Well I was trying to do this at a time that veganisim wasn’t “in” so there was very little to offer in the way of supplements or all the frozen meals they have now and I was young and lacking knowledge in how to get my protein intake nowadays it’s so easy to go meat free...that’s awesome it’s working out for you and the animals thank you

Veggies that are home grown, and/or grown without exposure to petrochemicals are definitely preferable.

LOL, no they don't.

Without predation the balance gets screwed up.
Populations get so far out of whack it starts having a negative effect on the species (humans?).

Just imagine for a sec that humans stopped eating animals.
Cows will still be making more cows and eating.
Pigs will still be making more pigs and eating.
Chickens will still be making more chickens, even more if we are not harvesting their eggs...and eating.

So now you have cows, pigs and chickens disease ridden and starving.
Human consumption keeps their numbers in check.

Yes, a meat free diet is not only more viable an option now, but there are also a lot of surprisingly affordable and tasty meat alternative products readily available.

Natural animal reproduction and predation in the wild self regulates and finds a balance.

Forced animal reproduction and industrialized farming of animals for human consumption causes a lot of imbalance, and collateral damage.

Exactly

I agree, humans caused the problem by domesticating and harvesting but that isn't the issue because most people I know primarily eat cow, pig or chicken (and fish).
In order for the self-regulation and balance by predation to again be effective the numbers would need to be significantly reduced.
Hunting permits/limits and fishing permits/limits are also humans attempting to control natural population numbers (culling).
We kill animals when they encroach on our habitat. Problem is, our habitats are getting larger as our population continues to expand.
You stop hunting deer, you will probably find venison in the grocery stores because venison is good to eat and if the populations are not culled, that meat is going to go to waste.
The fact is, humans are omnivorous. We have canine teeth and the ability to break down meat in our guts. We are hunters, our eyes are stereoscopic and front facing. Prey animals have eyes on the sides to watch for predators.
They don't have canine teeth and some can't metabolize meat in their gut.

Bacon and eggs is a sacrifice from the pig and a sacrificial contribution from the chicken. Thing is, neither one cares and if they did, we don't give them much choice do we?

Because WE ARE PREDATORS

Ive been a pescatarian for a few years and have substantially cut back on diary products. Almost completely cut out fried foods. Have always had a heavy veggie based lifestyle/eating habits.

Was surprised with how much protein were in certain vegetables.

Humans also have large brains and the ability to empathize. We've learned that we can choose to not be predatory and still survive, thrive, and coexist with other flesh and blood creatures with some semblance of humane behavior.

I still eat dairy products (mostly cheese) and eggs. Homemade french fries are a fave of mine, so I usually prepare some at least once a week. Had some today in fact.

I agree.
We are at a point where we are not required to eat meat.
All thru my life and while my kids were growing I needed every dinner to have a meat entree.
Now that I am on my own, I am not so adamant about meat with my meals.
But, I do love a nice ribeye or pork chop.
I am not so dedicated to eating meat as I once was.
I have and do enjoy meatless meals from time to time now.
Not because I am against eating meat but more because my body requirements are different now than they were when I was working everyday.
I have nothing 'against' vegetarians I just don't buy the dogma most try to use to convince people of a change in diet.
Meat is part of many people's diets, they do just fine.
Yes, you can now get all the nutrients you need from other than meat sources.
You can also get those nutrients from a paste like substance that you ingest from a feeding tube.
People don't forego grocery stores in favor of a feeding tube either.

The bottom line is there is no argument.
We eat what we like.
You might like plants, I prefer steak.
Whatever floats your boat.

My homemade fries come out wonky so I dont bother any more.

Whats your secret?

I only date vegetarian, that way, when I take them to the steakhouse restaurant, I get all the steak and they just get a salad.

its being cheap, while not looking cheap.

Um... my secret is Ore Ida...

But I fry them myself. Just enough canola oil to cover a single layer of fries in a large iron skillet on the stove top. Temp the oil, add the fries at around 325*F, reduce the burner temp to around medium once they start to show just a little brown. Continue frying until they're evenly golden brown.

Hmm... or perhaps it's being tacky, while making you feel clever?

Not "clever"..
Just cheap, and tacky..and insensitive as he**....

If *I* dated someone who was a vegetarian, I sure wouldn't pick a steakhouse for a date..
I go somewhere we could both find food we liked, and saved my craving for prime rib for when i am dining alone..

I'm a second hand vegetarian. Cows eat grass, I eat cows.

Vegetarian is an old Indian word. Means poor hunter.

Vegetarian for about 5+ years, since being diagnosed with diabetes.
My heart is not in it yet but my body is ;-)

I'm not vegetarian, when I was visiting my brother who is I ate vegetarian only because I had to cook for us and it was easier but I would sneak over to Taco Bell when I was through working out . He's been strict vegetarian for over 30 years no meat, dairy or sugar everything organic . But my x and I had small farms raised or own cattle, pork, chickens had big gardens . Just want to say this to everyone who is "vegetarian" you have to really read the ingredients on the processed food you buy or order in restaurants that shrimp dish you order at Phuuck Yewies Chinese Restaurant just might be made with ANIMAL FAT.

During the age of exploration, islands were seeded with chickens, goats, and sometimes hogs. Devastation. Invasive species may not find balance.