To eat or not to eat, THAT IS THE QUESTION

italianangel143

I just came back from seeing what I believed was a nutritionist until after she told me some things I flat out disagree with. I have not eaten beef for over 6yrs now. I originally stopped because I was not a steak person and the only beef I found myself eating was greasy burgers. It never failed, each time I ate beef my stomach would bloat and I would honestly feel like I ate an entire cow. I would get all sluggish and icky. So I just cut it out of my diet all together.

The problem is the nutritionist informed me I'm not getting the nutrients I need simply because I refuse to eat beef?! So because I don't wish to have rotting cow in my colon I'm killing myself?! I take vitamin d supplements, I still eat dairy products. If there is something I am lacking why can I just not supplement it in some other form? I AM FAR FROM BEING A VEGETARIAN however I do not wish to start eating beef again. Online post and blogs contradict themselves. One saying its crucial the other saying its not needed. Any advice?

lrivera85

I'm like you I don't eat beef either, I feel the same way. I can't agree with it. Red meat is usually advised to stay way from because it higher in fat, depending on the cut of course. There are more ways to get your nutrition in besides eating red meat, just keep taking your vitamins and eat your lean protein. Besides I think the cows will appreciate it, lol

Cat_296

You need a new nutritionist!!!!! I eat beef about 3/4 times a year (if that!!) and I have no problems with having plenty of iron, vitamin D etc.. She seems to make beef sound like some magic food - which it most certainly isn't!!!

If I were you I'd do a search on exactly the nutrients that beef does contain, and then make sure you've got them in other foods in your diet. I suspect the key one is iron, but if you're eating dark leafy greens (broccoli and spinach for example, but there's loads more!!) then you'll be fine.

If beef doesn't do it for you, then don't eat it :-)

Dave198lbs

if something sounds absurd it usually is

supplemama

Oh dear. She is sadly misinformed. I don't eat beef either, or pork, or any red meat. I have a great deal of trouble digesting it. I was a vegetarian for 24 years then about 2 years ago started eating meat again. I quickly re-discovered my difficulties with red meat so I stopped eating it. The only meat I eat is seafood and birds.

dusty_712001

Can't say as i have come across one like that. I keep seeing those that promote vegetarian diet, tofu, ect. I wouldn't put much stock in anyone that takes it to either extreme.

sunshine_gem

I also don't eat beef, or most red meat really because I don't like the taste. When I had some blood tests done recently the dr said I'm not even vaguely deficient in anything so yeah, sack your nutritionist! Vegetarians manage so there's no reason why others can't.

Articeluvsmemphis

if you feel good without eating it, then don't. so many "facts" to support anything the human mind can conjure up.

RobynMWilson

Luv the Eat Mor Chikin Cowz! I even have a stuffed animal Eat Mor Chikin Cow and am a fan of their FB page! lol I digress...I can't see why a nutritionist would tell you to eat something that grosses you out. I love beef but if you're eating other animal based proteins like chicken, eggs, vit D fortified milk, cheese and yogurt than I don't see why not eating beef is a problem unless you're suffering from some deficit I'm not aware of...

italianangel143

Luv the Eat Mor Chikin Cowz! I even have a stuffed animal Eat Mor Chikin Cow and am a fan of their FB page! lol I digress...I can't see why a nutritionist would tell you to eat something that grosses you out. I love beef but if you're eating other animal based proteins like chicken, eggs, vit D fortified milk, cheese and yogurt than I don't see why not eating beef is a problem unless you're suffering from some deficit I'm not aware of...

I believe there are a few things she either did not understand or didn't care to understand. I am very anemic. I am always eating something green and I also take iron supplements. The problem is I have very small red blood cells. They do not absorb the iron like they are supposed to. I have active Lupus SLE and I am seeing plenty of specialist to know the lack of iron is not because I refuse to eat beef. She on the other hand tells me MAYBE THE LACK OF BEEF IS CAUSING ALL OF YOUR PROBLEMS? She then went into a speech about how the vitamins and minerals are more easily absorbed from food then from supplements. I wanted to ask if she had a chicken that was her best friend because it truly seemed as she was pushing for me to eat beef.

italianangel143

Mmmmm, beef.

Are you sure she said "beef" and not "protein?" I agree with that we need meat for protein. I disagree with the notion that we need beef specifically, mostly because it's not very healthy for you in comparison to other sources of protein.

All that said, I would marry a cheeseburger if it were legal.

Lmao! I would have said the same thing 6yrs ago.

PayneAS

The only thing that a pure vegan diet is missing is vitamin B12 because it is not found in plant products. If you are eating white meats, dairy, and fish then you should have no problem. If you are concerned, you can always have your blood tested and if needed, include a B12 supplement.

A big argument is made for there not being enough protein in a vegetarian/vegan diet. You can find enough protein if you are making sure to get enough. Beans, peas, lentils, soy, nuts, and whole grains all have protein. Turn on protein tracking on your MFP diary (if it isn't on by default, I don't remember) if it is something you are worried about.

The only other thing would be that the iron in red meat is more readily absorbed than iron found elsewhere but again, that doesn't mean you HAVE to eat red meat.

If you don't like doing it, then don't.

Disclaimer: I am not a vegetarian or vegan. I love my red meat. But my sister is one so I educated myself about her lifestyle.