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Need some help with a client who wants to be vegetarian?

Baseballfan158
Baseballfan158 Posts: 39
edited January 27 in Food and Nutrition
I have a client who working out in the gym and wants to become vegetarian and he asked me-> Hey Andrew do you know a good diet consisting of carbohydrates and protein for a starting out vegetarian.

I did some research but still need some help can anyone give me a diet or something that I can give to him or any info?

I'm a meat eater and haven't done a ton of research on vegetarian diets etc.

He wants to look like the Rock lol I told him that going to be very hard if you become vegetarian.

Replies

  • kaylorraine44
    kaylorraine44 Posts: 135 Member
    Eggs, nuts, beans, tofu, yogurt - all good starting off points.
  • ncmedic201
    ncmedic201 Posts: 540 Member
    Lentils, black beans, avocados, spinach, eggs, yogurt (plain is better), cottage cheese...
  • animakim
    animakim Posts: 1
    Whole Foods also sells some protein sources that are pretty tasty -- popcorn soy chicken and General Tso's Soy chicken to name two.
    There are also some good sources in protein powders that you can add to a smoothie -- my favorite is hemp but I am now using a rice one (because it was cheaper). Also found at Whole Foods or your local food coop. Be sure to get the ones that have no additives, especially no sugar or sugar substitute!
    I eat a vegetarian diet and am using the myfitness pal guidelines for nutrients and find that I have no problem meeting or exceeding the minimum daily protein requirement.
  • stealthSLOTH
    stealthSLOTH Posts: 695 Member
    Not a vegetarian, but I know a lot of vegetarians.

    B-12 is hard to get from non-animal sources, so you might want to remind your client that he/she might need a supplement.
    I believe some vegetarians like to sprinkle Nutritional Yeast on popcorn to add B-12 to their diet.

    Your client will want to learn how to combine certain foods to get a complete amino acid profile from his/her diet.

    :smile:
  • redraidergirl2009
    redraidergirl2009 Posts: 2,560 Member
    Not a vegetarian, but I know a lot of vegetarians.

    B-12 is hard to get from non-animal sources, so you might want to remind your client that he/she might need a supplement.
    I believe some vegetarians like to sprinkle Nutritional Yeast on popcorn to add B-12 to their diet.

    Your client will want to learn how to combine certain foods to get a complete amino acid profile from his/her diet.

    :smile:

    Actually vegetarians don't need to worry much about b12 in general because the generic term vegetarian implies they eat eggs and or dairy where you can b12 from.
  • redraidergirl2009
    redraidergirl2009 Posts: 2,560 Member
    I have a client who working out in the gym and wants to become vegetarian and he asked me-> Hey Andrew do you know a good diet consisting of carbohydrates and protein for a starting out vegetarian.

    I did some research but still need some help can anyone give me a diet or something that I can give to him or any info?

    I'm a meat eater and haven't done a ton of research on vegetarian diets etc.

    He wants to look like the Rock lol I told him that going to be very hard if you become vegetarian.

    Perhaps you can refer your client to someone you know that is more knowledgable about vegetarian diets and working out. Or ask a colleague for info.

    It's disturbing that anyone would want to look like the rock, vegetarian or not.
  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    I'm a vegetarian and I've been able to pack on muscle like a champ. Tons and tons of egg whites. Like 2-3 cups a day and I'm a small woman. If he's a dude, tell him like 4-5 cups of egg whites a day. You can make tons of different recipes with them. I've been making a cake out of coconut flour, egg whites, almond milk, and splenda. *kitten* is so bomb.
  • Sprinkelss
    Sprinkelss Posts: 40 Member
    Tell them to pick up this book; http://www.amazon.com/Thrive-Nutrition-Optimal-Performance-Sports/dp/0738212547/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371336872&sr=8-2&keywords=vegan+athlete

    There are alot of vegan/veg athletes (even pro-football players) B12 is easy to get if you eat big leafy greens (kale/Chard etc) I would try to go easy on the soy and wheat products but beans are fantastic. Even bean dips are great.
  • javajunco
    javajunco Posts: 81
    Starting out veggies usually miss meats for a while. There is nothing wrong with starting out by just doing what he's doing already, and replacing the meat with a similar meat-free meat. Quorn products are excellent chicken replacements. Field roast products are the best for sausages, franks, and lunch meats. Boca crumbles for tacos or spagetti sauce.

    I think giving up "meat" totally is really tough for most starters. Another suggestion would be to give up one kind of meat at a time, a few weeks apart.

    I also recommend just finding a bunch more recipes for the various veg, fruit, legumes, etc that he likes best. And then, add new/different ingredients later. It's easiest to go veg gradually!
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