The principles and basic standards of vegetarianism and naturism are not only considered the best guarantees of health and a balanced diet but also as a philosophy and a global stance of the individual towards the world; ultimately, a way to achieve a more joyful and healthy lifestyle.
A vegetarian is a person who chooses a lifestyle that encompasses all facets of their daily life. This section explains the properties of the main vegetarian products, provides guidance on their use, and offers a wide variety of recipes to introduce the norms and basic principles of naturist hygiene.
Today’s vegetarianism has its roots in past cultures and political and social situations. However, the current trend, increasingly popular, is to adopt this type of diet to pursue optimal health.
There are various motivations that can lead to the choice of a vegetarian diet. According to a survey conducted in 2002 worldwide by Time magazine and CNN, the highest percentage of people (32%) become vegetarian for health reasons, 21% for animal rights and respect, 15% due to the presence of additives and hormones in meats, 13% because they dislike the taste of meat, 6% for religious reasons, and 4% due to concern for the planet.
Vegetarianism has been part of the world since its beginnings and has gradually evolved into a lifestyle chosen by individuals rather than a religious obligation. According to the book 'Vegetarian Nutrition', vegetarian diets date back at least 600 years before Christ, practiced by prominent figures such as Pythagoras, considered the 'Father of Vegetarianism.'
During the Renaissance, some people adopted a vegetarian diet because they believed that cruelty against other humans was only the next step following cruelty to animals. At the end of the 18th century, some Christians abstained from eating meat because they believed that part of Jesus Christ’s mission was to end the slaughter of animals.
Many Eastern religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, promote vegetarianism as a spiritual idea, believing that all creatures of God are worthy of compassion and respect.
The Buddhist conception of animals is well illustrated in the Buddhist lessons known as Jataka stories, in which Buddha is born as various animals in past lives; these stories consider that killing an animal is equivalent to killing a human being, as they affirm that, just like Buddha, we have all been animals before becoming humans.
Jainism (an Indian religion founded around the 6th century BC) has such strict rules regarding the consumption of living beings that its followers sweep the path before them and wear a gauze mask over their mouth to avoid harming small insects when breathing.
Based on this, vegetarianism can also be seen as a philosophical current based on respect for all forms of life, especially animals. As a philosophical stance, it deserves due respect, but it cannot ignore the dietary approach and its nutritional particularities.
