[sweetpotato85]

I recently came across this term while recently doing some research on vegetarianism. I am a very healthy person. I've had three daughters, I'm 25 and still weigh about 121 lbs and stand 5'7. I've been able to keep myself in shape by doing 'one thing'- Eating What I Want but in Moderation. I absolutely love vegetables and I love being healthy. So I decided to give this 'flexitarianism' a try. I went to the grocery store last Wednesday and bought tons of vegetables, organic beverages, and meatless burgers & sausages.

As of today (Sunday)- I haven't had any meat. I will be so glad when I make it to the '1 week' mark. but..........

Will I still be accepted among hardcore vegetarians?? lol

 

[Photojess]

OMG! 2 1/2 yrs ago, I basically started my first post the same way....."are flexitarians welcome here too?" and the answer is, "Did you read the terms of use first?

You have to be actively trying to work towards vegetarianism as your main goal. If you are still transitioning and eating meat or fish, then you can't talk about the joys of eating meat on here, to be respectful of the other members.

so do you want to totally meat free? there are so many health benefits, that ends up benefiting the animals and the environment also.

Congrats on going a day already! Do you like to cook? check out the food forum too!

 

[sweetpotato85]

Yes I am actively working towards vegetarianism. I think I kind of 'worded' my post wrong. I haven't had any meat since last Wednesday (October 12th). And I feel great! I live with my parents and three of my siblings who all constantly eat meat, but I feel really secure in my decision. I think things will only 'up from here'.

 

[dormouse]

Photojess is right, Veggieboards is for vegetarians only. A vegetarian is someone who eats no meat, poultry, or fish. However, it sounds like you aren't eating any meat, so why are you calling yourself a flexitarian?

 

[sweetpotato85]

I feel like if I say I'm vegetarian- then slip up and eat meat- then I wouldn't be a vegetarian. So as of now, I'm sticking with this term solely for motivation towards my main goal- 'vegetarianism'.

 

[Irizary]

Welcome! Congratulations on starting to make the switch!

 

[Irizary]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Photojess

OMG! 2 1/2 yrs ago, I basically started my first post the same way....."are flexitarians welcome here too?"

Do I remember right that you thought you would never go vegan? And now you are?

 

[Cyclone T]

Good luck with your move towards vegetarianism. You have found a great resource in veggie boards and a lot of helpful people too

 

[sweetpotato85]

Thank you! I feel great!

 

[Irizary]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpotato85

I feel like if I say I'm vegetarian- then slip up and eat meat- then I wouldn't be a vegetarian. So as of now, I'm sticking with this term solely for motivation towards my main goal- 'vegetarianism'.

Sometimes people do slip up in the beginning, for various reasons.

But I think the big difference between a flexitarian and a vegetarian is intention. If you intend to stay veg, then I guess I'd embrace the word vegetarian. A flexitarian intends to eat meat at various times.

I don't know why you want to be veg - for health, the environment, or animals (or all three). If you are interested some motivation for why to be veg for animals, you might want to watch this (graphic):

http://www.earthlings.com/earthlings/video-full.php

and see
http://www.meat.org/
http://www.whyvegan.com

 

[sweetpotato85]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irizary

Sometimes people do slip up in the beginning, for various reasons.

But I think the big difference between a flexitarian and a vegetarian is intention. If you intend to stay veg, then I guess I'd embrace the word vegetarian. A flexitarian intends to eat meat at various times.

I think I will embrace that word...thank you. I am interested in becoming vegetarian for all three of your reasons.

 

[Irizary]

If you slip up, just keep trying. It can be harder for some people than others.

When I saw what animals go through to be made into food I turned from omni to vegan overnight and never went back because it was too sad to me to think of eating animals again. But some people struggle with it more as you'll see here - can be out of habit, social pressure, difficulty finding appropriate food in a crunch, etc. If you're having struggles people here can try to help.

 

[sequoia]

When I first went vegetarian, I slipped up A LOT. But I kept at it. It took about 4 months for me to go completely meat-free. Now I'm a vegan, which was also a process. Just take it one day at a time. I'm glad you feel great, and welcome

 

[ocrob37]

welcome and congrats on your decision. I am like you and don't want to label myself as vegetarian. I stopped eating meat and dairy four months ago. I only had one slip about three months ago when I was drunk.

 

[@rno]

To be a vegetarian you have to fight againts two things: Your taste (for meat) and your social life.

 

[clarita osita]

Congratulations on your decision. I just want to reiterate that if you slip up, that's life. You just pick up and move forward.

In the meantime, if you need any advice or encouragement we'll be happy to help!

 

[KrisMTL]

To be honest, I would bet money "flexitarian" is a word created by some pseudointellectual hipster that didn't have the will power to become veg.

Welcome sweetpotato85, taking the red pill is the right choice.

 

[Phoenix Days]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KrisMTL

To be honest, I would bet money "flexitarian" is a word created by some pseudointellectual hipster that didn't have the will power to become veg.

Welcome, sweetpotato!

 

[danakscully64]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sequoia

When I first went vegetarian, I slipped up A LOT. But I kept at it. It took about 4 months for me to go completely meat-free.

So did I. I kept falling off, eating meat for a week, then going back to vegetarianism for months. My full transition took almost 2 years. I've been fully committed for 5 years now!

Best thing I ever did.

Welcome to Veggieboards!

 

[pinkwolf]

Welcome to VB. You are gonna love it here.

There is a great wealth of information here. I like your username too.

Peace & Blessings