Newly Vegetarian

DonPendergraft

My biggest concern is protein.

Don't worry so much over this. It's a huge myth that we need copious amounts of protein in our diets.
Protein is actually found in all kinds of things, including vegetables. Nuts are also a good source.

This.

And as long as you get enough calories every day, it's virtually impossible to become protein deficient with a Vegetarian diet.

sqvash

Welcome to the life style, all you new vegetarians! I've been vegetarian for over 7 years now and I LOVE it. It's really a great choice and it's not hard at all. I've never had any deficiency issues. I'm not vegan, but I go very light on dairy and eggs. I use some vegan substitutes in my cooking (such as Earth Balance instead of butter).

I love to have vegetarian friends, and especially love to help aspiring vegetarians. Feel free to friend me!

Also, I know a lot of people are scared to make the switch because they just don't know what they'll cook for dinner if they can't start with meat as a base. I adapt a lot of traditional recipes such as tacos, chili, shepards pie, etc and use meat replacers. (I do this mostly for my hubby who is a meat eater but doesn't mind the fake stuff). Butternut squash is also a good main course, I usually just bake it but you can do just about anything with it. Google will be your new best friend for a while with recipes.

I'm not sure if anyone else mentioned this but there are a few things to be on the look out for:
-Chicken stock. It's sneaky. It's not just in soups, but that's the main place to find it.
-Gelatin (if you don't know what it's made of, look it up. It's gross) Often in candies.
-Lard (some pre-made biscuits and pie crusts. Most refried beans. Buy fat-free. Taco bell's are safe)

READ YOUR LABELS! You may not think these little things are a big deal, however the lard and stocks can make you sick if you eat them after a while. Scientifically speaking, the enzyme produced to break down meat is not a primary enzyme. Meaning, if you don't need it, you won't make it. So after you have gone a while without meat (several weeks to months usually) your body will stop producing the unnecessary enzyme. So after that time if you eat something with "sneaky meat" in it, your body won't be able to digest it and you'll have an upset stomach. It's the same reaction as a lactose intolerant person drinking milk.

whitehandlady

bump


i've been considering this alot lately

mostly for ethical reasons.....in fact i have been researching veganism....and i think i want to go for it

swordsmith

This is relevant to my interests... 3 weeks into veg here...

Corruptkitten

I would try and stay away from meat substitutes although at times it can be hard. There are a ton of legumes, vegetables, and even grains like quinoa that have a sufficient amount of protein. I personally enjoy eggs, beans (many varieties), leafy greens like kale also have protein, and all sorts of nuts.

The reason I became a vegetarian was to be healthier. So, if and when I buy processed items I look for the ones with the least ingredients and words I can pronounce and actually know what they are. Read labels so many times I've gone to buy a can of vegetable soup and found that it has beef stock or baked lays BBQ chips use chicken stock.

And just so you know RIGHT NOW I'm not 100% vegetarian, I do eat fish still about twice a week. Apart from that I eat vegetarian and try to stay mostly vegan. In the past I have even been a raw vegan. If you have any other questions you can message me :flowerforyou:

ambeer2

Bump, to save for later. Thanks for the great resources, as I'm also thinking of a veg/pescatarian diet (I love sushi!).

dacia1978

There is protein in any whole food you eat; fruits, vegetable, grains, beans, nuts, seeds, legumes, as well as what is found in dairy and meat. I am a vegan and I have never had any problems getting in enough protein. Most people are eating too much protein. Unless you are an endurance athlete this is how much you need daily (your current weight/2.2) x 0.8. For me that is 64g. There are so many misconceptions and so much misinformation out there as far as protein goes you may want to do research. Protein deficiency is rare in the U.S. (zero adults diadgnosed with it) and yet excess protein consumption can lead to kidney stones and osteoperosis. Our body cannot store protein long term the way it does with carbs and fat. Too much can definitely do damage. Sorry to babble- this topic frustrates me. You will be fine.

reaolliemama

Congratulations on your choice! I wish I could do the same but I just cannot let go of seafood in my diet!

About the protein I think some good shakes can supplement your numbers if your unable to find something vegetarian at the time.

Me either, so I'm going pescetarian (only fish and seafood, no other meat, though I do eat eggs and dairy)...many people use this a step toward a vegetarian or vegan lifestyles... check out pescetarianlife.com/ It has lots of great info. Most of my meals have no meat at all. I started Ash Wednesday and in the last 23 meals I've eaten, 20 were completely meatless. I'm just 7 days into it, but so far I am happy and satisfied.

As for the the OP question...I also suggest beans (all kinds), legumes, lentils and protein rich grains!

abyt42

I'm old, and like paper cookbooks (and have a few favorites to recommend):

The Vegetarian Times cookbook (their website is also great, but I've had more home run recipes from the book)
Laurel's Kitchen (it's an OLDIE, but a great read about nutrient balancing)

The Moosewood Cookbooks

The Joy of Vegetarian Cooking

Also: the Best of Cooking Light books frequently have meatless sections, have easily modified recipes, and are pretty darned good. I use these for breads/baked goods/vegetable sides for the most part, though have modified their chicken parm recipe to be a zucchini and eggplant parm)

MamaSonyaP

Hey everyone, I'm back to being veggi (Pesco-Lacto-Ovo); which simply means that I eat fish (pesco), I eat/drink milk products (lacto) and eat eggs (ovo). My choice was because my family has many health problems with heart & stroke, cancers, diabetes and cholesterol issues. Great combo!
I've never had an issue with the protein either, it's just the iron that I find I have to sometimes supplement. The MFP vegan friend, dacialee33 has got it right; most of us are eating too much protein to begin with. A healthy balance (THANK YOU MFP for tracking this for me!) is key. I have always felt more 'clear' while eating this way, not sluggish or weighted down. I've started back at it for 2 weeks, and already starting to feel, and see, the benefits. Enjoy eating healthier, everyone!

ravihira1892

I've been a vegetarian my whole life. Feel free to add me!

reaolliemama

I often like to peruse other peoples food diarys to get ideas also...that said, someone on here who said they don't eat meat has an awful lot of chicken soup, KFC chicken breasts and chicken strips (and even some ham and beef stew) on their recent entries. If you aren't a vegetarian, don't say you are just to try and get some cred, say "I'm not a vegetarian, but I do know blah, blah, blah" or at the very least HIDE your diary!!!

beanym

Hi! I was raised a vegan, and raising my kids on veggie diet too. Reduced fat Humus is great for protein, beans too, lentils, Soya milk, Quorn fake meats, and tofu.