An interesting take on vegetarianism

fteale

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/aug/26/hugh-fearnley-whittingstall-vegetables

This article is also the introduction to a book I was given for Christmas. It is a very interesting take on vegetarianism and meat consumption in the West by someone who until now has been a well known meat chef and journalist.

I agree with absolutely everything he says, and find it very interesting that HE is saying it. I hope some meat eaters take note.

cramernh

I really wish you would consider not jumping on the whole "stop eating meat" campaign and perhaps go the more obvious and legitimate route and say "consider talking with your physician to see if this is right for you".

The article is not by a professional healthcare provider and therefore rediculous to think this is credible for everyone and anyone.

Ive actually tried your food-related lifestyle about 20 years ago and it put me in the damn hospital despite the fact I was under the guidance of a registered dietician learning how to balance things out. It was so high-carb, my insulin wouldnt shut off and was on the brink of insulin-shock...

So before you consider going on your vegetarianism-campaign promoting an article that has no legitimate medical professional information, you really should be promoting people to always keep their primary care physicians on their side with any type of food related lifestyle choices because it could be a detriment...

calliope_music

I really wish you would consider not jumping on the whole "stop eating meat" campaign and perhaps go the more obvious and legitimate route and say "consider talking with your physician to see if this is right for you".

The article is not by a professional healthcare provider and therefore rediculous to think this is credible for everyone and anyone.

Ive actually tried your food-related lifestyle about 20 years ago and it put me in the damn hospital despite the fact I was under the guidance of a registered dietician learning how to balance things out. It was so high-carb, my insulin wouldnt shut off and was on the brink of insulin-shock...

So before you consider going on your vegetarianism-campaign promoting an article that has no legitimate medical professional information, you really should be promoting people to always keep their primary care physicians on their side with any type of food related lifestyle choices because it could be a detriment...

Many studies have shown that a vegetarian lifestyle is healthier than a meat-eating lifestyle, but I *definitely* agree with you. Please talk with your physician or a dietician about learning how to balance things out properly. It's always best to get medical advice from a professional as opposed to a book!

elliott062907

I was Vegetarian for about 3 years then went to pescetarian. I loved it. I was healthy. Slender. Never got sick. Then I started listening to everyone else about how bad it was and let others sway me. Back to fast food and bad meats and all. Now, Im over weight again, feel like sludge a lot and back on track with my fitness pals. Will I go back to the life style I enjoyed? Maybe, or will I slow down the meats, Probably.

My son is strick vegetarian for 3.5 years and his asthma has stopped and he has grown 5 inches and several lbs and is never sick and so full of energy.

stylistchik

This was a great article! It's not saying "don't eat meat" it's saying "eat more vegetables." Then it goes on to explain how we are close-minded about cooking in the west and opening your mind to new ways of cooking can be fun and healthy. Most people don't get sick from having a diet high in vegetables, it's the other way around. Great find!

echoica

great article! thanks for sharing

mangozulu

Great article! Thank you so much for posting the link. My family and I have made it our New Years resolution to eat less meat. I particularly like Whittingstall's terminology for his eating style of "selective omnivore" . I'm currently a Nutrition and Dietetics student with an ASc degree, working toward the Bachelor's accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. I am very convinced that a plant dominant diet is the healthiest diet possible for everyone. Happy New Year!

LATeagno

I eat more meat (and subsequently, more fat) than ever and weigh less, have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol than I did while I was eating no red meat and more whole grains. I've read dozens of books that support the very results I have found in myself. IMHO, grain consumption is a problem, not meat consumption. That said, yes, veggies should make up a lot of our diets. Although, to each his own.

veganbaum

I really wish you would consider not jumping on the whole "stop eating meat" campaign and perhaps go the more obvious and legitimate route and say "consider talking with your physician to see if this is right for you".

The article is not by a professional healthcare provider and therefore rediculous to think this is credible for everyone and anyone.

Ive actually tried your food-related lifestyle about 20 years ago and it put me in the damn hospital despite the fact I was under the guidance of a registered dietician learning how to balance things out. It was so high-carb, my insulin wouldnt shut off and was on the brink of insulin-shock...

So before you consider going on your vegetarianism-campaign promoting an article that has no legitimate medical professional information, you really should be promoting people to always keep their primary care physicians on their side with any type of food related lifestyle choices because it could be a detriment...

Maybe you should read the article before ranting. It is NOT about vegetarianism, he specifically says he doubts he would ever be a vegetarian (though yes, the title of this post and the OP's post is misleading about the article). He is promoting eating more vegetables and simply reducing meat consumption, for a variety of reasons, and mentions selective omnivorism. Additionally, in the U.S. anyway, primary care physicians are not at all trained in nutrition. If you want to talk to a professional about drastically changing your diet, see a dietitian. But really, does anyone need to see a professional about whether or not it's a good idea to increase your vegetable consumption?

fteale

I really wish you would consider not jumping on the whole "stop eating meat" campaign and perhaps go the more obvious and legitimate route and say "consider talking with your physician to see if this is right for you".

The article is not by a professional healthcare provider and therefore rediculous to think this is credible for everyone and anyone.

Ive actually tried your food-related lifestyle about 20 years ago and it put me in the damn hospital despite the fact I was under the guidance of a registered dietician learning how to balance things out. It was so high-carb, my insulin wouldnt shut off and was on the brink of insulin-shock...

So before you consider going on your vegetarianism-campaign promoting an article that has no legitimate medical professional information, you really should be promoting people to always keep their primary care physicians on their side with any type of food related lifestyle choices because it could be a detriment...

I am slightly confused as to why you think I am promoting a high carb life style. My carbs are usually around 100g a day, which I don't think counts as high carb to anyone.

calliope_music

I eat more meat (and subsequently, more fat) than ever and weigh less, have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol than I did while I was eating no red meat and more whole grains. I've read dozens of books that support the very results I have found in myself. IMHO, grain consumption is a problem, not meat consumption. That said, yes, veggies should make up a lot of our diets. Although, to each his own.

I would also add that it's also the quality of the grains that count. A slice of white bread probably isn't going to have as much nutrition as a slice of wheat bread. Likewise, eating 3 cups of white pasta vs. 1 cup of wheat pasta is probably also a problem.

Also, mmmm. Carbs. :P

gingerb85

I really wish you would consider not jumping on the whole "stop eating meat" campaign and perhaps go the more obvious and legitimate route and say "consider talking with your physician to see if this is right for you".

The article is not by a professional healthcare provider and therefore rediculous to think this is credible for everyone and anyone.

Ive actually tried your food-related lifestyle about 20 years ago and it put me in the damn hospital despite the fact I was under the guidance of a registered dietician learning how to balance things out. It was so high-carb, my insulin wouldnt shut off and was on the brink of insulin-shock...

So before you consider going on your vegetarianism-campaign promoting an article that has no legitimate medical professional information, you really should be promoting people to always keep their primary care physicians on their side with any type of food related lifestyle choices because it could be a detriment...

I actually don't think you read the article. Nowhere in it does it say "stop eating meat." It says EAT MORE VEGETABLES.

And please let me add that the majority of physicians in the US receive very little education on nutrition. Consulting most physicians about nutrition is ridiculous. Perhaps a dietitian, yes, but not a physician. I work in the health care industry. There are cardiothoracic surgeons who smoke and eat bacon double cheeseburgers like they are going out of style. Allopathic medicine is all about fixing a problem, not preventing one. And their "fix" is usually a pill or surgery. If a good "less meat, more veggies" diet can even possibly prevent future health problems, you are ahead of the game.

msarro

One thing that should be mentioned - while yes, you should talk to your doctor, you're far better talking to a nutritionist. Your average medical doctor has utterly pathetic training on nutrition beyond the absolute basics. Some are better than others, but in reality its just not that important in western medicine. That's why specialists exist.

raevynn

When I told my doctor that I was doing Raw Vegan, he smiled, and said, "You're going to be getting a lot more vitamins in your food that way", and wandered out the door.

I'd guess that most doctors would be supportive of eating more fresh veggies.