Just wait, I think JTL has an answer for that. He buys them all the time.

Mrs JTL

I have been asked in both the UK and Australia whether I eat fish, it's not only people in Australia who mistake pescatarians for vegetarians however Australians are less condoning of this lifestyle, in my experience.

There isn't a great deal of good quality ready-made vegie meals in Australia unfortunately but this is actually a blessing in disguise for me. This way I eat far more healthy fruit, vegies, lentils, pulses, tofu etc. That said, Melbourne has some outstanding vegie restaurants as well as non-vegie restaurants that serve veg food. If you are ever out for a visit http://www.vnv.org.au/RestByName.htm

http://www.vegsoc.org.au/restaurants...getarian=False

For Brisbane

http://www.vegsoc.org.au/restaurants...getarian=False
http://www.happycow.net/australia/queensland/brisbane/

http://www.imagos.fl.net.au/veg/eo_wa.htm
http://www.animalliberation.com.au/food/guide.htm
http://home.iprimus.com.au/naractl/P..._for_Life.html

t hope the above links are some help.

The topic of beef tallow has been covered in depth on tv here, and with reference to heart foundation etc. Manufacturers MUST declare the use of beef tallow on nutrition panel. Most use canola oil.

That's a bit of a bummer (about the beer).

As for the definition of vegetarian, I agree that your definition is correct. However some confusion, in the past and present, probably comes from the difference between people who do not like meat (or would like to avoid meat for health or other reasons) and those who avoid dead animal products for conscientious or cultural reasons.

Just a quick answer:

They are convenient. Some brands are quite edible. They are healthier than chip shop chips.

Actually, after a beer night, I miss the convenience of McCains Microwave chips before bed here. Come on Australia get your act together, where are your microwave chips . I need a potato imitation product dipped in some ketchup before i go up and ravish the wife after a night on the town.

JTL

Strict vegetarian, because I dont like the idea of eating dead flesh. I think the meat industry is a cruel, vile and disgusting . I cannot see any moral case for killing animals en masse when we live in a world that provides so much other food.

Strict as in, wont eat meat, fish, cheese made from animal rennet, lard, tallow, check all labels for gelatine, meat stock, animal fats etc.

Do you wear leather shoes or use any products which are made from dead animals or by-product of dead animals? I thought in today's world it's impossible to avoid doing all that?!

I have loads of respect for people who don't eat meat or certain types of meat for regilious or health reason. But I can't understand those who choose to be very strict with their diet for no reason other than thinking it's cruel.

Mrs JTL

I became vegetarian because I saw a TV program showing the cruelty involved when pigs are slaughtered. I am a strict vegetarian because the thought of eating cows stomach juices revolts me. In Australia, this is a common ingredient in bread, cakes and lots of other things.

Even if there was a "suitable for vegetarian" label here it would be meaningless because, as previously mentioned, cows stomach juices etc. aren't considered to be meat.

Jane

Well Well Well I have started something here. My husband , myself and our three children have always eaten a lot of fruit and vegetables. Over the years since she was 10 my daughter has slowly become vegetarian, she does not eat meat purely because she doesn't like the thought of it, my other daughter is following slowly gradually cutting out certain products from her diet. I too eat very little meat. My husband is a big meat eater but will quite happily eat food cooked without meat.So providing there is plenty of fresh produce, tofu,alfalfa sprouts etc etc I will be very happy

Killing is cruel no matter how it's done. Do you not wear leather shoes and use leather purses? How do you feel about the animals killed for their skin? I'm not picking a fight but I can't understand the difference. Killing is killing no matter how humanely done it is.

Quite a few vegetarian acquaintances I've spoken to have said things similar to what you've said here. They saw how chickens, pigs and cows were slaughtered and were disgusted by the images. But before they saw these TV programs, they were very happy eating pork sausages and steaks. What exactly were they thinking before?! Did they think pork and steak are manufactured in a factory or something? Of course these animals suffer in various ways in the process.

Mrs JTL

No, I don't wear leather shoes and I don't even own a purse. I don't even think that fur looks good so wouldn't wear it anyways.

A bullet through the head and instant death is a bit different to a pig being shackled in chains, hoisted up screaming in terror and having its throat slashed. I naively thought that the former was the method used for slaughter, at least for cows and pigs.

Not fighting either, just having a rational adult debate. Lets hope that others don't jump onto this thread now and turn it nasty.

Jane

Damn I was hoping for a fight and someone turning it nasty so that I can start calling names...

But seriously, I did think naivety was one of the reasons people changed their mind about eating meat. It's fine by me as that will leave more meat for me and my family.

Mrs JTL

Anyone stop to consider that our teeth are actually designed to rip, chew and grind? and that to live healthily as a vegetarian or vegan requires a huge amount of dietary planning to ensure an adequate nutritional level is met?

The omnivore is the natural state for human beings. Our ancestors were initally hunters and only became gatherers when necessary to supplement the diet. In many parts of the world many crops were not native but introduced, however animal protein was everywhere.

Animal protein is the only complete protein (providing all 10 essential amino acids) and red meat, very high levels of iron and and other minerals.