Have some questions...

[GreenTara]

Because I've been Buddhist for a while now, I've been thinking about going vegetarian for a few months, and I've tried to make some choices to make it a smooth transition, such as having my mom buy cage free eggs, trying to cut back on meats, etc.

But I'm just wondering, pescetarianism seems like a good next step for me to take. I know that a lot of vegans and vegetarians feel some animosity towards people who call themselves that and I've even seen it talked about with a sort of disgust on some sites, so I'm just wondering if anyone has any resources about it, sites, or advice, or anything like that. Sorry if this has been discussed ad nauseum, but a google search didn't reveal much!

Thanks,
Slyvie :bobo: (he's super cute ^.^)

[Michael]

I think it's great you want to reduce the amount of meat in your diet but keep in mind this is a board for vegetarians so you may not find a lot of support for your desire to eat fish.

[GreenTara]

Thanks, yeah...I understand that. I was just wondering.:)

[social_moth]

I don't think vegetarians and/or vegans hold animosity towards people who call themselves pescetarians. They hold animosity towards people who eat fish and call themselves vegetarians.

[derwenna]

Yeah, vegetarians don't eat fish, but if you're not calling yourself a vegetarian then you shouldn't have any problems. Veg*ns generally don't like it when people call themselves vegetarian and eat fish, mainly because it means that vegetarians (actual vegetarians) end up having other people offering them fish to eat and insisting that it's ok for them to eat it because vegetarians eat fish...

[SuperChicken]

But I'm just wondering, pescetarianism seems like a good next step for me to take.

Consuming less meat is always a good thing & I doubt you'll find anyone here who would disagree. You mentioned that going pescetarian was a step. Do you have plans to go vegetarian if pescetarian is successful for you?

I know a lot of people who started out pesceratian, then went vegetarian, and then even vegan. (Myself included.) Good luck to you!

[bluesand]

sounds like a good step , then see where you go from there

[GreenTara]

Yeah, I'm definitely hoping to use this as a weaning step. I looove seafood...so I'm hoping maybe once I go just to seafoods and fish in my diet, I can explore more vegetarian options and then make the switch altogether. I'm sure it'll be much easier than going cold turkey.

[bluesand]

Yeah, I'm definitely hoping to use this as a weaning step. I looove seafood...so I'm hoping maybe once I go just to seafoods and fish in my diet, I can explore more vegetarian options and then make the switch altogether. I'm sure it'll be much easier than going cold turkey.

:hump: ^thats good , you just work through it at your own pace

[Dolciani]

Hi GreenTara! (I'm Buddhist too, love the name!) Your decision to make changes to your diet is commendable, and if it takes phasing out certain foods that's totally OK. One of the first books I read on vegetarianism suggested doing exactly that, and I'm doing the same.

Pescetarian does not equal vegetarian, as noted above, but there's nothing wrong with making changes at your own pace. IMO it doesn't matter what label you or other people use, what matters is your intention.

[Medesha]

You may want to read up on the dangers of mercury and contaminants in the water, and how it affects fish. Some large predator fish, including tuna, shouldn't be eaten frequently. SELF magazine had a rather scary expose on the fishing industry and contaminants in fish last month.

Good luck with your new goals!

[rabid_child]

I don't think vegetarians and/or vegans hold animosity towards people who call themselves pescetarians. They hold animosity towards people who eat fish and call themselves vegetarians.

That's my position on it. I have no problems with pescetarians at all... as long as they aren't calling themselves vegetarians.

Easing into vegetarianism is fine. I'd rather people do it that way and stay vegetarian than go cold turkey and freak out that it's too hard and go back to eating meat for the rest of their lives.

[Hebecarrot]

What helped me transition is I pictured and tried to empathize with whatever animal I was considering to eat. I would work myself up to feel disgust at what I actually was about to do:Consume a tortured being that had felt pain, had a will to live, and was now dead because I didn't want to try to find another source of protien. Call it like it is meat is tortured flesh. The anguish and dispair this being felt as it gasped for air/ water as it died no doubt asking WHY!? I also consider myself a Christain and my idea of a compassionate God doesn't flow well with the meat and dairy industry. Buddha and Jesus wouldn't agree with these horrendous practices in my opinion. Stay Strong! You have a lot of support here!

[GreenTara]

I've actually been fully vegetarian for over a week now! So far it's going really well...my family's been super supportive, and I've only had tiny pangs and cravings. I know it's not been long, but already commercials for Burgers and Steaks and whatnot are grossing me out. I kind of psyched myself out like you, Hebecarrot, and it's working for me. ^.^

[Sevenseas]

:hump: ^thats good , you just work through it at your own paceDon't hump the newbies :no:
:p

[Sundance]

Because I've been Buddhist for a while now, I've been thinking about going vegetarian for a few months, and I've tried to make some choices to make it a smooth transition, such as having my mom buy cage free eggs, trying to cut back on meats, etc.

But I'm just wondering, pescetarianism seems like a good next step for me to take. I know that a lot of vegans and vegetarians feel some animosity towards people who call themselves that and I've even seen it talked about with a sort of disgust on some sites, so I'm just wondering if anyone has any resources about it, sites, or advice, or anything like that. Sorry if this has been discussed ad nauseum, but a google search didn't reveal much!

Thanks,
Slyvie :bobo: (he's super cute ^.^)

That's great! I would just say that you should do what you feel comfortable doing. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. If anyone criticizes you because they think you're not "doing enough," it's their problem. You're doing something good for the right reasons. That's always a superb thing! :up:

[Aussyj]

That's great! I would just say that you should do what you feel comfortable doing. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. If anyone criticizes you because they think you're not "doing enough," it's their problem. You're doing something good for the right reasons. That's always a superb thing! :up:

On the same subject, don't get angry at those that decide to educate you with facts about the fish, dairy, and egg industry and what-not. We merely like to inform.

[Doktormartini]

Yeah, I'm definitely hoping to use this as a weaning step. I looove seafood...so I'm hoping maybe once I go just to seafoods and fish in my diet, I can explore more vegetarian options and then make the switch altogether. I'm sure it'll be much easier than going cold turkey.
You can always eat vegetarian mock seafood. I haven't tried it (because I never was a fan of seafood) but I heard lots of it is pretty good like fake srhimp and stuff.

Good luck!

[paganveg]

I've actually been fully vegetarian for over a week now! So far it's going really well...my family's been super supportive, and I've only had tiny pangs and cravings. I know it's not been long, but already commercials for Burgers and Steaks and whatnot are grossing me out. I kind of psyched myself out like you, Hebecarrot, and it's working for me. ^.^

WOOHOO!!! :pibo: I find the same tactics work wonders for me as well.

Good luck and great job on making it through week one! :hamster: