The California Aggie article

[Guest guest]

Self-definition through diet Self-definition through diet By: Ryan Willingham Issue date: 1/17/06 Section: Features Article Tools: Page 1 of 1 Media Credit: Sara VoosenThirty years ago, the idea of surviving on fruits and vegetables alone seemed like a component of a counterculture lifestyle.Now, however, vegetarianism has evolved into a growing component of mainstream America and has spawned even more disciplined diets. One offshoot of meat-free vegetarianism that has become increasingly popular is veganism.This stricter practice focuses on consuming only plant products and not eating or wearing any animal products whatsoever.According to Mark Werf, grocery manager of the Davis Food Co-Op, the precise

diet of veganism depends on each person's preferences. One thing that differentiates some vegans is whether they eat honey.A driving point of veganism is the refusal to harm or exploit animals in any way. Since bees naturally produce honey and are not harmed when it is extracted, it is not viewed as a problem to some vegans but is to others."Being vegan isn't a religion that has 'rules'; it is simply a lifestyle," said UC Davis senior Peter Hernandez. "Personally, for me, it is a choice to eliminate cruelty towards all living beings."Although junior Britany Alarid is a vegetarian, she said both forms are lifestyle choices and not simply diet plans."Everyone assumes vegans or vegetarians are extremists, but I am a vegetarian for myself, not anyone else," Alarid said. "I think a lot of people are vegetarians because they think it is cool. It is almost trendy to be vegetarian once you enter college."Adrienne Starkey, a junior at UC Davis, is

currently a vegetarian, but plans on becoming vegan by February."I thought, 'I like cows, but I eat them. So, do I really like them?'" Starkey said. "It made more sense to have your actions correspond with your supposed beliefs."Aside from the moral debate over eating animal products, some potential vegans wonder if they will be able to find a wide selection of vegan food."Restaurants like Ding How have entire vegetarian menus where most items are vegan," Hernandez said. "Thai Recipes are also very good, since they don't put fish sauce in their items. Katmandu has several vegan items, and you can order some 'vegan on request.'"Davis markets, according to Hernandez, carry many vegan products. The website vivausa.org also provides a guide to available vegan products in many grocery stores.Werf, who is not a vegetarian or vegan, said the Co-Op offers a large selection of vegan products."We have tofu- and soy-based ice cream, vegan pastas

.... brown rice and crackers and soy meat products," he said.The Co-Op even sells vegan kosher products and vegan raw foods, which are processed at a lower temperature than other vegan foods.The treatment of the animals that are used for food was an influential motivator for John Greaves, a Co-Op employee and certified chef, in deciding whether to become a vegetarian or vegan."For one pound of growth weight on a cow you spend 12 to 15 pounds of grain and hundreds of gallons of water," Greaves said.Greaves explained that many cows die during transport due to lack of food and water. Using electricity, the cows are then arranged into rows and killed with a stun gun. Depending on how accurately they are hit with the gun, the cows may still be alive when they are hooked in the back and their throats are slit."You put me in a line and I see the person in front of me get shot in the head and hooked, I would be freaked out." he said.Vegans also

point to the health consequences of overeating animal products as a reason to change their eating habits. Greaves explained that people on high protein diets overstress their kidneys as their organs are forced to work harder to process the large amount of meat they eat.But critics of veganism often point to the risks associated with a restricted diet.In a 2000 article from Nutrition Perspectives magazine, researchers found that the 50 different nutrients needed for normal body function are found when a wide variety of foods is consumed. The article went on to say that restricting one's diet can increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies.But despite the possible risks, many continue to stay committed to their animal-free lifestyle choices."I oppose factory farming and the cruelty that is involved in them," Hernandez said, in explaining his reasoning for being vegan. "[Also] because half the water in the U.S. goes to the beef industry and because

factory farming pollutes the air, the water and our bodies."Peter H

 

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[Guest guest]

wow that came out a bunch of goobily goop on my system

but, from wot i was able to read...Rebecca use to go to the Co-op(davis is down the road a piece yonder from her old place)

 

cheers

fraggle

1000 miles of endless screams, where all the dead heroes lay I've got the choice to set my knife, I've got the courage to set my life I've got the day I'll pick to die. Gotta hate someone, I don't know why I'll fight for a better way, be a dead hero for the U.S.A.