Most vegetarians are rather naive, they lack an over-all sense of balance and a larger guiding philosophy. For many vegetarianism is only a function of sentiment - they don't want to kill animals, but they do not understand that plants are living things that feel as well. Others simply stop eating animal food and just continue with the vegetables they are accustomed to not realizing that the function that animal food served in their diets must be replaced as well. Consequently their diets lack high quality whole grains, fermented vegetables and vegetable protein products, and often cooked vegetables as well. Many claim to be following a vegetable diet but , actually supplementing it with dairy products, honey, even some eggs. Many do not have a strong commitment but use vegetable diets only as a temporary measure to lose weight, improve their appearance, or cleanse their systems of toxins. Some actually ruin their health by concocting all kinds of fancy and overly complex vegetarian substitutes for foods they miss. I would suggest that successful vegetarianism reguires a careful study of the various health functions of food so that a balanced diet may be maintained. It should be whole-grain based (except maybe in the warmest of climates), and should include some vegetable protein products and some naturally fermented foods such as pickles, sauerkraut, etc. Those who would successfully adopt a good vegetarian diet must understand that it will take time to accustom your body to a variety of new foods and to the absence of animal foods. Another thing that is important is a climate of respect for the practice. It will be very difficult for those of us who live in families and communities hostile to it to successfully adopt a vegetarian diet unless we have some sort of positive reinforcement and encouragement from others. There are not many places where balanced vegetarian meals or comprable "fast food" are commercially available. Most of us will need to learn to cook our own food and this will require kitchen resources and access to a high quality source of grains, beans, and vegetables. So - overall I don't feel people take it very seriously and consequently it becomes only a short-term posture rather than a life-changing practice.

I think vegetarians are incredibly disciplined to look across their plate of salad and see me devouring a sirloin steak and shrimp. My God that is will power and conviction at it's best