Some 'vegetarians' do it only for the health reasons -- and since fish isn't unhealthy, they eat that as well. Why they label themselves as vege's is probably just to stand out...or get attention. Or, they knew other vege's who ate fish and so they're unsure of the exact definition. "A person who does not eat or does not believe in eating meat, fish, fowl, or, in some cases, any food derived from animals, as eggs or cheese, but subsists on vegetables, fruits, nuts, grain, etc." - dictionary.com

There are many varieties of vegetarians. Some eat no meat what so ever. Some will eat eggs. Of course, you mentioned fish. Some are "part time vegetarians" eating meat on few occasions. Vegetarian is a very flexible term without a modifying adjective to describe what type of vegetarian you mean. There are fruitarians. My guess re fish is that they are not mammals and as such, are not viewed as an intelligent animal as are land animals. It is a bit of an ehtical compromise though, and a strict vegetarian would not eat fish.

Being one of these nefarious types, I can maybe help explain myself as the following: Ovolactopescevegetarian Ovo-egg lacto-dairy pesce-fish It's not quite as uncommon as you might think, though it sounds like something of a misnomer. Honestly, I use the general term, vegetarian, because it's much easier to say that, "I'm mostly vegetarian but I eat fish, just not red meat, pork or fowl." Others may have different reasons, but this is mine.

I have to say as a bona-fide vegetarian this used to really annoy me! But having talked about it with a woman who was like this I figured it out: As any vegetarian will know, your average meat-eater is relatively ignorant of the strangely simple mechanics of vegetarianism. I've lost count of the number of parties I've been to where I spend a ridiculous amount of time answering: "Do you eat fish? Do you eat eggs? Do you eat cheese? Would you eat chips if they'd been on the same plate as a sausage? Would you eat roadkill?..." So I can imagine how being someone "who eats fish but not meat" might be even more mystifying for those poor little omnivores. In the end its just a lot easier to say "I'm vegetarian" when someone's wanting to book the work department Christmas meal than face a complex explanation that will probably only get garbled on the phone anyway.

The population living on the fertile land around the sea survives only on fish, rice, and vegetables. They consider fish as vegetarian because that is their staple food. The people from Bengal (India) or Bangladesh are one example of it as they are may be veggie but also eat fish with vegetables and rice.

In most cases, a vegetarian is someone who doesn't eat any MEAT products. And, a vegan is someone who doesn't eat ANY ANIMAL PRODUCTS or products derived from animals.

Fish swim and do not walk on four legs.

there are numbers of different types and levels of "vegitarians". some people seem to think if they cut out chicken and beef from their diet they are a vegitarian. as far as my opinion is concerned, if they eat any sort of animal flesh, they aren't a vegitarian.

Without speaking for anyone but myself, that's actually called semi-vegetarian. I don't eat chicken or meat other than seafood. I'm a lacto-ovo-pesco semi-vegetarian. I just vegetarian because it's a lot faster.

Those who eat seafood claim they don't eat land animals - this gives them some "out" to eat what they wish. True vegans don't eat anything that comes from an animal - this includes eggs, milk, or even chicken broth in their food. There are different levels of extremes, I once knew a vegan who only ate RAW vegetables. He would bring a yellow squash to work for lunch and eat it like an apple! I say, to each his own - or should I say to EAT his own?

How can people who dont' eat anything but vegetables and fruits get enough healthy protein and other necessary minerals etc for a healthy body? I'm asking because I truly don't know. I believe in eatting healthy and if someone can eat fruits and vegetables and maintain a healthy lifestyle then I am going to look into it.

Because in my opinion, these people are thickos.

Honestly, it really pisses me off when people do this. It's not that I don't want people to be vegetarian, I honestly think it's the only way to go. But please, if you're not vegetarian, then don't call yourself one! Last time I checked, fish were under the kingdom ANIMALIA. Animals. Meat. Not vegetables. Mind blowing, I know. : )

I guess theres some confusion around fish being an animal. However fish is an animal - if you eat any animal, you are a carnivore / meat eater.

Because we don't have a word for people who don't eat meat but do eat fish.

There is a difference between being a Vegetarian and being Vegan as I understand it. Vegans are hardcore and will not even eat cheese or milk because animals are "enslaved" by the process. I don't neccessarily agree but I must admire their conviction.

Because they are uneducated.

Because they are uneducated.

Because they are uneducated.

... in a word ... simplicity ... it is just easier to be general with the word "vegitarian" rather than be detailed and specific about what is and is not consumed. There are several levels of conversion between the two extremes of "will eat anything" at one end, and "strict raw food vegan" at the other extreme. A true and total raw vegan vegitarian will not consume anything that comes from any animal, not even honey or milk ... and will not eat anything that has been cooked or even warmed up. ... in between, we find people who just cut out certain types of animal products while still allowing themselves to consume other animal products. Among these are the many different types of semi-vegitarians (an almost oxymoron term). There are those semi-vegitarians who will not consume mammal flesh, but will consume dairy and other animals ... semi-vegitarians who will not consume any mammal products at all, not even dairy, but will consume other animal products (this is where I am) ... semi-vegitarians who will consume some and not consume some bird and/or fish and/or reptile and/or insect ... and so on ... there are technical terms for people who do and do not consume each type of animal product, but is just easier to say "vegitarian" as a vague and general term when what is usually meant is one of the semi-vegitarian terms.

Many think that because fish are different than the land animals that so many consume, that they do NOT feel pain. All living things feel some sort of pain. Fish included.

No offense, but I think that is only being semivegetarian. Also, I am getting really REALLY tired of having people assure me that "fish isn't meat" and then explaining themselves by saying that "It's just not." Also, I think that the prefixes ovo, lacto, and pesco mean that you DO eat those things. All basic vegetarians are ovo-lacto, because vegetarians still comsume milk, eggs, etc. (FYI, vegans do not consume any animal products or byproducts.) So a pesco-vegetarian eats fish. The ovo-lacto whatnot is just assumed.

They do it because their bodies crave nutrients, including vitamins A, B12 and D, that can be found in fish (and milk and eggs), but not in a strict vegan diet...

I believe the reason that people do this is because fish and chickens are not mammels as we are. We are mammels just the same as cows, pigs, etc. Fish and chickens are not mammels. Eating other mammels would be like eating your neighbor. Just gross. That is my explanation.

What? Do you mean fish aren't vegetables?

My comment as a Vegetarian + Fish eater is that saying "Vegetarian" is just easier. My reason for becoming "vegetarian" is my new rule of "do no harm". the only reason I do still go with the fish part is because it's just easier. My wife is Japanese and it's impossible to eat Japanese w/o fish. It's in everything, I mean EVERYTHING! Things you would never know it's there and can't even see WHY it's there. Also, on any Asian menu if you look under the "vegitarian" section, it includes Fish, my personl opinion is that it is not vegitarian but a lot of the world does consider it to be vegitarian. I think India gets it right the most and maybe California. HEHE. Now, the other answer I have is that environmentally I also enjoy what I and earth get out of being a Veggie-Fish person. It's simple, the amount of protein generated by vegetable and fish creates a much smaller environmental impact than land animals, i.e. Land, grain and waste from harvesting land mammals is hurting our environment. Veggie-Fish people should be appreciated for this reason if none other.

With the same mentality as those who call themselves Christian but still judge others.

That's because some vegetarians don't consider sea creatures to be same as the cows or pigs. Some think sea creatures don't feel pain either.

becuase like most things people feel that they can change the definitons to suit their needs, I know people who eat red meat and claim to be vegitarian cause they dont eat it every day

people who call themselves vegetarians but eat fish are not vegetarians. i call them pretentious. they try but cant do it. lol. ha!

Because most people are unfamiliar with the term Pescitarian. Someone that eats fish, but no other meat product.

Similar but not quite the same. I had the following discussion with a Catholic friend regarding meat during lent: Q. What is the difference between meat and fish? A. Fish live in the water. Q.So it's okay to eat whales and dolphins? A. No, but they lay eggs. Q. So chicken and turkey are okay? A. No. Well, they're cold-blooded. Q. So, snake and lizard is okay? A. Uh, no. Q. So what's the difference? A. I don't know. Let's talk about something else. The point is that people will often do just what they want and label it so that if fits their notions of right and wrong.

My answer to: " BeatBoxingBabette answered - Jun 12 2007 4 points - No offense, but I think that is only being semivegetarian. Also, I am getting really REALLY tired of having people assure me that "fish isn't meat" and then explaining themselves by saying that "It's just not." Animals including fish are meat, they do not require photosynthesis (most plants) or aerobic respiration (bacteria). Some religions only allow fish in their diets which leads some to believe they are not meat. Religion says that women have one less rib and I always believed this growing up. I have taken a forensic anthropology class a few semesters ago and have realized this as untrue and that it is apparent that myths in culture are easily bought into and believed (I'm not against religion!).

I am a born vegetarian. Anything which is not of vegetable origin is not called vegetarian. Ofcourse Milk is considered vegetarian food since it does not involve killing some other living being.

Some people (like myself) also did the pesca thing as a transition to full vegetarian status. I had some health considerations that kept me from doing the full thing right off the bat. As some have also stated above sometimes its just a matter of simplicity. Just as some have said its annoying when non/part time vegetarian's say they are its also really annoying when you say your pesca-terian. I don't know how many times people would ask if it was some kind of new religion. As a side funny: my mom (complete carnivore seriously French fries/baked potatoes and ketchup are the only veggies getting near this women) and sis used to call me the "pebble" vegetarian because I wasn't a full/real "rock" of a vegetarian I was just faking it.

Thinking about this a little more. I read a book some time back called "The Eventual Vegetarian." It made a lot of sense and was very reasonable. It made a good case for vegetarian diet and then suggested that if you'd like to go this route, to ease into it and not get too hung up on the label or being judgmental about what people are doing. Over the years, i've gone from the typical American farm diet of slabs of flesh and piles of potatoes to a little meat some days and some days not and more greens and fresh fruit. My conscience is clear because i know i'm not gobbling up more than my share of resources and i also feel better. I respect reasonable vegetarians and let them influence, but not control, my habits. The best label i can find for my way of life is "sensible". The Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) gave certain dietary laws and restrictions. I've been following it more or less, not because of religious piety but because it makes sense. When i avoid the restricted foods, i feel healthier, but if i have a piece of bacon or a couple shrimp, i don't worry about it. This is just one person's experience. Maybe it brings some perspective. I'd be interested in knowing what others think of it and what they can add. It seems to me that the key is balance and conscious decision.

I never understood it myself, either. I've known vegetarians who simply don't eat red meat, too. I've never understood the 'vegetarian' label in such cases. I would welcome some feedback from vegetarians of all types on this subject!

they like the word, but not the act and start making shit up... (im a vegitarian... exept during dinner.)

no, because i know some vegetarians that do still eat seafood. some vegetarians become that because of slaughter houses, and they think that cows, pigs, ect. are the only ones that go through that and they think they just catch fish. but fish are treated badly, too, so that's why i don't eat any kind of real meat.

If you are eating seafood the you are not a vegetarian. Some people do call themselves vegetarians who eat seafood, chicken, and limited amounts of meat, but no, they are not vegetarians. Pescatarian (also spelled pescetarian) are people who eat a vegetarian diet plus seafood. Flexitarian/semi-vegetarians are those who enjoy a vegetarian diet plus ocasional meat.

To some, the principal of vegetarianism is not so much the consideration for animals but the elimination of saturated animal fat in their diet. It is not true vegetarianism.

1) This is mainly for historical reasons. True vegetarianism was practically inexistent in Europe from the Christianisation of the Roman Empire to the 19th century. Still today, a majority of people in the "Western World" are not vegetarian and have various ideas about what it means. For instance, the main food-related directive in Christianity was fasting, and its meaning evolved over the years from just eating nothing (but drinking water) to not eating "meat" (so you could eat "fish", for instance). Note that vegetarianism does not necessarily mean the absolute lack of use of animal products: vegetarians who are not vegans could use or eat honey, leather, dairy products or eggs. Some people say that they don't eat anything with eyes (or with a face). This would also permit eating oysters and the like (but would not be vegetarianism). 2) "Vegetarianism is the practice of a diet that excludes all animal, including poultry, game, fish, shellfish or crustacea, and slaughter by-products. The reasons for choosing vegetarianism may be related to morality, religion, culture, ethics, aesthetics, environment, society, economy, politics, taste, or health. There are several variants of the diet, some of which also exclude eggs and/or some products produced from animal labor such as dairy products and honey. Veganism, for example, excludes all animal products from diet. By some strict definitions, animal products are not used for attire either, whether or not the production of clothing or items has directly involved the actual death of an animal (dairy, eggs, honey, wool, silk, down feathers, etc.). A generic term for both vegetarianism and veganism, as well as for similar diets, is "plant-based diets". Properly planned vegetarian diets have been found to satisfy the nutritional needs for all stages of life, and large-scale studies have shown vegetarianism to significantly lower risks of cancer, ischemic heart disease, and other diseases." "Semi-vegetarian diets are diets that primarily consist of vegetarian foods, but make exceptions for some non-vegetarian foods. These diets may be followed by those who choose to reduce the amount of animal flesh consumed, or sometimes as a way of transitioning to a vegetarian diet. These terms are neologisms based on the word "vegetarian". They may be regarded with contention by some strict vegetarians, as they combine terms for vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. Additionally, many individuals describe themselves as simply "vegetarian" while actually practicing a semi-vegetarian diet. - Lessetarianism - A diet which focuses on reducing, but not eliminating, the proportion of animal flesh consumed. - Semi-vegetarianism — A diet that excludes certain meats, particularly red meat, but allows the consumption of others in limited amounts. - Pescetarianism — A diet that excludes all meat except fish, shellfish, and crustacea. - Pollotarianism — A diet that excludes all meat except poultry and fowl. - Flexitarianism — A diet that consists primarily of vegetarian food, but that allows occasional exceptions." "The earliest records of vegetarianism as a concept and practice amongst a significant number of people concern ancient India and the ancient Greek civilization in Southern Italy and in Greece in the 6th century BCE. In both instances the diet was closely connected with the idea of nonviolence towards animals (called ahimsa in India) and was promoted by religious groups and philosophers. Following the Christianization of the Roman Empire in late antiquity, vegetarianism practically disappeared from Europe. Several orders of monks in medieval Europe restricted or banned the consumption of meat for ascetic reasons, but none of them eschewed fish. Vegetarianism was to reemerge somewhat in Europe during the Renaissance. It became a more widespread practice in the 19th and 20th centuries." Source and further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetarianism 3) "Seafood is any sea animal or seaweed that is served as food or is suitable for eating, particularly seawater animals, such as fish and shellfish (including mollusks and crustaceans). By extension, in North America although not generally in the United Kingdom, the term seafood is also applied to similar animals from fresh water and all edible aquatic animals are collectively referred to as seafood. Edible seaweeds are also seafood, and are widely eaten around the world. See the category of sea vegetables. The harvesting of seafood is known as fishing and the cultivation of seafood is known as aquaculture, mariculture, or simply fish farming. Seafood is a source of protein in many diets around the world." Source and further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seafood In this sense, what is called seafood is not necessarily animals, so vegetarians would not eat see animals, but they could eat seaweeds.

They're confused.

Yes, stupid, it is. It's flesh. Read on... Vegetarians don’t eat flesh What a simple phrase Vegetarians also don’t eat fish It doesn’t work that way If you eat fish or eggs You are not a ‘tarian If you eat shell animals You are just like I am I love vegetarianism It’s a sound way to eat But you are NOT a vegetarian If you eat ANY TYPE of meat

If you are eating seafood, then you aren't a true vegetarian. There are actually many different groups who limit and/or remove animal products. I hope this helps a little. "In general, a vegetarian is someone whose diet does not include certain animal products. There are five main types of vegetarians: 1. Semi-Vegetarians aka Flexitarians Semi-vegetarians limit their intake of either certain types of meat or the amount of meat. For example, they might eat no red or white meat (beef, pork, venison, etc), but eat fowl and fish. Or they might only eat meat once or twice a week. Someone who only eats fish can also be called a pescatarian. (Purists would say that semi-vegetarians are not vegetarians at all, but I have included them in order to show the complete hierarchy.) 2. Ovo-Lacto Vegetarians The most common type, ovo-lacto vegetarians do not eat any animals, but do eat eggs and dairy products. Subcategories: * Ovo vegetarians (eat eggs but not dairy) * Lacto vegetarians (eat dairy but not eggs) 3. Vegans Vegans eat no animal products - no eggs, no dairy, no honey, etc. 4. Raw/Living Foodists Raw or Living Foodists eat only raw food, because enzymes are destroyed by normal cooking processes. 5. Fruitarians Fruitarians eat only fruit, fruit-like vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, cucumbers), and sometimes seeds and nuts."

Yeah it is...some vegetarians call themselves so because that's what they mainly eat, not because they are against the killing of animals.

Correct me if I'm wrong but... I thought Vegetarians eat anything that is not born live. (i.e: Cow, Pig, etc...) but do eat anything born from an egg... Chicken. They also eat Milk products. Vegans on the other hand only eat what grows from the ground.

The word vegetarian means no animal flesh involved and so if you eat fish then you are not a vegetarian. Try to call yourself something else but this practice is giving a bad and confusing reputation to vegetarians around the world.

because it's the other white meat. People draw the line in different places, and many don't consider cold-blooded critters an ethical problem.

They have a poor vocabulary on vegetarian subject matter.

From a health standpoint fish is good for us. Most of the well-publicized evils of meat come from its high-fat content; and fish is naturally low in fat. Moreover, populations with a high-fish diet also have a decreased rate of heart disease. Recently, we have found that fish oil actually appears to have beneficial effects on heart disease. Also, The blood-thinning properties of fish oil (which are shared with aspirin, incidentally) have been widely trumpeted as a possible "magic bullet" against heart disease. Secondly, from an environmental point of view, Fishing does not cause soil erosion; it does not encourage groundwater depletion; no forests were cut down to allow fish to graze. So, what is wrong, from an environmental point of view, with eating fish? It does not even seem to be such a bad food from an ethical point of view either. Isn't the main ethical problem with animal products in general, that they involve putting animals in stifling conditions on "factory farms," where animals are mutilated, crowded, and kept in confined conditions for their entire lives? Fish, by contrast, live out their entire lives in complete freedom. Finally, vegetarians who do choose to eat fish, eat very little in comparison to non vegetarians who eat meat at nearly every meal every day. But please keep in mind, not all vegetarians are against animal cruelty. Some choose to be vegetarians simply for health reasons.

I love it. Humans who decide what beings have the ability to think and feel. What is nonsence and what is not given their own limited abilities to understand the world around them. It is unfortunate that we are living in a world where our survival depends on the demise of another being on any level. But we do. Also that our comprehension of another beings abilities for comunication and intellegence are deduced by our own limitations to understand them. How can we propose to be ready to explore the outer reaches of space for an understanding of the universes and the possiblities of intelligent species that reside out there in any form if we are not even able to accept the possibility of our plant life operating in an intelligent capacity unlike our own on our own planet. John Muir, one of the greatest naturalist, lived in Yosimite and explored the natural world. He was extremly spirtual and in tune with all forms of life. He called the vegetation "plant people" because he was aware that we were not advanced enough to communicate with them. Several years ago there were documented scientific studies done that proved plant life had abilities that correspond to our accepted labels of emotion which they expressed undeniably. You have a computer, perhaps use it for education rather than voicing immature veiws that are really not qualified when they become infantile baby games that inflate your ego. Those who wish to deny something to feel good about what they practice. All living beings feel something. Perhaps Plants feel more than an alligator or shark. We may never know, but do not assume anything for you may be surprised. Humans intestines are designed more like the herbivores. The carnivores intestines are short and straight. It allows for quick evacuation of meat products. Humans have intestines that are long and twisted, therefore the rotted meat remains in the intestines for longer periods and the thought of that alone is disgusting. We can however, cook our food unlike the wild carnivores and reduce parasites going into our bodes but the fact that it digests and evacuates slower allows for cancer inducing agents to occur. Compassion rewards by eliminating illness which in itself speaks it's rightousness. But do not propose that what you are eating is not in fear or hurting because you do not hear it scream. The beauty of the vegetation is if it is taken properly it regrows again and again. Even if it feels the pain, it will live again. The deer, cow, pig, ect. all suffer mercillessly at our hands. To any factory raised animals were are monsters. Any changes in our diets that reduce these horrors are to be commended. Some individuals need to do this in a progressive manner and some do it in an immediate. We all do the best we can and as long as it heads us in the right direcion why care what we call it. Please excuse any dyslexic induced spelling discrepency.