Definition of Meat

PoeRaven

Animal protein = meat. Fish, seafood, poultry, pork, milk, lamb, eggs, anything with fur, that swims, flies, crawls, slithers, etc.. Common definition, muscle or flesh.

You got it dude! :flowerforyou:

PoeRaven

To all those who eat fish, but call themselves vegetarian to make it easier for yourselves, you're in turn making it harder for the real vegetarians to explain that they are vegetarian, and plus, they also don't eat fish either.

It doesn't make much a difference to me because my diet is more complicated than simply being a vegetarian. So I get the loads of questions anyway. I'm somewhat of an orthorexic as well. For example I don't eat chocolate, pizza, french fries, or any condiments. I buy lots of things unsalted and never add salt to anything. I don't drink cow milk (and yes I call almond/soy milk, "milk" even though it technically isn't milk, so you can yell at me for that), but I will eat things that were cooked with milk in it. I do eat eggs from a carton, and when I'm older I plan on having my own pet hens to be my friends and provide me with some eggs.

I absolutely do not think I am better than anyone because of my diet. I do have a little bit more respect for those who research different lifestyles/diets and stick to one that they learned is good for them, even if it means giving something that they love the taste of. And I'm sorry, but I also lose respect for those who give me the comment, "I could never be vegetarian because bacon/tacos/etc. taste so good. To me, that just sounds like, "I don't care about the consequences of my actions as long as I receive a temporary satisfaction from them." I do however, completely respect people's religious beliefs, and those who eat local meat (like salmon in Alaska) because it is more "green" than importing fruit from half a world away.

Again, I do not think I am better than others. I did not give up meat to become a better person, healthier, or to benefit the planet. I gave up meat as part of my crash diet before high school prom, and after a little over a month of not eating it, the thought of eating it again completely grossed me out. Now I have other reasons for staying a vegetarian, but it's personal.

One last thing, I am all for everyone doing what is best for them and not trying to "convert" others. I just really wish people would educate themselves on what they consume and how their body uses it.

EDIT: used the wrong "their." my bad.

Good for you for sticking to what you believe in. Keep on keepin' on...
:flowerforyou:

ssernst

I agree, fish is meat. But does that mean someone who eats fish should be looked down on? I'm in no way saying this is everyone, but some vegetarians look down on those who eat fish; some vegans look down on vegetarians for eating dairy. Why do we have to have specific names for each different category based on what people do and don't eat? It's a victory for animals anytime someone decides to eat one less meat dish. If someone decides to go meatless for one day a week, it's a victory. To make the greatest impact is to avoid all types of meat, but some people aren't ready for that. I applaud everyone for even the smallest steps. And hope they discover how great it is to be a veggie

fitnesspirateninja

It seems like a lot of people - not just vegetarians or vegans - use their eating habits as a way to put others down. Like those who eat meat, or conventionally-grown vegetables, or high fructose corn syrup, or whatever are somehow less-then: they are uneducated, don't care about the earth or their bodies, etc...

It's more complicated than that. The food industry is a broken system that makes it incredibly difficult to buy and eat healthy foods. Making other people feel ashamed about their eating habits or the way they label themselves doesn't fix the problem. It just makes someone feel bad. Does that really make you feel good about yourself?

ETA: I also don't see how someone who eats fish but says they're a vegetarian hurts a "real" vegetarian.

kristydi

Oh, you don't eat no meat? That's ok, I make lamb!

That is one of my favorite movies!

As someone else said, the Catholic church has a pretty long history of not considering fish as meat for whatever reason. So it's not a new idea that appeared out of thin air.

Not saying that fish isn't meat, just saying that there might be a reason, beyond stupidity, that people think that way.

ruffledviolet

ETA: I also don't see how someone who eats fish but says they're a vegetarian hurts a "real" vegetarian.

I was going to say "It's like saying you're a virgin, but you've had oral sex." But I looked up dictionary definitions for virgin and sexual intercourse and my example doesn't seem to work so much anymore. And now I've just caused a lot of awkwardness in my house.

ladyhawk00

Debate is Great! But please keep it respectful and do not attack or insult others.

Just a friendly reminder from your neighborhood mod. :flowerforyou:

Thank you for your cooperation.
Ladyhawk00
MyFitnessPal Forum Moderator

pyro13g

I have curious question. Do vegetarians that eat shark realize how a shark deals with their waste?

LovelySnugs

I agree, fish is meat. But does that mean someone who eats fish should be looked down on? I'm in no way saying this is everyone, but some vegetarians look down on those who eat fish; some vegans look down on vegetarians for eating dairy. Why do we have to have specific names for each different category based on what people do and don't eat? It's a victory for animals anytime someone decides to eat one less meat dish. If someone decides to go meatless for one day a week, it's a victory. To make the greatest impact is to avoid all types of meat, but some people aren't ready for that. I applaud everyone for even the smallest steps. And hope they discover how great it is to be a veggie

regarding your 'victory for animals' statements: there are many arguments to both sides, and i'm not gonna try to start the debate cuz you can't change my mind and i can't change yours. but i eat what i eat based on how much i love or hate it. for instance: i LOVE the flavors that you can get out of a chicken. and i will eat chicken two or three times a week because of this. i also happen to believe chickens are mean, dirty, evil animals. and i will eat chicken at least once a week because of this.

you and someone else mentioned that people who eat meat, or conventionally grown crops, etc, are looked down on because of how they eat, like they're uneducated or something. but they might just be people like me who know the risks and are willing to take them until they have the time and money to do otherwise. for some of us, it's not a moral issue. it's a flavor issue.

but (as per the original topic and the main point of your post) that doesn't mean we shouldn't handle each others' tastes and diet preferences with intelligence and respect. i think the labels are kinda dumb, myself, but they help me communicate needs and tastes with the people i feed. and that's important, too.

ruffledviolet

i also happen to believe chickens are mean, dirty, evil animals. and i will eat chicken at least once a week because of this.

Charlie Sheen is a mean, dirty, evil animal. I eat him at least once a week because of this.

ssernst

you and someone else mentioned that people who eat meat, or conventionally grown crops, etc, are looked down on because of how they eat, like they're uneducated or something. but they might just be people like me who know the risks and are willing to take them until they have the time and money to do otherwise. for some of us, it's not a moral issue. it's a flavor issue.

[[/quote]


I was not saying that vegetarians look down on meat eaters. Just the opposite- some vegans (not the majority- please don't get offended! Just some experiences I've had) look down on vegetarians as 'not doing enough'. Same with a small group of vegetarians who look down on those who eat fish.

I'm not here to judge anyone- I'm the only vegetarian in my family and in my group of friends. I don't love them any less because of their choices. I don't want to be judged by what I do and don't chose to eat, either. I'm just saying I don't like the labels.

sue26

the way it was exlplained to me was that fish are cold-blooded and animals are warm blooded. By a piscaterian of course

LovelySnugs

you and someone else mentioned that people who eat meat, or conventionally grown crops, etc, are looked down on because of how they eat, like they're uneducated or something. but they might just be people like me who know the risks and are willing to take them until they have the time and money to do otherwise. for some of us, it's not a moral issue. it's a flavor issue.

[

I was not saying that vegetarians look down on meat eaters. Just the opposite- some vegans (not the majority- please don't get offended! Just some experiences I've had) look down on vegetarians as 'not doing enough'. Same with a small group of vegetarians who look down on those who eat fish.

I'm not here to judge anyone- I'm the only vegetarian in my family and in my group of friends. I don't love them any less because of their choices. I don't want to be judged by what I do and don't chose to eat, either. I'm just saying I don't like the labels.
[/quote]

oh, yeah! no, i wasn't trynna get all offended or whatever. i think i was more just trying to expand on your point, adding a meatier perspective to the opinion you expressed.

and @ruffledviolet: win. epically. that was the first thing that made me LOL today.

anubis609

I always thought anything that was born with a face qualified as a meat product.

I am a meat product.

I am a meat popsicle.

paulhood

A fish is meat. My personal opinion (to make it easy on all of us) is that a vegetarian should be a person that does not eat ANYTHING that comes from ANYTHING made with animal ANYTHING. To have several "other" classifications of vegetarian is, in my opinion, defeating the purpose of calling oneself a vegetarian. Maybe they need to come up with just one definition that covers this. Oh wait, maybe they already did: VEGAN: Vegan is the strictest sub-category of vegetarians. Vegans do not consume any animal products or by-products. Some go as far as not even consuming honey and yeast. Others do not wear any clothing made from animal products.

With that said, VEGAN should not be a SUB-CATEGORY of vegetarian. It should stand on its own which is probably the actual intent of the original meaning of the word vegetarian.

All that said, I don't care if a vegetarian or vegan or any other classification eats meat or not. I don't think any more or less of them. I eat meat and if you come over to my house I'm not even going to ask if I need to prepare something differently for you. Do you think a strict vegan is going to cook me a hamburger if I am going to their house? Do you think my jewish friends are going to cook me some pork barbecue if I go to there house because I can't eat what's on the menu? If you can't eat what's on the menu, don't eat or don't go.

fteale

I have curious question. Do vegetarians that eat shark realize how a shark deals with their waste?

A vegetarian doesn't eat shark, so it's a non-question.


Try asking a pescatarian.

fteale

And I don't think the labels are dumb at all. IF people adhere to them, which would make life much easier for everyone.

Vegetarians don't eat meat. End of. Vegans don't eat any animal byproduct. Pescatarians eat a vegetarian diet plus fish. Some weirdos eat fish AND chicken.

See? Simple.

Vegans
Vegetarian
Pescatarians
Weirdos
Omnivores

fitnesspirateninja

I disagree about labels making things easier for people. Compartmentalizing life doesn't make it easier.

lilmissy2

hahaha yep, the old 'I'm a vegetarian but I eat fish and chicken and bacon'... hmm so you just don't like red meat?

halobender

I disagree about labels making things easier for people. Compartmentalizing life doesn't make it easier.

I dunno, labels make it a lot easier to know who's cool enough to hang out with.

LorinaLynn

I always thought anything that was born with a face qualified as a meat product.

You mean like Jesus Toast? :devil:

fitnesspirateninja

I disagree about labels making things easier for people. Compartmentalizing life doesn't make it easier.

I dunno, labels make it a lot easier to know who's cool enough to hang out with.

I don't know if you're lactose intolerant enough to hang out with me, Bender. I heard that you can eat yogurt!

chris0912

And I don't think the labels are dumb at all. IF people adhere to them, which would make life much easier for everyone.

Vegetarians don't eat meat. End of. Vegans don't eat any animal byproduct. Pescatarians eat a vegetarian diet plus fish. Some weirdos eat fish AND chicken.

See? Simple.

Vegans
Vegetarian
Pescatarians
Weirdos
Omnivores

ROFLMFAO! Weirdos. Love it!

halobender

I disagree about labels making things easier for people. Compartmentalizing life doesn't make it easier.

I dunno, labels make it a lot easier to know who's cool enough to hang out with.

I don't know if you're lactose intolerant enough to hang out with me, Bender. I heard that you can eat yogurt!

But ... but ... but I didn't even like it!

wonnder1

Why is it that vegetarians/vegans/pescatarian/episcopalian's WANT to label themselves?

First off, pescatarian? Not even in the dictionary people.

I eat meat. I don't eat pork, or tongue or eyeball. If I go to a party and there's a tongue or a pork chop on the plate, I don't eat it. It's not really a discussion. Why does it seem that the above mentioned (partly made-up) people can't have the same respect for other people? Are you all just hungry to sink your teeth into something? Okay, that was maybe a little mean. I have no problem with vegetarianism in all its (partly made-up) forms, I even flirt with it 3 or 4 times a week, it feels good. But don't judge me when I have a different view of what something is than you. Just tell me what your specific rules are.

It's like religion...
you have your militants, your agnostics, your Christians and your lapsed.

And just like religion, talking about it is rarely politic.

elinsofie

Why is it that vegetarians/vegans/pescatarian/episcopalian's WANT to label themselves?

First off, pescatarian? Not even in the dictionary people.

I eat meat. I don't eat pork, or tongue or eyeball. If I go to a party and there's a tongue or a pork chop on the plate, I don't eat it. It's not really a discussion. Why does it seem that the above mentioned (partly made-up) people can't have the same respect for other people? Are you all just hungry to sink your teeth into something? Okay, that was maybe a little mean. I have no problem with vegetarianism in all its (partly made-up) forms, I even flirt with it 3 or 4 times a week, it feels good. But don't judge me when I have a different view of what something is than you. Just tell me what your specific rules are.

It's like religion...
you have your militants, your agnostics, your Christians and your lapsed.

And just like religion, talking about it is rarely politic.

Personally I don't have a need to label myself, and if I do use those labels, it's just an easy way to describe what someone eats. I feel that it's very often non-vegetarians/non-whatever that are most interested in labeling us and questioning our choice of food. Most vegetarians/pescatarians/whatever that I know doesn't really care what they are called, they eat what they feel is right for them, they don't make a big deal out of it and they don't judge other people's choice of food. There are just as many different kinds of people among vegetarians/pescatarians/whatever as in the rest of the world population. Some of them are just minding their own business and some people seems to be on a crusade to change the world, and you've got everything in between

ruffledviolet

All that said, I don't care if a vegetarian or vegan or any other classification eats meat or not. I don't think any more or less of them. I eat meat and if you come over to my house I'm not even going to ask if I need to prepare something differently for you. Do you think a strict vegan is going to cook me a hamburger if I am going to their house? Do you think my jewish friends are going to cook me some pork barbecue if I go to there house because I can't eat what's on the menu? If you can't eat what's on the menu, don't eat or don't go.

The difference is that those who eat meat can also eat vegetarian/vegan items, but a vegetarian can't eat your pork/hamburger. Now, if you were an acquaintance of mine, there is no way in hell I would expect you to go out of your way to find something for me on the menu. I would hope that you would also be serving a salad, but I would not expect it. If we were friends and you specifically invited me over (as in you did not throw a party inviting a large group), I would be offended if you cooked/ordered only items with meat, just as I would be offended if you offered me an alcoholic beverage while I was pregnant. For the most part though, I consider myself responsible for making sure I can find something that I will eat.

Actually when I was staying at my then boyfriend's brother's house for a week, one night, the brother cooked a meal with meat mixed into it. When it was ready he called us and served his wife, my boyfriend, and then said to me, "oh am I going to have to cook something else for you?" I told him that it was okay, I would eat what he made. I thought it was the respectable thing to do. I did eat it and felt sick for the rest of my stay. It did not physically make me feel sick, but mentally it did. It was like I had eaten something repulsive (I guess bugs or poop is comparable for those non-vegetarians). Anyway, out of all the **** I have done wrong in my life, eating that meal is my only regret. This man knew I was a vegetarian, could have easily cooked the meat separately without sacrificing the taste of the pasta dish, but didn't because he disapproved of me being with his brother. And I was dumb enough to go back on my beliefs to try to impress him instead of just skipping the meal altogether or making something myself.

P.S. I would have no problem cooking a hamburger for a guest if they insisted.

Why is it that vegetarians/vegans/pescatarian/episcopalian's WANT to label themselves?

First off, pescatarian? Not even in the dictionary people.

I eat meat. I don't eat pork, or tongue or eyeball. If I go to a party and there's a tongue or a pork chop on the plate, I don't eat it. It's not really a discussion. Why does it seem that the above mentioned (partly made-up) people can't have the same respect for other people? Are you all just hungry to sink your teeth into something? Okay, that was maybe a little mean. I have no problem with vegetarianism in all its (partly made-up) forms, I even flirt with it 3 or 4 times a week, it feels good. But don't judge me when I have a different view of what something is than you. Just tell me what your specific rules are.

It's like religion...
you have your militants, your agnostics, your Christians and your lapsed.

And just like religion, talking about it is rarely politic.

Did you try looking up pescEtarian?
Anyway, I think the point was the word "vegetarian" does exist, and it has a definition, and it's frustrating when it is used incorrectly. Or when people think the word is up for interpretation and debate. Just as it would be annoying if I moved to China for a week, came back to the USA and started telling people I was Chinese. Or if I ate lots of spaghetti O's and cheerios and put my blood type as O on medical forms. Or if I went around saying that I was Roman Catholic, but believed that Satan is my savior and Jesus was a con artist. It doesn't make sense and it is stupid. It has nothing to do with respect or disrespect or judging people at all! Real vegetarians are proud of who they are and they just want the word to be used correctly. It does not mean we have anything against non-vegetarians. Just like I am sure my Chinese friends have nothing against me, but would be insulted if I went around saying I was Chinese.

All that being said, I do not expect every single person to be an expert on words and their definitions, but those who work in the food industry (waitresses and the representatives at the 1-800 numbers listed on food items) should certainly know the distinctions. And those who identify themselves vegetarian/vegan/homosexual/whatever should know what the word actually means.

wonnder1

Did you try looking up pescEtarian?

I stand corrected. But I for one, knew of vegetarian and vegan. And because of that in this thread I've been called a ding-bat and ignorant (and not in a constructive way).

I just don't see the big deal. What happened at your brothers house, well, that was just rude, and if you weren't a vege-whatever, it would have been something else.

You believe fish is meat. I was raised that it wasn't. Oh, the definition may be there, but that's how it is. SO, if you come to my house, tell me you're a vege-whatever who doesn't eat fish either. And then we'll be cool.

ruffledviolet

I stand corrected. But I for one, knew of vegetarian and vegan. And because of that in this thread I've been called a ding-bat and ignorant (and not in a constructive way).

I'm sorry, but where in this thread were you called anything? The post I responded to is the only one I saw (and now this one too of course).

wonnder1

I'm sorry, but where in this thread were you called anything? The post I responded to is the only one I saw (and now this one too of course).

Not directly to me, and not by you obviously. I just don't see what the deal is. You have rules, I can respect them, you just might have to tell me what they are. Doesn't make me a bad person, or you, just with different beliefs. I don't think I'd ever be a full-on vegetarian, but I can understand your reasoning. I'll admit, I feel GOOD after a vegetarian meal (with or without fish.)

But *most* of the vegetarians I know are so...I don't know, almost angry. Like they're defending themselves. And the OP kind of reminded me of that. Not everything in life is "my way or the highway." Some people go to a gym...some people stay home. Some Catholics go to church...some don't. It takes all kinds.