Going Vegetarian
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
United States
January 27, 2011 2:30pm CST
Going Vegetarian is something I have been thinking about for a long time. I would really love to do this...I ordered a little magazine about going vegetarian and read some horrifying stories/saw horrible pictures...
I just don't know how hard it will be. I am not going to go all Vegan, we need dairy products...but I would like to take meat out of my diet.
Does anyone have any tips about getting used to not eating meat, and how to balance your diet so you stay healthy?
Thanks!!! Any info is appreciated.
4 people like this
17 responses
@JohnMach (550)
• Philippines
27 Jan 11
I've tried going vegetarian too but I guess I'm a meat person. I got curious as to how they live that's why I tried it and came the 3rd day without meat I was kinda longing for it. I went straight to the kitchen and fried myself a dozen of chicken nuggets and ate them there without any rice (rice is a standard food here in the Philippines).
1 person likes this
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
27 Jan 11
lol well, I haven't really been a big meat eater in the first place, so I don't think I'll have as much trouble as you did. :)
I love white rice! lol.
Thanks!
1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
27 Jan 11
Yes, rice is very good for you, but long grain and brown rice is even better..:)
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
27 Jan 11
I don't like those kinds, but I know if i'm going to do this I need to adjust. So maybe I'll mix some in with white rice! lol
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
27 Jan 11
I read through the replies and as for B-12, I am not sure, but will look around and see if any alternatives offer this vitamin. I know protein is a big issue, mostly because when my family went on a Daniel Fast, (A fast from everything but fruits,veggies and whole grains) My husband struggles because he loves meat. Nuts have a lot of protein, so we bought mixed nuts and ate lots of peanut butter, the natural kind of course. Also, consider taking only a little bit out at a time. I saw you are not a big meat eater in the first place, so start by eating only beef, chicken and fish with scales and fins, like salmon. Then just eliminate each one, I suggest the beef first, then the chicken and save the fish for last. In my opinion, if I ever went meatless, I would still try to keep eating the fish, as long as it is clean fish like salmon, because of the oils that are really good for me...
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
27 Jan 11
Thank you for the advice. I like a few kinds of nuts, so that won't be a problem. I love most fruits and a lot of veggie's too. I'll look into the B12 vitamins.
I have NEVER eaten fish. I don't like eating fish, there's something about it. it's not just the taste or the feel...i just could never bring myself to eat fish. i can't explain it.
I don't really like beef. I eat bologna, but once the bologna I have now is gone I'm not going to buy anymore.
i could eat chicken after what i've read. It's not just about the animal abuse (although that's the biggest part of it) but the quality that most chickens live in today make their meat unhealthy.
Thank you!
1 person likes this
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
27 Jan 11
Yes!! How the chickens are in such tight spaces they eat their own poop and other unhealthy stuff, which effects their meat. Not to mention the chemicals they are given to make them plumper.
And I read some HEART breaking stories about abuse too, they made me cry! That is why I want to start an animal sanctuary! To show abused animals kindness. And I was going to stop eating meat eventually (when I started my sanctuary) so why not start early?
I did find B12 supplements from the CVS pharmacy, so I may buy those.
1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
27 Jan 11
I know what you're talking about, the meat farms??? They are horrible..
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
28 Jan 11
I LOVE Okra, both jarred and cooked! I'm afraid I've never heard of water cress or kimchi . I love white rice too!!! I haven't eaten a tomato in SO long, but I guess I better try adding them to my diet now!
Thank you!
@RawBill1 (8531)
• Gold Coast, Australia
30 Jan 11
That is not what we call watercress here in Australia. That does look like Kang Kong which I am currently eating right now in my smoothie! Yum Yum!
This is what watercress is here: http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/free-herb-information/watercress.html
My wife has been making lots of Kimchi lately. Here is a link to her recipe and video for you.
http://raw-pleasure.com.au/Articles/how-to-ferment-veggies-three-recipes
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
27 Jan 11
My friend told me that going vegetarian isn't easy. She loves animals but couldn't get herself to not eat meat especially of there's a crispy fried chicken in front of her. I guess the best method for you is to stay away from meat shops, Mcdonald's, Burger Kings, etc.. and start buying vegetables that will get you by for the week.
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
27 Jan 11
well, I have never been a big meat eater, there are only a few I am willing to eat...and even when I do it's not like I LOVE the taste. I think the biggest hurdle for me will be slim jims...I love slim jims! lol
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
27 Jan 11
@johnmach
How's she doing? Tell her I'll be back to Lucena as soon as I'm done here.
@lilyofthethorns
Okay, then I guess it'll be easier for ya.
@crackx (628)
• Belgium
27 Jan 11
I can't go into detail but when you really want to avoid any sort of meat than make sure you use other products that contain a lot of B12 vitamins, since these can mainly found within meat, and are really necessary for the human being (as actually almost every vitamin)
Though I would not recommend becoming a vegetarian, cause you have to avoid a LOT of products,I'd say you better keep yourself to only chicken and products from the cow, than it is already a lot better... In that way you aren't too "bad" and you still have enough vitamins to stay strong yourself.
PS: Becoming a vegan is really no good. I've had plenty of teachers at school that have always said to NEVER follow such way of living because most vegans get sick after a while because they hadn't informed well beforehand and got sick because of lack of vitamins they could find in other products.
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
27 Jan 11
Yeah I have no desire to become a vegan. I hear they can't have ANYTHING to comes from animals, no dairy products or anything. And I have no problem drinking milk and eating cheese or anything like that.
However, I do want to give up meat. I have heard so many horror stories, most about pigs and cows...and I'd like to take my love for animals one step further.
Can I get b12 vitamins in a pill form? I know you can get vitamin C and others as pills...but not sure i ever saw any for B12.
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
27 Jan 11
Thank you for the advice, I will be sure to do that! I'll actually go look it up right now and see if I can't find some info on it.
@crackx (628)
• Belgium
27 Jan 11
I'm pretty sure you can take these in pills, but if you do please take hold of them in pharmacies. I've been thaught that if you take pills from the wrong store, than these pills eventually also contain other "capacities". I'll try to declare: If you buy a pill which is said to include B12, it might as well contain a vitamin that when you have it in your body (in a too big amount), it will be bad for you. The pill will eventually bring up your B12 amount in the body, but it will as well (potentially) make your amount of vitamins A increase as well, which is bad over time.
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32708)
• Calgary, Alberta
27 Jan 11
have you heard about seitan? Its basically a stuff made of flour that taste exactly like meat. Maybe you can resort to it. There is also this kind of mushroom that taste exactly like chicken. if you mixed blended sushi wrapper,green onion and tofu together and turn it into patties then fry it, it taste exactly like crab cakes. I'm not even vegetarian but I know it.
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
27 Jan 11
I've actually never been a huge meat eater, there are just some meats that i do like. So I don't really need a meat substitute (I probably wouldn't like it anyways, I'm a picky eater! lol) but I just need to learn to avoid the meats I do like.
Lucky for me a LOVE most fruit and a lot of veggies lol.
1 person likes this
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32708)
• Calgary, Alberta
27 Jan 11
I'm not vegan but i do eat in vegan and vegetarian restaurants and its not really that bad. I have a feeling though you like chicken, so some species of mushroom can do the job. Once you became a vegetarian, do you think you can level up and try raw vegan?
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
28 Jan 11
No, I will not be going Vegan. There is no way to be really healthy when you're vegan since you are cutting ALL dairy products from your diet as well was meat.
I'm actually not a big chicken fan, never got too much out of it. I won't miss 99% of the meat, it's just certain products I really like, and it'll take some getting used to.
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
28 Jan 11
Going VEG??? !!! ??? wow... why???
Lily, I can't give you any advice about it, coz they call me a complete non-vegetarian... I like vegetables and meat both in my meal... It doesn't feel complete without it.. Just a question!! Why do you want to go vegetarian???
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
28 Jan 11
There's actually a few reasons I want to go vegetarian.
1) I got a free vegetarian magazine, and I read some horrible stories and saw horrible pictures about the treatment toward animals that are due for slaughter. The animal mistreatment is my number one treatment, but it's not the only reason.
2) The filth the animals are living in is making them, and their meat, less healthy. Ex: chickens are stuck in extremely tight spaces so they often eat their own poop. And what they eat, we get. Plus, chickens are being loaded up with chemicals to make them bigger and that's not good for us or them.
3) My teacher showed some videos from something like body works...and it should part of our insides getting prepared..and not to gross anyone but WE look like uncooked bacon, which just totally disgusted me.
4) I want to be healthier! lol
@anne25penn (3305)
• Philippines
28 Jan 11
I have been part Vegan for some time. There is nothing bad with taking meat out of your diet. Plus, if you know the right protein substitutes you won't have a problem with not getting all the required nutrients from your food. I am fortunate that tofu is abundant here in my country and I was able to rotate my Vegan dishes around that. Also beans and legumes. I don't know what horror stories you're referring to, but taking meat out of your diet and being a vegetarian won't be too hard. It's just like changing the brand of cereal that you have been used to for the past few years. The tough part of being Vegan for me has been eating out because there are few Vegan or Vegetarian restaurants here in my country.
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
28 Jan 11
Are you actually Vegan (no meat AND no diary products at all) or did you just take meat out of your diet?
I can imagine it would be tough to eat out! I'll probably run into that problem too!!!
@RawBill1 (8531)
• Gold Coast, Australia
28 Jan 11
Personally I know many people who are vegetarian and thriving. I know plenty of vegans too who are also thriving. The key is that you have to eat lots of fresh produce. Just like a meat eating diet, you still have to eat good food. Where people go wrong is that they replace a meal of meat and lots of veggies with a meal mainly made of pasta or rice and they do not add the same amount of vegetables in that they would have eaten beforehand with their meat. A lot of people add way too much soy and grains into their diet when they give up meat instead of eating more fresh vegetables and that is where they go wrong. There is no need for people to suffer without meat. We do not need it or dairy. Who told you that we need dairy? It is totally unnatural for us to be consuming milk from another mammal. These industries are cruel to animals and the environment as well as us.
My health improved rapidly as soon as I stopped eating meat and dairy. My small problems that I just thought were normal as they were always there went away overnight almost. I always used to have constipation problems which would end up with me on the toilet in the middle of the night with the runs, I suffered nasal blockages at night and in the mornings. I always used to have to breathe through my mouth at night while sleeping. This then led to other problems too. I am here to help you if you need support doing this.
Go Vegetarian! You can do it!
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
28 Jan 11
It would be too difficult for me to give up all dairy products, but I am really excited about giving up meat.
I love a lot of veggie's (carrots, broccoli, okra, asparagus, etc) and a lot of fruit, so those won't be limited in my diet, I'll probably eat more of them!!! lol
I definitely won't be over doing the soy, I don't even like soy lol.
I also read that nuts are important to a vegetarian's diet...and I do like a few kinds of nuts (almonds, walnuts) so that won't be a problem either.
Thanks!!!
@RawBill1 (8531)
• Gold Coast, Australia
28 Jan 11
Giving up dairy can be very hard as there are a lot of addictive chemicals in dairy products, cheese in particular. (along with pus)
Nuts are a great way to get essential fats. I make almond milk which is the main milk used in our house. We buy almonds by the box from a friend who runs a nut stall at our local markets. We also use cashews to make a cashew cheese, cashew milk sometimes and also just to snack on. Brazils, walnuts and pecans are also great.
You are better without lots of soy. Too many vegans and vegetarians rely on soy and tofu way too much. It is not good in large amounts. Try to stay away from manufactured vegetarian meals that imitate meat too. They may be handy in a transitional phase, but you want to be aiming for real food that is what it is and not an imitation of anything.
@madteaparty (2748)
• Japan
28 Jan 11
You're not going to stay completely healthy eating only vegetables, as humans are omnivores, and not hervibores, so we need the nutrients in meat and vegetables as well, but not only in meat or only in vegetables.
If you have a really good reason to go vegetarian, and not only because now it's considered cool or someone has told you some horror stories, then go for it, but don't expect your health to be as good as the one of a person who has a balanced diet.
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
28 Jan 11
I have a few reasons for going vegetarian, I listed them a couple responses above yours, under Mr. Pearls post.
I know that we need the B12 vitamin that comes from meat, I know that's important. I did find B12 supplements, so hopefully those will make up for it. I can ask my dad, he's a doctor, he'll know.
@kingparker (9673)
• United States
28 Jan 11
Once my friend actually try to be vegan himself for half year. Maybe he actually done it, and his sole purpose is to reduce fat. Well, he succeeded it. He committed himself not to eat meat, and only vegetable. Now, he is back to meat again, and his transition was quite well. You can do it if you can commit to it.
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
28 Jan 11
I'm not actually going Vegan, I'm going vegetarian. Vegan is when you take ALL animal products (meat, dairy) from your diet. I don't find that healthy at all. I will just be taking meat out of my diet, but I will still be consuming the very important dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese).
I don't really think I'll miss the meat that much, it'll just take some getting used to!
Thank you.
@hlgmdt (300)
• Philippines
28 Jan 11
Hi! Based on what I've read, going totally vegan should not be an overnight decision, so it's a good thing that you've been asking for opinions and idea before getting into it. It is important to have a medical check up to ensure that your body can keep up with the changes in your diet. I think there are kinds of vegan, such as lacto-vegan or something like that. Milk and dairy products are included in the diet. The common problem with vegan, according to some articles I've read, is iron deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency, which could lead to anemia. What about going semi-vegan, first? Eliminating meat and meat products but not dairy products. You could maybe try that first and assess if it would be ok with you to go all-the-way vegan.
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
28 Jan 11
I never planned on eliminating diary products, only meat for me. It would be way to difficult to cut dairy out of my diet too.
I did find B12 supplements, which is something you do get from meat, and something you need. But I think these B12 pills will make up for it! I can ask my dad, he's a doctor.
Thank you!
@kangary (4)
• Indonesia
28 Jan 11
hi, I'm not a vegetarian, but recently i read 7 tips for vegetarian health in a website, maybe these tips useful for you:
1. Eat a dark green vegetable (broccoli, spinach, kale, collard green) at leat three time a week
2. take a vitamin that contains B7 or nutritional yeast
3. increase drinking water
4. eat at least one piece of raw of fruit or a handful of raw vegetables everyday
5. reduce your refined sugar intake
6. keep your favorite salad dressing on hand
7. eat rainbow, i mean eat fruit or vegetable that have different color, like red tomato, yellow bananas, purple cabage
i think vegetarian is good, but i not interested in becoming vegetarian...because i still love meat :)
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
28 Jan 11
Thank you very much for the tips! Those are great!! I love fruit and veggie's, so that shouldn't be a problem for me!! Reducing sugar may be a little tougher lol.
@stk40m (1119)
• Koeln, Germany
28 Jan 11
I'm a Vegetarian for about two years now. During that time I've learned a bit more about what I need (to eat) and what I have to avoid (if I really don't want to eat stuff that contains ingredients for which animals have to be killed).
stuff that you definitely need, including but not limited to (besides what has already been said):
essential amino acids:
soybeans are said to be a good source for all e.a.a. as you can read here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soybean (paragraph nutrition)
Dietary minerals
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dietary_mineral
of which I personally experienced a lack of Zinc and Iron (these elements are important for skin and blood formation) as I did not ingest enough of them. Still haven't done a blood test which is highly recommended for Veggies... I think that I also experienced a lack of iondine at some point but I'm not sure here. Anyway, it's another important one, too.
what to avoid: gelatine! That stuff is really in a lot of products like in many sweets, some cream tarts, many yoghourts ... you name it. Best thing to do is taking a look at the ingredients of each product which are usually shown on its packaging. Then there are some ingredients which CAN be vegetable but don't need to be, e.g. rennet http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rennet
I bet that I still eat stuff that contains animal ingredients of some sort. It's almost impossible to find out if a supermarket product is 100% vegetable nowadays. It's sad but it's true...
But I have to say that I feel really good now both physically and mentally. Haven't been ill for a long time now. I think that I was frequently ill in the past and my blood pressure is optimal now. Milk and eggs are ok for me.
Cheers
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
2 Feb 11
True, jello and gelatin are from animals. But there is a seaweed that can jel also. Many vegetarians here use that instead.
@Kashmeresmycat (6369)
• United States
28 Jan 11
Hi Lil,
Well, I really don't know too much about being a vegetarian, other than I love vegies, lol!
I have a tiny suggestion for you that may help solve some of the problems. You can do a "search" and here's what I would put in so you get the page. Try putting in "vegetarian Cleveland Clinic" and it will give you answers to your questions. The Cleveland Clinic is one of the most highly respected hospitals in the world, so I would think their advice is worthy. You can also try putting that in with other top notch hospitals if you know what I mean, such as the Mayo Clinic, John Hopkins, etc. They will also tell you about your B12 and how you need it, and the different types of vegetarian diets. They might possibly have recipes too, or other links to different websites that will help you out so you get the correct information.
Just some food for thought, haha, no pun intended.
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
28 Jan 11
lol! Thank you for the suggestion, I actually never heard of the Cleveland Clinic. I never thought of consulting a hospital for answers!
I did find some B12 supplements, so I'd still be getting that...and I found a site that told me all the foods I can eat to stay healthy. I know there are all kinds of vegetarian recipes out there, I'll have to look them up! lol
Thanks!!!
@macdingolinger (10386)
• United States
27 Jan 11
Since you are used to eating meat you may want to jump off slowly. Like cut out all red meats and eat only chicken and fish. Then try to make meals a few times a week without meat using beans, cheese and other protien options instead. (i love mac n cheese!) Then it won't be so far to just dump the other meat. I just went vegetarian again too. Started Sunday and I am already feeling better although it takes a couple of weeks to really feel the full impact.
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
27 Jan 11
I have never eaten fish, so I won't be starting now lol.
I'm not sure it'll be super hard for me to cut out meat. I have never been a big meat eater, but there are just a few meat products I do like. Slim jims will be the hardest thing to stop eating! lol. They are soooo good (but so bad for you too).
I used to like mac and cheese...now I don't. but I may start eating it again now! lol
Thank you
@thanks1961 (7035)
• India
28 Jan 11
Hi dear,
In my observation anything with a nominal proportion is acceptable to our body. People eat all kind of foods from long time and for some reason some of the people are totally against non veg food due to certain religious concept or something like.
Veg is preferably good but having non veg is not at all harm our our digestive systems. But it should be properly cooked and make sure on hygienic qualities. Also, heavy food and up-normal food habit may cause consequences. But moderate and an appropriate food nature make no major issues to our body or system.
I am a non vegetarian and stopped eating all kind of non veg food for 6 years as a challenge. I completed the term of 6 years successfully and doesn't feel any difference in those period. I just ignored - that is all. Once I started eating of non veg again, didn't feel any change also. But it is all upto us, what to eat. But always think everything is good - if it is on a advisable basis.
Thank-s