
   vegetarians, especially new ones. This by-product of soya beans is incredibly
   versatile and easy to use. And if you use the plain variety, don't think that
   you've done something wrong when it appears tasteless in the finished recipe
   - it's meant to absorb the flavour of other ingredients. Or you can buy the
   smoked or marinated versions.

   Explore health food stores. They'll have vegetarian products you haven't seen
   before, and the assistants will be able to answer your questions about
   products suitable for your new lifestyle.
   ___________________________________


  WHAT YOU SHOULD EAT EVERY DAY ON A VEGETARIAN DIET.

      3 or 4 servings of grains/cereals or potatoes

      4 or 5 servings of fruit and vegetables

      2 or 3 servings of pulses, nuts and seeds

      2 servings of milk, cheese, eggs or soya products  a small amount of
      vegetable oil and margarine or butter

      Some yeast extract such as Marmite, fortified with vitamin B12.

   ___________________________________

   Vegetarian Society UK information sheets and articles are copyright.
   The information sheets may be distributed in full or in part as long as
   they are quoted in context and credit is given to the Vegetarian Society
   UK. Articles may only be reproduced with the permision of the Vegetarian
   Society UK.


//
This article is copyright to the Vegetarian Society (UK), but may be freely
copied for non-commercial use provided it is kept intact, not altered
and these lines are included.

For futher information contact: The Vegetarian Society, Parkdale, Dunham Road,
Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 4QG, England. Tel: (England) 061 928 0793
email: [e-mail]
//



[The text of this file was obtained from the Vegetarian Society (UK) in
March 1995.]