Possibly going vegetarian.

freyaheart
freyaheart Posts: 220 Member
in Food and Nutrition
My sister in law is vegan and she has lost a lot of weight by just changing her eatting habits. I figure they make a veggie subsitute for just about everything so I think I will try it.

I don't know if I'll be able to do it on a perminnante basis but it wouldn't be a bad idea to change out meat for veggies right?
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Replies

  • jwdieter
    jwdieter Posts: 2,582 Member
    Try it out. If you like it, great. If you don't, at least you learned something.
  • ladynocturne
    ladynocturne Posts: 865 Member
    I settled into Pescatarian from being all those things. Fish is healthy and most of the time, a very lean source of protein. It's a lot easier to get enough protein without turning to cheese and eggs, or over doing it on the tofu.

    Just something to think about. =)

    P.S. a lot of those veggie substitutes are highly processed and are suppose to be eaten in moderation.
  • Carnivor0us
    Carnivor0us Posts: 1,752 Member
    She probably lost a lot of lean muscle mass. Just keep that in mind when you seek out vegetarian protein sources.
  • Alphastate
    Alphastate Posts: 295 Member
    Definitely give it a shot. Even just consuming less meat (especially red and pork) is not necessarily a bad thing.
  • iamkass
    iamkass Posts: 122 Member
    I've experienced that people who go vegetarian just to lose weight usually fail. You need to have the heart and passion that animal rights activist usually have, or else you won't be able to resist bacon.
  • ksy1969
    ksy1969 Posts: 700 Member
    Definitely give it a shot. Even just consuming less meat (especially red and pork) is not necessarily a bad thing.

    WTF??? Pork is one of the best meats to eat. Fish, Chicken and Pork FTW!!!!!!! Now red meat, yes you should consume less of that but you don't need to stop eating it, you just need to choose the right cuts.
  • iamkass
    iamkass Posts: 122 Member
    Definitely give it a shot. Even just consuming less meat (especially red and pork) is not necessarily a bad thing.
    WTF??? Pork is one of the best meats to eat. Fish, Chicken and Pork FTW!!!!!!! Now red meat, yes you should consume less of that but you don't need to stop eating it, you just need to choose the right cuts.

    The right cuts being bacon, bacon.. and more bacon. Right?
  • deb3129
    deb3129 Posts: 1,294 Member
    I went vegan in March of 2012. I have lost 121 pounds since then(and it is not 121 pounds of muscle that I lost, I assure you). It is a healthy way to live, but it does take some commitment. Society is not necessarily always welcoming, and it makes eating out more challenging. But it is worth it
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    My sister in law is vegan and she has lost a lot of weight by just changing her eatting habits. I figure they make a veggie subsitute for just about everything so I think I will try it.

    I don't know if I'll be able to do it on a perminnante basis but it wouldn't be a bad idea to change out meat for veggies right?
    You don't lose weight from becoming vegan or vegetarian. Potato chips are vegan. So is coconut ice cream, which has double the calories of regular ice cream.

    You have to eat less, no matter what you eat.

    I've been vegetarian for four years. Initially, I lost 6 pounds. And then I had to actually work for it.
  • Ophidion
    Ophidion Posts: 2,065 Member
    I advocate being vegetarian, I myself am vegan but the truth of the matter is to lose weight a calorie deficit is the cause of weight loss.

    Good luck
  • Alphastate
    Alphastate Posts: 295 Member
    I've experienced that people who go vegetarian just to lose weight usually fail. You need to have the heart and passion that animal rights activist usually have, or else you won't be able to resist bacon.
    I agree with half of this. Animal rights is further down the list of reasons I became a vegetarian. But yes, people who are trying it merely to lose weight, usually don't stick to it.
  • crystalflame
    crystalflame Posts: 1,049 Member
    My ex is vegetarian. I did the cooking. Making sure he got enough protein to support his workouts was a nightmare. Also, he had times where he was chubby and times where he was rail thin... It's not being vegetarian or vegan that makes you skinny, it's your food and portion choices.
  • Alphastate
    Alphastate Posts: 295 Member
    Definitely give it a shot. Even just consuming less meat (especially red and pork) is not necessarily a bad thing.

    WTF??? Pork is one of the best meats to eat. Fish, Chicken and Pork FTW!!!!!!! Now red meat, yes you should consume less of that but you don't need to stop eating it, you just need to choose the right cuts.
    Pork is in no way one of the best meats to eat. Best tasting? Maybe. And chicken? I'm the vegetarian here, and it seems like I know the healthy meats. Here's an article from 2010 with references:

    http://www.draxe.com/why-you-should-avoid-pork/
  • Ophidion
    Ophidion Posts: 2,065 Member
    Like I said in a earlier reply good luck OP, but here are some very helpful links to assist you and would also recommend you look at groups pertaining to your possible new dietary lifestyle for advice and food suggestions.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/817188-iifym

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/833026-important-posts-to-read

    http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/why-big-caloric-deficits-and-lots-of-activity-can-hurt-fat-loss.html
  • ksy1969
    ksy1969 Posts: 700 Member
    Definitely give it a shot. Even just consuming less meat (especially red and pork) is not necessarily a bad thing.

    WTF??? Pork is one of the best meats to eat. Fish, Chicken and Pork FTW!!!!!!! Now red meat, yes you should consume less of that but you don't need to stop eating it, you just need to choose the right cuts.
    Pork is in no way one of the best meats to eat. Best tasting? Maybe. And chicken? I'm the vegetarian here, and it seems like I know the healthy meats. Here's an article from 2010 with references:

    http://www.draxe.com/why-you-should-avoid-pork/

    Oh, no, you did not go there???

    I read about half that article and had to stop because I was crying from laughter.

    I can tell right now that there will be no discussion with you. You are a vegetarian, so why would you know?? See definition below.

    I have nothing against you being a vegetarian, that is your choice but do not talk to me about what meats are healthy :noway:


    veg·e·tar·i·an
    /ˌvejiˈte(ə)rēən/
    Noun
    A person who does not eat meat, and sometimes other animal products, esp. for moral, religious, or health reasons.
    Adjective
    Of or relating to the exclusion of meat or other animal products from the diet: "a vegetarian restaurant".
  • SJVZEE
    SJVZEE Posts: 451 Member
    My sister in law is vegan and she has lost a lot of weight by just changing her eatting habits. I figure they make a veggie subsitute for just about everything so I think I will try it.

    I don't know if I'll be able to do it on a perminnante basis but it wouldn't be a bad idea to change out meat for veggies right?

    I've been at one end of the spectrum with primal eating to the opposite end, with currently transitioning to a whole foods, plant based diet. For me, I can definitely tell which one makes my body feel better-just experiment and see how it goes :)

    Also, a great book to read, for a baby steps approach, is The Flexitarian Diet by Dawn Jackson Blatner. I borrowed it from the library and it had lots of great info!
  • RozsGurl
    RozsGurl Posts: 31 Member
    I decided to try it also, I'm on my 2nd week and to be honest i don't miss the red meat at all. I won't lie I have had a piece of chicken and some tuna fish these past few weeks with my family, but usually I just substitute beans instead of the meat that I make for them. Love veggies of all kinds so its working for me! Feel free to add me if you want!
  • JumpingDog
    JumpingDog Posts: 125 Member
    I don't think it's a good way to lose weight. Like other people suggested, there is a lot of junk that is vegetarian too. Reducing your intake and or exercising is the way to go. Eating only plants just to lose weight runs in the same vein as just juicing for weight loss or fasting, some are healthier than others but none of these ideas are long term solutions.

    If you get to an ideal weight being a vegetarian, but then quit and begin eating just the way you ate before in the same amount, you will gain the weight back.

    On a side note, people always ask me if I am a vegetarian. In grocery stores, at school. I have no idea why.
  • deb3129
    deb3129 Posts: 1,294 Member
    It is true, like several others have posted, that going vegetarian does not guarantee weight loss. There are a ton of foods that are unhealthy and fattening, and still vegetarian. But the good news is, if you avoid the processed stuff, you can eat a LOT of fresh fruits and vegetables and still lose weight.
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    It is true, like several others have posted, that going vegetarian does not guarantee weight loss. There are a ton of foods that are unhealthy and fattening, and still vegetarian. But the good news is, if you avoid the processed stuff, you can eat a LOT of fresh fruits and vegetables and still lose weight.
    Yes, you absolutely CAN lose as a veg. And you can lose and a non-veg.

    I'm veg because the idea of eating an animal repulses me and I support anyone's decision to go veg (or not. I really don't care.). I just think it's delusional to think giving up meat is going to result in weight loss in and of itself.. It won't. You can overeat on anything.
  • Yogi_Carl
    Yogi_Carl Posts: 1,906 Member
    She probably lost a lot of lean muscle mass. Just keep that in mind when you seek out vegetarian protein sources.

    She could also have done the research, found out how to take in enough protein and took the appropriate exercise program to maintain and possibly ven build some muscle while the fat was burned up - just like any other diet choice.

    To freyaheart: Hi - there is a vgan group on MFP. You would b most welcome to post your questions there and get loads of support.
  • Scubanana7
    Scubanana7 Posts: 361 Member
    I am not anti-vegan--just reporting what happened to my best friend/family. Her in-laws are elderly. Mom-in-law practices homeoapathic medicine and is a tiny woman. They ate very healthy and were normal weight. They moved to California and in with her son and wife who were Extreme Vegans (can't even cook in same kitchen where meat was cooked by some one else....). So they ended up eating Vegan and BOTH GAINED a lot of weight. ok. end of story.

    My friend is a healthy weight, teaches yoga, not overweight, allergic to seafood, has autoimmune diseases. She is a stanch believer in animal rights. All this added to a good idea and proper mindset to go Vegan. It lasted several months, but had to quit requested by her doctor as her health issues increased and as she, herself, decided due to loss of concentration. She was working on a Masters in Family Therapy and noticed her retention skills decreasing.

    Again, this is not to be portrayed as an Evil Meateater slamming the innocent Vegan. I just wanted to tell you the absolute only thing I know about folks who tried it. Oh--one more---friend's daughter has become a successful and happy vegan and lost 30 pounds for her wedding. okay, all my stories are told.

    Good luck. But I wouldn't go vegan just to lose weight (may backfire). However, doing Vegan days sounds great. I do agree with poster that said you gotta be really really committed. and the really commited Vegans do seem to be pretty sincere and adamant about animal rights.

    For me, the animal has the right to be very very tasty! heehee. It's a joke, folks---don't hate on me. Sincerely, I would never eat Tigger or Pooh.
  • Praisethesun
    Praisethesun Posts: 20
    Keep in mind that a lot of those "mock" dishes and things like vegan cheese have tons of sodium as they are still considered processed foods. A good rule of thumb is "just because it's vegan, doesn't mean it's healthy", so you still have to make smart choices.
  • RobTheGourmet
    RobTheGourmet Posts: 189 Member
    And give up lamb, duck and rabbit?

    *gasp*

    for shame! for shame!
  • cparter
    cparter Posts: 754 Member
    Hello,

    I am a vegetarian and I would like to provide the following advice:

    1. Contact your doctor about setting you up with a nutritionist to review your meal plan and provide you so ideas to help you balance your diet safely.

    2. Although you may get enough of vital nutrients you may go see your doctor to check for vitamin D deficiency routinely (I had to start taking vitamin D supplements - prescribed).

    3. Vegetables and fruit raise other urges so you must avoid sweets or minimize the intake.

    4. Get some good recipe books from various cultures; especially Indian cuisine. Variety adds spice and Indian food is great for flavor and they have a substantial amount of vegetarian dishes to choose from.

    5. Most important, enjoy it and realize the benefits of going green

    Los :blushing:
  • cparter
    cparter Posts: 754 Member
    She probably lost a lot of lean muscle mass. Just keep that in mind when you seek out vegetarian protein sources.
    You can get proteins from vegetables but vegetarians eat eggs and cheese which provides a good amount of protein. Also, the amount of cheese is monitored so it does not become counter productive.
  • astartig
    astartig Posts: 549 Member
    My sister in law is vegan and she has lost a lot of weight by just changing her eatting habits. I figure they make a veggie subsitute for just about everything so I think I will try it.

    I don't know if I'll be able to do it on a perminnante basis but it wouldn't be a bad idea to change out meat for veggies right?

    you only want to eat those subs rarely. they are also very high in soy which can mess with women because of something to do with extra estrogen.

    so proceed with caution. Beans and rice are a perfect protein and full of vitamins and if you like ethnic you can make some very healthy Thai and indian dishes with Paneer cheese. Egg whites are also very good to keep in for protein. you do need to make sure you're getting enough protein every day.
  • astartig
    astartig Posts: 549 Member
    I've experienced that people who go vegetarian just to lose weight usually fail. You need to have the heart and passion that animal rights activist usually have, or else you won't be able to resist bacon.

    all you have to do to get that passion is to watch a few behind the scenes things at processing plants imho.

    I haven't eaten pork or cow or anything red meat like in 25 years.

    I eat poultry now. I'd eat fish but I am allergic to shellfish so it makes me nervous to eat anything from the sea because of cross contamination. I don't like the way poultry is treated either but I do think birds have a lesser awareness than other critters. Especially turkey. I try to only buy 4 and 5 step poultry.

    I'll never be able to eat mammals again. they are aware. they are smart.

    (and I am on a low carb high protein diet) LOL
  • browncurlz3
    browncurlz3 Posts: 48
    I am a ovo-lacto-vegatarian (meaning: i eat eggs and dairy - animal by-products - but not actual meat) 5 days a week. Coupled with going gluten free after recognizing my intolerance to that about 1.5 years ago, I can say I've never felt better.

    I say, eliminate meat for a while and see how you feel. Want to go back to meat? Do it! Want to stay veg? Do it! Whatever makes you happy, feel good/healthy. Good luck!
  • sdpeklo
    sdpeklo Posts: 82
    According to my vegan friend I am a Flexitarian....haven't even googled it so I am not sure what that all entails. But I started out by doing a meatless Monday for a few months for my family. It worked well ...now I do it several times a week.

    I don't actively seek out meat or meat products unless I am sensing my body wants something. Usually it is iron based which tells me red meat ...with lots of spinach. ( per my cycle which makes sense, as iron loss occurs). The meat is the side in meals for my family. The vegetables, fruit, beans, grains come first then the meat.

    My suggestion is try a meatless Monday ...see how you feel....as others have suggested find an alternate protein source to make sure you get all the protein and fuel yourself well. : )

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