Why would a vegetarian want to eat something that imitates meat?

[PanTerra]

It's kind of like cheating.

[groar]

why? if you're not eating the flesh of an animal, what's cheating about it?

[PanTerra]

Originally Posted by groar

why? if you're not eating the flesh of an animal, what's cheating about it?

What's that phrase? Having your cake and eating it too? It is really for the more militant of the vegetarians. If that isn't you, don't worry Moderator cut: not necessary

[groar]

i still don't get it.

i don't eat meat.

if i eat "fake meat" i'm still not eating meat. i'm eating soy that's made in the shape of meat. even if it looks and tastes exactly like meat (which is never the case), even though it's not the healthiest thing to eat, it's still not meat.

how is that cheating, or having my cake and eating it too? no matter how "militant" the vegetarian, if it's not the flesh of an animal, it's still vegetarian. vegetarianism isn't about not eating things that taste or look like meat, it's about not eating meat. what is there to get?

saying a vegetarian eating fake meat is cheating is like saying that someone who plays super mario brothers but wouldn't kill a turtle in real life is cheating at not killing turtles.

[Apples&Oranges]

Originally Posted by groar

i still don't get it.

i don't eat meat.

if i eat "fake meat" i'm still not eating meat. i'm eating soy that's made in the shape of meat. even if it looks and tastes exactly like meat (which is never the case), even though it's not the healthiest thing to eat, it's still not meat.

how is that cheating, or having my cake and eating it too? no matter how "militant" the vegetarian, if it's not the flesh of an animal, it's still vegetarian. vegetarianism isn't about not eating things that taste or look like meat, it's about not eating meat. what is there to get?

saying a vegetarian eating fake meat is cheating is like saying that someone who plays super mario brothers but wouldn't kill a turtle in real life is cheating at not killing turtles.

You aren't cheating. Some people just like to nit-pick. Fake meat is just fine, and is great to serve to your carnivore friends.

[zacatecana]

Why eat fake meat? It's all about the texture. I get tired if tofu and I'm always looking for new foods that you can cook and feel like you are biting into something that is not leafy. However, eating imitation meat is a big turn off because it is a fake product compacted with fake seasoning. Yuk, it's like eating garbage and that is what you are putting in you body.

[treebw]

Why do meat eaters eat portabello mushrooms? They are the most meaty of veggies, perhaps?
So should a vegetarian NOT eat a portabello because it is meaty?

Why do vegetarians eat fake bacon? Because it tastes yummy? Why do we eat Boca burgers? Because they taste yummy?

Is the original poster meant to say that we may not eat things we enjoy? That we may only eat tofu and veggies? That is silly.

If a vegetarian is a vegetarian because they do not like the taste of meat they wont eat imitation...if they like fake meats they will.

And...? Is there really an issue?

[Lilybeans]

I like meat. I'd eat it today if there was a way to get it without killing an animal.