Australian Vegetarian Society
Organisation
Organisation Profile
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About
The Australian Vegetarian Society's aim is to increase the number of vegetarians in Australia in order to stop cruelty to animals, benefit human health, protect the environment and preserve world food resources. We are a non profit-making, non-sectarian organisation dedicated to promoting the vegetarian way of life by campaigning, education, information and research.
The Society was founded in the late 1800s to spread the principles and benefits of vegetarianism and the ideal of a humanitarian way of life. Since its inception, it has played a major role in promoting vegetarianism throughout Australia by organising public meetings, lectures, films and videos as well as publishing and distributing literature. The magazine True Natural Health is automatically sent to all new members of the Society on payment of full membership.
We also publish a variety of literature which covers the main aspects of vegetarianism, provide an information service for those seeking nutritional advice as well as information on vegetarian products, restaurants, caterers, cooking classes and recipes.
The Society liaises with conservation and consumer groups, both to further its own aims and to support campaigns with similar interests. It also maintains close contact with vegetarian societies abroad and is a member of the International Vegetarian Union.
Our definition of a vegetarian is a person who eats foods which are free from any ingredients derived from the slaughter of animals (including chicken and fish). While other animal products not directly involving slaughter may be used, we encourage people to seek humane alternatives such as free range eggs and animal rennet-free cheeses. We also encourage the use of non-animal alternatives such as soya and rice milks, non-dairy spreads, ice cream alternatives, and so on. - Areas Of Interest Vegetarian Eating Nutrition and Healthy Eating
Answers contributed by Australian Vegetarian Society
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What are some of the changes I can expect after starting a vegetarian diet?
You may eat more food because you're eating less fat, which is calorie-dense. Meat, the leading source of fat in the Australian diet, has no fibre and is high in calories. So relax, you may ... read more -
How do I begin a vegetarian diet?
Begin by assessing your current diet. Look for meat-free versions of foods you already enjoy, such as chili without meat, or tofu burgers or vegetable cutlets instead of chicken. You may want to look through ... read more -
Is shopping for a vegetarian diet harder?
It doesn't have to be. All the staples of a vegetarian diet can be found on the shelves of regular supermarkets or in the gourmet, specially, ethnic and health food sections. More bulk and specially ... read more -
Is it difficult to eat out as a vegetarian?
It is not as hard as you might think. Growing consumer demand has prompted many restaurants and airlines to offer vegetarian meals. Ethnic restaurants often offer meatless options. When in doubt, ask the restaurant staff. ... read more -
My teenager wants to become vegetarian, how do i ensure she gets all the nutritients she needs?
According to the American Dietetic Association's position paper on vegetarian diets, well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes. ... read more -
Is it a safe to raise children as vegetarians?
A vegetarian diet provides more than ample nutrition for children and may actually help protect them from some illnesses - including those caused by pesticides and contaminants in foods. Vegetables and grains are lower on ... read more -
What should a vegetarian eat to get enough vitamins and minerals?
Most vitamins and minerals are found in abundance in plant foods, but some people may wonder about specific nutrients. Iron - Iron can be readily obtained from leafy greens, dried fruits (e.g. apricots, prunes and ... read more -
Is being a vegetarian bad for me? Am I not supposed to eat meat?
Animals closest to us physiologically are vegetarian or nearly vegetarian, and so were our not-too-distant evolutionary ancestors. Humans can digest a wide variety of foods and this ability undoubtedly contributed to our species' survival throughout ... read more -
Is it safe to raise children as vegetarians?
A vegetarian diet provides more than ample nutrition for children and may actually help protect them from some illnesses - including those caused by pesticides and contaminants in foods. Vegetables and grains are lower on ... read more -
How can I get enough protein on a vegetarian diet?
Getting enough protein is not a problem if you are eating a varied diet and are getting enough calories to meet your energy needs. In fact, the only ways to guarantee a protein deficiency is ... read more -
What is it to be vegetarian?
To be a vegetarian is to take a practical step as an individual to avoid many problems related to health, the environment and animal welfare. By being vegetarian a person is no longer directly contributing ... read more -
Why do people choose to be vegetarian?
Health - A healthy vegetarian diet can decrease the risk and symptoms of many chronic diseases such as heart disease, some forms of cancer and type 2 diabetes. It is also associated with longevity. A ... read more -
What is the difference between vegetarianism and veganism?
Vegetarians do not eat meat of any kind, including the flesh of birds and fish. However, they do eat dairy and eggs and the products made from them. Vegans do not eat any animal products ... read more -
How many people are vegetarian in Australia?
It is difficult to determine how many vegetarians there are in Australia as research on this scale is expensive to carry out. However, according to a 2010 Newspoll Survey, 5% of Australians say they are ... read more -
What are the different types of vegetarians?
There are many types of vegetarians, but these should not be viewed as labels. Instead the following terms are really just a guide to what different people eat under the general banner of being 'vegetarians'. ... read more
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