Meat

kater8er

is it bad? I've heard from a lot of people that going vegan/vegetarian is the way to go. I'm trying to lose 35 lbs.

SenoraMacias

MEAT IS THE DEVIL. Vegan is the only way. Not only is it unhealthy, it's downright cruel.

Barneystinson

Meat is fine.

Edit: And I say this having experimented with two years of being a vegetarian. It was, at the time a "health" decision more than moral and it did little to positively impact my health. Actually I ended up with anemia, but that's another story for another time.

Not all farms are inhumane, not all meats are "gross" or poorly raised, meat is not detrimental to the body, some meats are better than others.

There are moral reasons to avoid meats or meats raised in a certain manner, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Any arguments about meat rotting in your colon ARE absolute and complete bunk. Avoiding meat simply to "lose weight" isn't always a great strategy as you may be replacing that meat with a more highly processed substance (soya).

kater8er

I was thinking about trying the Atkins diet...It worked really well for my grandfather. He stuck to it until he had a heart attack 2 years ago.

SenoraMacias

I was thinking about trying the Atkins diet...It worked really well for my grandfather. He stuck to it until he had a heart attack 2 years ago.

Omg you are awful

Barneystinson

I was thinking about trying the Atkins diet...It worked really well for my grandfather. He stuck to it until he had a heart attack 2 years ago.

Omg you are awful

Are you a troll?

1234lbsgone

Ummmmm.... This is awkward.

SenoraMacias

I was thinking about trying the Atkins diet...It worked really well for my grandfather. He stuck to it until he had a heart attack 2 years ago.

Omg you are awful

Are you a troll?

Whattt??

kater8er

Any *fact based* info on meat vs. vegetarian/vegan would be greatly appreciated.

Kaiwyn

I eat a lot of meat, especially since I have been lifting weights more and more, but that is my choice. I eat organic fed or free-range when money permits. Your body needs protein, and you must PROPERLY replace it (and the iron) from other foods if you are going to cut it out, or you will become anemic etc.

SenoraMacias

What's a troll?? The little dolls with crazy hair and jewels for bellybuttons? In that case, no.

ChantalGG

Meat is tasty. What do you want to know? Protein is good to build muscle and help lose weight.

kater8er

So if I were to start eating *less* meat--like only a couple times a week, what are some good protein substitutes? I do take a vitamin with iron in it.

End6ame

MEAT IS MURDER…. Tasty , tasty, murder.

But seriously meat IS healthy. You should try and eat a “protein source” with every meal.

Sarahmeridith

I was a vegitarian for several years, and found I ate a lot of carbs, I wouldnt make to lose weight (unless you have a moral desire to as well) because you may actually gain unless you are very careful with the carbs.

supermom1114

Going vegan/vegetarian isn't bad for the right reasons. HOWEVER, just to lose weight is NOT the right reason. Meat is an excellent source of protein, the only source of heme-iron which is more readily absorbed and used by your body than plant based non-heme iron, and can be included in an healthy diet and lifestyle.

I'd suggest doing a lot more research before you make the jump. It takes a lot of education to eat right on a vegan/vegetarian diet. And I dont mean eat right as in eat healthy, I mean eating right as in giving your body everything it needs. Vegans/vegetarians are at higher risk for being low in key nutrients your body needs. I'm not saying it isn't possible to get these nutrients from non-animal based sources, it certainly is, but just be aware you'll have to do a lot of research on it. Its not as easy as just eating salad, bread, and fruit.

Also, I know a few vegetarians who are still overweight. They are vegetarian for other reasons than weight, so it is not a cure all, cookie cutter way to drop pounds fast. There is no such thing. Its eating well balanced meals, from the proper sources and living an active lifestyle. But what that actually looks like in practice is different for every person and you have to take the time to find what changes you're willing to make and stick with for life.

sarah_ep

So if I were to start eating *less* meat--like only a couple times a week, what are some good protein substitutes? I do take a vitamin with iron in it.

Personally when I decided to cut out meat during the weekdays I ate more veggies and beans. For me it was a positive thing, it is all about how you plan to replace the meat. I still eat meat on the weekends - usually chicken. I do think that we eat too much meat and it is beneficial to practice meatless days such as "meatless monday". It is a personal decision however.

sarah_ep

Going vegan/vegetarian isn't bad for the right reasons. HOWEVER, just to lose weight is NOT the right reason. Meat is an excellent source of protein, the only source of heme-iron which is more readily absorbed and used by your body than plant based non-heme iron, and can be included in an healthy diet and lifestyle.

I'd suggest doing a lot more research before you make the jump. It takes a lot of education to eat right on a vegan/vegetarian diet. And I dont mean eat right as in eat healthy, I mean eating right as in giving your body everything it needs. Vegans/vegetarians are at higher risk for being low in key nutrients your body needs. I'm not saying it isn't possible to get these nutrients from non-animal based sources, it certainly is, but just be aware you'll have to do a lot of research on it. Its not as easy as just eating salad, bread, and fruit.

Also, I know a few vegetarians who are still overweight. They are vegetarian for other reasons than weight, so it is not a cure all, cookie cutter way to drop pounds fast. There is no such thing. Its eating well balanced meals, from the proper sources and living an active lifestyle. But what that actually looks like in practice is different for every person and you have to take the time to find what changes you're willing to make and stick with for life.

*Agreed* I have a friend very much overweight who is a vegetarian.

kbw414

I spent the first part of my life completely gorged on meat at EVERY meal (my parent's lifestyle choice, not mine). I developed fatty liver from it, and I wasn't even overweight. Of course they were eating high fat bacon, dairy products, ham, pork, beef, etc but it goes to show what excessive meat consumption can do to even a child.

As a young adult, I've made the decision to go nearly meatless. I don't eat dairy either because it's high in saturated fat and it's not good for my digestion. I've found much more healthy ways to get my calcium. If it weren't for eating fish, eggs, and organic chicken once in a rare while, I'd be able to call myself vegan. But I found that I just need to not worry about the labels and eat what I think is best for me.

Excessive meat intake is associated with heart disease, the number one killer in the United States. Heart disease has killed more people than all our major wars put together. My family members who still eat meat at every meal have suffered from diabetes, stroke, and heart attack. After I stopped eating most meat, my fatty liver went away, my cholesterol dropped to 133, and my physical stamina and mental acuity is so much better.

Health aside, choosing not to eat meat is better for the environment. It takes 2500 gallons of water to process just 1 lb of beef.

Even though I choose not to eat meat, I think it is still personal choice and could be ok for the right individuals in moderation (once or twice a week, maybe).

For protein, I eat a lot of beans, quinoa, brown rice, nuts, and seeds. Check out this article:

http://www.nomeatathlete.com/vegan-protein-percentages/

It seems to suggest that the total grams of protein is not what matters, but rather, the total percentage of protein in the meal. That being said, I don't really sweat protein. A lot of plant-based foods have small amounts of protein in them so if you're eating a really well-balanced meal with a huge variety of foods (it's key to eat a huge variety), then you can easily get enough protein.

jad54

What's a troll?? The little dolls with crazy hair and jewels for bellybuttons? In that case, no.

You should go back to remedial trolling and return when you've honed your skills a bit.

As for meat...if eating meat is wrong, I don't want to be right. Like most foods, the key is moderation. Especially in regards to red meat. Not saying going vegan is a bad choice, but meat provides tons of health benefits, namely protein.

End6ame

I spent the first part of my life completely gorged on meat at EVERY meal (my parent's lifestyle choice, not mine). I developed fatty liver from it, and I wasn't even overweight. Of course they were eating high fat bacon, dairy products, ham, pork, beef, etc but it goes to show what excessive meat consumption can do to even a child.

As a young adult, I've made the decision to go nearly meatless. I don't eat dairy either because it's high in saturated fat and it's not good for my digestion. I've found much more healthy ways to get my calcium. If it weren't for eating fish, eggs, and organic chicken once in a rare while, I'd be able to call myself vegan. But I found that I just need to not worry about the labels and eat what I think is best for me.

Excessive meat intake is associated with heart disease, the number one killer in the United States. Heart disease has killed more people than all our major wars put together. My family members who still eat meat at every meal have suffered from diabetes, stroke, and heart attack. After I stopped eating most meat, my fatty liver went away, my cholesterol dropped to 133, and my physical stamina and mental acuity is so much better.

Health aside, choosing not to eat meat is better for the environment. It takes 2500 gallons of water to process just 1 lb of beef.

Even though I choose not to eat meat, I think it is still personal choice and could be ok for the right individuals in moderation (once or twice a week, maybe).

For protein, I eat a lot of beans, quinoa, brown rice, nuts, and seeds. Check out this article:

http://www.nomeatathlete.com/vegan-protein-percentages/

It seems to suggest that the total grams of protein is not what matters, but rather, the total percentage of protein in the meal. That being said, I don't really sweat protein. A lot of plant-based foods have small amounts of protein in them so if you're eating a really well-balanced meal with a huge variety of foods (it's key to eat a huge variety), then you can easily get enough protein.

Actually refined carbohydrates have greater impact on fat storage (around organs included) than saturated fat. There is a great article here on many of the misconceptions about saturated fats.

http://www.coconutoil.com/truth_saturated_fats.htm

SenoraMacias

What's a troll?? The little dolls with crazy hair and jewels for bellybuttons? In that case, no.

You should go back to remedial trolling and return when you've honed your skills a bit.

As for meat...if eating meat is wrong, I don't want to be right. Like most foods, the key is moderation. Especially in regards to red meat. Not saying going vegan is a bad choice, but meat provides tons of health benefits, namely protein.

Hahahahah! Yea, I'm not a troll. I actually am friends with OP and I'm just messing with her. I eat meat, and I don't care if other people do or not.

SageGoddess320

Please do NOT support the cruelty & greed of the meat industry. If you only knew how these animals lived (if one could even call it that) and were slaughtered, you would think twice about putting their flesh in your mouth . Please do some research and make the right decision.

supermom1114

So if I were to start eating *less* meat--like only a couple times a week, what are some good protein substitutes? I do take a vitamin with iron in it.

Avoid soy as a substitute. Unless fermented like soy sauce, it acts like estrogen in your body, and not the good kind that keeps your face clear and gives you nice hair. The kind that makes you want to add on weight. Plus it messes with your hormones. I just typed a paragraph about it but... decided to delete, way too much extraneous info that doesn't answer your exact questions. Just remember, soy= not so great, especially because you already get a lot of it from processed foods, even if you don't eat very many.


One of the best sources is quinoa. It's actually a complete protein, meaning it has every essential amino acid your body needs, and if I remember correctly it's the only grain that does, but for some reason somethings telling me theres another one out there... see research this stuff!!! lol

Another super option is eggs! They have great protein, healthy fats, you could even get ones with higher omega-3 levels and tons of vital vitamins and minerals. Almost a perfect food except they don't have vitamin C so have an orange or some strawberries.

Think greek yogurt which has double the protein than regular yogurt (but about a 1/3 less calcium). You can use this like sour cream or season it and add it to pasta(whole wheat of course which has more protein than regular but not enough to be considered a great source) as a creamy replacement to alfredo, of course melt some cheese of your choice in there too.

Which brings me to another great source, cheese! Head for low-fat varieties but pay attention to what you're going to use it for. Low-fat to no-fat kinds in say a cheese sauce for pasta aren't going to give you great texture, in that case opt for naturally low fat mozzarella or parmesan which doesn't take a lot to get the taste of it.

Beans are another great source of protein. Pair black beans with corn, I think, and you get complement proteins, meaning what essential amino acids one lacks, the other fills in. Also soak your corn in some lime juice or squeeze some on top of it to help pull out niacin, but that works best on fresh or frozen, not so much on canned, but who eats that anyways, blech.

Anyways, I hope that helps. And when you can afford to opt for organic dairy products, get local eggs if you can. And for any fruits n veggies local is best! I don't care what people say about organic, local will always be better and you can usually find a local farmer who follows organic practices or at least uses minimal amounts of pesticides but who just can't afford to pay to get the certification. But I know how the economy is so try where you can and do your best with everything else.

ilsie99

It seems to suggest that the total grams of protein is not what matters, but rather, the total percentage of protein in the meal. That being said, I don't really sweat protein. A lot of plant-based foods have small amounts of protein in them so if you're eating a really well-balanced meal with a huge variety of foods (it's key to eat a huge variety), then you can easily get enough protein.

Protein and carbohydrate are both 1g/4cal, and fat is 1g/9cal. Doesn't matter the source. So total percentage and total grams are the same thing.

TheMaidOfAstolat

Meat is fine and healthy.

I am a vegetarian for moral and ethical reasons...the man I am dating follows a Paleo lifestyle. Both of us are healthy and happy. You have to do what is right for you and your body. If you think that eating animals is wrong there are plenty of alteratives or if it is just the living conditions/treatment of them you can opt for free range/pasture raised/wild game meats.

If you're going veg/vegan for health reasons....it can be a difficult life to lead. Lots of work to maintain a healthy balance of nutrients without having to resort to a lot of processed foods and powders.

I would suggest going meat free 2 days a week and see how that goes. Try to eat as many 'whole' foods as possible, that alone will help greatly with weight loss.

jad54

What's a troll?? The little dolls with crazy hair and jewels for bellybuttons? In that case, no.

You should go back to remedial trolling and return when you've honed your skills a bit.

As for meat...if eating meat is wrong, I don't want to be right. Like most foods, the key is moderation. Especially in regards to red meat. Not saying going vegan is a bad choice, but meat provides tons of health benefits, namely protein.

Hahahahah! Yea, I'm not a troll. I actually am friends with OP and I'm just messing with her. I eat meat, and I don't care if other people do or not.

Ahhh, my apologies. Never can tell on these sites.

kbw414

I forgot to add that yes, it's true that you can be vegan or vegetarian and be unhealthy.
If you eat a lot of whole grains, fruits, and veggies, along with a multi-vitamin and eat a diet low in bad fats, you will be more likely to have health benefits than someone who claims to also be vegetarian but eats pizza and ice cream all the time.
You have to consider the good things you are including in your diet and not just what you are "cutting out."

I'm new to this way of eating, and I think this is an interesting discussion. I'd be interested to hear more opinions.

bka8

MEAT IS MURDER…. Tasty , tasty, murder.

But seriously meat IS healthy. You should try and eat a “protein source” with every meal.

Just because vegetables can't scream...:bigsmile:

Lots of good advice here, you have to be careful if you want to cut meat and remain healthy.

kater8er

Thanks for replying...I've never heard bad things about soy...TELL ME MORE. I love soymilk, the Silk variety...Is that really bad?

End6ame

Please do NOT support the cruelty & greed of the meat industry. If you only knew how these animals lived (if one could even call it that) and were slaughtered, you would think twice about putting their flesh in your mouth . Please do some research and make the right decision.

You should do some research on the greed and cruelty of Monsanto, which will soon be the only producer of genetically engineer soy beans eliminating even natural soy beans, and how they have deliberately planted their own seeds into private farms to accuse them of patent infringement and drove the farms out of business. As a vegetarian/vegan and consumer of soy products you are supporting this.

You can buy organic/free range meats that are not kept in cruel conditions. Look at local farmers markets. The bottom line is humans were designed to eat meat.