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It is the position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada that appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.

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It is my view that the vegetarian manner of living by its purely physical effect on the human temperament would most beneficially influence the lot of mankind.

Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.
~Albert Einstein

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Veritas said:

What are we waiting for?

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Gastronomicus said:

Veritas said:

What are we waiting for?

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For lettuce to taste as good as steak

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Gastronomicus said:

Veritas said:

What are we waiting for?

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For lettuce to taste as good as steak

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InFest said:

I fully agree that people should be eating more vegetables then they are now.However I KNOW from personal experience that if anything, meat and protein should be the stable of you're diet. A problem that circulates around people these days is the relative lack of protein that we as a country consume. Vegan is definitely NOT the way to go, anyone that works serious manual labor will tell you that. Although I agree that having a vegan diet is way better than what most people are doing today, but it is most certainly not optimal.

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Gastronomicus said:

Veritas said:

What are we waiting for?

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For lettuce to taste as good as steak

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It may not be as good of 'quality' protein(s) as meats, but beans have loads of protein

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I assume that by "quality" you are referring to the amino acid profile of animal protein vs. plant protein?  While it is necessary to consume a variety of plants, seeds & nuts in order to obtain the 8 essential amino acids, this by no means indicates lesser quality.

Additionally, it is likely that the human requirement for protein has been vastly exaggerated.  Whole-foods-based, vegan diets have no trouble providing adequate protein, and have the benefit of being high in fiber and devoid of heart-damaging saturated fat. 

Too much protein is hard on our kidneys, and processing animal protein requires large amounts of calcium, which some research claims is "borrowed" from our bones, causing osteoporosis.  The U.S. has the highest consumption level of dairy calcium, AND the highest levels of osteoporosis.  Connection??

InFest said:

Of course you can, but what I am saying is that, humans were never meant to be complete vegetarians.
The stance that I take is based on the fact that I am a moderate weightlifter/bodybuilder/power lifter, and let me tell you, by consuming lots of protein, and having a anabolic diet, I am by far much healthier then when I was a vegan/runner type guys, if true fitness is you're goal a vegan diet will not suffice.

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This has been my experience as well. I tried a nearly vegetarian diet for about two months and used Whey Protein frequently. Veggies, legumes, and protein supplements just don't seem to be as good of an anabolic as meat.

With that being said, I have nearly cut red meat out of my diet altogether. Every once and awhile, if I am at a nice restaurant or something, I will indulge in a steak or juicy hamburger - but I primarily eat fish and chicken.

InFest said:

if true fitness is you're goal a vegan diet will not suffice.

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Vegetarian diets can also meet the needs of competitive athletes. Nutrition recommendations for vegetarian athletes should be formulated with consideration of the effects of both vegetarianism and exercise. The position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada on nutrition and athletic performance provides appropriate dietary guidance for athletes, although some modification may be needed to address vegetarians' needs.

...Vegetarian diets that meet energy needs and contain a variety of plant-based protein foods, such as soy products, other legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds, can provide adequate protein without the use of special foods or supplements

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InFest said:

Are you aware of any research that completely contradicts you're claims?

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Having a vegan diet, does not affect you're temperament in a positive way, it just makes you more of a wimp, due to the lack of testosterone.
Meat, and protein help increase the body's natural test levels, that always is accompanied by greater physical and mental well being

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Actually, increased free testosterone does NOT improve temperament unless it was unnaturally low prior to the increase.  When your testosterone levels are normal, an increase in free testosterone can make you surly, aggressive and overly reactive.    High testosterone levels also increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.

http://www.rense.com/health/meatlink.htm

Animal products are NOT required for the healthy male body to produce testosterone.  Zinc and Iron deficiency may interfere with testosterone production, but these are not created by a well-balanced vegan diet.  I'm not sure where you're getting your endocrinological info, but you may want to read some more creditable sources.

InFest said:

Despite what the article says, no truly competitive athlete will take up vegetarianism, it is simply not a route most people are willing to or should take.

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Even ignoring all the points I made prior it is more expensive to be a vegan, then to just be omnivorous like we should be.

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Anyone who says you can get adequate protein levels from a vegan diet, does not understand the importance that it plays in our bodies.

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