I am a vegetarian, have been since age 11 and i am now 38. At the time it was about compassion for animals but at that age i didn't have enough knowledge to form a balanced diet and understand the in's and out's of it all. It is a decision i regret if i am being honest but i just cannot put meat into my mouth, to me it is flesh and i cannot get that image out of my head. I have brought my kids up to be meat eaters because of the problems i have had with blood/iron etc. Vegetarian diet can be a very healthy one if you give it the time and energy into doing it properly, i don't.

Since being in Canada i have struggled, every meal out it's caeser salad again! But it's my choice so i have to put up with it. Many friends are shocked that i have no idea what a Big Mac tastes like...some horrified but some say i ain't missing anything!

My kids do eat meat, however have never had fast food. We eat tons of veg. and grow our own as well. If you visit Calgary, try The Coup restaurant on 17th Ave. downtown. Lots of great vegan and veggie food.

Since when did I say it was about compassion for animals? Don't think I did.

hmm - Caesar salad - anchovies in the sauce and invariably non veggie parmesan cheese!!

ANyway - my 2p/ 2c worth - am a veggie as I never liked the taste of meat - bought my kids up veggie til they were able to pick stuff out themselves 0 they are now both blatant carnivores (10 & 14) but mainly when they go out - they do get fish and meat at home -when they or my parents (when visiting) cook it!

Re the BBQ - yes - I prefer it on a sep grill - it doesnt then taste meaty - if some one has gone to the trouble and it is meaty then I will refuse -

am still a member of vegsoc uk - Veggies dont eat anything that had a pulse - so as they say - FISH are NOT vegetables - but will or can under the definition, eat dairy eggs etc. .
vegans will not touch any by products - ie honey, silk, beeswax etc . .some will not even ride horses!

www.vegsoc.org
We define a vegetarian as someone living on a diet of grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits, with or without the use of dairy products and eggs. A vegetarian does not eat any meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish or crustacea, or slaughter by-products.

I'm strictly a meatatarian. I don't eat veggies. I won't eat a piece of meat that is cooked using any form of vegetable oil or has any trace of spices or pepper. I was at a BBQ once and my friend cooked me a T bone steak but he sprinkled some spice on it ,... the dog was happy.

Only vegetable I really eat is the lettuce that comes on the hamburgers, well and maybe the french fries.

I tried it once but found it too exspensive and vegetables just dont taste very good.

Once saw a bumper sticker in Calgary. You're in Alberta, eat beef you bastards. Made me laugh.

You didn't. You said I wouldn't understand your reason so I guessed at it. Do you, in fact, wish to be more like the famed monopedal prostitute?

Like i said when i made the decision to become vegetarian aged 11 i was unaware of just how many animal by products go into every day foods. For example at that age i did not realise how gravy was made so carried on eating that and other stuff like you have pointed out.

Now i am an adult and the reason for not eating meat has changed, i don't care anymore. I just can't literally put the physical meat in my mouth. If i could, i would.

It is rather arrogant to try to second guess why someone, especially someone you don't know, makes decisions about their life and the way they want to live it. But then again I've just noticed how many posts you have made - there is life outside BE you know - why not go try find some! You might get a better understanding of people that way.

So you can't explain?

dbd said 'if' your reason was due to compassion for animals. That's hardly arrogant - sounds like he's trying to understand your reasons, that's all.

Actaully am with you on most parts- its the physical thought of meat - so if disguised its not so bad - - -BUT I do still check

what I have found over here that nearly all the yogs - 6 pack things have gelatine in them!

come on, you have us all on tenterhooks now. Why is it you don't eat meat - it must be a pretty profound reason if you fear dbd won't understand, he's pretty broad-minded, you know.

I have been living in London,On for the last year and have had no problems finding veggie meals at a variety of places. I did go to Jack Astors once which was a bit of a struggle but other than that no problem at all.

I really like the "chicken" burgers these guys make but they can be expensive.