Anyone Vegan or Vegetarian?

redcat17

I'm vegan. I get my protein mostly from setain (make my own), tempeh, quinoa, lentils, and beans. I occasionally indulge in fake meats, but only the ones made by Tofurky as they use whole soy. Since I weight train, I also have one smoothie with protein powder per day. The protein powder I use is a mixture of hemp and pea protein, and I mix it with high-protein organic soy milk.

Sarauk2sf

From Webster:
veg·e·tar·i·an   [vej-i-tair-ee-uhn]
noun
a person who does not eat or does not believe in eating meat, fish, fowl, or, in some cases, any food derived from animals, as eggs or cheese, but subsists on vegetables, fruits, nuts, grain, etc.

pes·ca·tar·i·an \ˌpe-skə-ˈter-ē-ən\
noun
: one whose diet includes fish but no meat

And, by the way, Quorn products do not contain soy. Please do your research before you respond to a post.

Same dictionary has:

4. consisting solely of vegetables: (vegetarian vegetable soup.)

The vast majority of my meals ARE VEGETARIAN (vegan), but if you really cannot abide referring to me or people like me as having mostly vegetarian diets, that's fine. However, people have the right to decide how they should talk about their own diets.

And since the OP was asking about how to get enough protein, I was speaking to her, discouraging her from soy-based meat substitutes and encouraging her to try whole-soy products for soy-based protein sources. Don't really care about Quorn, I'm sorry.

Pescatarians are considered vegetarians.

No they are not:

http://www.vegsoc.org/page.aspx?pid=698. Extract:

The Vegetarian Society defines a vegetarian as: "Someone who lives on a diet of grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits with, or without, the use of dairy products and eggs. A vegetarian does not eat any meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish* or by-products of slaughter."


There are different types of vegetarian:

•Lacto-ovo-vegetarians eat both dairy products and eggs; this is the most common type of vegetarian diet.


•Lacto-vegetarians eat dairy products but avoid eggs.


•Vegans do not eat dairy products, eggs, or any other products which are derived from animals.

Eggs: Many lacto-ovo vegetarians will only eat free-range eggs. This is because of welfare objections to the intensive farming of hens. Through its Vegetarian Society Approved trade mark, the Vegetarian Society only endorses products containing free-range eggs.

ETA: and see definition in first quote above

Sarauk2sf

If you do a search of vegetarian under 'groups' - a list of groups will come up - it would probably be a good idea to join a few - they have some folks really 'up on' nutrition and should be helpful with recipes and diet in general

mollydubs

I'm not sure why someone saying they are "mostly vegetarian" is so offensive that you all have to google dueling definitions and act like being a vegetarian is some special club. People can sort of describe their diets however they like and if this person is "mostly vegetarian," she's acknowledging the fact that she is not 100% vegetarian.

But please, google more definitions. It's fun/not-at-all-an-over-reaction.

Sarauk2sf

I'm not sure why someone saying they are "mostly vegetarian" is so offensive that you all have to google dueling definitions and act like being a vegetarian is some special club. People can sort of describe their diets however they like and if this person is "mostly vegetarian," she's acknowledging the fact that she is not 100% vegetarian.

But please, google more definitions. It's fun/not-at-all-an-over-reaction.

Not sure if that was partly directed at me. I was not objecting the the 'mostly vegetarian" comment (I don't have a problem with it) - just clarifying that a pescetarian is not a vegetarian.

ETA: did you have anything to add to try to help the actual OP?

ScreenGem

I'm not sure why someone saying they are "mostly vegetarian" is so offensive that you all have to google dueling definitions and act like being a vegetarian is some special club. People can sort of describe their diets however they like and if this person is "mostly vegetarian," she's acknowledging the fact that she is not 100% vegetarian.

But please, google more definitions. It's fun/not-at-all-an-over-reaction.

I COULDN'T AGREE MORE. There is Waaaaaaaaay too much venom being spewed at that nice lady due to a very innocent comment. For a very short time (a few months) I used to be one of "those vegans" who tried to defend the definition and be on a pedestal. Who cares! Let people grow and come to their decisions on their own. I've been veggie for over 12+ years, just started eating the occasional fish 1-2x's/mo. What does that make me now, if 98% of my diet is vegan? Not vegetarian, vegan. Guess what,...I don't care about a label anymore. I'll do me, and I want all of you to do you. Lets go forward being a little more loving toward each other. That's really what the creator intends from humanity and that's what the planet needs more of.
Thanks!

BTW: pleasure to meet you Sarah...my friend.

MFPUser39552

I'm a vegetarian! All the food I eat is sooo boring, anyone that wants to add me that has a few nice recipes that would be great I basically live off eggs and cereal, booooring! So much easier to stick to a diet when there's variety!

FlaxMilk

I'm a vegan, love having vegan friends, add away! Just don't take this weekend as any kind of good diary nutrition and macros wise, I've been sick and am not eating normally.

steinbok

I'm a vegetarian, and sometimes vegan. Check my food diary. I try to vary it up a bit. Breakfast is a rut, but I really look forward to that mix every morning.


Am trying to completely eliminate any grains in my diet. It's been two days now. Probably will periodically add them.

cocoa_cutie513

Come August I will have been a vegetarian for 2 years. I eat an extremely light amount of dairy. Currently more clean eating. I am also embarking on gluten free. I try to avoid faux meats and soy as much as possible.

I received a vegan meal plan from my friend, and vegan figure competitor Claudia Lailhacar. On day 3 of the meal plan and I'm feeling great!

sarahsxt

Thank you for everyone's response. I am slowly adding all of you. Since MFP only lets me add 5 friends per 10 minutes, I am only able to add 5 of you every time I log in, haha Feel free to add me!

Shock_Wave

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sarahsxt

Labels are like numbers on the scale. It indicates a general ball park, but is not an accurate measurement by any means. Most of the time, labels are just a source of unnecessary conflict!

I applaud everyone who eats vegan but on an odd day eats a slice of cheese. I applaud everyone vegetarian who sometimes just really wants a slice of bacon. I applaud everyone who eats fish but is not afraid to say he or she supports vegetarianism.

Animals, the environment, and your health benefit more from an imperfect long term commitment in the right direction, than a perfect short term commitment under the right label.

So forget labels, call yourself what you will, and eat what makes you feel good about your food.

ScreenGem

Labels are like numbers on the scale. It indicates a general ball park, but is not an accurate measurement by any means. Most of the time, labels are just a source of unnecessary conflict!

I applaud everyone who eats vegan but on an odd day eats a slice of cheese. I applaud everyone vegetarian who sometimes just really wants a slice of bacon. I applaud everyone who eats fish but is not afraid to say he or she supports vegetarianism.

Animals, the environment, and your health benefit more from an imperfect long term commitment in the right direction, than a perfect short term commitment under the right label.

So forget labels, call yourself what you will, and eat what makes you feel good about your food.

Nicely Done SARAH.
I couldn't agree more...

Heatherzilla92

I've been a vegan for a little over 3 years now and I was a vegetarian for a few years before that. Feel free to add me, though I'm not sure how exciting my diary is. I can be pretty terrible at logging my food.

racheofmany

I've been a vegan since June and love it! Its taken me awhile to get lots of recipes in my belt and figure out how best to get my daily vitamin intake. I lost 30lbs and was pre-baby size, and then gained it all back by eating way too many carbs! I'm now working on improving that and going back to mostly veg diet. I just joined the site so my food diary is almost non-existent, but it would be great to get some vegan/vegetarian friends to share food ideas with!

vmessyness

I'm a vegetarian, and have been since I was born (raised by vegetarian parents). Any vegans/vegetarians are free to add me, I'm always interested in swapping recipes and getting/giving new ideas. I don't eat eggs, but I do eat some cheese, yogurt, and occasional butter. Otherwise eat lots and lots of vegan food, including as many raw fruits and vegetables as possible.

Also, I keep a photo-journal of the meals I make, which might provide folks with some inspiration, at www.photobucket.com/appetiteforreduction

reallyregina

I've been a plant eater (that's what I prefer to go by) for almost a year. I currently follow the Happy Herbivore weekly meal plan. It has made my life so much easier. It takes all the guess work out of shopping and cooking. I've saved money and time. Her meals are made with simple ingredients and are easy to make. Also you can mix and match up meals based on what you like. The individual plan is based on 1200 calories. You can add snacks and meals as needed and she includes a list of healthy snack options with their calories in the plan.

Not advertising for her, I just really love the plan. Before doing it I was just winging it and not very well. I'd be too tired to cook myself something so I'd just eat the rice or noodles I make the kids and whatever veggie I cooked for dinner. It was boring.

fuzzyslipperz

I've been a vegetarian for five years now. I have my own pet free range chickens so I have LOTS of eggs!

shalinimunjal

I'm ovo-lacto. For protein I eat eggs, cheese, greek yogurt, nuts, whole grains, PB, edamame, quinoa, tofu, beans, chickpeas, lentils, and there's more I'm forgetting! When all else fails, protein powder and bars.

bluefox9er

vegetarian my entire life..i have never even tasted meat. i don't eat eggs ( unless they are ' invisible') and don't consider people who eat fish to be vegetarians. I really don't miss what I have never tried, no matter how good bacon sandwiches smell.

claram5415

I'm mostly vegetarian (I eat fish, yogurt and the occasional egg) slowly transitioning to veganism just by making more vegan meals and dishes. I just made an awesome banana-quinoa-cashew quick bread that was only 108 calories per serving

This would make you a pescatarian, not a "mostly vegetarian", as there is no such thing. :-)

It's true that the correct word is pescatarian, however, it is easier to say "mostly vegetarian" than to have to explain what pescatarian is. People get "mostly vegetarian" when you're talking to restaurant workers, people at a party, and so on. Sometimes I just say that I eat "healthy."

claram5415

As far as what to eat, I would eat lots of beans, fresh fruit and vegetables. And for what to eat there are lots of books at your public library, assuming you live in an area with a nearby public library. Feel free to friend/follow me but don't take yesterdays menu for an example. Ate healthy, vegetarian stuff but too much of it!

bluefox9er

[/quote]

It's true that the correct word is pescatarian, however, it is easier to say "mostly vegetarian" than to have to explain what pescatarian is. People get "mostly vegetarian" when you're talking to restaurant workers, people at a party, and so on. Sometimes I just say that I eat "healthy."
[/quote]

I totally understand your point but replacing vegetarianism for 'eating healthy' isn't that interchangeable..I have been veggie since birth and ballooned to 260 lbs on a veggie diet...go figure!

bluefox9er

I'm mostly vegetarian (I eat fish, yogurt and the occasional egg) slowly transitioning to veganism just by making more vegan meals and dishes. I just made an awesome banana-quinoa-cashew quick bread that was only 108 calories per serving

This would make you a pescatarian, not a "mostly vegetarian", as there is no such thing. :-)

Thank you, I appreciate your opinion, but I think "mostly vegetarian" describes my diet just fine I'm actually mostly vegan. Most days, I don't consume any animal products. I'm not morally opposed to eating seafood and do so about two or three times per month, but 80+ meals per month are entirely plant-based and often free of animal products altogether.

Not everyone means "vegetarian" to describe a political identity.

I also don't recommend soy-based meat substitutes, as for the most part, they're loaded with sugar, sodium and preservatives to make them taste edible. If you're looking for extra protein, I recommend experimenting with legumes and whole soy products such as tempeh, tofu, edamame and soy nuts. Organic and GMO-free only, though! But that's just me.

being vegetarian isn't a political identity. Hitler was a vegetarian and didn't use his diet as a means of gaining political standing or kudos. Being a vegetarian is a a lifestyle choice..I don't see how it makes people 'political.

laurenlind

First, let's just ignore any negativity fighting over the definition of vegetarianism. So silly to waste energy on something like that.

Anyway, I became a vegetarian my junior year in college, so that was in 2003 I believe, making me meat free for about 9 years now. When I first started, it was due to a class in college in which we learned about the meat industry and over-consumption of meat, especially in America, and it just turned my stomach so much that I could not bring myself to eat meat any longer. I thought I would get my taste for meat back, but I never have. The problem at that time was that I REALLY did not know the proper way to eat in the first place, much less as a vegetarian. LOTS of pasta, carbs in general, cheese, cheese, and oh, did I mention cheese, and processed junk. This obviously did not lead me down a great road weight-wise, and on several ocassions, I noticed that several people looked quite shocked to find out that I was a vegetarian, since my body did not exactly scream, "I eat vegetables!!!"
A few years after college, I lost some of the weight that I had gained, and tried to eat a more balanced diet. It was definitely better than what I was eating before, but at that time, I included a lot of soy products that I try not to really eat any more (veggie burgers, veggie sausage, etc).
I slipped back into old ways after my wedding (newlywed bliss makes you forget the rest of the world sometimes, oops), and gained all the weight back and then some. Which brings me to present day...
I am working on trying to really balance out my vegetarian diet to give my body what it really needs. I think I am on a good path, and my diary is open, so you are welcome to follow me or friend me or whatever, if you like. My general philosophy now is: eat as many whole foods as possible- that is, try to cook and eat fresh, not from a box, can or any container (this is a general rule and I try not to overthink it), get protein from natural sources like nuts, quinoa, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and limited dairy (the HARDEST part for me!!!), eat vegetables with every meal and never feel bad about eating as much vegetables as you damn well please, and finally, every once in a while, eat whatever you want!!!

laurenlind

Labels are like numbers on the scale. It indicates a general ball park, but is not an accurate measurement by any means. Most of the time, labels are just a source of unnecessary conflict!

I applaud everyone who eats vegan but on an odd day eats a slice of cheese. I applaud everyone vegetarian who sometimes just really wants a slice of bacon. I applaud everyone who eats fish but is not afraid to say he or she supports vegetarianism.

Animals, the environment, and your health benefit more from an imperfect long term commitment in the right direction, than a perfect short term commitment under the right label.

So forget labels, call yourself what you will, and eat what makes you feel good about your food.

^^^this!!!^^^ Right on, OP!

ipsamet

I just made an awesome banana-quinoa-cashew quick bread that was only 108 calories per serving

omg, this sounds amazing, I want the recipe!

JenniTheVeggie

I have been a vegetarian since 1995.....I am always looking for more vegetarian friends!

lilmisfit

I've been a vegetarian for five years now. I have my own pet free range chickens so I have LOTS of eggs!

I want a pet chicken so bad, but I live in the city :-(