Vegetarian or vegan?
Different types of vegetarian diets
Being a vegetarian means different things to different people. Strictly speaking a vegetarian chooses not to eat any animal products at all. But some people choose to cut out meat and fish, only eating dairy products, honey and possibly eggs (lacto-vegetarians).
It is estimated that 5% of Britons are vegetarian - there are at least 3 million vegetarians with young people in particular choosing not to eat meat. Approximately 7 million people in the UK no longer eat red meat. Some people do not eat meat on religious grounds. For example Hindus are entirely vegetarian.
According to the Vegetarian Society as many as 2000 people a week are becoming vegetarian with sales of veggie food increasing by around 15% a year.
Viva, a national organisation that promotes vegetarianism states that if you become vegetarian, in your lifetime, you will save the lives of 6 cows, 22 pigs, 30 sheep, 800 chickens, 50 turkeys, 15 ducks, 7 rabbits and half a ton of fish!
Vegans do not eat animal products and follow a way of living that avoids doing harm to creatures as far as possible, for instance not buying leather products.
Some people worry that by becoming a vegetarian or vegan you will lose out on essential nutrients and protein. But a vegetarian or vegan diet can be a very healthy one. You cut down on saturated fats and tend to eat more fruit, vegetables and fibre. As with all diets, it is important to eat a balanced diet which includes different types of protein.
Misconception - Vegetarians don't eat fish!!
This is an issue that vegetarians come across so often - the Vegetarian Society even runs specific campaigns aimed at restaurants in particular to help make this point clear.
So what can a vegetarian do to replace all those important omega-3 oils found in fish?
There's loads of information on the Vegetarian Society website highlighting that Flax Seed products provide all you need and though it may not the most tasty product around it can be easily masked in salads, cereals etc. You'll also be making your stand against the decline in fish stocks around the world.
There is a National Vegetarian Week organised by the Vegetarian Society that takes place annually. If you would like details about the next event or how to get involved contact the Society for an information pack.
Organisations
Animal Aid
Animal Aid campaigns 'peacefully to encourage a world which is not dependent upon the violent exploitation of animals.' The organisation also has a youth section called Animal Aid Youth Group which publishes a bi-monthly newsletter called Youth Rage.
Animal Aid also produce a really useful leaflet called 'Going Veggie - The lazy gourmet's shopping and cooking guide' to kicking the meat habit includes information on vegetarian nutrition, alternatives to animal products, finding your way around the supermarhet and cooking for young people. See their Eat This website for information about being veggie: http://www.eatthis.org.uk/
Telephone: 01732 364546
Address: The Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1AW.
Fax: 01732 366533
Email: info@animalaid.org.uk
Website: http://www.animalaid.org.uk/
Food Commission
The Food Commission provides education, information, research and advice on all aspects of food, diet and nutrition. They are Britain's only independent consumer watchdog campaigning specifically for safer, healthier food. Publishes 'Food Magazine' and various books and reports. Write with SAE for further details.Telephone: 020 7837 2250
Address: 94 White Lion Street, London, N1 9PF.
Fax: 020 7837 1141
Email: info@foodmagazine.org.uk
Website: http://www.foodcomm.org.uk/
Vegan Society
The Vegan Society works to promote ways of living free from animal products for the benefit of people, animals and the environment.
They have a gorgeous, colourful, interactive CD-ROM which is available free to educators, get in touch to request a copy. They can also organise a speaker to talk about veganism and related issues at your school or group. Have a look at their website to find lots of other free teaching materials >>
Contact them now for a free youth starter pack!
Helpline: 0845 458 8244
Telephone: 0121 523 1730
Address: Donald Watson House, 21 Hylton Street, Hockley, Birmingham, B18 6HJ.
Fax: 0121 523 1749
Email: info@vegansociety.com
Website: http://www.vegansociety.com/
Vegetarian Society of the United Kingdom Ltd
The Vegetarian Society is the main organisation promoting a vegetarian diet in the UK. It claims thousands of people every week are becoming vegetarians and as a consequence the sales of meat are dropping.
The Vegetarian Society was established in 1847 to increase the number of vegetarians in the UK, to save animals and to benefit human health and protect the environment and world food resources.
Telephone: 0161 925 2000
Address: Parkdale, Dunham Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4QG.
Fax: 0161 926 9182
Email: info@vegsoc.org
Website: http://www.vegsoc.org/
Opening Hours: Phone lines are staffed: Monday to Friday, 08.30 - 17.00 hrs
Veggie123
Want to be a veggie, but not sure where to start? Here you can download a free e-book called "How to Successfully Become a Vegetarian". This book aims to help you even if you think you can't do it, if you think it's way too hard, and even if you have tried and failed before.
Website: http://www.veggie123.com
Viva!
VIVA (Vegetarians International Voice for Animals) produce two useful vegetarian guides both priced at £1; The L-Plate Vegetarian or the L-Plate Vegan. The booklets offer tips and advice about how to 'make the change' and how to maintain a healthy diet. They also produce the Livewire Guide to Going, Being and Staying Vegetarian. This is an excellent guide for young people who want to save animals, the environment and their health.
Telephone: 0117 944 1000
Address: 8 York Court, Wilder Street, Bristol, BS2 8QH.
Fax: 0117 924 4646
Email: info@viva.org.uk
Website: http://www.viva.org.uk/
Opening Hours: phones are staffed Monday - Friday, 9am to 6pm
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