I think we should take away their vegetarian badge.

Many people do this for their health, rather than for a concern for animal rights. Saying the word vegan is just simpler than saying "I eat mostly plants", I guess.

The current movement of health-based vegans are urged to call themselves "Whole Foods Plant BASED" rather than vegan because vegan can mean alot of very unhealthy foods like cupcakes, chips, etc.

I do have a concern for animals, but I also know that a great majority of the world is still eating meat. I try to keep it in perspective and know that by doing what I am with my food choices is making an influence on those around me. Even if it is to only make them think about it just a bit.

I think people need to redefine themselves... and not connect with the vegan if they eat meat.. Strict means uh... 200% commited.. so they might want to check on the definitions of these words that they throw around.. I feel it really just falls on being educated on not only what they are doing.. but also how it effects others.. So I second that motion Dave17.. TAKE their Vegetarian Badges! :D

Well, I'm one of those who took out meat for health reasons. Can't we just call people who are committed 200% "PETA Vegans"?

ok, THAT'S IT!

I'm collecting the vegetarian badges!

right here, in the basket, you KNOW who you are!

No, but on a serious note. I use the word "vegetarian" for other peoples convenience, I see myself as person that chooses to eat certain things and to not eat other things.

People that Eat Meat or Still Eat Meat Means they are NOT Vegetarian. :/

I'm with Bedhog. I eat plant based for health reasons but I respect that others have a right to choose what is best for them. I call myself vegan because I avoid meat and dairy. Has either of these ever slipped into my mouth? Yes. If that means I should leave this group so be it. This is not a religion for me. I'm just doing the best I can for my health and it makes me happy to know the world is a better place the more people who choose to eat this way, too. I think if you almost always eat vegetables than you are a vegetarian. One meatball every two years won't change that. Maybe I should say I eat vegan or vegetarian so if I taste a cookie that someone dear to me makes, knowing it has eggs and butter in it, I can say today I did not eat vegan. Lets support people in changing to a plant diet in a society of mostly meat eaters. Cause sometimes its not easy.

Call me a hypocrite for saying what I'm about to say, but eating it every once and awhile just because you want to and then eating it because you love your family are two different things to me completely and to me, this person wasn't doing. Bedhog does do it because because they love their family. I would do the same, but doing it just to do it doesn't deserve the same justification.

I usually call myself Vegan(ish). That's actually my doctor's term for the diet he and I are both on. 95% of my food is completely plant based and oil free. But if I'm at a party or go out for some kind of special occasion I don't really care too much if I eat some meat or cheese or something.

Then again, I eat this way for health reasons, not for ethical reasons. I do often use the term "Plant Based" to describe my diet.

I'm one of those, but besides being on this forum I dont think I EVER refer to myself as vegan, or vegetarian, I just tell people its mostly raw food.

I eat this way because I'm trying to heal my body, not because I dont eat meat...I LOVE meat, not as much as I used to, or rather, not as frequently as I used to, theres still the same amount of pleasure, but its infrequent as opposed to every day.

I think those who are basically vegetarians and eat meat sometimes are termed "flexitarians" They are flexible. Sometimes the coice of vegetables is limited or poor and it is more nurishing to eat the meat.

I could accept that term seeing as sometimes I almost have nothing to eat in my house that would be a healthy vegetarian choice, but would have plenty of meat instead.

I consider mysefl strictly vegan- no meat, eggs or milk, I changed my eating habits because of my love for animals and for my health. But if anyone calls me a "PETA vegan" I will slap them into next week. PETA kills 1000s of deogs, cats and various animals in their so called "shelters"

I once had a Lady friend who called herself a vegetarian except she would still eat fish.

My son heard this and he called her a fish-etarian, but she got insulted when I told her that name.

And I used that term again and a person called me a cheese-etarian because I can not seem to kick the cheese to be a full vegan.

And it irritated me to be called a cheese-etarian instead of a vegetarian.

I changed to vegetarian 16 years ago when I was around 40 years old, but I do like the taste of meats and I simply refuse to eat the meats because of my regard for the animals.

If one eats vegetarian just for their own health then that seems selfish to me, but to be vegetarian for the sake of the animals is the true and the better spirit of being vegetarian, IMO.

I am a vegan, not for health reasons, but for the animals.

Usually when people do it for health reasons they don't stick to it.