what are the cultural influences on nutrition and vegetarian lifestyle?
83442
When Ghandi went to law school in England, the story is that his health was failing because his boarding lady had no idea what to feed him.  He was vegetarian because of religion, but had no idea how to cook.  So he was being fed nothing but oatmeal and mushy peas.  So the story goes, at least.\n\nWhat is known is that he started to read some of the western books and articles on vegetarian living, and what had been a matter of habit, and something he was embarrassed of, became more a matter of philosophy and politics.  He began to learn to cook for himself, and started a vegetarian dinner club.  He began promoting the vegetarian lifestyle to his peers, and also writing articles and talking with some of the leaders of the movement.\n\nI think the experience of Ghandi and other Indians who came to Britain while it was one of their colonies definitely did a lot to promote the vegetarian lifestyle among the western world.
1122056
i think that would have a lot to do with diet and exercise. when i have traveled to asia,middle east, and african countries, i have a much better diet, and walk a whole lot more than i do when i am in the usa. most things i eat when i am abroad are cooked at home, and bought from the local market fresh each day. we walk to the market to get our goods, and most everywhere else. healthier lifestyle!
642386
here is the break down on who and what eats what as vegans, vegetarians etc.\nVegans don't eat any products of animal origin. This includes not only meat, but also dairy products (milk, butter, cheese), eggs and even honey. Many vegans do eat onion and garlic. The strictest vegans don't wear leather, wool or silk and also avoid health and beauty products made with ingredients derived from animals -- for instance, lip balm with bees wax or skin creams with lanolin (an oil extracted from sheep's wool). Although some people who choose a vegan diet do so because they are allergic or insensitive to dairy products or eggs, most choose veganism because of ethical concerns. Most vegans have a deep commitment to ending the exploitation and mistreatment of animals. The term vegan, formed from first three and last two letters of the word veg etari an , was coined in London in 1944 by seven vegetarians who founded the Vegan Society. \n\nLacto-vegetarians/ Religion vegetarians / Lactose-Vegetarians are strict vegetarians who may consume milk and dairy products (optional) . Strictly No meat, no fishes, no eggs, no onion and no garlic. Lacto comes from the Latin word for milk.\n\nOvo-vegetarians are people who still eat eggs. Ovo from the Latin word for egg.\n\nLacto-ovo-vegetarians / Ovo-Lacto-vegetarians are those who eat both dairy products and eggs. \n\nMacrobiotics A macrobiotic diet is mainly vegetarian, but macrobiotic diets often include seafood. In this diet all other meat products are excluded, as are eggs and dairy products. They also do not eat "nightshade vegetables" (potato, pepper and eggplant), refined sugar and tropical fruits. This diet contains many foods found in Asian countries such as miso soup, root vegetables (daikon and lotus) and sea vegetables (seaweed, kelp, arame). It emphasizes eating locally grown foods that are in season. Meals consist of 50% to 60% grains, 25% locally grown produce, and the rest of the diet mainly consists of beans and soups. In lesser amounts fruits, nuts and seeds are eaten. This diet is based on the Chinese principles of yin and yang. Some people follow this diet as a philosophy of life and others follow it for health reasons. \n\nFlexitarian - a vegetarian who is flexible enough to occasionally eat meat or fish.\n\nDemi-vegetarians don't eat red meat or poultry, but they do eat fish, eggs.\n\nPescetarians / Pesco-Vegetarians / Pesce-Vegetarians eat a vegetarian diet but also consume fish. Pescetarians may avoid red meat and poultry because they do not want to support factory farming or other inhumane methods of raising animals. For many people making the transition to vegetarianism, pescetarianism is a stage along the way to an entirely meatless diet.\n\nPollo-Vegetarians eat poultry, such as chicken, turkey, and duck. \n\nMeat Restrictors avoid red meat, but may eat fish and poultry. \n\nPescaterians \nVegetarian still eats fish occasionally. \n\nVegetarian Sympathizers - Folks who do eat meat, fish, and chicken --- but perhaps much less than they once did, and perhaps more carefully (they may choose organically raised meats). They lean somewhat towards a low- or no-meat way in their thinking. Frequently Sympathizers and Pesces are on the continuum towards a lacto- or vegan way of eating. \n\nPartial, occasional, casual, transitional and social vegetarians As the media releases more and more reports on the health benefits of a vegetarian diet, the number of people who are curious about vegetarianism continues to grow. Many of these people choose to reduce their meat intake instead of eliminating meat from their diet altogether. They may choose to give up just red meat, or they may only eat meat when they know it comes from small-scale producers who treat their livestock humanely. They may want to eat a stricter vegetarian diet but are temporarily prevented from doing so -- for instance, parents with non-vegetarian children who aren't ready to become vegetari
1053354
well basically what you eat does have alot of affect on your habits. forexample carnivores who eat meat are stronger and vicious than other herbivores. so i think that explains their victory and defeat
177004
Buddhists have been enjoying vegetarian dishes for centuries\n\n \n More of this Feature\n• Vegetarian FAQs\n \n From Other Guides\n• 5 Reasons for Being Vegetarian\n• Low Fat Vegetable/Vegetarian Recipes\n \nMention vegetarian cuisine and many people picture a group of aging hippies kneeling cross-legged around a communal dining table, helping themselves to carrot sticks dipped in yogurt or another plate of chickpea salad. While it's true that vegetarianism became trendy in the "psychedelic sixties," its origins date back much farther.  Pythagoras was a vegetarian (vegetarians were called Pythagoreans up until the 1800's) as was the poet Percy Shelley.  George Bernard Shaw, never one to shy from the spotlight, was a vocal proponent of a meat-free diet: \n\n"It is nearly fifty years since I was assured by a conclave of doctors that if I did not eat meat I should die of starvation." (Vegetariana: A Rich Harvest of Wit, Lore, and Recipes, by Nava Atlas)
1033315
Simply becoming vegetarian won't automatically make you slimmer.  You should eat lean proteins, such as legumes, some tofu and lowfat dairy.  Eating lean poultry and fish are good options.  I was vegetarian for 12 years and found I actually gained some weight.  I was not conscientious about my nutrition, and ate far too much refined carbohydrates such as white pasta, white bread etc.  I would eat whole grains because they take longer to digest, keep you full and are low calorie and full of fiber.
1147349
Eastern thought in general has enhanced the lives of millions of Americans whether they realize it or not.\n\nSometimes the lines between buddhism and hinduism can be blurry.\n\nI find that Hindu culture has made a big contribution to the vegetarian and healthy eating movement. The idea that cows are sacred has steered millions away from red meat. \nAlso, the concept of peace being a virtue is something that Western society was sadly lacking. Both Hinduism and Buddhism made a wonderful difference to us in the late 60's... affecting our music, art, politics and culture.\n\nMeditation, yoga, natural foods, and spiritual healing are all traceable back to Hinduism.
661770
non-vegetarians.  all the vegetarians i know are unhealthy and do not eat veggies or fruits or even drink water.  it is more likely that an individual person who eats healthy regardless of being a non-vegetarian or vegetarian will be the one who eats the greens.
902890
That's so ridiculous that it's almost funny. The truth is, the western diet (the way most folks eat in the US and Europe) is responsible for more disease including cancer, diabetes, hearth problems, etc. Rural Asian communities have practically non-existent occurrences of cancer, diabetes, etc. BECAUSE of their diet.
76284
I grew up in the West but since have embraced an eastern religion.  I am now a vegetarian, but it was not easy to make that change because meat-eating is such a given in my culture.  I think the main reason that modern Westerners tolerate meat-eating is that they take it for granted and do not think about it.  They grew up with it, so they just never think to question it.\n\nOriginally, meat-eating may have been necessary for people in cold climates in Europe or something.  Perhaps that is all they could find to eat to keep themselves alive in winter.  I know that even my own mother had to eat groundhog when she was a kid because that is literally all they could find to eat.\n\nBut once this becomes a part of the culture, people forget about the fact that what was once only done out of necessity is now done for pleasure.  People in my culture just love meat.  They don't like vegetables!  Eastern cuisines just know better what to do with vegetables!  They use spices and good sauces, whereas here, we basically just put butter, salt, and pepper on everything (usually out of a can at that).  So we think veggies taste bad!  \n\nAnother issue is the fact that some people purposely refuse to be vegetarians because they fear the stereotypical image that some vegetarians have.  They do not want to be seen as a "New Age liberal freak."  That's really how a lot of people see vegetarianism where I am.  \n\nThe Bible says that God put man over the animals and nature to "have dominion."  But instead of seeing this as a responsibility to care for the animals and plants, too many people see in this a justification to USE animals and plants to whatever benefit we can derive from them.  Most Christians I have talked to about this say that animals do not have souls, and that they were put here strictly for OUR purposes.  I believe that this is merely an attempt to justify their actions.  I do not think that is what the Bible originally intended.  In fact, the Bible depicts 2 times in history that are vegetarian:  the Garden of Eden, and the Messianic Era - the times where things are right and done in the proper way.
149428
This is probably not feasible for humans.\nGenerally, herbivores spend most of their waking life eating. Many have specialised guts to get the necessary nutrients from their food.\nFor humans the most difficult nutrients to get in a vegetarian diet are the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids. Vegans get around this problem by including many varieties of seeds and nuts. Lacto-vegetarians get the essential amino acids and fatty acids from eggs and dairy products.\nNote: 'essential' means that our body cannot make it so it must be in the food we eat.
548627
Vegetarian, lots of fat free milk, and water. Make sure you take pre-natal vitamins. You should eat healthy, you don't need to eat extra food, just enough that you are satisfied.
656801
I think that we all have different needs biochemically.  Some people do great as vegetarians; others, though, do need animal products.  If you want to lose weight and also open your heart to the plight of animals, I suggest first trying a good vegetarian diet that incorporates a good balance of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and proteins.  Many vegetarians don't know the proper way to combine their foods into a healthful diet, so do some good research. Brown rice, lentils, veggies, etc.  If you feel low energy after trying this, then you may need animal products.  Do not at all feel guilty for this!  But do seek out only wild-caught fish, free range chicken, and other naturally raised animals.  They have, hopefully, lived a better life than other animals raised for our food. Your dad hunts and fishes...if he is good at it (swift and accurate), and also uses the whole animal respectfully (using all parts, and eating the flesh), than he is in accordance with a humane approach to our balance. Native Americans know how to hunt and respect the animal.  It's a wonderful spiritual balance. Maybe you can discuss this with your parents. Good Luck!
307893
It really depends. Vegetarians can get their protein from beans, nuts, tofu or dairy products. So they can in some cases consume more protein than someone who eats meat.\n\nSo there isn't a real answer to your question.
444918
Dairy does not cause diabetes or osteoporosis (dairy is an excellent way to prevent osteoporosis)\n\nit is VERY difficult to get all the nutrients you need while eating a vegetarian diet (and impossible through a vegan diet without taking supplements)\n\nif you want to be a vegetarian you must RESEARCH and be very careful to get all the nutrients you need\n\nI agree that americans eat too much meat but cutting meat out of your diet can be dangerous if you are not careful \n\nthe amount of calcium women consume (or lack of) in their youth can have a huge affect on their health through out the rest of their lives\n\nStudies show that over half of Americans do not get the recommended calcium from their diets. The best sources of calcium are dairy products. Calcium should be provided in meals and snacks throughout the day.
529541
Heredity can be a contributing factor along with diet and weight.
958429
Few of the neo-Pagan religions require people to be vegetarians or vegans; certain traditions or sects might, but they tend to be fairly small.  Some religions may have prohibitions against specific *types* of food, especially in certain circumstances, but again, you're more apt to see this on the tradition level.\n\nThat said, there's a number of Pagans who are vegetarian or vegan, as a personal choice, often due to their religious beliefs.  At the same time, there's a number of Pagans who are decidedly omnivores, as a personal choice, due to their religous beliefs.  There's enough different interpretations that both are possible.