Meat eating vegetarian

[SproutsAreForLife]

Rather an oxymoron, but have been vegetarian for most of my life. Haven't consumed eggs or milk for around 20 years, just the odd bit of cheese so not vegan by any stretch.

In recent years I have been pondering, as not a lot of thought went into the initial decision to become vegetarian, but it just became the norm for me. However the more I think about it, it just seems ridiculous to be vegetarian for ethnical reasons when the egg and dairy industry is not without cruelty.

I tried some meat this evening, charcuterie at a party. It was nice.

I'm thinking, is it better to eat a small amount of high welfare animal produce,rather than excluding certain animal products but not others?

@FamilyOfAliens I am not having a pop at vegetarians, I am challenging a decision I made a long time ago. I have been vegetarian longer than most newly turned vegans have been alive.

The ideal situation would be for everyone to eat more plant based meals - that's what would make a real difference and cut down on the demand for animal products in general. In an ideal world everyone would also care about welfare standards, although saying that, the whole "high welfare" label is not all that if you research what really goes on.

On an individual level though, you eat what you want to eat. It's best not to label yourself a vegetarian if you're not of course, as that impacts on other (genuine) vegetarians...

Do whatever you feel you can to make a difference you are comfortable with.

I have a friend who has a long history of being vegetarian, and it is safest to assume vegetarian when catering for her. She had some health issues so initially occasionally ate some high-welfare chicken, then on further reflection switched to lamb which gets a pretty natural life until its final hours, and is a better source of iron.

Flexitarian is useful to describe someone whose lifestyle is not truely vegetarian, but it doesn't really state what you would be catering to. It does avoid hypocracy when someone makes occasional contradictory choices.

I don't eat much meat and buy my eggs from the man just down the road who gives his chickens a lovely life - nicer than mine 😁 I am lactose intolerant so don't have dairy really except for occasional bit of cheese which I also get locally.

I think people should eat less meat overall really but it is up to the individual to make the choice that works for them. The more I cook without meat the less I miss it to be honest and I probably only eat it occasionally now at my MILs as she gets very stressed with veggie guests.

I will only eat free range eggs and meat, if there aren't any available I go without.

In the UK there is a national definition of vegetarian (from UK vegetarian society and brand owner of the V logo). So please do not under any circumstances call yourself a vegetarian when eating out and then proceed to eat meat or fish or meat or fish derivatives. It causes true vegetarians like myself real problems as I am often served fish or eg ham on melon from supposed catering professionals.

So the labeling if used correctly is useful.

I think you can self identify as a vegetarian and still eat meat, so long at it's just a little bit

You sound like my Nanna!

That's not how vegetarianism works as, by definition, vegetarians don't eat meat (not even a little bit!). When do you stop being vegetarian then? After a whole burger? Sunday roast?

OP, you don't have to be anything you don't want to be, and you don't have to label yourself.

Lots of people cut down on meat and do meat-free Mondays, etc, so there's no reason you can't just say you 'don't eat much meat' if anyone asks.

People love rules as it's easier for them, but you don't have any obligation to fit into their preconceived categories. Just do what you want.

Eat whatever you like 🤷🏻‍♀️

Why does it need to have a label?

@LonginesPrime
May I refer you to my previous reply, where I pointed out that I was being a tad sarcastic?

I was vegetarian for 15 yrs. Environmental reasons (Diet for a Small Planet).
But never a vegetarian for animal rights reasons. I can't relate to that.

I don't seem to know anyone who is vegetarian for animal right reasons, actually. People who eat like vegans for political or health reasons. People who eat vegetarian for health or environment or find meat disgusting reasons. But not "Wow I love the poor widdle animals & never want to hurt one" reasons: nobody like that in my awareness. Never has been.

I hope you find your comfortable balance, OP.