Vegetarianism is more popular than ever before and it is continuing to grow at an astonishing rate. In fact, during the last ten years the number of vegetarians in the UK has more than doubled.

There are currently about four million vegetarians in the UK, representing some seven per cent of the population. Amongst younger people, that figure rises to 12 per cent. It is estimated that a remarkable 41 per cent of people in the UK are now including far less meat in their diet. In the UK alone, approximately five thousand people each week are choosing to give meat a miss and join the veggie revolution. If such trends were to continue, it is estimated that by the year 2030 everyone in the UK will be a vegetarian. But statistics only tell half the story. Over recent years there has been a considerable change in the way vegetarianism and vegetarians are thought of.

For many reasons, going vegetarian has never been easier. Vegetarianism has already made a major impact in the UK and continues to do so. Go into almost any restaurant, fast food outlet, café, supermarket or local shop; pick up any newspaper or magazine, or watch a TV cookery programme; listen to celebrities from the world of entertainment, politics, sport or literature; speak to your family and friends, and chances are you will discover just how wide ranging this remarkable success story is -- the still unfolding tale of a diet which is far better for animals, better for the environment and better for human health.

"Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet." Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955) - Physicist and Theorist

Only a few decades ago, fruit and vegetables aside, being a vegetarian almost certainly involved regular shopping trips to a specialist health food shop in search of such 'exotic' delights as kidney beans, vegetarian cheese or soya products. When eating out vegetarians often had to settle for an uninspiring omelette, something or other involving cheese, or a limp salad of some description. Even being vegetarian was perhaps to invite ridicule. Horrified parents might often have greeted their offspring's desire to go vegetarian with astonishment and looks of disbelief. How the world around us has changed in such a short time. Today, the words 'suitable for vegetarians' have become imprinted on the national conscience. They are an everyday sight on thousands of products in shops and supermarkets and on restaurant, café and pub menus all over the country.

Vegetarian food has moved on considerably and now offers a massive range of delicious dishes able to satisfy everyone.

Just in case you hadn't noticed, the very future of food is already with us and you're just about to read all about it. To mark all that has already been achieved, and with the added focus that comes with the dawning of a new millennium, what better way to celebrate all things veggie than in a website such as this? For those new to vegetarianism, this website will hopefully prove to be fruitful and thought-provoking, providing you with lots of valuable information that you will be able to benefit from time and time again.

You're guaranteed some top tips for shopping and you'll also get to know all about potential stumbling blocks for veggies. Perhaps you are as yet not totally convinced about dropping meat and fish completely from your diet, perhaps influenced by certain myths and prejudices that surround vegetarianism. This website will explode such myths and help you to discover a whole new world of delicious tastes and healthy living, together with a simple step-by-step guide to giving meat the chop once and for all. You will also find answers to some frequently asked questions and you will be able to read the basic arguments about why vegetarianism makes sense. Of course vegetarianism has got to be better for animals, but why is it better for health and how exactly does modern meat and fish production harm the environment?

For vegetarian veterans there are articles concerning specialist nutrition, vegetarianism throughout the ages and, as any self-respecting veggie cook will tell you, you can never get enough delicious recipes, which you will also find included. The timely publication of this website also provides the perfect opportunity to reflect upon the many real achievements made by The Vegetarian Society on behalf of the cause of vegetarianism. Did you know that the Society is, in fact over 150 years old, or did you know just how and why it came into being? Did you know that it has its own cookery school and that it works with the food industry all year round to create even more choice for vegetarians?

It has been estimated that a lifelong vegetarian prevents the suffering and slaughter of over 900 animals and over half a tonne of fish.

Vegetarianism is the fastest growing, most talked about food trend for decades.

If not, then you are probably unaware that it is also active in schools and colleges, or that it has its own website. You might also not know that the Society's Public Affairs Department is responsible for making sure that news of vegetarianism regularly hits the headlines and it also organises National Vegetarian Week and Vegfest, when traditionally many thousands of people in the UK go veggie. This website will also tell you why membership of the Society is essential for today's vegetarian. Not only are there many personal benefits to joining, members also get a chance to make a real difference and contribute to the valuable work of The Vegetarian Society. Vegetarianism is all about good, healthy living and enjoying and appreciating life. So, why not sit back, relax and read on? And, of course, enjoy it!

next page: a few basic facts

www.vegsoc.org/21cv : 21st Century Vegetarian