Becoming a Vegetarian....

I hadn't thought about becoming vegetarian , but my Hubby pointed out that I hardly eat meat now. I seem to be collecting vegetarian recipes too. There are loads on the web

It's fairly easy to eat vegetarian, in my experience. Just try not to fall into the trap of relying too heavily on processed meat substitutes or junk food, which is often vegetarian to begin with. Is there something specific you were curious about?

Hey. I've been vegetarian for 14 years, now I'm vegan too. My diary is open and you're welcome to have a look, not all of it is pretty.

It all depends on what you're eating right now. I think that if you like cooking, it's a good opportunity to look into new ingredients you've never tried before. Add pulses and veggies to your diet and track with MFP your iron intake. I think it would be a good idea to get some blood work in 6 months or so to make sure you're doing it well.

Personally, I use B-12 because it's very hard to get from a vegetarian diet, and Omega 3 (there's a vegetarian version - flaxseed oil). I get quite a bit of iron without any supplements.

Thanks everyone! I am curious to what suppliments people use..

I've taken vitamins on and off, but the only thing I make sure to do right now is put nutritional yeast in and on things for the B12.

I take Berroca which is vitamin b complex with vitamin c, calcium, magnesium and zinc.I take a multi vitamin for sport if I am somewhere without Berroca. I also use Vega One products while I am training for a marathon which are vegan products. I do not eat fish or seafood I am pretty strict and very little dairy and eggs. I am with Lilli7 on the fake meat I very rarely use fake meat as well I am not a fan of the taste or texture. I tend to stick with tofu and tempeh and lots of beans and legumes. I have never tested low on anything whether I have been taking suppliments or not. Its really about what is right for you and your body, just tries varriations to see whats right for you.

Congrats!! No need for supplements because every vegetable and fruit, bean, seed etc. has all the vitamins needed.
One great website (ideas for meals) is www.theppk.com

I wanted to add that my husband and children eat meat. I have no problem making meat (well bacon does kind of gross me out and I can't stand the smell) and yes, it's hard at times when I'm cooking for all of us. I just try to substitute my protein but don't typically cook two entirely separate meals.

I am a pescetarian. If you eat the right variety of foods, you do not need supplements. I am against taking manufactured supplements unless your bloodwork proves you need it. Otherwise, get it from your food, it is healthier and absorbs better into your system if you get it the natural way.

We have recently decided to eat Vegetarian with a nod to Vegan.

We find Cheese is our biggest stumbling block to Vegan. I have tried a few substitute cheese products but don't like them. My family loves Cheese. We don't eat eggs on weekends anymore, but I haven't tried to take eggs out of bread products. Almond Milk is working great for milk substitute.

I found it difficult at first. I looked up recipies on line and in magazines. I found they used too many products I was unfamiliar with, to many ingredients, the food was palletable, but I didn't really enjoy it.

Then I decided to make food just the way I always had, but change the meat to beans, rices, quinoa, tofu, etc.., and add more vegetables like spinach, zuchini, sweet potatoes to dishes. It's working great even the family is adjusting. Some side beinfits to being a vegetarian we have noticed.

Saving money on MEAT, which helps justify more organics, nuts & nicer cheeses.
I don't worry about taking the meat out of the freezer to thaw for dinner.
Cleaner stove top and oven, because no grease splatter all over the kitchen.
Easier kitchen clean up, refer to grease splatter, add broiler pans, fry pans grill cleaning, no grease splatter on my clothes etc..
Less trash, meat containers which are bad for environment and bones, kitchen doesn't stink from meat container in trash.
No meat stuck between my teeth.
Using the BBQ less so saves cost of refilling propane tank.
My blood pressure dropped, so I no longer require medication.
My 13 yr old daughter dropped 10 lbs.
We began composing at the same time, lots of vegi scraps making great compost, which will save money on fertilizers next spring.
We can allow a little more grains, beans etc. due to calories not used up by fatty meat products.
Feeling great and my energy up.

FYI! I was already B-12 deficient I have been atking 1000 mcg of B-12 for the past 10 years plus Citrical for Calcium & D vitamin.

Good luck! we are making sweet potato and black bean Enchilada's for dinner. I can't wait! :drinker:

going veggie makes you explore food so much more... i think restrictions in diet are actually a really good thing!

Totally agree! Went vegan 3 mos ago and thought I would be miserable at first, but I am totally enjoying eating "outside the box", exploring new recipes and I don't miss the way I felt on all those animals products at all!!! And not picking- but to the lady who calls herself a vegetarian- technically if you eat fish you are a pescatarian. I was pescatarian for 9 mos before going vegan.