So we’re clear, vegetarians eat no meat.  That means no burgers, steaks, chicken wings, chicken patties or chicken parmesan, no veal, no ostrich, bison or gator, no bacon, no ham, no shrimp cocktail, no mussels or clam chowder.  (They do not eat meat from a can or from a frying pan.  They do not eat meat in a house. They do not eat meat, not even a mouse!)

People who eliminate beef, poultry and pork, but still consume seafood are called pescetarians. For some, pescetarianism serves as a pleasant transition from one lifestyle to the other without feeling utterly deprived. 

Vegans are those people (iron-willed people) who eat nothing that is or comes from an animal.  In addition to not eating beef, poultry and pork, vegans consume no dairy (milk, eggs, cheese, etc.).  Vegans have to not only consider the final product, but the ingredients that make up that product.  

So why make the switch?  Well, that depends on your personal convictions.  For many, the choice to abstain from meat is made out of concern for animal rights.  Others do it for health reasons and still others cite cultural and environmental purposes.  

Does it make a difference? One of our contributors swears that vegetarianism has increased her energy, improved her sleep, stabilized border-line anemia and greatly reduced chronic digestive issues.  

There is a great deal of literature to be read that more closely examines the environmental toll animal consumption has on the planet.  In summation of much of this literature, it is fair to say that methane gas pollution, soil and ozone depletion can all be greatly reduced by limiting our meat consumption.  We at greenlimbs encourage the research.  

To be fair and unbiased, our vegetarian contributor would like to note a few drawbacks of the vegetarian.  The lifestyle, she says, can be less filling than the omnivorous one which means more time spent thinking, preparing and eating food.  She also cautions that in many places, the vegetarian diet is still not considered on menus or at social functions (weddings, company outings, etc.).  The lifestyle is also still stigmatized as “alternative” which can lead to some rather interesting conversations and confrontations (people get very defensive about food!).  

So, what do you eat? Vegetarians eat a lot of things: fruit, vegetables, nuts, legumes, tofu, seitan, sprouts, breads, grains and a whole range of soy products.  The only thing that’s missing is the meat and short of a craving here and there, you won’t really miss it that much. 

I can’t commit to the lifestyle, but I kind of like the planet.  What can I do?  You, carnivorous friend, can help by participating in Meatless Monday!  Meatless Monday is a non-profit initiative of The Monday Campaigns whose goal is to reduce meat consumption by 15% and improve the health of people and the planet.  To participate, simply abstain from consuming meat each Monday.  greenlimbs will help eliminate some of your apprehension by providing easy to follow (and execute) meatless recipes for the occasion.  We think you’ll find that this small change will be a painless way to lead a more sustainable life.