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Vegetarianism vs Veganism

Ive been a vege for almost ten years. The main difference between the two is vegans don't eat dairy. I like yogurt, cheese, ice cream and some of the faux meats (Quorn brand) too much to go full vegan.

Other than the dairy, being a vegan isn't any big deal.
Being a vegan can become a big deal if you take it really really seriously.

ie: no refined sugars, no "red 40" dye, most alcohols are also not entirely vegan, ditto most bagels (not because of dairy, other things)
 
Yeah, I was being too general. Knew about the raw sugar or using agave, dyes, and there are lists of vegan beers and wine. Didn't know about bagels, what isn't vegan about them?

I'm guessing it's some kind of coating on the bagel?

I don't use refined sugars, not so strict on beers and wines, but my girl is. I had a nice vegan, organic beer the other day, though. It was beautiful.
 
Kidd, you seem to be in Austin so it should be pretty easy. For cheap food, Subway sandwiches can be vegan, and so are Taco Bell bean burritos if you get them fresco style(or just w/o cheese).
On the alcohol thing, I think it's a stretch to say most alcohol isn't vegan. SOME alcohol uses isinglass(fish bladders), bone char or egg albumen as clarifying agents. If it's made in North America, that is very likely NOT the case. English and Irish beers often use isinglass. European and Australian wines are use egg albumen frequently. I'm not sure about Chilean wines... Many distilled liquors are fine. Distilling does the clarifying so you don't need to do it beforehand. To be clear(yuk yuk), these "ingredients" are not in the final product. They are basically filters, so if you're OK with the use, not the consumption, then you should be fine.
Milk Stout beer does have milk in it, generally.

Alcohol typically isn't subject to the requirement of having a nutrition label w/ ingredients listed, so you have do some research.

Some bagels do have an egg wash to make them shiny. This is always on the packages. The other thing alot of store bread products contain is DATEM. It's often soy-based, but some times it is not, and there seems to be no requirement to disclose(or even know) this.

On a personal note, I prefer almond milk, but I just buy it in the store. I've made it before and it's too much hassle to clean up the blender after.
And about honey, I avoid it, but I don't fret about it.

I've been vegan for 7 years, I think? Something around that. Anyway, I think you should do what you can. No one is asking you to be perfect.
 
www.vrg.org/blog/2011/03/09/l-cyste...urced-from-human-hair-duck-feathers-hog-hair/

Egg has to be disclosed below the ingredients, same as wheat, nuts, etc. Believe it or not I do know what I'm talking about.
Thank you for the link. I heard about feathers being used in baked goods before, but never took the time to look it up.


On topic, I started converting to being vegetarian because I strongly object to inhumane factory farming methods used on animals. I haven't fully made the transition, but generally only eat fish or something like that a few times a week on average.
 
What about when then use animal products and by-products to fertilize plants to grow and eat? Are they still vegan friendly? When and where do you draw the line?

I guess as its a personal decision it is up to the individual, but I can imagine it would be almost impossible to eat without involving animals in any way. Also, what constitutes an animal? Are insects animals, as they can be use or abused in the manufacture of fruit and vegetables?

Not trying to challenge anyone's beliefs or anything, just curious.
 
I have been "Strict Vegetarian" for almost 5 months. I had a few pieces of sushi with fish in them (tiny) but besides that no meats or dairy.

I have lost over thirty pounds (50 is goal)
Feel 10 years younger
Quit snoring
All joint pains in knees ,hips and feet-gone
Going #2 is a breeze :D
Got off two medications (thru Doctor)
lowered cholesterol from mid 300 to 94 overall in two months.

It works for me. I feel no need to eat meat or dairy again since it would be a death sentience for me and my results prove it.
 
I've not eaten meat for 16 years...

ALL 16 years have at least been strict Vegetarian; 4 Years were vegan; and 2 years were "freegan".


The Vegan years were mainly when i was still living at home (15-18). I didn't pay much for food, but it was the late 90's and there weren't a ton of alternatives... so i lasted to 19 on my own, buying food, but went back to vegetarian shortly after. Between 21 and 22, i was touring a lot with music and i adopted the freegan thing. I was vegan, unless someone offered me something that was still vegetarian, but not necessarily vegan. Passing up free food on tour is a no-no when you're a poor punk rock musician!

Since then, i've been living as a lactose-intolerant vegetarian. So... mainly vegan, but i will eat cheese... i just eat it knowing i have a rough night/day ahead of me :D