fake/mock/imitation animal products

[Guest guest]

Hi All-

 

Tammy's points are good ones: As I mentioned in my original message, I do

in fact eat meat and cheese allegories, but to a limited degree. I

certainly don't feel they are necessary at every meal, or as a daily staple.

This reminds me of the obviously-not-vegan-restaurateur who asked me " Miss,

where do you get your protein? " , when I requested the tofu scramble without

the tofu. So I agree: I judge them on their own merits as another food, not

as a meat imitation. It's a treat, not a steady diet, nor a demand when I

eat out (we must go where there is fake meat or cheese!). I was referring

primarily to the tendency to mimic the predominant paradigm: eat animal

products. I was particularly pointing out that we give a nod to the meat

and dairy industry when we do so. (As if they have us so addicted, we can't

break free)

 

I wasnt' around during that survey, posted below, but I notice that someone

like me wouldn't fit any of the categories.

I actually purchase and make seitan on occasion, and purchase and

eat fake cheese, as a treat. This may go beyond the

" I do like them, but don't need to eat them 45.83% " , and doesn't fit the

" If they are there, I will eat it 27.08% " .

 

Another great conversation topic, I think!

Appreciate the thoughtful discussion, Tammy-

 

Marcy

 

Tammy's original message below:

As someone who does eat the fake meats and fake cheeses, it

is not because I miss their animal-based equivalents. I evaluate them as

different foods on their own merits. If it's vegan and it tastes good to

me, I'll eat it.

 

 

> We had a poll in the group awhile ago about this topic. About 50 people

> responded to this question:

>

> " Since becoming vegetarian, please pick the answers (more than one is

okay)

> which best describes your feelings towards the " alternative " , " fake " ,

> " substitute " -- whatever you call it -- " meat " and " cheese " products. "

>

> Really like them, could not live without them 12.50%

> I do like them, but don't need to eat them 45.83%

> If they are there, I will eat it 27.08%

> I don't like them at all 8.33%

> People who need to eat them aren't really vegetarians 6.25%

>

> In Panhandle Pizza's case, I think it's great when a commercial non-veg

> restaurant listens to its customers and introduces a vegan alternative to

an

> animal product. I wish more restaurants would do this! With the pizza

that

> I tried from Panhandle, it would have been great without the soy cheese,

> too.

>

> When I am being really virtuous about what I eat, I try to eat less

> processed foods of all types.

>

> Okay, just my 1.5 cents after inflation..

>

> Cheers,

> Tammy

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> BAY AREA VEGETARIANS (BAV) is a community group for veggies to network &

find support. Free

> membership and lots of free events :-) See below links for more veggie

info....

>

> *Next Vegan Food Party -- See Event Calendar

http://www.bayareaveg.org/events.htm

> *Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.bayareaveg.org/faq.htm

> *sfBAVeg Mailing List Charter: http://www.bayareaveg.org/charter.htm

> *Be Active for Animals! http://www.freedom4animals.org/events.html

>

> Tell your friends to Be-A-Veg with Bay Area Veg!

> http://www.bayareaveg.org/join.htm

>

>

[Guest guest]

I always disliked seafood, so there has been nothing I missed about it

since 1978, the time I became vegetarian. But I do eat the fake meat

stuff on occasion. You see, I'm not one of those that disliked the

taste of meat, and I do envy those people who do, because for them it

is no sacrifice to be a vegetarian.

 

When people find out that I am making a sacrifice each and everyday,

for the sake of ethics, it makes them think twice as to why they do it.

 

 

tony