Fellow vegetarians?

mamacassi

I'm new to this lifestyle, but for a long time it's been a goal of mine. I find myself wanting meat all the time but it's merely my tastebuds and not so much my morals. Or at all. I'm determined to stick to this but I feel like I'm not eating enough, I got light headed today, intense. I take my vitamins and protein powder with my smoothies, I've been trying tofu, I'm not sure what else I can do to fill up! I eat tons of vegie's and try with beans, etc.

mStudios

Potatoes and beans are very substantial items you can eat. Also, make sure you really drink enough water - 1/2 of your body weight in ounces. Make sure you get enough salt (bioplasma). Also, you can try a teaspoon of honey in a tea (or lick it of the spoon) when you feel light headed.

mamacassi

I'm probably the only person in the world who will have a hard time licking a spoonful of honey, I'm sensitive to sugar, it gives me headaches. But I do LOVE potatoes, so that's an easy thing.

TheMaidOfAstolat

Feel free to become my friend so you can look at my food diary. I've been a vegetarian my entire life. I do eat seafood/dairy/and eggs (when they're baked into something)....and very occasionally chicken (like 4-5 times a year).
There are a lot of us Vegheads on here, most of my friends list people are veggies.
I would disagree with the potatoes. Yes they are filling and they do have some nutritional benefits (as long as you eat the skin), but it's not the best way to feel full.
What types of grains are you eating?
What types of soy other than tofu? What type of tofu-lite/firm/extra firm?

kaytbognar

Have you made the change to vegetarianism for moral reasons, or is there something else there? If you're craving meat, and you want to eat it, there is nothing to support the idea that vegetarianism in and of itself is a healthier lifestyle than an omnivorous one, nor is one dietary choice going to make losing weight easier for you all by itself. I don't want to sound like a jerk, I'm just curious and a little chatty today. Personally, I love being vegetarian (I'm pesco-lacto-ovo, so I eat fish, dairy and eggs) and have been for three and a half years now. It's not a moral thing, as I know that you can find humane sources of meat, it just grosses me out

ANYWAY, that said, the quick answer to your question would be to just eat more, LOL. If you're feeling light headed, you may not be eating enough. MFP's food diary is great for helping you stay on top of how much and of what you're eating. More veggies, beans, legumes, and whole grains will help to fill you up. Also, go forth to your GP and get your blood checked. Light headedness/fainting can also be caused by anemia, low iron. I'm no doc, but when you're making a dietary change like this, it's always wise to get and full spectrum check and talk to your doc about what you should be keeping in mind.

A little more in depth response would be to do some reading. I really enjoy being vegetarian becuase it's allowed me, indeed forced me, to explore my nutritional options. What can I cook with that isn't meat? What components of a meal will go together to create a well rounded and satisfying meal? Experiment with different kinds of oils (I love hemp oil, walnut oil, coconut oil, avocado oil!) different kinds of seeds (unsalted pumpkin seeds, hemp seed, sunflower, flax! Delicious!) a variety of grains (quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat...) Plus, the world of herbs and spices is not to be forgotten! Fresh mint, lime leaves, paprika, cayenne...

The world is your...well, not oyster, but something flesh-free and comparable! LOL. You get my drift here, educating yourself on the basic components of --what-- goes into a meal you enjoy makes it infinitely easier to put together a wide variety of the same kind of meals whenever you like with whatever is lying around.

While it's a little on the soft-science side of facts, Brendan Brazier's "The Thrive Diet" (canadian title...I think the US one is just "Thrive") has some AMAZING recipes. They are vegan, but gosh they are divine. Remember also, google is your friend, too!

GOSH, I did say Iw as chatty today...I hope this is helpful for you! Good luck, and good eats

mamacassi

Potatoes taste good but often make me feel like it's worse for my health because it fills me up, but that's just what I've been told.
Honestly, not much. Regardless of whether or not I was eating meat or not, I never was big on fish or eggs, so I'm not eating them unless like you said it's baked into something... I've always been a vegetable addict and eaten a lot, probably more than average. I don't like tofu, I found some kinds that I'm ok with like tofurkey which to me must be processed the hell out of it to have the texture it does. I cooked extra firm tofu last night and made my 10000th try, still no go. I can't handle the mushy texture, that's why I dislike eggs. I've never been the well balanced eater and luckily I know many people who know people who I'm trying to get better associated with so they can give me some tips on having a well balanced life without meat. But also I am obviously on a diet and counting my calories and working out...
Mouthful, sorry!

mamacassi

That did sound a little mean but I'll answer...
I am an ultra sensitive person. I own many animals and I could never kill one. I was raised eating meat with people who eat it every meal. I'm used to it and the taste but that doesn't mean that I like it, I don't at all. To me being addicted to meat is all it is, and I'm sure its a common thing. It's an easy source of protein but I can't live with the idea of eating something that was alive. I'm a passionate animal lover and this is something I wanted to do since I was about 4 and got my first real pet. It never seemed logical to eat it but like I said what choice does a child have about their diet? No, it's not about losing weight, I figured if I was going to commit to losing weight why couldn't I commit to changing a part of myself that I hate. (The animal eater) Meat does gross me out, btw. Flesh and skin of something gross me out to consume.
And I am pretty sure I am anemic. So it's probably good that you mentioned that because I am a slacker when it comes to watching my levels.
Thank you for the advice, I'd be more dignified in my explanation but I really had to pee while writing this. Too much water and not enough restrooms.

TheMaidOfAstolat

Potatoes taste good but often make me feel like it's worse for my health because it fills me up, but that's just what I've been told.
Honestly, not much. Regardless of whether or not I was eating meat or not, I never was big on fish or eggs, so I'm not eating them unless like you said it's baked into something... I've always been a vegetable addict and eaten a lot, probably more than average. I don't like tofu, I found some kinds that I'm ok with like tofurkey which to me must be processed the hell out of it to have the texture it does. I cooked extra firm tofu last night and made my 10000th try, still no go. I can't handle the mushy texture, that's why I dislike eggs. I've never been the well balanced eater and luckily I know many people who know people who I'm trying to get better associated with so they can give me some tips on having a well balanced life without meat. But also I am obviously on a diet and counting my calories and working out...
Mouthful, sorry!

Are tofu and faux meats the only versions of soy you've tried? Here are a few wonderful recipe sites you should try.
vegweb.com
vegcooking.com
veganchef.com

deckerme

I find it strange that a few of you consider yourselves to be vegetarian but still eat fish and eggs. I am a vegan and have been one for several years and am very happy with my diet. I do agree that the vegetarian diet is not for everyone, or the only way to lose weight. However, you may be feeling faint because you are not getting enough B12 in your diet. B12 is essential for converting carbohydrates, fats and protiens from food into energy. Most vegetarians/ vegans become deficient in vitamin B12 because this vitamin is mostly found in meat, eggs and dairy. However, you can take daily supplements which should help. If this doesn't help and you try other suggestions you should really consider trying a new diet. Eating should not be work, it should be something that you enjoy!

TheMaidOfAstolat

I find it strange that a few of you consider yourselves to be vegetarian but still eat fish and eggs. I am a vegan and have been one for several years and am very happy with my diet. I do agree that the vegetarian diet is not for everyone, or the only way to lose weight. However, you may be feeling faint because you are not getting enough B12 in your diet. B12 is essential for converting carbohydrates, fats and protiens from food into energy. Most vegetarians/ vegans become deficient in vitamin B12 because this vitamin is mostly found in meat, eggs and dairy. However, you can take daily supplements which should help. If this doesn't help and you try other suggestions you should really consider trying a new diet. Eating should not be work, it should be something that you enjoy!

Why is it strange? I was a vegan for 3 years. Do you eat honey, gelatin, rennet, milk proteins? It's an extreamly hard life to be a vegan when you do not have all the resources.
I believe that I have posted on every topic labled as vegetarian or vegan since I joined, you have no right to judge me.

kaytbognar

I find it strange that a few of you consider yourselves to be vegetarian but still eat fish and eggs. I am a vegan and have been one for several years and am very happy with my diet. I do agree that the vegetarian diet is not for everyone, or the only way to lose weight. However, you may be feeling faint because you are not getting enough B12 in your diet. B12 is essential for converting carbohydrates, fats and protiens from food into energy. Most vegetarians/ vegans become deficient in vitamin B12 because this vitamin is mostly found in meat, eggs and dairy. However, you can take daily supplements which should help. If this doesn't help and you try other suggestions you should really consider trying a new diet. Eating should not be work, it should be something that you enjoy!

Why is it strange? I was a vegan for 3 years. Do you eat honey, gelatin, rennet, milk proteins? It's an extreamly hard life to be a vegan when you do not have all the resources.
I believe that I have posted on every topic labled as vegetarian or vegan since I joined, you have no right to judge me.

Well said, my dear.

Also, while in the purist sense of the word, I recognize that I'm not a vegetarian (as you point out) it's so much simpler and easier for most people to understand than throwing around "pesco-lacto-ovotarian." Vegetarian is a term that makes it easy and accessible to convey my dietary choices and preferences.

Plus, labels aside, the knowledge gained from a mostly flesh-free diet vs. an entirely flesh free diet is no less valid, no less beneficial for others on a similar path.

TheMaidOfAstolat

I find it strange that a few of you consider yourselves to be vegetarian but still eat fish and eggs. I am a vegan and have been one for several years and am very happy with my diet. I do agree that the vegetarian diet is not for everyone, or the only way to lose weight. However, you may be feeling faint because you are not getting enough B12 in your diet. B12 is essential for converting carbohydrates, fats and protiens from food into energy. Most vegetarians/ vegans become deficient in vitamin B12 because this vitamin is mostly found in meat, eggs and dairy. However, you can take daily supplements which should help. If this doesn't help and you try other suggestions you should really consider trying a new diet. Eating should not be work, it should be something that you enjoy!

Why is it strange? I was a vegan for 3 years. Do you eat honey, gelatin, rennet, milk proteins? It's an extreamly hard life to be a vegan when you do not have all the resources.
I believe that I have posted on every topic labled as vegetarian or vegan since I joined, you have no right to judge me.

Well said, my dear.

Also, while in the purist sense of the word, I recognize that I'm not a vegetarian (as you point out) it's so much simpler and easier for most people to understand than throwing around "pesco-lacto-ovotarian." Vegetarian is a term that makes it easy and accessible to convey my dietary choices and preferences.

Plus, labels aside, the knowledge gained from a mostly flesh-free diet vs. an entirely flesh free diet is no less valid, no less beneficial for others on a similar path.

Thanks Kayt!

kaytbognar

That did sound a little mean but I'll answer...
I am an ultra sensitive person. I own many animals and I could never kill one. I was raised eating meat with people who eat it every meal. I'm used to it and the taste but that doesn't mean that I like it, I don't at all. To me being addicted to meat is all it is, and I'm sure its a common thing. It's an easy source of protein but I can't live with the idea of eating something that was alive. I'm a passionate animal lover and this is something I wanted to do since I was about 4 and got my first real pet. It never seemed logical to eat it but like I said what choice does a child have about their diet? No, it's not about losing weight, I figured if I was going to commit to losing weight why couldn't I commit to changing a part of myself that I hate. (The animal eater) Meat does gross me out, btw. Flesh and skin of something gross me out to consume.
And I am pretty sure I am anemic. So it's probably good that you mentioned that because I am a slacker when it comes to watching my levels.
Thank you for the advice, I'd be more dignified in my explanation but I really had to pee while writing this. Too much water and not enough restrooms.

Psh, you sounded plenty dignified, thanks for indulging me with you answer! As I said, I didn't intend to sound mean. You can never know where someone is coming from and I'm always a little curious; while I may take a more preferential stand on this issue than a moral one, I recognize and respect that others feel more passionately about the ethics of eating meat, as you clearly do. Good for you for committing to making this transition, it sounds like it will benefit you greatly in terms of your peace of mind, even if it might be a difficult change for you right now.

I'm glad I could be a reminder for bloodwork. I'm sure there's a wide range of possible contributors, and getting checked will pin the tail on the donkey

TheMaidOfAstolat

Mouseme there is another thread going on as well titled Skinny ***** that you might want to look at. I posted on there and I believe that Kayt did as well.

BrendaLee

I haven't eaten beef or pork in a few years, and I still sometimes think about a Big Mac, a donair or a meatball sub- even though it grosses me out. It's normal to think about something you've eaten your entire life no matter what the reason is you gave it up. It's also free choice to choose which animal-based products we will and will not eat. I still consider myself a vegetarian at heart even though I eat chicken and occasionally fish. I know I'm not technically a vegetarian either, but my heart is. I'm an anti-mammaltarian.

BiloxiBelle

I agree about being called a vegetarian when you may still eat certain things....I stopped eating seafood & pork in 3rd grade or so, red meat in 9th grade (I'm 37) but most of my friends & family would describe me as a vegetarian. I guess it is easier than saying "well she will eat chicken & turkey if she has to, but no other poultry. she will drink milk, but she doesn't really eat cheese. she prefers not to eat an egg yolk, but will eat egg whites w/no problem..." :laugh:

And there are actually many studies dating all the back from the 60's to recent times that show a diet with little/no animal fat & protein will prevent or stop coronary artery disease, decrease risk of cancer & kidney disease....gall stones, diabetes, kidney stones.... So YAY to all the vegetarians (even those who will drink milk & eat an egg)

kaytbognar

Mouseme there is another thread going on as well titled Skinny ***** that you might want to look at. I posted on there and I believe that Kayt did as well.

I actually hadn't seen that thread, but now that you mentioned it I had to check it out :P



BrendaLee, you speak truth about cravings. I never want beef ever, except when I see a taco bell commercial--something about knowing i can get all the greasy, delicious looking food for next to nothing makes me full of longing. And then I think about what is actually IN Taco Bell, and though it takes a few minutes, I don't want it anymore :P

mamacassi

Thanks Brenda. I'll check the thread too!
It's been very helpful. Also those links for recipes are well needed, I've always cooked and loved it. I'll try some.
My veggie weakness is brussel sprouts and that website had a garlic recipe, I'm italian, garlic is my middle name!

HealthyChanges2010

bump for info later Thanks!

deckerme

No I do not eat those things, and no i was not judging you. I am just very against using animals, and I find it very unhealthy. I was just trying to give some useful advice but it seems you were to caught up on my introduction to finish reading what I wrote. And being vegan is not hard, it just takes a long time to find a balance and learn what you need to supplement.