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From:	Ryan (71.238.189.52)
Subject:	Re: Thrice-Failed Vegetarian
Date:	July 19, 2012 at 10:50 am PST

In Reply to: Thrice-Failed Vegetarian posted by Amanda on July 1, 2012 at 5:20 pm:

What are you actually eating? Be specific. What do you eat each day as an ovo-lacto-vegetarian?

Eggs and dairy are as unethical and unhealthy as meat and fish. My recommendation is to simply reduce animal foods overall, rather than trying to eliminate meat and fish entirely, but continue to eat eggs and dairy. Ovo-lacto-vegetarians typically just replace their meat by increasing consumption of eggs and dairy, which means no real change in terms of your health or ethical position. To your body, dairy is just liquid meat.

Instead, opt for vegan options. If you must have a burger, eat a vegan burger made from rice, beans, etc. Instead of cheese, use a vegan sauce or a soy cheese or make a nut cheese. Instead of parmesan, use nutritional yeast. If you are eating out, insist that you eat somewhere that has vegan options, and call the restaurant in advance to confirm that they do. Others should respect your choice, and you don't have to explain yourself to anyone (assuming you are an adult, of course).

Every meal you must make a choice. Tell yourself you are a vegan, you are committed to veganism, even if you have not made the full transition. It begins by you telling yourself what you are and what you want to be.

And do not be hard on yourself. Be gentle. If you slip up, just tell yourself it is okay, the important thing is that you will try to not let it happen again. Getting down on yourself will just make transitioning more difficult. Good luck!

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