Is it okay as a vegetarian to eat fish?

Question

on only and i mean only on special occasions but not like an every day thing like only eating vegetables and grain products

Answer 1

No, vegetarians don't eat fish.

It's not a matter of being precious about who can call themselves a vegetarian and who can't, it's a simple matter of the dictionary definition of the word, as defined by the people who coined the word.

Hey, Maria G - great answer! I liked it the first time I saw it too - I seem to recall it had someone else's name beside it then though...

Answer 2

If you are a vegetarian that eats fish, by definition you are a pescatarian

Answer 3

eat whatever you like

Answer 4

well I'm a vegetarian and I don't...it's really up to you!

Answer 5

Yes it's okay to eat fish. Most vegetarians around the world eat fish and seafood.

Answer 6

Well it is fine to eat fish, but vegetarians do not east fish. Pescitarians eat fish. The Vegetarian society did a campaign about this. Have a read: http://www.vegsoc.org/fish/

Answer 7

If you're a "vegetarian" who eats fish, than you're actually called a "pescetarian".

View the pescetarianism website at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pescetarian...

Answer 8

Vegetarians do not eat animals.

Fish are animals.

Therefore, vegetarians do not eat fish.

Answer 9

Eat what you want and what you believe meets your health and moral beliefs .   Labels are for morons.    

Answer 10

I'm A Vegetarian,

I Don't Think It's Good To Eat Fish Cause--

Vegets. Don't Eat AnyThing With A Facee

:/

Answer 11

Some will eat it some wont.  Its more Vegans that wont eat fish I think.

Answer 12

eat whatever you want. vegetarians do not eat fish. why do you care if you keep the label "vegetarian"? if you don't want to eat meat then don't. if you do, then do. it's really not a tough choice.  

Answer 13

I guess it depends on the reason for being a vegetarian. If the reason is moral, I don't see why a vegetarian would want to. Personally I think a fish is just as much an animals as a cow.

If the reason is for a healthier diet, fish is actually very good for you, so I would say it's fine to indulge from time to time.

Either way, being a vegetarian is your choice. Do what you want. However, I honestly don't think one can be considered a vegetarian if they eat fish, even just sometimes. THey could say that they practice a mostly vegetarian diet, but they are not a vegetarian.  

Answer 14

There are many types of Vegetarian:

Vegan: no animal products (nothing from the animal kingdom, this means no dairy, eggs, or honey)

Lacto-ovo vegetarian: no animals, but will eat the things that they produce (eggs, dairy, honey, but no fish)

Lacto-vegetarian: no animals or eggs, but will eat dairy

Ovo-vegetarian: no animals or milk, but will eat eggs (this is commonly made as a choice for the lactose intolerant vegetarian)

Raw veganism: vegan, but won't eat anything cooked above 115F, this is often a temporary diet, but many on it are vegetarian or vegan permanently

Fruitarian: Vegans that only eat what would fall or could be picked from a plant, without killing the plant

Pescetarian: Won't eat most animals, but make an exception for fish

Pollotarian: won't eat most animals, but make an exception for poultry

Flexitarian: a vegetarian, that occasionally, generally for cultural or health reasons, eats meat

Those are generally accepted definitions, but every vegetarian will call themselves what they will. Today, many vegans and vegetarians alike just refer to themselves as "Veg" which is even more confusing. You'll find you'll have to explain yourself constantly. As for fish being wrong or right, their are many ethical reasons not to eat it http://www.vegsoc.org/fish/, but I don't find preaching effective. I've been a vegetarian for 15 years, without eating fish, or any other animal, and there is no health reason for me to stop. For me, it's the right choice. I'm Lacto-ovo vegetarian, and have even cut back on a lot of the lacto, and make smarter choices about buying either based on ethical and hormonal concerns.

For the record, I'm a geologist and an amateur athlete in addition to being a vegetarian, and I really don't lack in any necessary nutrients or protein.

Answer 15

Vegetarians do not allow to eat any flesh from animal beef pork lamb chicken turkey fish prawns games.

You have to analyze why you are a vegetarian?

If you are a vegetarian because of religious beliefs, then are you a good religious person. If so, follow the teachings of your religion.

If you are a vegetarian to prevent cruelty to animals. It is a matter of your conscience not what other people say. If you believe you re being cruel to fish, don't eat fish.

Answer 16

I Think So Because its not meat

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Answer 17

No, you're not a vegetarian if you eat fish, you're a pescatarian.

Answer 18

It's up to you what you eat but your question is a little odd. I've heard of I'm on a diet but every now and then I like to treat myself to the odd cake for a treat but never I'm a vegetarian but on special occasions I like to have fish!  

Answer 19

What kind of tree, vine, or bush does a fish grow on?  Fish are animals.  Even if you eat it only occasionally, you would not be a vegetarian according to most definitions.  

Answer 20

Intentionally eating animal flesh is NOT vegetarian.

Answer 21

Vegetarians don't eat fish.

Answer 22

This is what the Vegetarian Society says about the topic:

''Vegetarians don’t eat fish and they never have. Many things have changed since The Vegetarian Society was founded in 1847 but two important definitions haven’t:

“ VEGETARIAN” – someone who doesn’t eat animals

“ FISH” – cold-blooded, water-dwelling animal

Fish may not appear as cute and cuddly as young lambs, however they do feel pain and they do suffer. The fishing industry is responsible for some of the most environmentally damaging practices affecting our seas and oceans today. What’s more eating fish can be bad for your health''.

You could eat fish if you want, but you wouldn't be vegetarian. Vegetarians don't eat fish, seafood or the flesh of ANY animal.