Turning vegetarian-this should be simple right?
ReenieHJ
Posts: 9,724 Member
I can do without pork and red meats. But I like chicken and occasionally fish too. However my empathy and love for animals always makes me harbor guilt when I eat meat. That's just me and I don't mean to start any battles about eating/not eating meat. 
So how do I go from that to cutting it out entirely? I'm not much of a cook so don't do a lot of recipes. 
I've tried tofu but haven't found any way to cook it that I like. I like beans but not to excess. I do like cheese but those calories can add up quickly.
Any advice?? This may be my New Year's resolution.
Thanks!!
So how do I go from that to cutting it out entirely? I'm not much of a cook so don't do a lot of recipes. I've tried tofu but haven't found any way to cook it that I like. I like beans but not to excess. I do like cheese but those calories can add up quickly.Any advice?? This may be my New Year's resolution.
Thanks!!
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Replies
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Eggs, egg whites, cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt are all high in protein.4
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I’ve been vegetarian for quite a while and I agree with you about the Tofu!
Fortunately, these days there are more and more easily accessible sources of vegetable protein in the shops. Seitan, Tempeh, TVP, Pea Protein, Quorn...to name just a few!
Most can basically be used to directly replace meat in most forms - just check the packaging because, as you might imagine, the cooking times will be different. Often it would require you to cook the sauce part of a curry, for example, then add your vegetable protein towards the end rather than starting with browning your meat.
Start with something basic to see if you like the texture and flavour of a product then expand from there!7 -
BarbaraHelen2013 wrote: »I’ve been vegetarian for quite a while and I agree with you about the Tofu!
Fortunately, these days there are more and more easily accessible sources of vegetable protein in the shops. Seitan, Tempeh, TVP, Pea Protein, Quorn...to name just a few!
Most can basically be used to directly replace meat in most forms - just check the packaging because, as you might imagine, the cooking times will be different. Often it would require you to cook the sauce part of a curry, for example, then add your vegetable protein towards the end rather than starting with browning your meat.
Start with something basic to see if you like the texture and flavour of a product then expand from there!
I know it may sound a little strange, but I love dipping tofu in pancake syrup (Walden Farms zero calorie feeds my syrup habit). It makes it taste like french toast. Very good that way!2 -
Google "change to vegetarian diet" Lots of info 2
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If you ate tofu plain, right out of the package, then you’re probably not going to like it. Regular tofu packed in water needs to be pressed to remove the water, and then it can be seasoned however you like. Marinating is usually a good option. I often marinate it and then bake it until it’s crispy, or crisp it in a pan.
Seasoning is crucial for many vegetarian proteins other than the packaged “meats” that are usually preseasoned. Tofu, tempeh, seitan, TVP all need marinades, spices, sauces, etc. They don’t have much flavor on their own and most people don’t eat them plain.
For many people, going vegetarian means re-learning to cook. When I went veg 14 years ago, I started with just replacing all meat with the most similar prepackaged vegetarian protein. The only brands I could find at that time were Morningstar and Boca, so I ate a lot of those brands’ soy crumbles, “chicken” strips, burgers, etc. I made the same recipes I had been making, just substituting veg protein. Today, there are more and better products in most areas; I think Gardein is the best one that’s readily available. This was far easier than figuring out how to cook new proteins when I was in college.
Tempeh may be harder to find, though Trader Joe’s carries it if you have that. It has a distinctive, nutty flavor and texture. Most people prefer to steam it for about 10 minutes before seasoning and cooking it, since steaming reduces any bitterness it may have.
Seitan is a good option assuming you have no problems digesting gluten. You can make your own seitan; I’ve had good results with little effort when I make it in a crock pot.
I also really like TVP and soy curls. These are just dehydrated soy protein. You can rehydrate them, season, and use them wherever you want. I like to add TVP to sauces and soups for more protein and bulk, and I will often marinate soy curls, bake them, and serve over veggies.4 -
Tempeh is pretty great, and I use dried TVP a lot. Quinoa is a good protein, as are eggs. Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, beans.
Tofu I can usually take or leave, but I do enjoy it pressed, sliced and pan fried for sandwiches. The slices keep well in the fridge and you can just throw them on like lunch meat.
In the freezer, the Quorn meatless pieces are good chicken substitute (not in that it tastes like, but the appearance and texture seems to make them a good swap) and their grounds or Morningstar are the best in that category. I tried a couple Gardein things and did not like at all. Morningstar or Boca patties are all much of a muchness.1 -
Frankly, I don't encourage people to go that route unless they have ethical reasons, because it isn't necessarily healthier, doesn't cause weight loss, and it's slightly harder to get good nutrition, and slightly less logistically convenient. Reducing meat has a similar effect on the worl, and is more flexible.
I've been vegetarian for 45 years, do I'm not saying this because I'm a shill for Big Meat.
Personally, I don't enjoy the fake meat products, so don't eat them. Ditto for protein powder. But either of those are good aids, if you like them.
I have no trouble exceeding my 100g protein goal most days without them.
A good strategy for protein is to get little bits from most things you eat, in addition to doing the "one big protein per meal" thing that omnivores do. There are breads with relatively more protein, grains or grain-substitutes (e.g. quinoa) with more protein, vegetables with protein, even fruits with protein.
Most plant sources are incomplete in essential amino acids, so it's good to vary them, and use traditional combinations, to get a better balance without needing to be obsessive about it.
Tofu is very neutral, but useful because it's complete protein. Others have mentioned marinating, which is good. Another approach is to cube firm tofu fairly small and mix it in flavorful things like stews and stir-fries. It will absorb flavors better if dry; I sometimes cube it small and put under the broiler, stirring occasionally, until mostly dried and lightly golden brown (watch it closely until you understand the necessary broiler distance/timing, as it burns quickly once brown).
Another option is to puree soft or silken tofu and mix into sauces, foods, etc. You can mix a surprising amount into avocados and still have a guacamole texture, use as a component in filled pastas (like lasagnas layers), etc.
Tofu is also available in forms other than plain blocks. I enjoy smoked tofu, which is a firmer texture than even firm tofu, in wraps, tacos, soups, stir-fries, and more. I get crinkly tofu noodles at Whole Foods (refrigerated product), and like to pan fry so they have crunchy bits before combining with veggies and sauces.
Another good thing to know about is the growing variety of chickpea/pea/lentil/soybean pasta and "rice". Here, they're widely available in regular grocery stores. They're usually 2-4x as much protein as wheat pasta.
I find most chickpea/pea/lentil pasta to be a bit flatter tasting than wheat pasta, so prefer a hearty sauce. Another MFP-er suggested doing a regular Italian-type tomato sauce with the addition of powdered dry mushrooms (powdered in a blender or food processor) and cooked lentils. This is hearty, and protein-rich in itself.
I've found most soy and black bean noodles much chewier than wheat pasta, so I don't personally enjoy them with tomato or cheese sauces. I do like them in pseudo-Asian sauces, though, with veggies. Soon sauce or miso-based sauce is good, but I especially like peanut sauce. I make a reduced calorie peanut sauce with peanut butter powder, soy sauce or chili paste, and rice vinegar, plus any other desired seasonings (such as fresh ginger, green onions, etc.).
If you don't now use nutritional yeast, you might want to look into that. It has a faintly cheesy taste, so can be a good flavor mix-in or light topper. Vegan gravy is often made with it. It does have some protein, but also most brands are supplemented with B12, which is one of several nutrients it's easy to under-consume, with increased plant foods. Google recipes that use it, for more ideas.
The concept of how to add umami (hearty, meaty) flavors to vegetarian foods is also worth exploring. Some common umami ingredients are mushrooms (which also contain protein, BTW), roasted tomatoes, miso (had protein), toasted nuts, unsweetened cocoa (put some in chili or other tomato based soups, for example), kombu, etc.
Best wishes!18 -
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If I were you I'd look at some vegetarian/vegan blogs or vlogs and do some reading about vegetarian diets. You don't have to cook tons to be vegetarian. My favorite recipe for tofu is to dice it and toss it, cold, with my favorite guacamole. I do the same thing with canned, drained small red beans. Find a hummus recipe you really like (I actually love this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbMQfm2AgEM) and put it on some whole grain bread and pile on the veggies, even just baby kale from a bag. For a combination meal/dessert, I love nicecream made with sliced, then frozen banana, powdered peanut butter, and cocoa powder, maybe some protein powder for texture, but not necessary, pureed in a food processor. Roasted veggies always taste best to me, and my favorite combination is frozen/sliced Brussels sprouts, diced butternut squash and diced Pink Lady apple on parchment paper, no oil, oven 420F for about 45 min, or potato sticks (russet potatoes or sweet potatoes) given the same roasting treatment and dipped in ketchup. None of those meals take much actual cooking. I went vegetarian for love of animals, too, but I soon discovered the health benefits as well. I gave up meat 30 years ago, and I didn't have a long transition. I just got quit cold turkey and gave away everything in the house that didn't conform, then found some cookbooks at the public library--no internet in those days! Some great sites are https://www.forksoverknives.com, https://ohsheglows.com/categories/recipes-2/. I just googled easy vegan recipes for beginners and found: https://www.acouplecooks.com/easy-vegan-recipes-for-beginners/ and https://www.cookinglight.com/food/vegetarian/simple-vegetarian-recipes...There is so much out there! It's not hard to be vegetarian, honest!
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My advice for going vegetarian is to check everything to see what it has in it, and I mean everything.
I had an oopsy the other day when the pancake mix I bought for a staff function turned out to have lard in it. I did not know that pancake mix could have lard in it. Apparently it can (not always). Yogurt can have gelatin in it and marshmallows and gummy candies usually do.4 -
If you are vegetarian, isn't eating eggs a contradiction? Asking because someone suggested eggs.1
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nytrifisoul wrote: »If you are vegetarian, isn't eating eggs a contradiction? Asking because someone suggested eggs.
Ovo-lacto vegetarian is still normally considered vegetarian.
No dairy or eggs is sometimes called strict vegetarian, or fully plant-based. Strict vegetarian or fully plant-based and vegan aren't necessarily identical (can differ with respect to non-eaten animal products such as leather; things like honey; etc.)
The terminology is a little murky in practice, though there are sites/organizations that try to promote precise definitions.5 -
nytrifisoul wrote: »If you are vegetarian, isn't eating eggs a contradiction? Asking because someone suggested eggs.
Everyone's individual definition of terms vary slightly, but in general, eggs are considered permitted (along with dairy) by most vegetarians. They would not be permitted on a vegan diet.4 -
nytrifisoul wrote: »If you are vegetarian, isn't eating eggs a contradiction? Asking because someone suggested eggs.
Ovo-lacto vegetarian is still normally considered vegetarian.
No dairy or eggs is sometimes called strict vegetarian, or fully plant-based. Strict vegetarian or fully plant-based and vegan aren't necessarily identical (can differ with respect to non-eaten animal products such as leather; things like honey; etc.)
The terminology is a little murky in practice, though there are sites/organizations that try to promote precise definitions.
But wouldn't that also depend on why someone is vegetarian? I mean, if you choose to be vegetarian due to the "meat" aspect, then eating eggs i suppose could sound logical. But if you are vegetarian based on the unwillingness to eat animals, then one would assume eating eggs would contradict this moral stance?1 -
nytrifisoul wrote: »nytrifisoul wrote: »If you are vegetarian, isn't eating eggs a contradiction? Asking because someone suggested eggs.
Ovo-lacto vegetarian is still normally considered vegetarian.
No dairy or eggs is sometimes called strict vegetarian, or fully plant-based. Strict vegetarian or fully plant-based and vegan aren't necessarily identical (can differ with respect to non-eaten animal products such as leather; things like honey; etc.)
The terminology is a little murky in practice, though there are sites/organizations that try to promote precise definitions.
But wouldn't that also depend on why someone is vegetarian? I mean, if you choose to be vegetarian due to the "meat" aspect, then eating eggs i suppose could sound logical. But if you are vegetarian based on the unwillingness to eat animals, then one would assume eating eggs would contradict this moral stance?
Not necessarily. As many would not consider the egg to have been alive. As Ann mentioned, there are different definitions and they would not. Necessarily be acceptable to all vegetarians, but to most they would be considered to not contradict their reasoning.3 -
nytrifisoul wrote: »nytrifisoul wrote: »If you are vegetarian, isn't eating eggs a contradiction? Asking because someone suggested eggs.
Ovo-lacto vegetarian is still normally considered vegetarian.
No dairy or eggs is sometimes called strict vegetarian, or fully plant-based. Strict vegetarian or fully plant-based and vegan aren't necessarily identical (can differ with respect to non-eaten animal products such as leather; things like honey; etc.)
The terminology is a little murky in practice, though there are sites/organizations that try to promote precise definitions.
But wouldn't that also depend on why someone is vegetarian? I mean, if you choose to be vegetarian due to the "meat" aspect, then eating eggs i suppose could sound logical. But if you are vegetarian based on the unwillingness to eat animals, then one would assume eating eggs would contradict this moral stance?
Sure, what you eat is going to depend on your ethical position. There are lots of potential ethical reasons, not just concern for animals, avoidance of exploiting animals, etc., but also resource consumption of meat production, environmental impacts of various types, etc. It can be complicated.
And that's leaving out people who are adopting one of these ways of eating because they think it will improve their athletic performance, help them lose weight, make them feel like they fit in with their friends, etc. (I'm not saying any of those reasons are bad or wrong, though I think some of them are a questionable tradoff against the slight inconvenience of eating one of these ways. But it's up to the individual, of course.)
That's a completely separate issue from what you call how you eat.
Personally, I think all of us first-worlders are pretty much unavoidably little moving bundles of global harm, and that it's nice when people take steps that are easy for them, to reduce that harm. There's no way of eliminating all the harm.7 -
They got chicken flavored vegan meats some are wonderful others blah.It’s just like any other foods got to try a few to find a brand for your taste to health needs. Even chicken flavored bullions . Theirs ways just get out look at what’s hidden in your local stores. Theirs even vegan cheeses to other options. My Daughter is Pescatarian naturally since birth. To each their own I say. Find what fits you your beliefs to what you like .In the end it’s what right for you personally you’ll be happy with your choice.
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nytrifisoul wrote: »nytrifisoul wrote: »If you are vegetarian, isn't eating eggs a contradiction? Asking because someone suggested eggs.
Ovo-lacto vegetarian is still normally considered vegetarian.
No dairy or eggs is sometimes called strict vegetarian, or fully plant-based. Strict vegetarian or fully plant-based and vegan aren't necessarily identical (can differ with respect to non-eaten animal products such as leather; things like honey; etc.)
The terminology is a little murky in practice, though there are sites/organizations that try to promote precise definitions.
But wouldn't that also depend on why someone is vegetarian? I mean, if you choose to be vegetarian due to the "meat" aspect, then eating eggs i suppose could sound logical. But if you are vegetarian based on the unwillingness to eat animals, then one would assume eating eggs would contradict this moral stance?
Most mass produced chicken eggs are not fertilized. Roosters aren't necessary for egg production, just for fertilization. So unless there's a rooster wandering in the coop, there's not even a "potential" chicken in that egg. (I don't consider my own unfertilized eggs to be people, either.
) Eggs are more like milk, in that they are products of animals, not actual animals themselves.
I don't even eat eggs, but the fact that vegetarians can eat eggs and dairy (or even fish, depending) makes it really easy to become vegetarian. All that cheesy goodness! So many options! (I happen to be enjoying a cheese-less vegan dinner at this very moment, though, it's easier than you think.) You just have to experiment and find some good, go-to recipes and cook from scratch and you should have no problem being a happy, well-fed vegetarian.
ETA: I get the moral objection to the conditions of mass egg production. Just pointing out that those eggs are not actual living animals. The egg layers are the concern.8 -
I like to cook tofu in my air fryer, I’ll cube it and toss it in some corn starch and olive oil and air fry until crispy. I’ll but bbq sauce in it and throw it in a pita or on a salad or put some orange chicken sauce on it and eat it with rice. Just make sure you press it.7
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nytrifisoul wrote: »nytrifisoul wrote: »If you are vegetarian, isn't eating eggs a contradiction? Asking because someone suggested eggs.
Ovo-lacto vegetarian is still normally considered vegetarian.
No dairy or eggs is sometimes called strict vegetarian, or fully plant-based. Strict vegetarian or fully plant-based and vegan aren't necessarily identical (can differ with respect to non-eaten animal products such as leather; things like honey; etc.)
The terminology is a little murky in practice, though there are sites/organizations that try to promote precise definitions.
But wouldn't that also depend on why someone is vegetarian? I mean, if you choose to be vegetarian due to the "meat" aspect, then eating eggs i suppose could sound logical. But if you are vegetarian based on the unwillingness to eat animals, then one would assume eating eggs would contradict this moral stance?
Not necessarily. As many would not consider the egg to have been alive. As Ann mentioned, there are different definitions and they would not. Necessarily be acceptable to all vegetarians, but to most they would be considered to not contradict their reasoning.
The chicken eggs people eat are not fertilized, so they're no more "alive" than the hundreds of unfertilized eggs a woman will lose in her menstrual flow over the course of her reproductive life.5 -
Thank you all! I'm thinking 1 step at a time. First eliminate what little meat I do eat. Stick with the dairy, etc. Fill in with beans and find some steps to cook tofu. My dd has made these steps and is 90% vegan now. She still eats some cheese when she goes out to restaurants. She fried up plain tofu when she was here last time and it tasted really bland by itself so I think adding it to soups, or using salsa, etc., would work better for me. And I never thought to add it to hummus, which I love. I appreciate all your insight and will start searching more. I find if things confuse me, I tend to stand back and not do it, so what I need to do is just jump right in. 5
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You can do it.Theirs also tofu miso soups in my home state it’s next to soy sauces y fortune cookies 🥠. All sorts of things out there to try.1
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The debate about eggs and milk is completely understandable, I personally hate the idea of battery farming for eggs or meat but I actually keep chickens and eat their eggs. That said, I think being "just asking" about this kind of compromise someone may make is intellectually valid but misses the point that any steps someone takes towards being a more ethical eater are good for the particular cause even if they are not completist. There are probably as many degrees of vegetarian as there are people who say they are vegetarian, and we don't need to let our love of labels diminish someone's attempts to make changes for themselves and the causes they believe in.10
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lynn_glenmont wrote: »
The chicken eggs people eat are not fertilized, so they're no more "alive" than the hundreds of unfertilized eggs a woman will lose in her menstrual flow over the course of her reproductive life.
Probably only because they've never had to think about it or been told, many people don't know that hens will lay eggs on the regular even if they never saw a rooster in their lives.9 -
I can do without pork and red meats. But I like chicken and occasionally fish too. However my empathy and love for animals always makes me harbor guilt when I eat meat. That's just me and I don't mean to start any battles about eating/not eating meat. So how do I go from that to cutting it out entirely? I'm not much of a cook so don't do a lot of recipes. I've tried tofu but haven't found any way to cook it that I like. I like beans but not to excess. I do like cheese but those calories can add up quickly.
Any advice?? This may be my New Year's resolution.
Thanks!!
I applaud ethical vegetarians (and vegans) and am also concerned about animal welfare. However, my experience as being involuntarily mostly meat-free for three years in yoga retreat centers showed me it is not for me. So what I do is not buy conventionally raised meat, eggs, or dairy products and buy those that are humanely raised instead.
(My vegan friends would argue that there is no such thing, and I respect that POV, but this is the moral compromise I've made.)7 -
I'd just recommend starting slow.
Find two or three vegetarian meals that you like the sound of and start plugging meal combinations into MFP to see where your protein and other nutritional biggies are. Grab some insta-food and use those to up protein/make meals easier. Get a multivitamin and take that every day, if you aren't already.
Most importantly decide what you like and what you don't and what you're willing to be flexible about. I knew from the start that I didn't care much for salads and that I'd need quick, portable meals. Luckily, I love bean-based soups with leafy greens, chickpea salad sandwiches, and casseroles. Breakfast enchiladas and skillet dinners have also been amazing ^_^3 -
I like gardein meatless crumbles for tacos and spaghetti.2
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Tmbg1 - meatless (hamburger like) crumbles I love them 😍! Their even good by themselves with veggies on the side,on salads, enchiladas with green sauce, on bread as a sandwich,in baked bell peppers.
I just grab my frying pan cook it add it at the end or in something to bake. Bake some jalapeños cut it open at the end put some fried crumbles in y cream cheese bake a few more seconds as an added yum vegan bacon 🥓 wrap y pin it around it .2 -
MelanieCN77 wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »
The chicken eggs people eat are not fertilized, so they're no more "alive" than the hundreds of unfertilized eggs a woman will lose in her menstrual flow over the course of her reproductive life.
Probably only because they've never had to think about it or been told, many people don't know that hens will lay eggs on the regular even if they never saw a rooster in their lives.
Disagree all you want, whoever you are, this is a cold, hard fact.5 -
MelanieCN77 wrote: »MelanieCN77 wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »
The chicken eggs people eat are not fertilized, so they're no more "alive" than the hundreds of unfertilized eggs a woman will lose in her menstrual flow over the course of her reproductive life.
Probably only because they've never had to think about it or been told, many people don't know that hens will lay eggs on the regular even if they never saw a rooster in their lives.
Disagree all you want, whoever you are, this is a cold, hard fact.
Yep
https://www.thespruce.com/do-hens-lay-eggs-without-rooster-3016749
You don't need a rooster for your hens to lay eggs. A rooster is needed to fertilize the eggs to hatch them into baby chicks, but hens will lay just as many eggs whether there's a rooster around or not.5
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