.............. About Vegetarianism
The first thing that comes to peoples mind when they hear the words "Vegetarian" is that these
are the people who eats vegetables and all icky and slimy things they can think about.
But really, it isn't true at all. For all you know you might be a vegetarian yourself. At least at a certain level. There are different kinds of vegans and its a matter of choice and belief of what you eat and not.
Let me begin by sharing my story and how I became demi-vegetarian.
I lived with my Grandmother for the longest time I can remember and she does not eat pork or beef (red meat) to
maintain her health. And certainly since I was kid I was used to eating what she served. We also live in Baguio
where there's an abundance of vegetables which are both fresh and affordable.
Given those, I was used to the taste of vegetables. I love chicken joy like every other kid and ofcourse I do go to McDonalds and Jollibee for their burgers and hotdog sandwiches. Specially when I went to high school
which was farther to our house.
In Elementary I can still eat grilled pork.
By High School I stopped eating that and resulted to hotdogs and burgers.
In college I have unknowingly lessened hotdogs and burgers. Increased my sweet intake probably.
And when I started working at age 21 my pallete seemed to change and I loved wheat breads, pestos, fruitshakes and the more that I loved greens.
I then realized that I don't eat the way most of my colleagues at work does. I cannot imagine myself eating lechon or pork chop (typing this even makes me gag). And so that was the time that I have researched about vegetarianism. I also noticed that when people in Baguio goes to famous restaurants of grilled stuff like barbeque, I'd prefer to go to the following restaurants who serves vegetarian meals.
So to clarify things here are some information about the levels of Vegetarianism.
source: http://www.yellins.com/veg/different_types.html
Vegetarians eat no red meat, poultry, fish, or products that have ingredients which are animal-based such as Gelatine. They do eat Vegetarian cheese, yoghurt, milk, eggs, honey etc. They also don't wear leather or fur.
Lactose-Vegetarians do not eat any foods that involve the slaughter of animals. They don't eat eggs, but do eat Vegetarian cheese, yoghurt, and milk.
Vegans do not eat the same things as vegetarians but also will not eat any product that is derived from animals. No meat, cheese, butter, milk, eggs or honey.
Demi-Vegetarian (commonly misinterpreted as Vegetarian by meat-eaters)
Demi-Vegetarians don't eat red meat or poultry, but they do eat fish, eggs, Vegetarian cheese, and milk-based products. This is not true Vegetarianism, although it is probably easiest for those just starting to become Veggie.
Fruitarian
A Fruitarian is somebody who believes that you should not kill any living thing to survive. Instead, they can only eat the fruit of plants that don't actually mean death to the plant. This is actually true believe it or not!
Here are some photos for Bliss Cafe, O Mai Khan and Oh My Gulay restaurants in Baguio. And yes ofcourse
how can I forget mother's garden. In case you would like to check them out if you're in the city of Pines.
Bliss Cafe
Oh my Gulay
O Mai Khan
Mother's Garden
