Calling all veggies

beastmode2718

I'm going vegetarian, it's a slow process but I was wanting some tips to make it easier, nutrition info, recipes anything really

LaineyVAhimsa

Im vegan, I would suggest to stay away from cheese and high fat dairy. Also try not to rely on processed foods too much as they contain alot of salt and rubbish. Eat lots of whole grains/whole foods like rice and beans/ lentils. Veggies should make up the majority of your meal then grains/pulses. Dont be afraid of beans they are fantastic for protein and fibre. For fats id suggest avocado/olives/ seeds and nuts. Go easy on nuts though as they are very calorific. Good luck may i ask why you have chosen to go veggie?

TrickyDisco

There's some great veggie/vegan groups on here, look out for Happy Herbivores and Team Vegan, lots of friendly helpful advice and recipes. Also loads of info and recipes online, maybe check out the Vegetarian Society's site.

beastmode2718

It's something I have wanted to do for a long time and my partner is really serious about. I believe in animal rights and if I can contribute in any way I will. I'm down to only having meat once a day at most. Being in the Midwest options are limited but I'm making more of my own food

nbottin

Meal ideas:
Lettuce wrapped veggie burger or black bean burger
Curry and rice
Mashed potatoes, peas, and any protein
Sandwiches
Tempeh bacon (so good!!)
Black bean tacos
Tofu baked
Sweet potato anything
Spaghetti with mock ground beef
Salads with fruit and veggies
Stir fry


I've been vegetarian for 17 years and vegan for one year. Try to keep things simple

TrickyDisco

If you're going veggie because you believe in animal rights I'd suggest you look into going vegan instead ... find out more about how animals are treated in the dairy industry and egg production, particularly male calves and male chicks.

beastmode2718

That's my goal over all but my body goes into shock if I dramatically change my diet so I'm trying to take small steps until I eventually am there

AnnPT77

I've been ovo-lacto vegetarian for 41 years (yes, since 1974).

For me, the biggest improvement in satisfaction with that diet came years (decades) ago, when I shifted my thinking from the meat-eaters' typical "one big protein per meal" approach to simply trying to use healthy protein-containing foods woven throughout my meals and snacks - not even necessarily protein-intense foods.

In a typical day, most foods I eat contain some protein, especially the more calorie-dense foods. So, things like seeds or nuts on the salad (in reasonable portions); beans pureed into soups or sauces; tahini or the like in salad dressing; emphasis on veggies that have protein (like broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, among others); etc.

Interpretive note: I think the fake meat products are gross and disgusting (just a personal taste thing, not a religion), plus many of them are highly-processed and in fats, salt, sugar, etc. I also don't much go in for bars or powders for protein. I like eating mostly whole foods, or close to it, especially things our collective ancestors have been eating for decades or centuries (again, not religion - just find them more tasty and satisfying).

beastmode2718

AnnPT77 wrote: »

I've been ovo-lacto vegetarian for 41 years (yes, since 1974).

For me, the biggest improvement in satisfaction with that diet came years (decades) ago, when I shifted my thinking from the meat-eaters' typical "one big protein per meal" approach to simply trying to use healthy protein-containing foods woven throughout my meals and snacks - not even necessarily protein-intense foods.

In a typical day, most foods I eat contain some protein, especially the more calorie-dense foods. So, things like seeds or nuts on the salad (in reasonable portions); beans pureed into soups or sauces; tahini or the like in salad dressing; emphasis on veggies that have protein (like broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, among others); etc.

Interpretive note: I think the fake meat products are gross and disgusting (just a personal taste thing, not a religion), plus many of them are highly-processed and in fats, salt, sugar, etc. I also don't much go in for bars or powders for protein. I like eating mostly whole foods, or close to it, especially things our collective ancestors have been eating for decades or centuries (again, not religion - just find them more tasty and satisfying).

Good advice I will have to try that