Vegetarians

Samanthaskywalker

When you tell yourself, "I'm going to lose weight," do you ever consider going vegetarian as a way to accomplish that? I don't think very many people, including myself, start out our new diet strategies thinking they should stop consuming animal products. For one, our diet is saturated with meat, so when we think about cutting it out completely, we freak out. Second, we are bombarded all throughout the day by advertising, so after the 40th ad for fast food chains, it gets harder to resist these foods. A great portion of this advertising scheme includes myths started and maintained by the meat industry which claim that meat is vital for our health, which simply isn't true.

Unless you have researched the effects of a meat-heavy diet on a person's health, the idea may sound ridiculous to you, and you will probably be close-minded to this topic. But for those who are up to speed on the dangerous health effects of meat, it shouldn't take long before you see how it makes perfect sense. By reducing your meat consumption, you are preventing a lot of that excess fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium from entering your body right off the bat, not to mention all those extra hormones and dioxin levels you're leaving out. As you consume more fruits, nuts and vegetables, your body can play catch up by soaking up all those wonderful nutrients and vitamins its been missing. When you focus more on consuming whole foods, you steer away from processed foods in general, which are loaded with unwanted sweeteners and preservatives. The combination of all these contaminants (and so many more) prevent us from reaching our health goals.


You can't just snap your fingers and ~poof~ you're a vegetarian, just like you can't be 40 lbs lighter in one day. It is a journey that will challenge and inspire you. No matter how far you take it- whether you just cut out red meat 80% of the time or you go full vegan- there will always be a positive result. By eating more of what's good and less of what's bad, you'll see wonderful results in all aspects of your life- health, environment, conscience and wallet.

My point is that becoming a vegetarian can be your version of "going on a diet," because any new diet you start is difficult and foreign to what you are used to. You'll have ups and downs, proud and disappointing moments, and if you can stick to it, you'll want your new diet to have positive long term effects!

There have also been many studies done to show how people have lost weight, defeated cancer and completely reversed their cardiovascular diseases simply by removing meat from their diet.

nikilis

tacos!

Thesoundofwolf

The mere research it takes to be a vegan or vegetarian is rewarding in itself to find food. By learning our foods, we respect and enjoy meals way better I've at least personally experienced.

Samanthaskywalker

The mere research it takes to be a vegan or vegetarian is rewarding in itself to find food. By learning our foods, we respect and enjoy meals way better I've at least personally experienced.

I agree. Mindlessly eating whatever is in front of you can easily add on pounds. When you have to "hunt" a little more for your food, you are using your brain and thinking critically, which is also good for your health!

kaylalryan

I have been a vegetarian for about 10 months (I have slipped up and had meat here and there...About once a month)..and it is not as hard as people think it is. Eating out is hard... but it's expensive and usually not as healthy as cooking at home anyways.

I know that I save a LOT of money feeding myself and my family. I shop at Woodman's or the bulk sections at the Co-op to stock up on grains and shop at the farmers market for produce.

AND...let me tell you, I feel so much better since becoming a vegetarian. My headaches are gone, my body is "regular," I have more energy and I don't crave sweets and carbs anymore.

It really is worth a try.

beonehotnurseagain

I agree with what you said. As a vegetarian myself, i am a firm believer on the "dangers" of meat. However, I also know some overweight vegetarian's ( myself included). That just because they don't eat meat doesn't mean that someone is going to make the right healthy choices. Mac 'n' cheese is completely vegetarian, but loaded in calories. To me it is all about balance, like with everything in life.

Samanthaskywalker

I have been a vegetarian for about 10 months (I have slipped up and had meat here and there...About once a month)..and it is not as hard as people think it is. Eating out is hard... but it's expensive and usually not as healthy as cooking at home anyways.

I know that I save a LOT of money feeding myself and my family. I shop at Woodman's or the bulk sections at the Co-op to stock up on grains and shop at the farmers market for produce.

AND...let me tell you, I feel so much better since becoming a vegetarian. My headaches are gone, my body is "regular," I have more energy and I don't crave sweets and carbs anymore.

It really is worth a try.

I'm really glad to hear you enjoy it and that you accept your slips. I have them as well but the best thing to do is just move on and try again. Focusing on the negative never helps anyone reach their goals.

kaylalryan

well said... people think that being a vegetarian is UBER HEALTHY... (which it can be!) but then they eat fried onion rings, chips, or whatever they want that is "vegetarian".... which certainly does not give you the same healthy benefits of a "whole food" plant based diet.

Samanthaskywalker

I agree with what you said. As a vegetarian myself, i am a firm believer on the "dangers" of meat. However, I also know some overweight vegetarian's ( myself included). That just because they don't eat meat doesn't mean that someone is going to make the right healthy choices. Mac 'n' cheese is completely vegetarian, but loaded in calories. To me it is all about balance, like with everything in life.

I have an idea for you. Since you've conquered removing meat from your diet, take it to the next level: remove cheese. We often forget that cheese is an animal product and every bit as processed and non-beneficial to our health as the meat itself. If you just challenge yourself one day at a time, hell one meal at a time, to remove cheese from your diet, this will help you think outside the box to make healthier choices. And I agree, macaroni and cheese is so damn irresistable

rrrbecca11

I don't preach the benefits of being vegetarian, I just try to let my excellent health, fitness and energy levels, sleep habits and general all around wellness testify to the difference a meat-free diet can make in one's life. I've been completely vegetarian for almost 2 years but prior to that only ate fish and poultry for about 12 years. I will never go back to meat. And since I've stopped eating it and allowed my mind to REALLY see what it means to eat the very animals I love so dearly, my conscience is clear and my spirit is lighter. :-)

Samanthaskywalker

Thanks to everyone who replied

luciluvspandas

Ive been a vegetarian for 4 yrs and a half. For me the hardest thing is cutting down carbs because its cheap and fast to make. But veggie stir frys and bean burritos are super fast and packed with awesome and filling nutrients. If anyway is trying or thinking about converting to vegetarianism you can add me or message me.

rolandgaspar

The mere research it takes to be a vegan or vegetarian is rewarding in itself to find food. By learning our foods, we respect and enjoy meals way better I've at least personally experienced.

in total agreement. I was vegan for a good 7yrs, 10yrs ago when it was not as easy as it is now; it has increased my knowledge level and has added a degree of variety and open-mindedness that I dont' think non-vegans often get to.

.. before you think vegan = militant... you can totally be 100% vegan, but, then, should you want to, go out for sushi... it's just a label... you eat what you want to make yourself feel better --BUT, you're ever so much better informed.

during my vegan "stint" I met my wife, a staunch meat-eater and I would cook two meals, mine and hers; every day. Eventually she gravitated towards the "cool stuff" I was eating.. but, not w/o me also being infected by her food.. I mean, what kidn of cook doesn't taste what he's cooking... even if it's not vegan

Evey_bee

I never understood people who turned vegetarian to lose weight...you still have to focus heavily on eating healthily. I've been vegetarian for 11 years and it was only this year that i crossed the line into overweight. You can have healthy diet whether it is vegetarian or not, but I do agree being vegetarian makes it easier to eat less fat (although unfortunately for me chocolate is still allowed in there!).
Whilst there are many benefits to being vegetarian, I don't necessarily think weight loss is one of them.

I don't really preach about the benefits of being vegetarian either, and have never tried to convince anyone else they should make that change. I find it annoying when people try to convince me the other way and then get argumentative if I defend my decision.

kmmagik

In a few months it will be 21 years since I've had red meat and it's been over 17 since I've eaten pork or poultry. I am not a vegan so I eat dairy products and seafood. Unless you are making a commitment to eat whole foods only you still have to worry about your sodium as that's what I am struggling with right now since the meat substitutes are full of sodium. I'm not so sure how sustainable being a vegetarian is if you are just doing it for diet purposes. I have a passion for animals and after seeing what happens on factory farms just cannot bring myself to eat them so it's easy for me to not eat meat but strictly for calorie purposes I don't know. I can splurge plenty on pizza, fries, ice cream, chinese food, candy, cake and whatever else and believe me I do! Although the removal of animal fat from your diet does have huge positive impacts on your health. Power to you and good luck if you are trying it!!!

kmmagik

@Evey, I agree...over the years I've had so many people challenge me on my vegetarianism like it's a personal statement against them that I'm not eating what they eat. It would definitely be more easy on me if I did eat meat so I would 'conform' but it's just not right for me. I am lucky, my family has never challenged me on my decision. I always tell new people that I meet 'it doesn't bother me if you eat it as long as it doesn't bother you that I don't.'

T1mH

Why is it that vegetarians want meat eaters to accept them yet they are not accepting or tolerant of the meat eaters? Why are vegetarians always eating highly processed meat substitutes to replace what they don't get from meat?

Why are the majority of athletes meat eaters if eating vegetarian is so much better for you?

Why is every study done that concludes meat is good for you considered by the veggie eatiers to be untrustworthy?

I believe fruits and vegetables to be healthy and even essential to a well balanced diet. I also believe meat and other animal products to be essential to a well balanced diet. Cutting out items from your diet just because they are animal products and not on the merits of whether or not they are good for you seems to me to be counter intuitive.

Evey_bee

Why is it that vegetarians want meat eaters to accept them yet they are not accepting or tolerant of the meat eaters? Why are vegetarians always eating highly processed meat substitutes to replace what they don't get from meat?

Actually I am pretty accepting. I don't want to eat meat, but everyone else can eat what they like. I accept this to the point that if I'm making a meal for someone I will cook meat for them if they don't like what I'm having, as I would expect them to cater to my tastes if I was at their house. I have never tried to convince somebody they should be vegetarian, but am constantly being told by people that I should eat meat and that one day they will succeed in convincing me.
Also it's not necessary to eat the processed meat substitutes to get what we lose from not eating meat, it's just easier.

Chief_Rocka

There are plenty of good reasons to be a vegetarian, but weight loss isn't one of them.

Nor is a diet that lacks meat necessarily healthier than one that includes it.

kinrsa

Why is it that vegetarians want meat eaters to accept them yet they are not accepting or tolerant of the meat eaters? Why are vegetarians always eating highly processed meat substitutes to replace what they don't get from meat?

Why are the majority of athletes meat eaters if eating vegetarian is so much better for you?

Why is every study done that concludes meat is good for you considered by the veggie eatiers to be untrustworthy?

I believe fruits and vegetables to be healthy and even essential to a well balanced diet. I also believe meat and other animal products to be essential to a well balanced diet. Cutting out items from your diet just because they are animal products and not on the merits of whether or not they are good for you seems to me to be counter intuitive.

I'm very tolerant, but I find that people expect me not to be. I don't eat meat substitutes (like vegetarian sausage) because I don't like the taste of meat.

Athletes in different fields have different ways of meeting nutritional needs. I'm in training for the 2020 Olympics for my sport & I've been a vegetarian for nearly 11 years. It doesn't make a difference in my sport.

I don't consider those studies to be untrustworthy. I just don't like meat & a vegetarian lifestyle suits me.

Your way of eating works for you. Mine works for me. It's not counter intuitive in my mind at all. Eating this way makes me feel better- it keeps my bp & cholesterol low without meds. When I became vegetarian I went from having migraines once a month to maybe once a year. It's cheaper & I eat more fresh foods than I did before.

This is my choice- I respect other people's choices, too. There are disrespectful people on both sides- it's not just the vegetarians being holier-than-thou.

WhatDoesLisa

I am of two minds on this topic.

My sister is a "vegan" and although she is educated on the topic, in her case (and I only mean her) it is an eating disorder. She was 175 overweight, had many risk factors, was treated for binge eating disorder and had a gastric bypass. She became a vegan to drop a lot of weight after surgery. Although she doesn't eat meat, she definitely binges on sugar and cheese and then gains weight and has to go back to being a vegan to lose it again. I think a more balanced approach to food would work better for her because she wouldn't always be punishing herself.

I have a friend who doesn't eat very much meat and does not like dairy at all. I saw her blood work and her triglycerides were 61, mine are 240! Her cholesterol was perfect and the good number was excellent. She is just a healthy eater and she certainly doesn't love food the way I do. I think that really helps!

There are lessons to be learned from both of them.

FlaxMilk

I'm a vegan, but the only way it helps me with my weight is that the baked goods and fast food restaurants that seem to be everywhere aren't temptations to me because I know I can't eat them. However, there is plenty I can eat, so keeping my weight in check is still a very conscious process. There's plenty of vegan junk food, and even eating "whole foods" can add up. I love me some cashews.

jg627

I eat meat... lots of it. My triglycerides are fine. My cholesterol is fine. My blood pressure is fine. I lose weight easily and I've never had a plateau. I like meat. Flame on.

kinrsa

I eat meat... lots of it. My triglycerides are fine. My cholesterol is fine. My blood pressure is fine. I lose weight easily and I've never had a plateau. I like meat. Flame on.

Good. I'm glad you're healthy & that you enjoy what you eat. I do as well, though we eat different things. I don't get why so many people think that there's only one way to eat healthily, or why that way always has to be their way. Shrug.

rainbowbow

I'd like to mention that simply because your diet lacks meat/animal products does NOT mean that you are automatically healthier.

I am a vegetarian and have always been a vegetarian my entire life. (actually i was vegan for the first five years of my life) I never developed the enzymes to digest meat.

Now that aside, That did NOT stop me from eating doritos, bean burritos, fried dumplings, egg rolls, cheese pizza, ranch on everything, cheesecake, ice cream etc. etc. etc. While i can't personally see myself eating meat, ever (the digestive problems aside) It is by no means a way to "lose weight" simply by cutting meat.

Your diet should have sufficient fruits and vegetables regardless of whether you eat meat. Besides, protien is extremely important and I can tell you from experience cutting calories and not maintaining a sufficient level of protein put me right on track for an unfavorable body composition. I HAVE to supplement protien in my diet. And that sucks, darnit!

jg627

I eat meat... lots of it. My triglycerides are fine. My cholesterol is fine. My blood pressure is fine. I lose weight easily and I've never had a plateau. I like meat. Flame on.

Good. I'm glad you're healthy & that you enjoy what you eat. I do as well, though we eat different things. I don't get why so many people think that there's only one way to eat healthily, or why that way always has to be their way. Shrug.

You can eat whatever you want.

deb3129

I was vegetarian for about three years previously, mainly for ethical reasons. I eventually quit because I lived in a house with 5 other people who were not vegetarian, and I wimped out. However, in March of this year I was facing some health problems, and happened to see several documentaries on the benefits of a plant based diet, and made the decision to switch to a plant based diet. I do not say that I am vegan, because every once in a while I might have something with cheese or another non-vegan ingredient in it, but this is very rare. Every one of the health issues I had has cleared up, plus there have been a ton of other great benefits for me. My energy level is sky high, my skin looks fabulous (no more lotion, no more break outs, and several people have said that I glow), just to name a couple. For me, it was the best decision I have ever made. Oh, and I have lost 95 pounds since then also. Weight loss was not necessarily my main goal, but it was up there.

I also do not preach to other people about my food choices, and believe everyone has to choose for themselves. But there are a lot of people in my life that were skeptical at first and now support what I am doing. My husband, who is a typical meat and potatoes southern boy(and a fireman), has not eliminated meat completely, but eats only salmon and a TON more fruits and veggies. I love the food that I am eating, and do not miss meat or cheese a bit. When I was vegetarian previously, I was always one of those people who said that I could never give up cheese. But I do not miss it at all.

theCoke

Why do meat eaters get so defensive?!

It has been my experience *working at a college kitchen/cafeteria with hundreds of students and feeding thousands of students* that vegetarians *like myself * are in general WAY more health concious and knowledgable about food.

jg627

Why do meat eaters get so defensive?!

It has been my experience *working at a college kitchen/cafeteria with hundreds of students and feeding thousands of students* that vegetarians *like myself * are in general WAY more health concious and knowledgable about food.

Because.

Cyriatan

As a vegetarian (I've been vegan for many years and started to take eggs and milk some months ago because of some health problems) I won't encourage nobody to follow this diet just for losing weight, it just doesn't make any sense. Becoming vegetarian requires from you, in order to be healthy, to learn, study and dedicate quite a bunch of time to nutrition and similar matters. Specially if you're becoming vegan. It's true that, being more aware of what your body needs will lead to better choices and having the knowledge is having the power. Is the same with almost everything. Given that, what should be encouraged is to be responsible with your body, health and nutrition, not being vegetarian. Being vegetarian is completely unneeded to be healthy. Health comes from a solid diet, which provides all your macronutrients and micronutrients. This can be done perfectly eating meat, not eating it or even not eating anything from an animal source. We, afortunately, has now the technology and knowledge to make it possible. But being vegetarian in tearms of a responsible individual -concearning health- does not add any benefit. It's true, however, that becoming vegetarian thus limiting the sources of food will cause if done the right way to include more sources full of micronutrients and less bad-fats (for example) sources. But you can perfectly turn yourself to bags and bags of peanuts and tons of avocados thinking in their good fats which you know because you read it somewhere the net a veg. really need them and become obese. Don't really know why or how much, but hey, at least you searched it. You can also turn to the caloric, fatty fried foods and basically eat nothing more than carbs.

In short: turning veg. for losing weight or improving health with no ethical interest at all in the medium comes from ignorance, thus irresponsabilty regarding yourself. I only see it beneficial regarding some weak power of self-constraint, like "I won't eat that fatty steak because I don't eat meat" but hey, that's kind of weak and childish. Sure, being vegan will make difficult to eat those cupcakes in the market but hey, you can make them in home. If that's your reason to not eat some food, in most cases this will lead to failure. Pushing people to educate themselves regarding something as important as the foundation of their health, their diet, is needed. Pushing them to be a vegetarian is continuing the irresponsability, and I'd say is kind of little honest, like pushing vegetarinism into people promising results without giving them the knowledge (ergo, the possibility to CHOOSE).

All the benefits of a vegetarian diet comes from a diet that provides what your body needs. Is a vegetarian diet better on this? No, is the knowledge behind your diet, the control you have over your own decisions regarding your health what makes you a healthy person. An aware of this person who has a diet including meat will consider consuming some kind of meats with some frequency instead of the fatty steak and will look to have a complete micronutrient profile. The learned vegetarian will choose to assure an adequate intake of protein instead of having carbs and fat everywhere. I have yet not seen anything saying that limiting food sources given sufficiently educated individuals provides any added benefit when following a vegetarian diet.

sadiemann

I've always considered it because I've never been a huge meat eater anyway. Mostly because I sometimes have issues with handling raw meat.

So now that I've been trying to live a healthier lifestyle I'm strongly considering it. I think it'll be a bit easier for me to do so because I have two co-workers who are vegetarians and we typically eat lunch together every day. That's motivation for me to go ahead and take the plunge.