Vegan Talk Forums

Youngveggie · Vegan Talk noob Joined: 08 Jul 2006 Posts: 1

Hi, I am 13 and I have been a vegetarian now for 2 years. My dads side of the family are all butchers so I am the only one in my family. I have never really understood what I can and can't eat (apart from the obvious) I have tried looking around on the net for what is suitable but I have had no luck in finding anything. Is it possible for anyone to just post a simple list of what I can't eat?! If there is too much then I understand. One more question can I eat Ben and Jerry's ice cream? I have a pot of it next to me and I really want to eat it but I am withdrawing temptation until it is confirmed "suitable."

WarChild · Passionated Vegan Talker Joined: 25 Feb 2006 Posts: 193

I think the first most important question is why do you want to be vegetarian not what you shall not eat.

AndyBa · Lord of the posts Joined: 27 May 2001 Posts: 670

All that is vegetable, fruits, beans or made from them.
Or do you need all the ingredients?
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Andy`Ba

The human body has no more need for cows' milk than it does for dogs' milk, horses' milk, or giraffes' milk. ~Michael Klaper, M.D., author of Vegan Nutrition: Pure & Simple

cfRedtwin · Posted: Oct 30, 2006 12:09 pm Post subject:

I think vegetarians use eggs, milk, and cheese now, by definition. Vegan means you don't, but then the 'wolf' considers the deer a harvest, just a vegetable, so definitions change...meat means food, or used to. Now it means blood. Veggie or Carni? A carnivore, or omnivore is a vegetarian also. Eskimos were more a carnivore, due to their situation. If it feels good, do it(?). Suitable? I tend to get a bit crazy when the diet isn't vegan. Pan nature. Peace. Be a goat! Capricorn
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Its part of our diet if we use it

ChrisCrossCMP · Posted: Jan 26, 2007 1:24 am Post subject:

If there was a list...I can assure you I'd be one of the first to get my hands on it. I've read all these crazy things on hidden animal products in food and it grosses me out! I try to stay away from processed foods altogether...

You're 13? That's awesome. I'm...just a tad younger

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Peace & Love.
-Lauren

BigBecka · Animal defender Joined: 02 Dec 2006 Posts: 415

Move to Europe! We have lists on everything!

Ice cream usually contains cream, so, not vegan. However, sorbets can be vegan, and there is an increasing market in soy ice-cream (worth checking out any health food stores).

I know I keep banging on about the vegan society, but they have a list of what basic products are animal derived. As a general rule, be suspicious of things with a creamy or cheesey texture, and overly processed foods like ready-meals (they tend to use all kinds of gunk as preservatives).
http://www.vegansociety.com/html/food/criteria.php

Since you're still living at home (I assume) and going to school, you may find it difficult to cut out all animal additives. Make changes in small steps, and don't feel you have to be too hard on yourself (or those around you!) to begin with. Since you're still developing, you might want to pay quite a bit of attention to nutrition, and making sure you get a sufficient calorific intake (I know people who were pretty much forced to live off pasta or beans on toast as a teen, and got long term health problems)

ChrisCrossCMP · Posted: Feb 2, 2007 8:47 pm Post subject:

speaking of cheesey and creamy textures....

my dad just bought some crazy 4-cheese & spinach dip...*laughs nervously* thanks Dad...

It's got like 50 ingredients, 3 of which are most likely animal-derived
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Peace & Love.
-Lauren

BigBecka · Animal defender Joined: 02 Dec 2006 Posts: 415

Awwww, you're Dad's trying!

He deserves a hug and cup of tea (or whatever dad's like these days...)

My Mum used to (in fact, she sometimes still does...) buy me cheesey italian style food thinking it's vegan

Maybe you could drop some really obvious hints ("say, you know those [insert favourite food here], I really fancy one of those, they're soooo nice")

ChrisCrossCMP · Posted: Feb 7, 2007 2:31 am Post subject:

AndyBa · Lord of the posts Joined: 27 May 2001 Posts: 670

My father didn't ever make such attempts

Or may be he did when I was much younger

and kinda got frustrated

))
_________________
Andy`Ba

The human body has no more need for cows' milk than it does for dogs' milk, horses' milk, or giraffes' milk. ~Michael Klaper, M.D., author of Vegan Nutrition: Pure & Simple