Vegetarians/Vegans

I went vegetarian many years ago, when I was 10 years old. As expected I had quite childish reasons: I found the idea that my food used to be walking around just like me very disturbing, and I thought it was somehow disrespectful towards the animal if I ate it (I was never religious so I don't know why I thought that - I guess just out of comparison with people).

I'm still vegetarian because I believe that if you can avoid killing, hurting or causing damage, you should. Eating meat isn't necessary for my health and survival, so I won't.

I've tried going completely vegan several times but found it pretty difficult to go without any eggs at all, so I prefer free-range eggs. One day, when I move out of the city and back to the countryside, I'm planning to have some hens in my yard, treat them well and enjoy the eggs they lay. Yeah, apologetic much.

I became vegetarian just a few weeks ago! and i have been totally veggie (despite a few bits of cod) but I am cutting out the fish totally too!

I became vegetarian for health reasons! i'm not one of these people that believes humans are not supposed to eat meat, I just think people eat too much meat!

Years ago, the majority of your meal would be grains, vegetables and a small portion of meat/fish. These days its more meat/fish with the vegetables as a side or smaller amounts.

There's research that suggests high levels of red meat in peoples diets can lead to heart issues, diabetes, weight gain etc.
So much meat is processed and beefed up with water that it just isn't appealing!

I can't believe I didn't do this sooner I absolutely love being vegetarian and I am putting it down as the reason for my recent weight loss. I haven't replaced the meat with breads and high carb/fat foods, it has made me more aware of what I eat and has me thinking and planning on how to make my meals as nutritious as possible! I love being vegetarian and i actually feel cleaner on the inside, I know it sounds stupid but I really do its a weird feeling I just feel better for it.

I can honestly say I will not be eating red meat and chicken ever again, as for the odd bit of fish I've had the past few days, my mother had bought lots of fish products and I hate to waste food. I actually think from tomorrow I will cut fish out also (having cod mornay tonight) haha

Thanks! I live in a super small town- so I'm worried I wont have access to enough vegan foods to be able to do it!

PETA has an "accidentally vegan" food list of commonly found foods that are actually vegan. But even in a small town, you can go vegan without any ill effect on your health. Keep in mind that many, many, many foods are actually vegan, including:

Beans and lentils
Nuts and seeds
Oatmeals and other grains, including many breads and noodles, rice
Fruits and veggies

By the way, I probably won't check back into this thread after this morning because so often these threads have people come in just to make jokes or question others. If you have any questions, feel free to PM! :flowerforyou:

This is a timely topic for me, too. About a month ago I thought I would give it a shot for health only reasons. I feel plant strong diet is the healthiest way to go.

But my timing was awful because I have had a horrible bout with Sciatica the last month or so and have been trying different medications to help with the pain. Then I was put on prednisone and that completely messed up my eating.

I'm not sure if the out of control bingeing, craving, overeating is from eliminating meats, as a comfort from being in pain for over a month or mental from feeling like I'm making too many restrictions in my diet.

But, hopefully, this will all resolve itself and I'll get back to a more plant based diet again.

I've gone back and forth between vegetarian, vegan, and the "occasional meat eater" on holidays, but only when it fits my standards. I'm lucky to live in a place where all our local meat is organic by law.

My biggest reasoning is the freaky things in meat, like growth hormones and antibiotics. I truly believe there is a huge connection between mass produced meat and Alzheimers.

I've tried being vegan, but I do enjoy eggs and find it difficult to cut out. Dairy on the other hand, I can do without.

That's it, that's my reasoning.

P.S. I have an amazing recipe for something called Spicy Peanut Lime Cilantro Soup, totally great vegan recipe. Inbox me if you're interested!

I recently went pescetarian (the only meat I eat is fish/shellfish). I actually started off wanting to go vegan - I watched this documentary called "Vegucated" and I cannot touch chicken. beef, or pork again. However, I'm allergic to nuts and coconuts, so there are quite a few protein options that I cannot use. I started to get a bit shaky and tired, so I ended up going back to fish to get the protein that I need. I still don't eat eggs, and I quit dairy products as well. I'm happy to say that I no longer suffer frequent migraines and break outs like I did when I was drinking milk!

Good luck with everything! I hope it works out for you. I must say that since I switched, I feel better than I have in years.

I recently went pescetarian (the only meat I eat is fish/shellfish). I actually started off wanting to go vegan - I watched this documentary called "Vegucated" and I cannot touch chicken. beef, or pork again. However, I'm allergic to nuts and coconuts, so there are quite a few protein options that I cannot use. I started to get a bit shaky and tired, so I ended up going back to fish to get the protein that I need. I still don't eat eggs, and I quit dairy products as well. I'm happy to say that I no longer suffer frequent migraines and break outs like I did when I was drinking milk!

Good luck with everything! I hope it works out for you. I must say that since I switched, I feel better than I have in years.

Couldn't you get protein from soy and other legumes, as well as from products like seitan (which is made from wheat gluten)? Also, this may or may not be the case for you, but some people with nut allergies can tolerate seeds well. Honestly, nuts are so full of fat that I don't use them as a primary source of protein.

I stopped eating beef for awhile while I was younger, but ive debated for years to become vegetarian, but i watched Vehucated and that finally did it for me, i wanted to become full vegan, but it was too hard so instead i settled for becoming vegetarian, and limiting my dairy and egg intake, i dont eat much eggs, and i drink almond milk instead of cows milk

I am nearly vegan, both for health and ethical reasons. I have been so since March of 2012, and I credit my diet change with almost every bit of my 115 pound weight loss. I do not eat meat at all, and no other animal products normally. I will every once in a while if we go out to eat get something that has cheese, but this is very rare.

It has really made a huge difference in my life. I love the food that I am eating, and I do not miss the meat or cheese at all. I was vegetarian for about 3 years many years ago, and I always said I could never give up cheese. But when I decided to do it, it really was not that big of an issue for me. I have actually now found a vegan cheese that I really like, so I will use it every once in a while when I need something gooey to hold food together, like if I decide to make veggie quesadillas.

I watched Forks Over Knives in March, and that was was finally convinced me to make the switch. Since then I have done a ton of reading and talked to my doctors, and I truly believe it is a healthy thing to do. I know others opinions vary, but it has certainly done great things for me.

When I started, I weighed well over 300 pounds, and was dragging myself through every day. Within 2 weeks of making the switch, my energy levels went through the roof, despite the fact that I was still very overweight. My lab work is outstanding, my relflux has gone away, and my skin is the best it has ever been..

If it is something that you are interested in, it is worth a try.

I've tried living the "vegan" lifestyle when I first started attempting to drop kick into oblivion my excess fat and flab last year...like my Shero Deb, within two weeks or less I saw and felt a dramatic difference. Then I added fish (wild caught and poll & troll only ) into the mix--fantastic! Then I went back to my old lifestyle of meats, dairy, processed foods and within 6 months regained all of pounds and most of the inches I lost--not to mention my energy drain made me feel like I was dead while I was yet living.

I started "The Daniel Fast" last Friday...it's 21 days of eating and drinking only veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, and grains and drinking water only--it's pretty much I think it's a "vegan" diet and WOW! in just a few days, my energy is pumping up big time, my sleep is so much better and more.

I however never want to label myself (for some reason). So after the 21 day fast, if I shall continue in this way of eating and drinking--I never want to put myself in a box with labels.

I'm doing this fast (eating and drinking) primarily for spiritual reasons and so far, so good!