All Or Nothing?

[Rhys]

Recently I have been eating some non-vegetarian cheeses when I'm in France with my family, as it's difficult to turn down proffered cheese without embarrassment, and even though I've explained my vegetarianism they don't seem to get it. I've rationalised this as I think we all need to do what we can, but sometimes there are compromises to be made for social reasons. What do you think? Should a vegetarian be 100% 'pure' or is it OK to lapse once in a while in order to be a better friend/son/grandson? I always try to eat ethically, but there are times when I'll have something that contains eggs which are unlikely to be free-range (eg cake at a party), which is also a compromise... it's a bit of a moral dilemma.

[Kitty15]

No way!!! Once you know where rennet comes from how can you eat it? Defo couldn't do it. Got to be veggie or I'm going hungry!!

[Rhys]

I know what you mean. I'm a bit torn between wanting to 'do no harm' to animals and my social obligations. Causing offence doesn't seem like the right thing to do either, though. I understand Buddhist monks accept gifts of non-vegetarian food, even if they're completely strict about their vegetarianism (or veganism!) at all other times. If I were shopping I wouldn't dream of picking up anything that wasn't 100% guaranteed veggie.

[givepeasachance]

Hi Rhys
Thanks for starting this thread - what an interesting dilemma. I know from the various people I've spoken with over the years that this need to balance social obligations (often family or partners' feelings) with your own desire to live meat-free can cause strain. Personally, I believe that every vegetarian needs to decide where they draw their lines, and be comfortable with that. You shouldn't feel bad if you decide that's not a compromise you're prepared to make, but neither should you feel guilty if you decide that compromise is better than conflict. It's up to you!

[Rhys]

Thanks for your kind words. I'm glad I'm not the only one who has this issue - it really is difficult sometimes. I'm so incredibly careful when shopping (I avoid 'unknown' ingredients such as whey powder, which could be either vegetarian or not) so it does seem a bit of a dichotomy...

[Kath001]

It depends on your reasons for going veggie. If you're making a stand, make it. If you're just trying to limit your impact on the environment and animals, take it as far you can. If it's for health reasons, the odd bit of rennet won't hurt (but the cholesterol might!).

[juker]

Its up to the individual how far they want to take it

I would only buy products which I know are definitely vegetarian, but if I were in someone elses home and they offered me something which would usually be vegetarian then I wouldnt ask to see ingredients

[Rhys]

Hi juker
That's sort of how I roll too. It's really interesting to hear that there are other people who aren't as careful round other people's houses as they are at home. You're right - it is all about personal choice.

[juker]

I think if someone has gone to the effort of providing me with something vegetarian then it would make them feel very uncomfortable and embarrassed if you were to ask for the ingredients and find something that is not vegetarian.

Obviously if they offered me a ham sandwich I would not / could not eat it out of politeness LOL

[Pecanhead]

I agree with Rhys and Juker. I really don't want to be a snooty sort of veggie, so when in social situations I'll go the cheese n onion route even if I'm not sure the cheese is vegetarian. if a friend offers to buy me a beer at the pub and I'm not sure it's veggie, I'll say yes unless I know for sure none of the beers on offer at veggie. But I always buy 100% veggie when I'm shopping. You make a good point about the cake, Rhys.it's hard to know what sort of eggs are going in when someone else makes it adn it can be impolite to give the baker the third degree. I don't eat eggs at home anymore and have found ways around using eggs in baking but I won't turn down cake... unless it's got bacon in.