health Vegetarianism

[Member Berry 1,217]

I've been debating becoming one for a while but I have finally decided to just do it. I just don't like the idea of eating animals. I've also researched into it a lot more lately and I now know what to eat and what vitamins to take to remain healthy.

 

Any other vegetarians here? I didn't eat any meat yesterday so I guess today is my second day of being a vegetarian Any advice for a newbie?

 

Edit: Oops. I meant to tag this under food not health. Sorry.

Edited May 18, 2016 by Kayleigh

[Sals 56]

Well it is in fact proven that it is healthier to not eat animals. Plus I am sure no one wants heart disease from eating said animals. JUst do what you want! The health benefits are what would draw me in but I still love bacon.

 

PB&J is really good. It is also high in protein.

[Rawzy 1,302]

Since my mother is vegetarian, we have to eat soy bean meat whenever she cooks, it does get repetitive after 17 years. The only reason I could see someone converting to being a vegetarian is if you don't like eating animals that are already dead......

 

But hey....it could be worse.......you could decide to become a vegan....

[Kira Dogeikage 230]

I've been a vegetarian for a little over two months now, and I don't even crave meat anymore. The second week is difficult, that's when the cravings set in. Be sure to get enough protein, and also, a lot of things have dead animal in them that you wouldn't even think of, like Jello and most ramen flavor packets. I recommend going online and looking up vegetarian and vegan recipes. One vitamin you ABSOLUTELY need supplements for is B12, as it gives you energy. I didn't do enough research when I started and I was exhausted all the time. Anyhow, good luck to you!

[ponylaces 1,870]

A good friend of mine is vegetarian. I'm not vegetarian myself, but I understand why people choose that lifestyle. I don't really think about where my food comes from, honestly. I couldn't survive not eating meat. I love it too much.

[SaraEH 398]

I was a vegetarian for 9 years, Started eating meat less than a year ago .. No one waas pressuring me but my goal isnt to live in a meat free world, i just dont like the over production of living creatures to throw in the trash.. But good luch with the new lifestyle ^^

[Member Berry 1,217]

Thanks all! I accidentally ate sweets which weren't suitable for vegetarians yesterday but I think that's normal for vegetarians to start with.

[\/ 651]

I am a vegetarian. It was honestly very simple for me because I was never a big fan of meat. I just never found myself enjoying the taste of it; whether it be chicken, pork, beef, or even fish. Don't get me wrong, there were certain meat dishes that I did enioy, but for the most part, it really wasn't that much of a transition. I think that this has been a good change in my life because I have much less stomach issues. I became a vegetarian due to my beliefs in animal rights and after doing a good amount if research into the meat industry. I don't have any issues with individuals who consume meat- as all of my family are big fans of it. They cook it whenever they can!

It's nice to see the vegetarians that respect others' choices. There are too many ranty people out there that complain about the cruelty of people that eat meat.

[Jennabun 1,579]

I've been a vegetarian for nearly 5 years! I can't see myself ever going back to meat. I don't even think about it anymore - I literally have zero desire to eat meat. Even the smell of meat is weird for me now. The hardest part is the first month or so. I had a hard time at the beginning because I used to be a much pickier eater and did not know what to order at restaurants and stuff. Be willing to try new foods - you'll be surprised at what is delicious! You are doing such a wonderful thing for the animals and the planet - congratulations on your new journey and good luck!

Edited May 31, 2016 by Jennabun

[Vox 870]

I was a vegetarian for 6 years and a pescetarian for 2 until i reverted back to eating meat. It was having adverse affects on my health even if i tried to balance what i ate properly. I suppose i would've preferred to have remained that way but it was a bit of a burden on friends and family since what i ate was pretty limited by their standards. If you want to change your eating patterns make sure to do your research, even visit a doctor if you can to ask if you can handle it.

Edited May 31, 2016 by Vox

[Sintanan 151]

I just don't like the idea of eating animals.

 

Not trying to start anything, but may I ask what is your reasoning behind disliking eating animals?  I've seen many turn to being a vegetarian for a variety of reasons, and I am curious the details on yours.

[Member Berry 1,217]

Not trying to start anything, but may I ask what is your reasoning behind disliking eating animals?  I've seen many turn to being a vegetarian for a variety of reasons, and I am curious the details on yours.

The thought of eating dead flesh grosses me out. I just don't like the idea of me eating something that was once alive. I also don't agree with how these animals are treated in the slightest.

[Sintanan 151]

The thought of eating dead flesh grosses me out. I just don't like the idea of me eating something that was once alive. I also don't agree with how these animals are treated in the slightest.

 

Thank you for your clarification.

[Solid 1,327]

While I am not a vegetarian or a vegan, I do periodically have vegetarian/vegan meals to show my respect and support for the fellow vegetarians and vegans out there.

 

It is entirely possible to maintain a healthy vegetarian diet given you measure your calorie and nutrient intake and take supplements as needed, but I don't think it is necessary to take to the extreme and thus become rigid. Sometimes due to external factors, such your environment (lack of vegetarian dining options), or survival situations (illness, contaminated vegetation) in which intaking meat is advised.

 

Since there are plenty of people out there with vegetarian diets living healthy lives, I think the "meat is needed for health" argument is not very valid, but I don't think that means meat is bad for your health either. Like everything else, with proper balance, meat can very much be a healthy part of your diet, especially if certain foods containing certain nutrients mainly in meats aren't available to you should you need them as a vegetarian.

 

With that being said, I might consider a vegetarian or vegan diet once my metabolism slows down as I age.

[SparklingSquirrels 21,354]

I'm not vegetarian, but people have asked me before if I was one. That's because I rarely ever eat meat; the only meat I really like is duck, but I can't get it too often...

 

I don't eat chicken/beef/pork/etc., since I think those meats taste really bland.

 

I'm also picky with the fish I eat... I like smoked salmon, mussels, and fish in ceviche, but that's about it. Most other fish tastes awfully bland to me.

Edited June 1, 2016 by SparklingSwirls

[Keiyara 22]

I'm not a vegatarian, though I don't eat meat a lot.

[honk friend 1,978]

i was thinking of going vegan so i could decrease the fat and testosterone in my diet, also the decreased risk of cancer and heart disease sounds great to me

only problem is i don't feel like giving up honey and it seems vegans have very mixed feelings about honey

[Looks 130]

I'm a human trash can; I eat absolutely everything. I'm also quite the meat eater o-o

 

But I have vegetarian friends; I don't care if you're a veggie-tales fan or a vegan, as long as you don't force me to not eat meat it's totally okay x3

[Rulerofblocks 210]

I'm not a vegetarian, but I tend to have intestinal discomfort if I eat a lot of meat, so I eat it in moderation.

[Tarnation 142]

I have been vegetarian my whole life now and I am not gonna eat any meat in the future.   

[EpicEnergy 23,224]

I'm not a vegetarian, but I respect that some people don't want to eat meat.

[Ocean Breeze 5,105]

While I'm not a vegetarian myself, I do respect the people who are and don't want to eat meat.

[Thuja 3,659]

One thing that would be a good idea, especially if you're still vegetarian, is to tell your doctor about the diet change so they can do annual blood tests for a while to make sure you're getting what you need and if you're in a place that allows it, they should also refer you to a nutritionist that could help you have a balanced diet and having the nutrition that you need.  Besides B-12(which you can get through nooch), it'd also be a good idea to take an omega-6 supplement as well.  Make sure you get enough protein and iron in your diet.  One thing I'd suggest is spanakopita https://www.themediterraneandish.com/spanakopita-recipe-greek-spinach-pie/ <- This is the recipe I use and it's great, tastes good and lasts a while in the fridge too, highly suggest reheating what you're going to eat in the oven though.  The main thing I like about having a mostly veggie diet is that I don't have to worry about meat rotting in the fridge after buying it three days ago.

I used to be a vegetarian for a while but switched back to eating meat sometimes, the only meat dish I eat is this cheesesteak "homemade hot pocket" that I make sometimes.  It's my weakness.  I also still use beef bouillon too, it's hard to find decently priced faux-beef bouillon around here.  I think for me, the reason I stopped being full vegetarian is because of the cost for faux meats and bouillon.  Sure, I might not eat as much faux meats anymore since I found a love for seitan but gluten flour can get expensive if you make a lot of seitan but it's still less than how much I'd pay for meat per month.

[BlankFlank777 199]

I've been vegan for over 2 years and it's crazy to think it took me so long to make the decision to go vegan. It only makes everything better. Animals don't deserve to be used, the planet doesn't deserve the damage caused by animal agriculture, and our bodies deserve better treatment than filling them with death and hormones and disease. Everyone knows at this point that a vegan diet is healthier than a non-vegan diet, so if you respect life, what could be stopping you?

[CheeryFox 23,822]

I follow a mostly Mediterranean diet: which is not much meat or dairy. It's not quite vegetarianism...but it's way healthier than nearly all of the diets.