VEGETARIAN/VEGAN SUPPORT

Hi
I've been Vegan since mid September 2012 & Vegetarian a month before that. Going Vegan is much easier than I thought it would be.

Can we make a bet you don't tell at least half a dozen people in the next year that you are vegetarian/vegan when there is no need to? Do it if you care about the animals like I do but don't do it so you use it to say you are so special because that isn't pretty. This is coming off like you are trying to be better than meat eaters.

Why do you need support to eat after all? odd.

Speaking from experience it is hard when the majority of people around you are meat eaters and often makes the non meat eater and or vegan feel awkward because they may feel like they are being an annoyance to others and that's a horrible feeling. If she is asking for support then that's great, don't knock her for it. It is such a relief when you find like minded people that you can share things with (this doesn't even have to be about diet...just even general interests and hobbies) I find it pretty pointless that you would comment clearly offering no support what soever apart to have a wee jab.
I was always told that if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all and that helping people through support is one of the most rewarding acts you can do with your time.

Can we make a bet you don't tell at least half a dozen people in the next year that you are vegetarian/vegan when there is no need to? Do it if you care about the animals like I do but don't do it so you use it to say you are so special because that isn't pretty. This is coming off like you are trying to be better than meat eaters.

Why do you need support to eat after all? odd.

Aren't you the negative one??? She has obviously thought this through and is looking for other people with the same interests. I haven't eaten meat in almost 20 years and I rarely make it known to people just for the sake of it.

I have found it best to keep my vegetarianism to myself because my meat-eating friends get so defensive and worry I might push my beliefs and practices on them.

That is a no-no in my book! Nobody should ever push another person to think as they do. We are all entitled to act as we desire not how someone else desires.

Hi Hailey,

I have an idea of what it feels like to need some support.
Actually, sometimes support just means "help me maneuver my way to get where I might want to be".
That's what I think you mean and in some ways the way I currently feel too.

While I was growing up, I naturally steered away from meat. Both of my parents ate plenty of meat, but I always loved my
veggies more and left the meat on the side. My dad would help me out when my mom was out of the room a few minutes
during a meal and she would for a long time think I ate it up while she was gone and instead my dad ate it. Eventually she figured it out Then she played the game hoping I'd eat it, but well I did a tiny bit.......she was happy with that much.

When I became a teen, I told my parents I didn't want meat on my plate and the only time I did enjoy it was when we had
meatsauce or meatballs (small ones and I barely ate two). Somehow the flavor of meat was good in the homemade sauce.
Otherwise, I didn't like meat. I did eat fish, loved it and so much enjoyed grains, veggies and fruits.

Later when I was married and had my kids, the ob dr. told me women often crave meat and I thought he was crazy but suddenly
I saw it was true, I wanted SOME meat and so here and there I did eat chicken, some steak.
As my kids grew, I did prepare meat and partake a little.........so to fast forward to now. My kids are grown, 23 and 20 this year,
I so much want to go back to how I was.

Vegetarian isn't really too hard, but to gain knowledge on Vegan seems more difficult to me.
The reason is that I still like eggs and butter a little and some bacon bits and just a smidgen in my Vegetarian diet. I was never
STRICT.
If I wanted to really become strict, I would feel as you, Hailey, needing some support to help me get to the point of ridding the last
of it all.............in the past month I also contemplated Vegan and go in the store and get somewhat confused at products and am
questioning the future decision.

If I were to ask for support of others out there who are Vegetarian 100% or Vegan, I don't think that is making others feel I am better. I have lately spoken to many people interested in Nutrition and Foods and none of us ever feel we are better than others, it's just simply a supportive conversation and most people thank each other when the time spent is done.

So, Hailey, I wish you the best in your future decision. It's a well worth decision I feel as well
Best wishes to you!!

Add me if you like, I'd be happy to go through the MFP journey with you as a friend.

Rosemary

I'm vegan, feel free to add me if you want

if you find yourself in a state of craving, try to narrow down what exactly you're craving - is it a salty/fatty craving? A texture craving, like something creamy, or chewy? Is it the social aspect, coming together to enjoy a common meal? Finding answers that both respect your morals and your physical needs will help you on the path.

You'll find your cravings adjust to your changing diet too - I've reached a place of craving my steamed veggies! SO, bear in mind cravings come and go too, don't take 'em too seriously.

I've been vegan for 22 days and vegetarian for about a year before that. I love the lifestyle! Anyone is free to add me to see my diary and get support!

welcome to the fold :flowerforyou:

i would not recommend doing vegan straight away. if you've been eating meat practically your entire life, it's going to be a shock. you are going to have rewire your entire eating habits.

another thing i cant stress enough:

READ THE LABELS

you will be surprised at what isn't vegetarian. the biggest pit falls are 'low calorie' or 'low fat' desserts which often have beef gelatine in them.

good luck

We all begin tip toeing, but for good health, it is a winner. Now they just have come up with info that animal products have a lot of metals: iron, copper, zinc that oxidize in the brain and is the cause of Alzheimer’s. I also suspect those corroded mercury fillings.
I use dry beans. Just boil 2 cups at a time. I make 1/2 cup flatten, frozen snack bags if I think I have too much, that way I can choose, black, white, kidney beans. Brown rice and quinoa I do the same. It really makes meal prep unbelievably easier.
Igot rid of wheat too when I found that wheat spikes the appetite, so got rid of that as well.
The toughest part is just learning how to do it.
You might also want to watch Forks over Knives and read Fuhrman's Eat to Live and Wheat Belly.

Hola -

I am a former strict vegetarian/vegetarian. I followed for years until I got sucked into the lo-carb high protein craze. I have tried it on and off, but feel that a plant based diet is more alligned with my body and conscious. I am starting over, but hoping that with age has come the responsibility to do this healthier this time.

When I started this about a decade ago, it was much more difficult. There is a lot more available now.

I would love a few vegan friends on here with open diaries for ideas.

All vegetarian, vegan about 80% of the time. Feel free to friend meee

i've Been vegan for 4 years and was vegetarian for 2 years before that. When I first went veggie I found I gained some weight, the reason was substituting the wrong foods in for meat, such as cheese on everything and to many fake meats. I did not have much support around me but I powered through and now I couldn't be happier with the lifestyle.

Can we make a bet you don't tell at least half a dozen people in the next year that you are vegetarian/vegan when there is no need to? Do it if you care about the animals like I do but don't do it so you use it to say you are so special because that isn't pretty. This is coming off like you are trying to be better than meat eaters.

Why do you need support to eat after all? odd.

Who the bloody hell posted this?? what a moron.....


Join the Happy Herbivores group on MFP, no bashing, judgement or insults there

I'm a vegetarian with an open food diary. You can add me if you like