Semi-Vegetarian...yay or nay?

millytheriot

I've recently started researching going vegetarian and I've decided that I really like the idea of semi-vegetarian. I was just wondering if anyone else has made the switch and how difficult was it?

Firefox7275

How can you be semi vegetarian? Isn't that just eating a much large quantity of plant foods than animal proteins and moderating meat serving sizes, which adheres to most countries official healthy eating guidelines anyway? It's generally fish and dairy that has a minimum amount to be eaten each day/ week, meat and eggs are usually listed as maximums.

cannibaldoll

I wouldn't go around calling yourself a semi-vegetarian. If you don't want to eat meat as much I'd say go pescatarian (spelling?) where you eat fish/seafood. Chicken is one of the worst things you can eat- did you know if not cooked properly all foul have diseases communicable to humans?! Doesn't sound like nature's food at all! And all cattle (if not organic) are infested with E-Coli- YUM! Also- dairy doesn't ever need to be consumed and most people are lactose intolerant (but may not even know it!) especially if you're a PoC.

I'm a vegan and went lacto-ovo vegetarian for six months before I made the switch. Living at home and not being in charge of buying your own groceries makes it difficult, but after the new year I went vegan (a long with getting rid of/stopped buying products that tested on animals) and I'll never look back.

It was hard not eating meat when I went out with family and friends, but if you want to eat healthy you better learn how to cook anyways! At home it was pretty easy.

Most people think they are going to continue to eat an "omni" diet, just with out the animal products- this is wrong! You'll have to change your diet completely. Of course, there are alternatives to your favorite foods, but you'll just have to eat them in moderation.

This website has a whole bunch of information in one place:

http://happyherbivore.com/get-started/

angmarie28

I tried, and failed after like a week, so then I decided to become full vegetarian, and so far so good, its working out much better for me

millytheriot

Thanks! This is really helpful. I thought about the lacto-ovo, but my husband is a huge meat eater and I thought it would be easier for me to eat fish and chicken. I'll do some more research and maybe sit down and talk with him about our meals. Thanks!

angmarie28

my husband is a meat eater, so I incorperate vegetarian meals ijn to out menu plan, and other nights, I cook them dinner, and I either eat left overs or make something else. tonight for example, he wants chicken fried steak, so im making him that, but im also makinf a avocado pesto for my main dish which will be their side dish

girlinahat

I wouldn't go around calling yourself a semi-vegetarian. If you don't want to eat meat as much I'd say go pescatarian (spelling?) where you eat fish/seafood. Chicken is one of the worst things you can eat- did you know if not cooked properly all foul have diseases communicable to humans?! Doesn't sound like nature's food at all! And all cattle (if not organic) are infested with E-Coli- YUM! Also- dairy doesn't ever need to be consumed and most people are lactose intolerant (but may not even know it!) especially if you're a PoC.

infested???? Doesn't E-Coli get destroyed in the cooking process? Let me think, was it beansprouts or cucumbers that were infested with E-Coli in Germany a couple of years back....

Please, lets not scaremonger and make over-exaggerated claims.


to the OP. Why label yourself? Eat more plant-based food and reduce the number of portions of meat you have (as another poster said).

bellevie86

I wouldn't go around calling yourself a semi-vegetarian. If you don't want to eat meat as much I'd say go pescatarian (spelling?) where you eat fish/seafood. Chicken is one of the worst things you can eat- did you know if not cooked properly all foul have diseases communicable to humans?! Doesn't sound like nature's food at all! And all cattle (if not organic) are infested with E-Coli- YUM! Also- dairy doesn't ever need to be consumed and most people are lactose intolerant (but may not even know it!) especially if you're a PoC.

It's true though, chicken is one of the DIRTIEST foods we can eat. Do some research!

carriempls

I've been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for about 5 years now, but I slowly transitioned to that diet over about 5 years to get there. I started by not preparing meat much at home, then not at all. I still ordered it when eating out or as a guest in someone's home. Then I slowly stopped ordering it out. I finally decided to cut it out for good.

Why not try increasing your meatless meals for a while and see how it goes? No need to do it overnight.

My bf is a meat eater, I'm still a veggie. I do not cook meat for him. He's very open and will eat whatever I make for dinner (and loves my cooking) and when he cooks for both of us he makes a veggie meal. If he wants a meaty dinner he lets me know in advance and we each do our own thing that night.

pksd

I wouldn't go around calling yourself a semi-vegetarian. If you don't want to eat meat as much I'd say go pescatarian (spelling?) where you eat fish/seafood. Chicken is one of the worst things you can eat- did you know if not cooked properly all foul have diseases communicable to humans?! Doesn't sound like nature's food at all! And all cattle (if not organic) are infested with E-Coli- YUM! Also- dairy doesn't ever need to be consumed and most people are lactose intolerant (but may not even know it!) especially if you're a PoC.

It's true though, chicken is one of the DIRTIEST foods we can eat. Do some research!

Curious. I thought I was eating healthier by mostly eating chicken and fish. Any links you can post here. How about organic chicken, just as bad ??

gingerveg

I've never heard of this, but either way it is confusing when people use the word vegetarian and also eat meat. If you are looking to cut your consumption of flesh-based meals I encourage and applaud you.

prokomds

I would just request that you think about your motivations for doing this. Is it for ethical reasons? Or because you have some sort of intolerance? That's perfectly fine, to each their own

But if it's because you're assuming it will be "healthier..." I would be very careful. There are unhealthy vegetarians! You can even be a vegetarian and barely touch vegetables. If this is your goal, I would instead focus on how much carbs/protein/fat you're getting and perhaps not be as concerned if it's coming from meat or from other sources. Just my two cents

bellevie86

This is just a mens health article....but online is not where i learned about it. Through documentaries and recently attended a Tony Robbins Conference and as hokey as it sounds the guy is a huge health nut. The last day he spends entirely on health, food, meds, fitness, weight loss, etc.

http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/foodborne_illness/Chicken.php

KombuchaCat

I think the buzz word that would fit this would be "flexetarian." Basically you would eat vegetarian but allow meat rarely. I think if you are not ready to go full vegetarian or vegan you should just try to cut back on the meat. Every little bit helps. Once you see how you do on less meat then you can decide if a full transition is for you.

Pedal_Pusher

either you are or you aren't

lisamarie2181

I just started a pescatarian lifestyle, move to veg and then vegan. I tried going right to vegan last year but definitely was not creative enough in the kitchen, was eating the same stuff over and over, got sick of it and fell off. I actually enjoy cooking now, so I am giving it a go once again at a slower pace. Day three no meat, I feel great

I am not a fan of Tofu, and I am trying my best to stay away from soy and "meatless" replacement products, so I will have to research a bit to make sure I am getting enough protein, still having the fish I don't think it will be an issue at this moment. I also love beans, so that definitely helps with the protein!

If you are unsure, start slow and gradually take things out of your diet or trying making some meatless dishes for dinner a few times a week, see how it goes.

Good Luck in whatever you decide to do

bellevie86

I just started a pescatarian lifestyle, move to veg and then vegan. I tried going right to vegan last year but definitely was not creative enough in the kitchen, was eating the same stuff over and over, got sick of it and fell off. I actually enjoy cooking now, so I am giving it a go once again at a slower pace. Day three no meat, I feel great

I am not a fan of Tofu, and I am trying my best to stay away from soy and "meatless" replacement products, so I will have to research a bit to make sure I am getting enough protein, still having the fish I don't think it will be an issue at this moment. I also love beans, so that definitely helps with the protein!

If you are unsure, start slow and gradually take things out of your diet or trying making some meatless dishes for dinner a few times a week, see how it goes.

Good Luck in whatever you decide to do

Do you like Veggie ground? You can use it in spag or chili??? Or try the Tofurkey Deli slices, not bad! I HATE TOFU TOO. But there's alot of options available...kinda just try it all and stick to what you do like!

Are you avoiding them causr you think you wont like them? Or another reason? Try quinoa, great for protein

daj150

It's really easy to go pescetarian IF you love fish. And I mean most types of fish. If you don't really like fish, but love meat, then I would say it will be extremely hard to switch. I have been moving more towards being a pescetarian and I haven't found myself craving any meat for months. Recent blood work has also shown that I am a lot healthier now too...note that the only change in my diet has been cutting out meats, except for fish.

bellevie86

I would just request that you think about your motivations for doing this. Is it for ethical reasons? Or because you have some sort of intolerance? That's perfectly fine, to each their own

But if it's because you're assuming it will be "healthier..." I would be very careful. There are unhealthy vegetarians! You can even be a vegetarian and barely touch vegetables. If this is your goal, I would instead focus on how much carbs/protein/fat you're getting and perhaps not be as concerned if it's coming from meat or from other sources. Just my two cents

And as for there being unheallthy vegetarians yes....being a vegetarian doesn't mean you don't smoke, drink, eat bad stuff with lots of sugar, doesn't mean you can't be diabetic or have any other conditions either.

I've been veg now 4 months and it's the GREATEST i have ever felt. Period. I also cut out regular milk, yogurt, and most cheese.

pksd

I think anytime you can reduce your consumption of unhealthy meats with “healthier” vegetarian options you are doing well for your body and the environment. I was a vegetarian most of life, had to find other sources of protein due to food allergies. To me vegetarian foods taste just as good as foods with meat in them. Tofu Panang curry tastes just as good as chicken panang curry. It’s all about how you prepare is. I personally think meatless soy products are a great alternative to the meats. Tofurky deli slices tastes just as good, if not better than the turkey deli slices, and I eat them both on regular bases.

And just because you are vegetarian, does not automatically mean you are eating healthier. I know plenty of unhealthy vegetarian that eat foods high in sugar and carbs… and fried vegetable are just as bad as fried as fried chicken or fish.

mazzasweet

I agree with a lot of the comments... See what works best for your body. In late July 2012 I made the decision to remove meat from my diet. I am Pescaterian now - I eat fish 2 times per week. I eat yogurt and sometimes eggs or cottage cheese. I'm just slowly seeing what my body likes and what it doesn't.

It was really easy for me to cut out cow, pig, chicken etc because I am a huge animal lover. But the dairy products are much harder for me. I recently moved from milk to almond or coconut milk (Which is delicious!!) but I still love my greek yogurt/cottage cheese.... so it's a learning process.
I do eat the alternatives - morning star, quorn, dr. praeger... and enjoy them! Not all the time but 1-2 times a week. I also learned to love fish! I was a tuna girl LOL But now I eat shellfish, mahi, cod, scrod etc!

I think it's a one step at a time kind of thing. And it matters why you're doing it. Even when I think I might want a hot dog - I know I really don't b/c of what I've seen. Take it step by step and see what your body wants. My MD said nobody should eat red meat... bad for the heart and cholesterol... what that's just one opinion. I'm still obese, but since adapting to my mostly veg lifestyle my blood work has improved and I feel better....
Good luck whatever you decide to do :-)
xoxo

bellevie86

I think anytime you can reduce your consumption of unhealthy meats with “healthier” vegetarian options you are doing well for your body and the environment. I was a vegetarian most of life, had to find other sources of protein due to food allergies. To me vegetarian foods taste just as good as foods with meat in them. Tofu Panang curry tastes just as good as chicken panang curry. It’s all about how you prepare is. I personally think meatless soy products are a great alternative to the meats. Tofurky deli slices tastes just as good, if not better than the turkey deli slices, and I eat them both on regular bases.

And just because you are vegetarian, does not automatically mean you are eating healthier. I know plenty of unhealthy vegetarian that eat foods high in sugar and carbs… and fried vegetable are just as bad as fried as fried chicken or fish.

Totally agree.

lisamarie2181

I just started a pescatarian lifestyle, move to veg and then vegan. I tried going right to vegan last year but definitely was not creative enough in the kitchen, was eating the same stuff over and over, got sick of it and fell off. I actually enjoy cooking now, so I am giving it a go once again at a slower pace. Day three no meat, I feel great

I am not a fan of Tofu, and I am trying my best to stay away from soy and "meatless" replacement products, so I will have to research a bit to make sure I am getting enough protein, still having the fish I don't think it will be an issue at this moment. I also love beans, so that definitely helps with the protein!

If you are unsure, start slow and gradually take things out of your diet or trying making some meatless dishes for dinner a few times a week, see how it goes.

Good Luck in whatever you decide to do

Do you like Veggie ground? You can use it in spag or chili??? Or try the Tofurkey Deli slices, not bad! I HATE TOFU TOO. But there's alot of options available...kinda just try it all and stick to what you do like!

Are you avoiding them causr you think you wont like them? Or another reason? Try quinoa, great for protein

Hmm never had the veggie ground! might have to try that. I actually made chili this week and loaded it with beans to make sure I got a good amount of protein, I think it ended up around almost 50g lol I have had the morningstar products, boca, but I have heard they are very highly processed and not so good for you, so I was trying to stay away from them as much as I can.

Also, I was told to stay away from Soy because I have PCOS (hormone/metabolic issue) and my dr said GMO soy could mess with my hormones even more. Maybe could try some organic products to ensure it is non GMO.

And LOVE quinoa!! I am trying to stick to as many complete whole grains as possible, instead of breads/pastas, so I am definitely going to have to try some new grains!

Thanks so much for the advice, it's greatly appreciated :flowerforyou:

pksd

When it comes to tofu, most people think tasteless white block floating the plastic tray, but its lot more than that. If you visit your local Asian supermarket, you will be surprised to see how many different types of tofu there are. Try to find products made by Veri-Soy.

In San Diego we have SIPZ café and the Loving Hut restaurants, I have taken several of my strictly meat eater friends there and they all love the verity of meatless foods…... one just has to be open minded to try new foods.

SoDamnHungry

Sounds like you should just be an omnivore and eat a lot more vegetarian products than meat.

rml_16

I've recently started researching going vegetarian and I've decided that I really like the idea of semi-vegetarian. I was just wondering if anyone else has made the switch and how difficult was it?

I went full-veg a few years ago, pretty much cold turkey and it was very easy.

EvelynBfly78

What's a semi-vegetarian? Is it like being a little bit pregnant? You either are or you aren't.
I have been lacto-ovo-vegetarian since last year. I had cut out all meats except fish & chicken occasionally. Then they went. I feel better & don't have that heavy feeling from eating meat. I still eat some dairy & eggs. It's only a matter of time before they go the way of the fish & chicken & other meats. I am trying to transition to vegan.
It's not that hard. Make changes a little at a time. If you can handle it you won't be sorry. Then again, to each his own.

pksd

http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/foodborne_illness/Chicken.php

Thanks. This should keep me busy for for a while...slow day at work today !!

1smemae94

Hey, I applaud you for trying to eat more plant based but I wouldn't go around saying "Yeah, i'm a semi vegetarian and i eat chicken and fish" This honestly confuses people and then they make meals with chicken and fish in it for vegetarians and get upset when they refuse to eat it. I would just say "I don't eat x, y or z" that way everyone is clear.

shanmackie

To the person saying vegetables get E. coli too - it's an intestinal bacteria. If we didn't raise animals for food and allow the runoff to infect our vegetation then we wouldn't have those issues with our vegetables.

bellevie86

To the person saying vegetables get E. coli too - it's an intestinal bacteria. If we didn't raise animals for food and allow the runoff to infect our vegetation then we wouldn't have those issues with our vegetables.

Yeah...YUCK!