Giving up Meat

LaurenAOK

One thing that I really don't understand, and probably never will, is people's incessant need to be troll-like when it comes to things they don't fully understand, or want to participate in for themselves.

The OP said "I have slowly been giving up meet since August. I gave up red meat and starting today, all meat together. I have never been one to really enjoy any bean recipes, but I am willing to give it a try!! If you know any great vegetarian dishes or ways to get more protein, please share!!" No where in this post did it say "I want your opinions and snarky attitudes towards my decision to try vegetarianism."

If you have no supportive, encouraging words to say, or no recipes to share, there is no need to bash this person's decisions. Just because eating meat is "the norm" according to society, and you don't agree with vegetarianism for YOUR PERSONAL decisions in life, then don't be a vegetarian, but don't go around bashing those who choose this lifestyle. Didn't anyone ever tell you "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all?"... This is supposed to be a SUPPORTIVE community. So BE SUPPORTIVE!"

THANK YOU. I was just going to post something like this and then I saw you took care of it

Seriously, I understand that not a lot of people "get" vegetarianism and the choice to cut meat from one's diet... but that's just it, it's a PERSONAL CHOICE. Just because you could never see yourself doing it doesn't mean you need to bash someone who does. OP is just interested in trying to cut meat from her diet and wanted some suggestions, and of course people had to come in here and be rude about it. MFP is supposed to be a positive environment; let's keep it that way. I'm a vegetarian but I never once have criticized someone for eating meat and I never will. It's a personal choice and to each his own.

Also, you might as well stop trying to argue about it because for every argument you make for eating meat, there is an equal argument for not eating it. For every study you cite about how cutting out meat is "harmful", we can show you one saying that cutting out meat is healthier. This is exactly why it's a personal choice; there's evidence on both sides, so you're not going to convince anyone just by spewing out "facts". Just leave it alone.

fteale

Giving up meat is 100% the worst thing you can do for a diet! Clean protein like chicken and white fish is the best thing for you whislt dieting - give up carbs if you are serious about dieting and want to change your diet. Giving up all meat (for any reason other than vegetarianism) is very very stupid.

I totally disagree, as someone who has been a vegetarian for 21 years. I don't know any fat vegetarians, nor do I know any malnourished ones. In general the healthiest people I know choose not to eat meat.

I was a podgy child, and only lost my puppy fat when I stopped eating meat.

fteale

This is my choice!! Thanks for your input but you don't have to be negative!! : )

Way to go! There is a great group called happy herbivore on mfp you should join us. I enjoy this website http://vegetarian.about.com/ has a lot of great recipes. The first week is hard but once you start seeing all the different variety of foods out there you will love it. Also a few documentaries forks over knives, food inc, and earthlings. You can watch earthlings for free at http://www.earthlings.com/ but beware you will never go back to meat

I'd love to join the happy herbivore group, how do I go about that?

daffodilsoup

Giving up meat is 100% the worst thing you can do for a diet! Clean protein like chicken and white fish is the best thing for you whislt dieting - give up carbs if you are serious about dieting and want to change your diet. Giving up all meat (for any reason other than vegetarianism) is very very stupid.

I can think of a lot of things that are worse for your diet than giving up meat. Calling vegetarianism/veganism "stupid" just because you're not into it is a little harsh.

jbosey

PLANTS are alive and have feelings too!

_VoV

Well life has been tied to cancer its all tied to it. Just eat your meat how can you have any pudding if you don't eat your meat.... I would just make sure you eat enough living food and cut back on your meat I think meat is great. Just don't eat red meat as often and when I do it's lean! Good luck especially in the summer when your friend are BBQing.:ohwell:

It is kind of mean to eat animals.
During the slaughter process, when an animal suffers in that gruesome operation, it secretes stress hormones that give the meat that fabulous taste.

It's something I think about every bar-b-q.

Ya..know...Last week, some guy posted a thread called 'I love meat.' It took everything I had NOT to go onto that thread and make some crass, sarcastic remark about guys who love meat. But, I restrained myself, and the thread went on with people discussing their favorite meats. It takes nothing at all to troll, thinking you are the wittiest person on the planet. Rarely is this so.

tidmutt

Giving up meat is 100% the worst thing you can do for a diet! Clean protein like chicken and white fish is the best thing for you whislt dieting - give up carbs if you are serious about dieting and want to change your diet. Giving up all meat (for any reason other than vegetarianism) is very very stupid.

I totally disagree, as someone who has been a vegetarian for 21 years. I don't know any fat vegetarians, nor do I know any malnourished ones. In general the healthiest people I know choose not to eat meat.

I was a podgy child, and only lost my puppy fat when I stopped eating meat.

There are loads of reformed vegetarians and vegans in the Paleo/Primal world. In fact, Robb Wolf who wrote The Paleo Solution and has a popular Paleo blog is a reformed vegetarian who resolved many of his health issues by introducing meat to his diet again. I'm not saying that means it's the right choice for everyone but the point is, there are many vegetarians who found the lifestyle detrimental to their overall health.

_VoV

Giving up meat is 100% the worst thing you can do for a diet! Clean protein like chicken and white fish is the best thing for you whislt dieting - give up carbs if you are serious about dieting and want to change your diet. Giving up all meat (for any reason other than vegetarianism) is very very stupid.

I can think of a lot of things that are worse for your diet than giving up meat. Calling vegetarianism/veganism "stupid" just because you're not into it is a little harsh.

I agree with this. It makes me wonder why that poster is here, and I mean that in the most existential of ways.

fteale

Giving up meat is 100% the worst thing you can do for a diet! Clean protein like chicken and white fish is the best thing for you whislt dieting - give up carbs if you are serious about dieting and want to change your diet. Giving up all meat (for any reason other than vegetarianism) is very very stupid.

I totally disagree, as someone who has been a vegetarian for 21 years. I don't know any fat vegetarians, nor do I know any malnourished ones. In general the healthiest people I know choose not to eat meat.

I was a podgy child, and only lost my puppy fat when I stopped eating meat.

There are loads of reformed vegetarians and vegans in the Paleo/Primal world. In fact, Robb Wolf who wrote The Paleo Solution and has a popular Paleo blog is a reformed vegetarian who resolved many of his health issues by introducing meat to his diet again. I'm not saying that means it's the right choice for everyone but the point is, there are many vegetarians who found the lifestyle detrimental to their overall health.

And there are many vegetarians who are healthier for being so. I don't have any health issues, so I don't see how reintroducing meat after so long could be in any way beneficial. In fact I know some vegetarians who have ended up in hospital through being given meat accidentally.

kmshred

i've lot 50lbs eating a TON of meat every dang day.

fteale

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/aug/26/hugh-fearnley-whittingstall-vegetables

I posted this the other day, but it seems relevant to this thread. It is very interesting, and I would really recommend his book, the recipes are just amazing.

SMarie10

i do like this topic and ensuing discussion so bumping

_VoV

i've lot 50lbs eating a TON of meat every dang day.

PLEASE, fates of diplomacy and charm....don't make me say what my mind is thinking.

megansoriano

I gave up meat once. . . then after two months everything started to smell like steak. Today I only really eat chicken, fish and eggs. Good luck to you! That is a big life change. I would make Lentil soup or Potato Leak Soup

forgtmenot

Black beans are a great source of protein with 15 grams of protein per cup. I'm eating some as I type this! I am not a vegetarian, but I do try to avoid eating an excess of meat so I replace meat with beans often. Black beans are really good with just some seasoning IMO or as black bean soup. Soy beans have the most protein of any bean, so if you like edamame that would be a good way to get your protein in. You want to avoid canned beans unless they have no sodium added, many canned beans have a lot of sodium in them. Here is a good black bean soup recipe:

2 cups dried black beans
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 garlic cloves , minced
2 cups chopped onions
2 cups chopped red bell peppers
2 cups chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped celery leaves
2 cups diced carrots
10 cups water
3 bay leaves
14 1/2 ounces diced tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried cilantro

Directions:

1
Soak beans overnight; drain.
2
In a large soup pot, heat oil. Add in garlic, onion, red peppers, celery, celery leaves and carrots. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, until veggies start to soften.
3
Add water, bay leaves, canned tomatoes, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano and cilantro. Bring to a boil. Add drained black beans.
4
Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours or until beans are tender.
5
Discard bay leaves and serve.


Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/vegetarian-black-bean-soup-143199#ixzz1iMI1WIWN

tidmutt

Giving up meat is 100% the worst thing you can do for a diet! Clean protein like chicken and white fish is the best thing for you whislt dieting - give up carbs if you are serious about dieting and want to change your diet. Giving up all meat (for any reason other than vegetarianism) is very very stupid.

I totally disagree, as someone who has been a vegetarian for 21 years. I don't know any fat vegetarians, nor do I know any malnourished ones. In general the healthiest people I know choose not to eat meat.

I was a podgy child, and only lost my puppy fat when I stopped eating meat.

There are loads of reformed vegetarians and vegans in the Paleo/Primal world. In fact, Robb Wolf who wrote The Paleo Solution and has a popular Paleo blog is a reformed vegetarian who resolved many of his health issues by introducing meat to his diet again. I'm not saying that means it's the right choice for everyone but the point is, there are many vegetarians who found the lifestyle detrimental to their overall health.

And there are many vegetarians who are healthier for being so. I don't have any health issues, so I don't see how reintroducing meat after so long could be in any way beneficial. In fact I know some vegetarians who have ended up in hospital through being given meat accidentally.

Nowhere in the post you quoted did I say that eating vegetarian could not make someone healthier. I merely pointed out that the posters implied assertion that all vegetarians are healthier is incorrect. I respect your choice, even if I don't agree with it. I respect the OP's choice but don't think she should do it based on the science but she's welcome to do it as a personal choice of course.

abbbigayl

Good for you ...trust me it's a good decision and it gets easier as you go. I've been vegetarian for years and finally went vegan in October. Tofu is a good protein source and it can be scrambled like eggs or you can drain it, freeze it and then cut it in to cubes, dip in soy sauce and fry. I love it with stir-fry over brown rice with some archer farms general tso sauce. Soy crumbles are good too...you can use it in spaghetti or tacos. Amy's brand foods are all vegetarian and are pretty good. I only eat the vegan options but she makes soups, chili, enchiladas and burritos...all kinds of stuff. Morning Star and Bocoa make great burgers and chicken patties...add a baked potato and some brocolli and you have dinner.
Good luck! There are many groups out there for support and recipes...

fteale

Post removed.

TyatKU

I can't give up meet; that's insulting to God.
If God did not want us eating animals, why did He make them out of meat?

Uh, humans are made of meat. So are dogs. God must want you to be a dog-eating zombie cannibal.

Humans are omnivores, as proven by our teeth. We can survive without meat, but we evolved eating both.

(I needed to add that we didn't evolve eating animals genetically modified through commercially-derived selective pressure and that is why I have a mostly vegetarian diet.)

fteale

I can't give up meet; that's insulting to God.
If God did not want us eating animals, why did He make them out of meat?

Uh, humans are made of meat. So are dogs. God must want you to be a dog-eating zombie cannibal.

Humans are omnivores, as proven by our teeth. We can survive without meat, but we evolved eating both.

And yet our teeth bear more resemblance to herbivores than other omnivore species........ Look at rats.

tidmutt

It baffles me why you care. How is it hurting you if someone makes a decision not to kill animals for their own gratification?

I know I come across quite militant on this subject, but having had 21 years of meat eaters criticising my moral choice, which I firmly believes gives me the moral high ground, I do tend to take the offensive on this these days. Respect other people's decisions. And by respect, I mean don't be so rude as to criticise them. You have no idea how much flack vegetarians get, constantly, and it is completely infuriating.

Nowhere have I been disrespectful, in fact I have said several times that I respect the OPs and others decision to not eat meat. I'm trying to understand why you are taking your frustration out on me. I never said anything about the OPs decision not to kill animals I was addressing the point she made about meat consumption and cancer risk.

Please direct your anger at someone who deserves it.

batalina

melitsace, welcome to the world of no-meat! the welcome-comittee of negative naysayers is an accurate picture of the treatment you can expect in the future, sad to say. i've been vegetarian for nearly 4 years and vegan for 3, and i still encounter comments like these -- people always think they're being so original with the snarky ones, too! luckily we have Defensive Omnivore Bingo... how many of these squares can we mark off just from this thread? http://vegansaurus.com/post/254784826/defensive-omnivore-bingo

anyhow, i really love the site http://vegweb.com/ . pretty much every time i'm like, "how can i make _______ without meat?" i end up here. i've liked this: http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=5072.0 and i LOVE this: http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=7578.0 . in general, they have a veg version of just about everything.
other good resources i enjoy are http://fatfreevegan.com/, http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/, and http://www.theppk.com/ . i know you said you're not vegan, but the methods of substituting for meat on these sites might be of use to you.

good luck!

ctalimenti

I like this thread. Looking for recipes as my son has become a veg.

TyatKU

[/quote]

And yet our teeth bear more resemblance to herbivores than other omnivore species........ Look at rats.
[/quote]

If they have incisors and canines they have an evolutionary history of eating meat. Trust me on this one lol.

_VoV

I can't give up meet; that's insulting to God.
If God did not want us eating animals, why did He make them out of meat?

Uh, humans are made of meat. So are dogs. God must want you to be a dog-eating zombie cannibal.

Humans are omnivores, as proven by our teeth. We can survive without meat, but we evolved eating both.

So? How does that matter? Humans used to be cave-dwellers once. Should that inform our dwelling choices now?

Being an omnivore means you can eat a whole spectrum of foods. Why not choose the best foods among them? Humans have the power of reason and discernment, so why not use it?

If you read breaking nutrition news, the overwhelming evidence is that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is optimal for more reasons than I can list. At best, these studies indicate if there is any meat in the diet at all, that it should be treated like a condiment.

tidmutt

melitsace, welcome to the world of no-meat! the welcome-comittee of negative naysayers is an accurate picture of the treatment you can expect in the future, sad to say. i've been vegetarian for nearly 4 years and vegan for 3, and i still encounter comments like these -- people always think they're being so original with the snarky ones, too! luckily we have Defensive Omnivore Bingo... how many of these squares can we mark off just from this thread? http://vegansaurus.com/post/254784826/defensive-omnivore-bingo

anyhow, i really love the site http://vegweb.com/ . pretty much every time i'm like, "how can i make _______ without meat?" i end up here. i've liked this: http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=5072.0 and i LOVE this: http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=7578.0 . in general, they have a veg version of just about everything.
other good resources i enjoy are http://fatfreevegan.com/, http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/, and http://www.theppk.com/ . i know you said you're not vegan, but the methods of substituting for meat on these sites might be of use to you.

good luck!

You might be surprised that when I tell people I eat Primal/Paleo that I receive similar sorts of treatment. With comments like "you'll die of a heart attack", "you'll get cancer", "have you read The China Study". I try to tell people that I eat more vegetables and fruit that I ever have before but they associate it with Atkins (incorrectly) and then point out (incorrectly) that he diet of a heart attack and then announce to me that we all died young prior to the invention of agriculture (another unfounded belief).

shreddin_mama

You just go under group under community or here is the link for happy herbivores http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/62-happy-herbivores

Haven74

I don't remember the specific wording of the OPs reply to someone who asked why they decided to give up meat, but I do remember OP saying something about either preventing or reducing risks of cancer(s). Saying meats cause cancer and not eating meat will prevent cancer is indeed inaccurate, but to say that meats are not a cause of *certain* cancers is also inaccurate. Yes, there are several types of cancers, and several ways to be susceptible to any number of those cancers, just as there are ways to REDUCE (not eliminate) your risks of developing certain types of cancer.

I'm not trying to say this to be argumentative, rather giving some clarification on the matter.
Eating a vegetarian diet will not prevent cancer, but reducing or eliminating your consumption of meats can reduce the risks to certain types of cancers.

Here are a few reputable articles regarding this matter -
http://preventcancer.aicr.org/site/PageServer?pagename=elements_red_processed_meat

http://www.cancerproject.org/survival/cancer_facts/meat.php

http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/EatHealthyGetActive/ACSGuidelinesonNutritionPhysicalActivityforCancerPrevention/acs-guidelines-on-nutrition-and-physical-activity-for-cancer-prevention-diet-cancer-questions

http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/293/2/172.abstract

TyatKU

I can't give up meet; that's insulting to God.
If God did not want us eating animals, why did He make them out of meat?

Uh, humans are made of meat. So are dogs. God must want you to be a dog-eating zombie cannibal.

Humans are omnivores, as proven by our teeth. We can survive without meat, but we evolved eating both.

So? How does that matter? Humans used to be cave-dwellers once. Should that inform our dwelling choices now?

Being an omnivore means you can eat a whole spectrum of foods. Why not choose the best foods among them? Humans have the power of reason and discernment, so why not use it?

If you read breaking nutrition news, the overwhelming evidence is that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is optimal for more reasons than I can list. At best, these studies indicate if there is any meat in the diet at all, that it should be treated like a condiment.

Take it easy, I was just telling the above guy I originally quoted that we evolved eating both. And yes, as far as your comment on dwelling goes, we still live in safest homes available to us....

LaurenAOK

I know you said you're not big into bean recipes, but the other night we had taco night at my parents house and I replaced the meat in my taco with black beans. IT WAS DELICIOUS.

Of course it wasn't the healthiest choice (beans, lettuce, cheese, and sour cream in a tortilla), but if you can ever afford to splurge a bit I seriously suggest black bean tacos.