The choice of being a vegetarian...

[sibernox]

Hey all, I've recently leaned more and more towards being a vegetarian, but I have a couple of questions.

 

1- How difficult is it?

2-Do you ever lose the temptation to eat meat?

3-Is it unhealthy for your body to stop eating meat? I mean, meat does contain a large number of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B2 which is difficult to obtain from a vegetarian diet.

4-Are there vegetarian meals which really replace the taste of meat?

 

If anyone could shed any more light on this, I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

Thanks in advance.

[The Collector]

1. I turned vegetarian at 16 and found it very easy.

2. Never tempted, meat soon became gross and disgusting to me. But other vegetarians may feel differently.

3. Countries with vegetarian diets are often healthier overall. It's not difficult to get all your vitamins from alternative sources if you eat healthily.

4. Tofu can be a bit like chicken. There are lots of veggie burgers and veggie sausages which taste similar, if not better. Mushrooms are bit meaty.

 

Give it a try and see if you like it. For more info, there are plenty of websites on the subject.

 

Also, don't know what sex you are , but women say it makes your semen more palatable, if that's a bonus for you...

[sibernox]

I'm a male. And a friend of mine said the first couple of months were really difficult for her, that she got really sick and felt really really weak and started throwing up at times.

 

Thanks for your reply.

[laRubiaBonita]

i was a vegi for 5 years (due to extreme circumstances, i had to eat meat again).

 

it really wasn't hard, and depending on what you want to give up... all meat, dairy, eggs, or any combo of these things and others..... iis not hard to make things vegetarian.

 

i will admit i did initially have dreams where i ate a whopper- which was kinda wierd cause i never really ate a lot of red meat or whoppers to begin with...

 

lentils are a great source of many vitamins and minerals, as well as fruits and veggi's.

 

i think one downfall of some people when they go vegetarian is that they keep a very limited diet, and do not explore new or "exotic" foods......

 

and protien is pretty key- complete protiens, amino acids.... all that stuff.

 

just do not eat french fried potatoes and chips every day

[blind_otter]

Hey all, I've recently leaned more and more towards being a vegetarian, but I have a couple of questions.

 

1- How difficult is it?

2-Do you ever lose the temptation to eat meat?

3-Is it unhealthy for your body to stop eating meat? I mean, meat does contain a large number of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B2 which is difficult to obtain from a vegetarian diet.

4-Are there vegetarian meals which really replace the taste of meat?

 

If anyone could shed any more light on this, I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

I was a vegetarian for a few months, maybe 3 or 4 (it was 8 years ago, so bare with me), then became a vegan with this crazed diet that also cut out all gluten. Vegetarianism wasn't so hard. Being vegan was. I was a vegan for 6 months, and then I quit and started eating meat again.

 

I never lost the temptation to eat meat. I would have vivid dreams about eating a rare filet mignon, or bacon. I had these dreams continually for a few months before I finally gave in.

 

It's not unhealthy to not eat meat, just don't get lazy. I've known a few vegetarians who just had bad diets, and they were very unhealthy looking. Variety is the key, I think.

 

No. I never found a vegetarian meal that could replace meat. Tofu does not taste like chicken. If anything, it tastes like scrambled eggs (to me). I never found a veggie burger pattie, veggie "chicken" patties, or veggie sausage that even approximated the taste of meat. Believe me, I tried. I searched high and low to try to eliminate my cravings. TVP (textured vegetable protein)? I don't think so. Some people seem to think that mushrooms can taste like meat, I do not agree. Mushrooms taste very earthy and not at all meaty, to me.

[quankanne]

I wonder if the key to successfully incorportating "meat substitutes" in a vegetarian diet is the use of spices? My one friend's child is strict about keeping a no-meat diet, but Nick said that the kid really loves the food put out by the Veggie Burger people (Boca?), and that he will even eat them every once in awhile because they taste that good.

 

as for cutting out meats and worrying about what you're missing, there are lots of good protein alternatives to pick from, just make sure you're not allergic to them.

 

meat soon became gross and disgusting to me

 

ouch ... I can't imagine being without my chicken, pork or steak, but I can see how your palate rejected meat after you left them out of your diet. I know fresh vegetables are preferred to canned or frozen; with my sweet tooth, I've noticed that snacky food tastes gross if I've eaten fruit for a few days because my palate adjusts to it.

 

I am curious about tofu, though, I've heard comments from those for and against the stuff, but I also hear that it's all in the preparation, that you can easily substitute it for meat when you use the right seasonings.

 

now for the big question: Do vegetarians completely cut out soups that have a meat-broth base?

[The Collector]

now for the big question: Do vegetarians completely cut out soups that have a meat-broth base?

 

I do. I eat cheese, but only buy vegetarian (ie not made with animal rennet) One of the few concessions I make is if I'm at a restaurant and theres pizza or something with cheese, or a dessert that might have animal fat in it, I don't ask too many questions and just eat it.

[quankanne]

I don't ask too many questions and just eat it

 

sounds like some of the Mexican food I've been offered

 

seriously, though, I imagine it's more about knowing that even though you may not have control over what product someone uses in the food they prepare for you, you actually DO have control over the other 99.99 percent of your diet. And somehow, that makes it easier when you're stuck without alternatives.

[Geishawhelk]

Hey all, I've recently leaned more and more towards being a vegetarian, but I have a couple of questions.

 

1- How difficult is it?

2-Do you ever lose the temptation to eat meat?

3-Is it unhealthy for your body to stop eating meat? I mean, meat does contain a large number of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B2 which is difficult to obtain from a vegetarian diet.

4-Are there vegetarian meals which really replace the taste of meat?

 

If anyone could shed any more light on this, I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

I gave up eating meat this new year, and this time (I've done it before) I'll stick to it and it will be better.

I have a blood condition which means I need complex proteins and up to about 15 years ago this was only found in meat. My previous attempt didn't leave me feeling too good, and after about a year, I found, through blood tests, that i needed to resume meat.

With the incredible advances made in producing suitable meat substitutes, plus better information and education on dietary intake, it should be absolutely no problem for you whatsoever to make the change.

 

If you're addicted to meat, and love it as much as I do, then you may get protein withdrawal symptoms and find you need to snack to satisfy the cravings.

I eat a lot of quorn products, because for me, they come the closest to meat in flavour and texture.

 

I hope you don't have an allergy to nuts, because the best ones are as follows:

 

Brazil nuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and linseeds.

 

This website is very good and full of information you might find useful.

 

you can find all the nutrients you find in meat, in any vegetables. Eat a varied diet, try soya or rice milk instead of dairy milk, or use goat's milk, which I find lighter.....

 

How easy is it?

That depends on two things:

How veggie-friendly it is where you live (I lived in France for 6 years, and believe me it was impossible!) and how good your will-power is.

 

I don't know why you're giving meat up (and I'm not asking you to discuss it necessarily) but your reasons can fuel your motivation.

[pandagirl]

I've been a vegetarian for over 10 years. In recent years though, the temptation of sushi has proved to be too much and I've let myself eat it, but never chicken or red meat.

 

I gradually gave up meat. First red meat, then chicken and then fish. I did so for health reasons, humane reasons, environmental reasons and also, didn't see the reason in eating meat if I could live healthily without it.

 

That being said, I have had my bouts with iron deficiency, when I don't watch what I eat and fall into the "lazy vegetarian" phases of eating too much bread and cheese, but this was more in college when everyone ate disgustingly and was unhealthy. haha I take a multi-vitamin everyday, plus a B-12 supplement.

 

I've never had the temptation to eat meat, but that's probably because I never really craved it in the first place. There are definitely meat substitutes that taste and have the texture of meat. Of course, to a meat eater, they are probably a poor comparison, but after a short while, you forget and get used to it.

 

I do eat dairy, but it's only because I LOVE CHEESE! For my cereal, I use soy or almond milk.

 

I keep a lot of nuts around and try to eat tons of fruits, veggies, whole grains and beans and tofu. However, don't think I'm a health nut: I love dessert and sugar!!

[heartbroken55]

I became vegan about 2 months ago. That means not only do I not eat meat, I cut out things like cheese, milk and eggs too. I can't eat things like cookies, or mayo. I've been reading a lot of labels lately to make sure it's totally vegan. My food is pretty bland these days but I feel great. I lost about 20 pounds within 2 months. Easiest 20 pounds ever. I have more energy and I actually just went out yesterday to buy new pants because my old ones didn't fit anymore... I do have temptations on eating some of my favorite foods like Chinese take out (Yum) but the way I feel totally outweighs any temptations of eating meat.

 

There are so many benefits to becoming a vegetarian and tips on how to transition if you need help. Just google "Vegetarian" and you'll see countless articles on the subject.

1- How difficult is it?

-It depends on your will power. If you don't have enough good food to eat you'll be more likely to go back to eating meat because it's so available. Luckily for me I live in an area with a lot of vegetarian restaurants so it's not too hard for me. Also I grew up a vegetarian and my mom cooked some of the best vegetarian dishes and I still remember how she made them. If you Google vegetarian recipes you can find a lot of the same things.

2-Do you ever lose the temptation to eat meat?

-All the time! But I never act on it. I know that I'm only cheating myself. Eating meat gave me high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I want to live a long healthy life!

 

3-Is it unhealthy for your body to stop eating meat? I mean, meat does contain a large number of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B2 which is difficult to obtain from a vegetarian diet.

-You can get all the vitamins you need from a vegetarian diet. Unless all you eat is junk food like chips all day and candy all day you'll be fine. I think if you're worried take vitamins to supplement your diet.

 

4-Are there vegetarian meals which really replace the taste of meat?

-Plenty! Again search vegetarian on google and you will find many sites that tell you about all the different vegetarian options that are now available. If you have an asian market near you, check them out and ask them where the vegetarian stuff is and chances are you'll see an isle full of faux meats.

 

Goodluck!

[laRubiaBonita]

I became vegan about 2 months ago. That means not only do I not eat meat, I cut out things like cheese, milk and eggs too. I can't eat things like cookies, or mayo. I've been reading a lot of labels lately to make sure it's totally vegan.

 

have stopped using all animal products?

 

like leather and no feather pillows?

[sibernox]

Thank you all for replying, really appreciate it.

 

It's something I've been contemplating for quite some time now, and obviously will slowly have to ease into.

 

I'm 20 years old, live in Montreal, Canada and meat is like, a huge part of life for me. Haha, so it's definitely gona be a challenge. Almost all of my mom's dishes are meat dishes too so it'll also have to be a bit of lifestyle change.

 

I've never tried Tofu, but poeple have told me it's a decent substitute for meat. What worried me is what my friend told me about her body being all f'd up since she turned vegetarian, but I guess not everyone's the same.

 

Anyways, thanks again.

[Geishawhelk]

The only people I know whose bodies F'up for being vegetarian are either those with an uncontrolled medical condition (like I was) or people who don't adapt their diet correctly.

 

Switching to vegetarianism makes no difference to your body's health or function, providing you do it properly.

 

Daisy cow will thank you for it.

[laRubiaBonita]

Daisy cow will thank you for it.

 

so will your bowels!

[heartbroken55]

have stopped using all animal products?

 

like leather and no feather pillows?

 

No leather and no feather pillows.

[sibernox]

May I ask any vegetarian people what made you go veggie?

 

Personally, I'm really considering it because a) I don't agree with the way animals are treated and b) I heard a vegetarian lifestyle was a much healthier lifestyle.

 

Did you guys get people taunting you? Were people understanding or stupid and said crap like "we were meant to eat animals!"?

[Geishawhelk]

May I ask any vegetarian people what made you go veggie?

 

Personally, I'm really considering it because a) I don't agree with the way animals are treated and b) I heard a vegetarian lifestyle was a much healthier lifestyle.

It conflicts entirely with my personal beliefs, and I couldn't be a hypocrite any longer.

 

Did you guys get people taunting you? Were people understanding or stupid and said crap like "we were meant to eat animals!"?

 

Oh, goodness, yes. And I reply along the lines of:

 

'Yes, and we're also meant to be polygamous and walk with a stoop, but we don't!

Simply because we're meant to do something, doesn't make it right.

Tell you what you bring your little *<person's pet>* over, and I'll kill it and we'll have it for lunch, how's that?'

[heartbroken55]

May I ask any vegetarian people what made you go veggie?

 

Personally, I'm really considering it because a) I don't agree with the way animals are treated and b) I heard a vegetarian lifestyle was a much healthier lifestyle.

 

Did you guys get people taunting you? Were people understanding or stupid and said crap like "we were meant to eat animals!"?

 

Honestly I don't really care about how animals are treated. They're going to be treated that way no matter what a relatively few people do unless the whole entire world went vegan. I did it mostly for personal health reasons. My blood pressure and cholesterol is pretty bad. Also my gf just broke up with me and I wanted to do something drastic and wanted to focus my energy on something else. Watching what I eat and becoming vegan really helped.

 

 

Me not eating meat seems to bother other people more than it does myself. "I would DIE if i don't eat meat!" is my favorite... or when they ask me if I still eat fish at least. I still don't understand why Americans don't consider fish meat.

 

But so far I feel great! My mind is off the gf... I'm getting close to my high school weight and my tummy is flat! I'm happy...

[sibernox]

Yeah, my mom's been telling me to at least eat fish. I don't understand it.

 

Anyways, it's been 2 days and a half and counting. Went out yesterday with my buddies and ate strictly vegetarian. Obviously I was met with some protest but I handled it pretty well.

 

I understand the important nutrients found in meats are the B12 vitamin, iron and protein. Correct?

 

Are there foods in particular I need to eat to be covered on those fronts?

 

Thanks.

[Geishawhelk]

Yes, mainly nuts, tofu, and green leafy vegetables like broccoli, sprouts, curly kale, spinach and cabbage.

 

have you had a look at that website link I sent you?

[LostLamb]

I'm not the healthiest veggie at the moment seeing as I hardly eat, but it is easy replacing the vitamins and minerals you get from meat if you eat the right foods. Leafy veg , tofu and nuts etc for protein.

I last ate meat/fish aged 14 and have never been tempted too eat it again. The worst thing about being a vegetarian is other people's reactions , my ex's family found my vegetarianism strange which led to no meals.

If you miss the taste of meat that much , I would advise against becoming a vegetarian.

[FleshNBones]

If you are physically active, be very careful with vegetarian and vegan diets.

[heartbroken55]

If you are physically active, be very careful with vegetarian and vegan diets.

 

Please elaborate. I recently went on a little hike and after an hour or so my leg muscles were giving out. I'm not sure if me being vegan had anything to do with it.

[Geishawhelk]

How much water did you drink during the hike?