Being vegan..what does it mean to you?

need_an_answer

Really not sure if its the right place for this type of thread but I wanted to get the viewpoint of individuals and families as to what being vegan really means to you.

Is it a hot topic at the moment or do you really value the ethics behind what it represents?

I see so many things now that are vegan friendly and wonder if you are a vegan does the introduction of things like plant based foods and vegan mayonnaise for example excite you or do you feel that its sort of exploiting the whole meaning and ethics of being vegan.

Personally I and my family are meat eaters and no ive never considered eating a vegetarian or vegan diet on a regular basis,but I do understand that for some people its very much not just a choice for "vegan January " but a lifestyle and very much a choice over how they live.

So if you are vegan does it enhance your diet choices or do you feel that the whole plant based culture that we are now seeing is just jumping on the bandwagon of commercialism.

Are you eating more plant based food or vegan alternatives than you did this time last year...has it made a lasting difference to family meals and or your childrens perception to their diet?

Interested in peoples views

flanker6

Just started to eat "plant based" meals after watching The Game Changers on Netflix.


My primary motive was to try to improve health and fitness. But, I don't think I could be a 100% vegan because I'm not enjoying the texture/taste of the meat replacements anywhere near as much as actual meat.

BrassicWoman

It means a lifetime of people telling "hilarious" bacon "jokes" and being mortally offended at the thought of tofu. So I don't talk about it.

There are lots of great internet resources where organisations do talk about it, though. Have you looked at any of them?

need_an_answer

Thank you BW...I guess I have always held the assumption that true vegans wouldn't really rate the commercialism of how "vegan" is being portrayed.

I have to say I perhaps share your view that if I was passionate about a lifestyle and chose that way forward then yes I too would not be subscribing to the viewpoint of plant based foods that now seems to have sprung up all over the place.

Interesting comments...

goodwithsaving

I get really fed up of seeing a normal salad labelled "vegan salad". It's just a salad! I slso don't understand fake meat, if you don't want to eat meat then don't, why create an unnatural version.

Binkie_Huckaback

Sheeple follow whatever fashion they're presented with, be it on television or the internet. Personally, though not a vegan myself, I've been interested in vegan foods for decades, since this little gem of a book came out, possibly circa 1987, back when veganism was seen as at best weird and extreme!

Now out of print but if you can find a second hand copy I'd recommend it, as there's a lot of information and practical advice in there.

need_an_answer

I'm really not for or against vegan diets.I have always thought that you should eat a balanced diet,a bit of everything and if that includes a meat free meal then so be it.

But I do feel that this whole vegan idea is now being exploited far too much by companies ...does a plant based diet really prove better for you...I suspect not,however I do respect the viewpoint of those who have adopted the lifestyle whether that be recently or as part of something further back.

Again personally if I were vegetarian or vegan I suspect that my diet wouldn't include fake type foods...if you have for example an issue with mayonnaise or bacon why would you want to seek a substitute....

mirko

goodwithsaving wrote: »

I get really fed up of seeing a normal salad labelled "vegan salad". It's just a salad! I slso don't understand fake meat, if you don't want to eat meat then don't, why create an unnatural version.

Having something labelled "Vegan Salad" means a vegan can quickly decide to buy it or not without checking the ingredients for eggs or other dairy. It doesn't hurt any vegetarians or meat eaters that the food is labelled like that, surely?

Because flat patty shaped things fit in burger shaped rolls and long thin tubes fit in hot dog rolls.

I'm a vegetarian and don't really like the meat replacement stuff much but it's easier to make a meal like Quorn Spag Bol and get the kids to eat it than it is to make a vegetarian meal at times.

mirko

need_an_answer wrote: »

Again personally if I were vegetarian or vegan I suspect that my diet wouldn't include fake type foods...if you have for example an issue with mayonnaise or bacon why would you want to seek a substitute....

No issue with mayonnaise, but maybe an issue with making mayonnaise from animal produce.

Some sort of vegan mayonnaise or dairy free spread is good in sandwiches or toast so the food isn't dry.

goodwithsaving

mirko wrote: »

Having something labelled "Vegan Salad" means a vegan can quickly decide to buy it or not without checking the ingredients for eggs or other dairy. It doesn't hurt any vegetarians or meat eaters that the food is labelled like that, surely?

Because flat patty shaped things fit in burger shaped rolls and long thin tubes fit in hot dog rolls.

I'm a vegetarian and don't really like the meat replacement stuff much but it's easier to make a meal like Quorn Spag Bol and get the kids to eat it than it is to make a vegetarian meal at times.

So how about 'Gluten Free, Nut Free, Dairy Free, Vegan salad' then, or does it just cater for the fad of the moment?
I know people who have dietary restrictions for health reasons and food intolerances, yet they constantly have to scour labels.

mirko

goodwithsaving wrote: »

So how about 'Gluten Free, Nut Free, Dairy Free, Vegan salad' then, or does it just cater for the fad of the moment?
I know people who have dietary restrictions for health reasons and food intolerances, yet they constantly have to scour labels.

I've seen those labels on food too. All are fine.