1. RELIGION & DIETARY PRACTICES

2. Buddhism
Some abstain from beef, some abstain from fish and poultry (depending on the sect)
Vegetarian diet is encouraged and preferred by some sects
Fasting is practiced
Monks do not eat solid foods after noon and generally have stricter food restrictions

3.  Many Buddhists also avoid the "five pungent spices" - onions, garlic, scallions, chives and leeks
They are said to intensify sexual desire, and raw, increase anger, all which take away from the spiritual path

4. Reasons for dietary practices:
Many believe in the concept of “Ahimsa” which means to do no harm (common among Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains)
Carries over to diet – attempt to do no harm or less harm to animals or certain animals
Fasting and feasting usually revolve around festivals of Buddha and the moon cycles

7. Hinduism Beef is prohibited However products from cows like
milk and yogurt are allowed
Some sects are vegetarian
Many of those who eat meat eat only Jhakta meat
Some sects eat only plant-based foods (pure or total vegetarian)
No milk, no eggs, no honey, no figs
Many fasting on certain holidays

8. Reason for Dietary Practices:
Cows are considered sacred
Products of the sacred cow are considered pure or desirable by some
Fasting promotes spiritual growth
Follow principle of Ahimsa

9. Jainism Majority of Jains practice vegetarianism
If there is violence against animals during the production of dairy products, veganism is encouraged
Reason:
Practice the principle of Ahimsa
Jains extend the practice of nonviolence and kindness towards all living beings.

10. McDonalds in India?

13. Eastern Orthodox Christianity
Restrictions on meat including fish
Fasting is practiced several times a year
Some fast for 40 days before Christmas, 48 days at Easter and 15 days in August for Assumption

14. Reason for Dietary Practices:
Fasting is believed to teach self-restraint and increase spiritual progress

15. Islam
Prohibit foods including pork and pork products (bacon, ham, some sausage, some deli meats, gelatine)
Also includes birds of prey, and other carnivorous animals
Animals must be slaughtered a particular way and be blessed
Halal is the word used for permitted food (ie - “Halal hot dogs”)
Fasting during the Ramadan

16. Reason for Dietary Practices:
Eating is for good health
Avoid overindulgence
Pigs are not eaten because they are seen as unclean animals
Believe fasting has a cleansing effect, and is a sign of spiritual devotion

17. McDonalds in countries with high population of Muslims?
No pork on the menu
Beef burgers on the menu – but Halal
All menu items are certified Halal

18. Judaism No pork or pork products No shellfish
No mixing of meat and milk
Kosher is the word used for permitted food
Fasting is practiced

19. Reason for Dietary Practice:
Pigs and shellfish are unclean (says so in their holy book Torah)
Kosher slaughter is meant to minimize suffering of animal
Rules are intended to reduce contamination and to achieve better health

20. Mormonism/ Church of Latter Day Saints
Moderation in all food consumption
Fasting practiced
Stimulants are avoided
Including caffeinated beverages and chocolate

21. Value foods that build up the body and improve endurance and enhance intellect
Fasting is a way to display self-control and honour God

22. Rastafarianism Meat and fish are restricted No pork and shellfish
Some follow ital diet – which can be entirely plant based
Organic vegetarian diets are encouraged
Canned goods are avoided – food in its most natural state is best
Stimulant drinks are prohibited

23. Reason for Dietary Practices:
Ital means ‘vital’ – living, life sustaining
Pigs and shellfish are scavengers and are unclean
Foods grown with chemicals are unnatural

24. Roman Catholicism Fasting practiced during Lent
Meat restricted on certain days
No meat on Friday, but fish is okay

25. Reason for Dietary Practices:
Restrictions are for penance, self- discipline and to be like Jesus
Restrictions are consistent with specified days of the church year – e.g., Lent

26. Seventh-Day Adventist
Pork and shellfish prohibited
Vegetarian diet encouraged
Stimulant drinks discouraged
Healthy diet is recommended
The founder of Kelloggs was a Seventh Day Adventist

27. Reason for Dietary Practices:
Diet satisfies practices to “honour and glorify god”