Tarun Posted January 12, 2002 Report Share Posted January 12, 2002 · Shopping: Health and Wellness · Clubs: Fitness & Nutrition · Events: Nutrition Related Links From iVillage.com · Healthy Snacks for Vegans and Vegetarians · Do You Need Calcium Supplements? · Healthy Vegetarianism · More Nutrition Vegetarianism: It's Harder Than You Think by Jennifer Russo On road trips, you settle for french fries and a burger minus the meat. At dinner parties you reach for crackers and cheese for lack of other options. And when you go out for Tex-Mex food, you fill up on rice and refried beans. So goes the life of a vegetarian. But eater beware, all of these vege staples may contain hidden animal products. French fries are just fried potatoes, right? Not always. Some fries, including those from McDonald’s contain beef products. And they aren’t the only foods that seem vegetarian but aren’t. The popularity of vegetarianism continues to grow. In fact, according to the American Dietetic Association more than 30 million Americans have tried vegetarianism. But if you think it’s easy to really eat vegetarian, think again. Diet plays a crucial role in your overall health, so it’s important to know what you’re putting into your body. As a consumer, it’s your basic right to know exactly what’s in the foods you buy and feed to your family. And for vegetarians, avoiding meat and animal-derived products is a way of life. But sometimes being in the know can be quite a challenge. Meat-Free Foods? Just because the animal products aren’t obvious, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Some common animal-derived ingredients are not clearly marked as such. Other additives can be made with either plant- or animal-based sources while food packaging fails to indicate which one was used. Some of these products that may or may not be animal derived include sodium stearoyl lactylate, glycerin, glycerol and trypsin. Many foods containing animal products don’t appear to require non-vegetarian ingredients. Some varieties of crackers and cookies, particularly shortbread cookies, contain lard -- a soft solid or semisolid fat derived from the fatty tissue of pigs. And many prepackaged rice and pasta dishes contain hidden chicken or beef fat, despite the fact they aren’t labeled “chicken or beef flavored.” Pastries and piecrusts are often made with animal fats to enhance flavor and texture. Some varieties of margarine may contain fish oil. And refried beans also frequently include lard. Even seemingly innocent chewing gum may contain glycerin. Not even cheese is a vegetarian safe haven. Many cheeses are made with the product rennet. Derived from the stomachs of cows, rennet is an enzyme that coagulates cheese. But there are plant-derived and synthetically-manufactured vegetarian alternatives. These vege substitutions are typically called rennin to distinguish them from animal rennet, according to the International Vegetarian Union. Another surprise ingredient often made from various animal parts is gelatin. Gelatin is sometimes made from the hides, bones and hooves and tendons of animals, usually pigs and cows. Jell-O™, for example, contains gelatin made from animal hides that are sprayed with a “food approved acid” that turns collagen into gelatin. Gelatin is also widely found in products such as guacamole, gummy candies, jelly and nougat. Gelatin, and other animal products, including isinglass -- a chemical made from fish bladders -- are also used in wine and beer production, although only very small amounts of these are found in the finished products. An astute consumer can find animal-free replacements for gelatin such as agar agar, carragen, Gelozone and some kosher gelatins. But be careful, not all kosher gelatins are meat-free and may contain the same animal products as regular gelatin. Animal gelatins can also be lurking in the capsules encasing vitamins, herbs and medicines. And many vitamins themselves are derived from animal sources. Calcium supplements may contain animal bones and vitamin D-3, often added to cereal, is typically animal-derived. But don’t despair. B-12, though found primarily in meat food sources, can be produced synthetically, or from fungi, to provide a truly vegetarian alternative to the many animal-derived B-12 vitamins and supplements. Many products list “natural flavors” among their ingredients. This vague term is used to describe both vegetarian and meat items. According to federal regulations, manufacturers can extract flavor from any acceptable food source and label it “natural flavoring” without indicating the origin of the extract. This makes it particularly difficult to know what you’re putting in your mouth without calling the manufacturer directly. Eating Out When it comes to eating out, knowing what animal products are hiding in your food is an even trickier endeavor. Some meat-free-sounding menu items actually contain things that may surprise you. Pizza, a vege staple, is sometimes made with sauce that contains beef or chicken fat. You should also be on the alert for vegetarian sounding soups that are made with meat stock. Although most restaurants now use vegetable shortening for frying, the Vegetarian Resource Group warns many restaurants reuse the oil they fry meat products in to fry vegetarian menu items. The only way to be completely sure of what you’re eating is to ask the manager of the restaurant. Tips The simple act of reading and deciphering food labels will greatly increase your awareness of potentially hidden animal-based ingredients. But the only way to be totally sure of what you’re eating is to call the manufacturer or ask a restaurant manager. Use the lists below to learn what ingredients you should be cautious of. These products MAY be animal derived: sodium stearoyl lactylate stearic acid glycerin or glycerol mono- and di-glycerides amylase lipase protease rennin trypsin disodium inosinate vitamin D-3 These products are ALWAYS animal derived: lard tallow carmine carminic acid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valaya Posted January 12, 2002 Report Share Posted January 12, 2002 Before becoming vegetarian, learn to appreciate and enjoy fasting. Before becoming an aspiring devotee, learn to appreciate and enjoy Harinam. In Kaliyuga, nothing is perfectly pure and confusion reigns in this Age of Quarrel and Hypocrisy. There is no other way than to take complete shelter in the Holy Names! HARIBOL! ------------------ Radhe Radhe always Radhe! amanpeter@hotmail.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarun Posted March 6, 2002 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2002 My son says Artificial Color Red (#40?) contains pig blood. It's in Orange soda etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shashi Posted March 26, 2002 Report Share Posted March 26, 2002 Originally posted by valaya: Before becoming vegetarian, learn to appreciate and enjoy fasting. Before becoming an aspiring devotee, learn to appreciate and enjoy Harinam. In Kaliyuga, nothing is perfectly pure and confusion reigns in this Age of Quarrel and Hypocrisy. There is no other way than to take complete shelter in the Holy Names! HARIBOL! Mataji is it OK to be playing on the mirdanga drum being made with animal skin while singing the Hare Rama? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarun Posted March 29, 2002 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2002 Ideally, cows r supposedly allowed to die/pass away naturally. Then there's no vikarma/killing. Tonight we used 7-8 mrdangas, about half clay/leather. I brought my fiberglass one along. How 'bout leather shoes? I think if we already have them it's a greater sin to just throw them away. Better to use what we already have; just don't buy anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shashi Posted March 31, 2002 Report Share Posted March 31, 2002 Originally posted by Tarun: Ideally, cows r supposedly allowed to die/pass away naturally. Then there's no vikarma/killing. Tonight we used 7-8 mrdangas, about half clay/leather. I brought my fiberglass one along. How 'bout leather shoes? I think if we already have them it's a greater sin to just throw them away. Better to use what we already have; just don't buy anymore. Tarunji my feeling is being that you are rashnalicing and so answering is hot and cold. I am wanting the nice answer from Mataji. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarun Posted April 2, 2002 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2002 Shashi Kapurji: Leather head mRdangas r made in India, where at least formally, all cows were protected til natural death. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarun Posted April 17, 2002 Author Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 If they're now genetically engineering fruit & vegetables with rat & pig genes, can we still call ourselves vegetarians? Is there anything left that can truly be offered to ZrI ZrI? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarun Posted September 4, 2002 Author Report Share Posted September 4, 2002 Pages: 1 vsdprasad Visitor Reged: 05/17/02 Posts: 17 Loc: USA Is this a vegetarian?? 09/03/02 02:26 PM Edit Reply For some time, I used to prepare noodles which had oriental flavor in the accompanying packet. All other flavors were explicitly non-veg like "chicken flavor" etc, etc. After eating for quite few days, I recently learnt that it has a non-veg flavor. These are the ingredients in "SMACK RAMEN NOODLES", Oriental Flavor: NOODLES: ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NICACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN), PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED OILS (SOYBEAN AND/OR PALM AND/OR COTTONSEED), SALT, GUAR GUM, SODIUM CARBONATED, SODIUM TRIPOLYPHOSPHATE, POTASSIUM CARBONATE. SEASONING: SALT, SUGAR, SOY SAUCE POWDER, MALTODEXTRIN, MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, HYDROLYZED VEGETABLE PROTEIN, CARAMEL COLOR, ONION POWDER, GARLIC POWDER, BEEF FLAVOR, SPICES, DEHYDRATED PARSLEY, CITRIC ACID, YEAST, DISODIUM IOSINATE, DISODIUM GUANYLATE, NATURAL FLAVORINGS. So I feel I might've acquired some bad karma if the flavor came directly from beef and not if its a mix of some chemicals. But I could not find any other pure veg item from wal-mart n other stores. Anybody who can suggest some good pure veg fast-food items that are acceptable for krsna devotees? Instant mixes etc etc. another thing: Are french fries (from mcdonalds) acceptable in the regulative principles?? This also has beef flavor. And how about coke?? Being far from home n missing home food is definitely a problem for veggy students. -Prasad. Post Extras: Guest Unregistered Vegetarian food. [re: vsdprasad] 09/03/02 04:31 PM Edit Reply Haribol, There are a few quick things you can have. One is Bush's Vegetarian Baked Beans (comes in a can), there is also a Heinz brand version called vegetarian baked beans. Instant mashed potatos (for example, Idaho Spuds brand) are really simple to make, just add water and boil for two minutes. Frozen or canned corn kernals can be added to it. I'm sure some others will give you ideas. What city do you live in? Post Extras: Gauracandra Member Reged: 06/17/00 Posts: 1961 Loc: US Amy's Vegetarian Frozen foods... [re: Guest] 09/04/02 12:18 AM Edit Reply Check for this in the stores. They are 100% vegetarian, but are a bit expensive. I don't find eating just one to be very filling. And a single dish might be like $4 or so. I would need like 4 or 5 such servings to be satisfied, so that comes to like $16 to $20 per meal. Its just too expensive, but it is one possible choice. Post Extras: theist Member Reged: 04/07/02 Posts: 622 Natural food store [re: vsdprasad] 09/04/02 01:57 AM Edit Reply Just go to a natural food store and you will have plenty of choices. Beef is a tip off.Natural flavors can be veggie or chicken etc.Assume its meat. Please avoid McDonalds.Even to drink water.Be as carefull as possible where you place Laxsmidevi.Similar to our not wanting Ravanna to touch Sita. ...take the essence...SP letter to Krsnadasa 1972 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarun Posted September 26, 2002 Author Report Share Posted September 26, 2002 Yes, at least in Spanish speaking countries it is possible for cannibals to be vegetarians and vice-versa. Hoe zo? How so? Here's one example = por ejemplo: If someone in Buenos Aires, Caracas, Madrid or Santo Domingo asks u: "Perdon senor. Es posible que canIbales pueden tambien ser vegetarianos?" U may immediately, unhesitatingly answer in the affirmative: YES! Of course! Why not? = Si, seguro. Porque no? He or she will naturally ask u how = como? U at once may retort: "Si solo comen las plantas de los pies." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarun Posted November 6, 2002 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2002 Sunday November 3, 2002 - Dieting Tip of the Day HINTS FOR VEGGIES Carry over a party idea for snacks. Make a dip using fat free sour cream or yogurt. Use it to dip fresh cut veggies and maybe some whole-grain crackers. For extra convenience, buy pre-cut packages of veggies. Try stuffed celery, if you're looking for something crunchy. You can stuff the celery with low-fat or fat-free cream cheese or even a little peanut butter. When dining out in a family style restaurant, opt occasionally for an all-vegetable platter. Don't forget to consider tomato or vegetable juice as an appetizer. Learn to ask for vegetables without added butters or oils and always ask for your salad dressing to be served on the side. Health and Fitness Tip of the Day Power In Numbers Having trouble getting motivated to exercise regularly? You're not alone. That is why you should consider forming an "exercise support group." Gather a group of people who are interested in exercising and set up a schedule of activities. Perhaps each person can be responsible for a different activity each time you meet. You can also take turns providing healthy refreshments for the group. It's easier to be motivated when you have the support of others. - M. Ellman These tips are for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical attention or professional diagnoses. If you have health concerns, or want to start an exercise program, please consult your health care provider before embarking on any activity or treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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