The Many Types of You

Most people get vegetarians mixed-up with vegans, which is understandable. They are closely related and share many of the same views, but that all depends on what kind of vegetarian you are.
There are several different types of vegetarians that most people look over. These different types of vegetarians meet the desires of everyone who wishes to become vegetarian. Some are flexible and some are more strict, like being vegan. Which one is right for you? Let's see...

A Lacto-ovo vegetarians are the most common stereotype for vegetarians. It's usually the first thing that comes to mind when you picture a vegetarian. Lacto-ovo vegetarians do not eat fish, pork, lamb, beef, poultry, shellfish or any type of flesh-meat but they do eat dairy products and eggs. Lacto, from Latin, meaning milk and ovo from Latin, as well, meaning egg.
Lacto vegetarian only eats dairy and no type of meat what-so-ever. And an Ovo vegetarian would just eat eggs and no dairy. Self-explanatory.

Flexitarians or Semi-vegetarians are a branch of vegetarian where you tend to eat meats and vegetarian foods. It's a little half-and-half. They usually cut out red meats though, but not all Flexitarians do.

Pescetarians usually abstain from eating all meat except for fish. It's more of a stepping-stone to becoming vegan or  vegetarian, it's not usually a common type of vegetarianism, but more and more people are adopting this type of diet.

Macrobiotics usually include unprocessed vegan foods, fruits and vegetables, the occasional fish and whole grains in their diets. They do not consume sugars or refined oils, they emphasize more on eating asian and sea vegetables.

Fruitarians eat only fruits, some vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds. They eat mostly fruits, nuts, grains and seeds because you can pick the eatable products of the plants without actually killing the plants. Picking vegetables usually kills the plant. You can think of them extremists in the belief of pro-life.
They're diets usually consist of raw-foods.

Pollo Vegetarians consume poultry such as chicken, duck and turkey. They do not eat any other type of meat and I'm sure that most adapt eggs into their diets, but it's a personal choice.

Vegans do not consume anything that has come from an animal. So any meat products, fish, eggs, dairy, sugars, most oils, gelatin, some wines, honey or anything that has been processed from animal products. They also tend not to have anything made from animals such as clothes, furniture, bags, etc.
It's a very strict diet, but a very amazing path.

I happen to be a Lacto-Pesce vegetarian; only eating dairy and some types fish. It's definitely easier to find food wherever I choose to go, compared to some other types of vegetarians. I also am hoping to become vegan in the near future. If only I can just learn to live without milk chocolate and ice-cream...

So, just because the stereotype isn't how you'd like to live your vegetarian life, it doesn't mean there aren't easy alternatives that still consider you a vegetarian. Any path you choose will ultimately better you inside and out.

Thank you so much for reading!

I Just Wanna Say...

Happy Birthday to me!
Haha, well,  I got a great birthday surprise this morning when I saw my blog is almost to 1,000 views. It may not seem many to you, but it's a big milestone for me. I wouldn't have gotten to this point without you guys and I just want to thank you all so much for reading my blog every week...kinda every week...when I post a new one.
It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Thank you guys.
Oh and just so my blog isn't just a thank you note:
We, my family and I, went to The Cheesecake Factory today and let me tell you; their veggie burger was awesome! Made with beets, onions, black beans and a few other vegetables...it's just perfect. (No product placement here) Their mushroom burger is the best burger in their restaurant and they have many pasta and fish options as well that are fantastic. Their smoothies are oh, so good.
So if your ever in the neighborhood and you're looking for some good vegetarian food, definitely hit-up The Cheesecake Factory.
 Thank you so much for reading!

Some Interesting Facts You Have To Read

During my usual busy day, I came across a few interesting facts about being vegetarian and some important people who are vegetarian, as well. And that I thought I'd share them with you guys.

* During a study in Great Britain, researchers found that a child's IQs can predict his likelihood of becoming vegetarian at an older age. The smarter the child was, the more likely it is he will reject meat.

* Research shows that men who eliminate red meats from their diets have a more sexually appealing body odor. And you wonder why people say vegetarians smell better...

* Many people believed that Adolf Hitler was a vegetarian. The man who brought on the Holocaust and had furniture made out of humans, yes, he was vegetarian. He predicted that in the future the world would become vegetarian. While entertaining omnivore guests in his home he would tell them many horror stories about what happened in slaughterhouses. When they became put-off by meat, he laughed and mocked them for their hypocrisy. It is noted, that on one occasion that he proclaimed,"That shows how cowardly people are. They can't face doing certain horrible things themselves, but they enjoy the benefits without a pang of conscience."

* We have had many, many, many important and famous people in this world(or no longer in this world) who have been vegetarian including; Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, Andre 3000, Benjamin Franklin, Bill Clinton, Betty White, Bob Marley, Brook Shields, Buddha, Charles Darwin, Cesar Chavez, Diogenes, Ellen Degeneres, Elijah Wood, Jackie Chan, Jason Mraz, Jim Carrey, Jesus Christ, John Lennon, Kirk Hammett, Leonardo diCaprio, Leonardo Di Vinci, Ozzy Osborne, Rob Zombie and thousands-upon-thousands more.

*Our teeth have never, in the history of us being on Earth, had teeth that resemble those of carnivores or flesh-eater. Our teeth now, our "canines", are nothing like that of bears, cats, dogs or any other meat eating animal. 

* In both the Old and New Testaments (sorry Agnostics, Atheists and other religions) there is considerable reference that we, as humans, were created a total humans.

* Livestock with cancerous tumors are regularly used for meat. You never find tumors in you meat because they cut them out before they can be shipped off for human consumption.  The same goes for chickens as well. Just because they have cut out the tumor means , well, absolutely nothing. The tumor or cancer is passed onto you. It would most likely develop in your colon, but you never see vegetarians or vegans with colon cancer...unless for some s or the unusual, rare reason. 

* Leonardo Di Vinci has said these wise words, "Truly man is the king of beasts, for his brutality exceeds theirs. We live by the death of others. We are burial places!"

As well as: 

"I have from an early age abjured the use of meat, and the time will come when men such as I, will look upon the murder of animals, as they now look upon the murder of men."

*A fact from me.

 I have been weight-lifting every day, twice a day for a week now. Now, I'm not talking 5-10 pounds and 15 of everything for two exercises. I do 60-100 lifts of 12 different exercises and lifting 50-120 pounds with every exercise for three hours a day. Doesn't seem that crazy, you could probably lift more right? Well, the last time I worked out was, maybe, 2+ years ago. Two years ago I was not a vegetarian. I had difficulties being able to concentrate and do any sort of activity for more than 5 minutes. I could not lift, bench-press or anything, more than 20 pounds. I am not sore, in any pain, fatigued or any consequences I would face from doing this extensive workout from nothing. I have so much energy and can't wait for my next workout, I'm actually dying to go back right now! 

This is far different from my life years ago. You can say; I'm just lucky or I must have built muscle and muscle flexibility over the years somehow, but trust me the only thing I built was fat and health problems. 

As a vegetarian you will lose weight and you will be able to do things you didn't think you ever could. Maybe those things are completing a 20K marathon or giving your kids a chance at a normal, healthy life. And I'll be here every step of the way, no matter what.

Thank you so much for reading!

Best Vegetarian Restaurants In The Nation And More!

Fast food restaurants are great to have around and yeah, the local health foods store or deli is nice too, but sometimes we deserve a little more as vegetarians. Fast food joints and your average vegetarian friendly restaurant just doesn't cut it. After a little research and a vacation trip, I've found the best of the best restaurants in the nation that are all about us. I also looked up some very good restaurants in Russia for my international viewers and a few in Europe as well.
The Candle 79, also known as The Candle Cafe, which is located in New York, New York. There are two choices, you can eat at the upper east side restaurant or the upper west side restaurant. Both restaurants are the same and amazing. The food is fresh, organic and 100% vegan. This fantastic eatery was started in 1984 and has been rated the #1 vegetarian restaurant by Zagat. 
The Green Zebra is located in Chicago and is a top-notch restaurant. The chef, Shawn McClain, has been awarded with the title "Best Chef in the Mid-West" and his culinary talents really show that title is beyond true. The Green in the restaurant's title comes from the Chef's philosophy that revolves around having the best and most fresh ingredients for his customers.
The Madeleine Bistro is located in Tarzana, California. This bistro is crazy. The culinary visionary for this restaurant is David Anderson who is one of the top, and I mean top, Chefs/students/people. He has been named "Chef of the Year" and has been in countless magazines and he was the first vegetarian chef to be asked to participate in the Epcot Food and Wine Festival at Disney. He was also involved in Oprah Winfrey's 21-day vegan cleanse. Their menu is extensive to say the least and you can find almost anything and everything you could desire there.
And lastly, Sublime. Sublime is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A very close-to-home place for me that I'm dying to go to. This restaurant isn't only know for their 4 out of 4 star cuisine, but the atmosphere is beautiful! Cascading window waterfalls, scenic lighting, open-hearth oven, Italian glass tiles and a rainforest-type atmosphere...It's high class eating. It has been named the "Top in Restaurant Decor" and USA Today, Sun-Sentenial  has named it one of the top ten restaurants in the nation. The restaurant is also visited frequently by big-name stars like Alec Baldwin, Pamela Anderson, Paul McCartney and Bob Barker. 
For out-of-the-country vegetarian dining, these are a few:
The Botanika Cafe was opened by an american vegetarian and yoga pioneer. This true vegetarian restaurant is located in 7, Pestelya Str, Metro: Chernishevskaya, Saint Petersburg Russia. At this restaurant you can find Russian, Italian, Japanese and Indian foods and every sandwich has a pretty funny name. 
The Avocado is a vegetarian restaurant located in Moscow, Russia. The restaurant has a very diverse menu, pulling in food from all around the world. It has a typical Russian atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
The Idiot restaurant is definitely a great spot for veggie food. Aside from the name this place is represents a hero's atmosphere and you'd have to be a idiot not to go there. It is a low-budget fort of place located in St. Petersburg, Russia. It has a 18-19 century look to it and the menu was written by the famous writer Dostoevsky. 
La Mano Verde is located in Kempkinski Plaza, Uhlandstrasse in Berlin, Germany. This is a vegan, raw, gourmet sort of place. Half is raw and half is cooked food, with organic beer and wine galore! It's a 4.5/5 rated restaurant and, I mean, they have a vegan dish that looks like sushi...It's definitely an open-minded place. 
I hope that one of these restaurants are close to home and that you get the chance to check em' out. They are definitely not a waste of time or money and you won't be sorry you went. I'll try and find more vegetarian restaurants around the world and write another post about them soon.
Thank you for reading!

You Don't Want To Try These

Most vegetarian/vegan foods are positively amazing, but there are a few that you never, ever want to try. Some people have those choice tastes and these foods may actually be tasty, but for everyone else...just steer clear.
Nutmeat. It's this gelatinous substance that's just...uck! It's slimy, smells bad and makes your tongue tingle. If you would like Spam flavored jello, this vegetarian meat may be for you.
Tofu-Dogs. Look...they have the combination texture of marshmallows and rubber. It's extremely hard to get over if you're a crunch-lover like me. The taste isn't the best either, it's a real let down for veggie dogs.
Vegan shrimp, prawns and lobster. They are just so gross, so gross. The texture is WAY off and it looks and wiggles too similar to thereal thing. They are chewy and the taste is definitely something to get used to.
Tofurkey. It looks nothing and tastes nothing like turkey. It's like fish wearing a cat-suit, it just doesn't work.
Vegan caviar. I have never had vegan caviar or regular caviar, something about eating roe just seems wrong to me. They are baby fishies! But I have heard that its just wrong; has a totally different taste, is jelly-like and isn't nearly as salty.
These are the only vegetarian/vegan foods that I have tried or heard of that are just flat out gross. Every section of food has its downsides, not too many here (thank goodness). You never know what you're are going to love or what foods you are going to hate, but never be afraid to try em' all, no matter the color or smell. I mean... My favorite fruit drink is green. Green. But it's the most amazing drink I have ever had. Try ever thing you can, minus these few meat alternatives.
Thank you so much for reading!

I Dare You To Read This: Cows

If you thought things were pretty bad from the last "I Dare You To Read This" post, you might not want to continue reading. Things are worse...much worse.
Cows
Every year over 42 million cows die each year, between the meat and dairy industry. Cows are branded with extremely hot pokers that leave them with 3rd degree burns, have their horns cut or burned off and are castrated, usually, without painkillers, screaming and struggling to break free. And it's not like they are given a dosage strong enough to dull all the pain. 
Cattle on feedlots are fed a very unhealthy diet that's only goal is to fatten them up to the fullest possible. Being on this unnatural diet causes them chronic digestive pain where they are so filled with gas they looked bloated and their breathing is impaired by compressing of their lungs. Fatal abscesses line their stomachs because of this diet, which effect nearly 32% of cattle raised for beef. But even those who do not suffer rom ulcers still have; excessive stomach acid that causes altogether causes Acute Acidosis. 
This then leads to bodily fluids being rushed to the rumen and the cow eventually dies. The feedlot air is saturated with methane, ammonia, and other noxious gases that are caused by large build ups of manure and the cows have no choice but to breathe all of this toxic air. The cattle raied for meat are also fed regular doses of drugs like antibiotics that cause them to grow at rapid rates and keep them alive until they are shipped off to the slaughterhouse. But these cows aren't fed meds from the vet, oh no, they are fed higher doses and human-grade meds because taking them to the vet would cost the company more money. 

Any cattle that survive the trip to the slaughter are exhausted And many are too sick or too tired to even walk. These cows that can not walk or are too tired to are called "downers", which are usual led chained and roped by their legs and dragged off the trucks. Any cows healthy enough to walk are too scared to even get out of the truck because they fear being shocked by electric prods or dragged out, both ofwhich happen anyways. Even worse is that uncooperative cows are beaten and have the prods stuck in their faces and up their rectums. 
These cows are shoved into a chute and are shot in the head with a captive-bolt gun, meant to stun them, but uninformed/undertrained employees are pushing these cows through too fast and do not render them insensible to pain. These poor cows have their legs cut off while being fully conscious; they blink, heads move, they look around....they feel every single cut. Some cows have their throats cut, and are still alive even several minutes after their throats are cut, production still goes on whether the cow is dead or not.
The cows are usually not cleaned before being slaughtered, so; manure, dirt, urine, blood and God knows what else is caked all over these cows. If they are cleaned then its by being sprayed with a high-pressure hose and it's surely painful. If the cows aren't cleaned...the meat has to be cleaned somehow, and what's better than the cheapest, quickest way? It's cleaned with ammonia or bleach. It is sat in a vat and cleaned with those chemicals. 
I suggest watching Food, Inc or Foodmatters, which are both great documentaries to watch if you want to learn more on what you eat. I learned most of this information from Food, Inc...It helped me make my final decision in becoming vegetarian. 
Thank you so much for reading and loving animals as much as I do.

Veggie Bacon and Chik'n?

Being vegetarian doesn't mean you eat nothing but steamed vegetables and peanuts all day. Meat alternatives are great helpers for meals and those meaty cravings that cause most vegetarians to cheat.
There are tons of different brands to choose from when it comes to meat alternatives. They range from Italian to mexican foods, american favorites and even ice creams. I hate the taste of meat, always have and always will, but I love meat alternatives so much. My favorite brand of meat alternatives are a type of freezer brand, that are easy to cook and taste freaking amazing.
Morningstar Farms products are found near the frozen veggies and Healthy Choice meals. They have everything from veggie burgers to sweet and sour chik'n entrees. They are so good. My favorites are the Veggie Bacon, Hickory BBQ Riblets and Mushroom Lover's burgers. These items may be pre-made, but that doesn't mean you have to just stick with what you're given. The Morningstar Farms website gives you recipes on the right-side of different ways to make meals out of their products. These foods are low calorie, low fat and organic. They are a little pricy compared to most foods, but it's completely worth it. These foods taste just like the meats, but fresh and taste clean. The chik'n nuggets taste better than real chicken nuggets!
Boca has pretty good burgers. They definitely take pride in making a number of different types of burgers. Garden Burger is another brand that puts Boca and Morningstar Farms burgers to shame. Gimme-Lean has burgers and chik'n patties, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's are also very good.
I love Whole Foods. All of these foods are either vegan or vegetarian and are made entirely out of vegetables, fruits, soy or dairy.
Never be afraid to try new things, especially if you're new to being vegetarian. Something you may not have thought you'd ever like or eat may just become your favorite meal or snack. I never thought I'd love soy beans/edamame; they look weird and smell a little weird too, but now they're my favorite bean and I eat them all the time.
Being vegetarian doesn't mean you give up everything you love and lead a plain life of fruits and veggies raw. You can eat all the foods you once loved, they're just a little different.