Vegetarianism is not some new age lifestyle dreamed up by the folks from PETA. It is a lifestyle that goes back to 3,200 BC when religious groups believed in abstinence from flesh based upon karmic beliefs of reincarnation. Brahinanism, Hinduism, Jainism and Zoroasterianism philosophies also taught abstinence from eating meat. Rig Veda, the most sacred of ancient Hindu texts, gave reference to vegetarianism. A lot of these philosophies were based on religious doctrines of non-violence and respect for life in all forms. The vegetarian lifestyle has many supporters and also many critics. In this article, we discuss the lifestyle of a vegetarian, and also the different types of vegetarianism.
Vegetarianism in America
Vegetarianism in America became established in 1817 when members of the Bible Christian Church came to the United States from Great Britain. These people had been followers of Reverend William Metcalfe and the Reverend James Clark, who were influenced by Reverend William Cowherd, the founder of the Bible Christian Church in Salford, England. Many of these early Christians remained vegetarians after coming to America, and became the nucleus of the vegetarian movement. The Vegetarian Society was established in September, 1847.
It wasn't until the 1950s, when refrigeration and transportation were well developed, that we became a nation of meat eaters. Prior to this, meat consumption was very low compared to today's standards. And it was in the 50s that farmers moved to greater mechanization, and factory farms became a reality. The food pyramid, much influenced by the meat and dairy industry, placed a great importance on the need for meat and dairy for a healthy lifestyle. It wasn't until the 90s, when the American Dietetic Association officially endorsed vegetarianism, that the shift from a diet heavy in meat and dairy became important.
Types of Vegetarians
There are six different types of vegetarians. Vegetarianism is often based on personal beliefs, such as the belief that the killing of animals for food is both cruel and inhumane. Others see it as the best lifestyle, and believe that not eating meat is both healthful and good for the environment. Either way, their beliefs are realistic.
Let's look at the different types.
- The total vegetarian
These vegetarians eat only plant food. They eat nothing that is animal based, including fish, eggs, dairy and honey. - The vegan
Not only does this type eat only plant based foods as the total vegetarian does, but also will omit from their lifestyle anything that is produced from animals, such as leather, wool, and silk. - The lacto-vegetarian
This group includes dairy products, such as milk and cheese in their diet. - The lacto-ovo vegetarian
This group includes both dairy products and eggs in their diet. - The pesco-vegetarian
Pesco vegetarians include fish in their diet. - The pollo vegetarian
Pollo vegetarians include poultry, such as chicken, turkey and duck in their daily diet.
There are also other little known vegetarian groups. These include the fruitarian, who only wishes to eat the fruit of plants - berries, apples, oranges, etc. This lifestyle is difficult to maintain, so fructarians make every attempt to eat at least 50% of their diets in fruits. Otherwise, they follow a vegan diet.
The other obscure lifestyle is raw foodism. This lifestyle depends on raw fruits and vegetables for sustenance. Food is organic, and unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk, cheese and yogurt are included. These vegetarians believe that this lifestyle heals and prevents many types of illnesses, and believe that many chronic diseases that have been considered untreatable can be healed through their lifestyle.
The Case for Vegetarianism
We as a nation have been led to believe that we can only be healthy if we consume a diet of meat and dairy products. It is felt that the only way to get sufficient protein is through the consumption of meat. Vegetarians, on the other hand, know that they can gain sufficient protein from a plant based diet. Problems of hypertension and heart disease are seen as treatable by following a vegetarian lifestyle. Weight loss and higher energy levels are seen as a benefit of a vegetarian diet. Either way, it all adds up to a healthy lifestyle, whether through vegetarianism or through consuming meat and dairy, if great care is taken to be in control of what we consume. To the vegetarian, that means no meat. Following a vegetarian lifestyle is like anything else - common sense and moderation are the keywords.
Consider organic foods to support your new vegetarian lifestyle!
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