Could you give up Meat?

If you'd asked me three years ago, I probably would have said no.

But after becoming very ill and experiencing serious gastrointestinal issues that no one (saw lots of specialists) could solve, I went vegetarian and saw a massive change in how I was feeling.

My diet is 99% vegan - I still have the occasional bit of cheese on a pizza but very rarely as I'm not that fond of it and I've just started eating a few eggs here and there - but I could easily skip both.

I cook veg at home and my husband and kidlet have gone that way too with my daughter being a serious vegetarian and my husband only occasionally eating meat when we're out or at someone's home (but recently he's been chosing veg burgers when we're out as well, saying they make his stomach/digestive system feel better too).

Different strokes for different folks but it actually turns out to be pretty easy to do.

No, been there done that! I don't eat a lot of meat, but I definately feel a lot better when I have some in my diet that's for sure. And the main vegetarian protein source beans don't sit well with me, and I don't want to rely on dairy or processed soy and fake meats to ensure I'm getting adequate protein. I don't have anything against those who choose to be vegetarians it just isn't for me.

In defense of the starch based diet - I believe that it is the secret to longetivity, and it cures cardiovascular problems caused by cholesterol, added hormones, bovine viruses, ingestion of antibiotics, other food additives and so on.

I did this diet for eight months because I saw the proof. It also means that you lose weight naturally and if you are ill with and diabetes or cardiovascular ailments it is the only way to cure you without surgery. So please do not be against this. You may need it some day before long especially if you are consuming the rich western diet. There is lots of evidence out there so do not take my word for it - but do not try and bring it down because it is proven

Yep.

Vegetarian, lost 34 pounds in 4 months and my cholesterol is at 148, dropped over 30 points in a year...... no meat period, enough said...

my results were similar eating a lot of meat, fat and other delicious foods. It must not matter WHAT the foods are so much as how much we consume :flowerforyou:

Nope, but I am a lacto vegetarian.

Could i? yes i would be capable of doing such a thing
Would i? never in a million years, would i even entertain the notion of doing such a thing

Completely for the rest of your life And go to a whole foods plant based diet? Which means no meat dairy oils etc. could you? Seriously

I did give up meat when I tried the McDougall Eating Plan several years ago. I don't believe I lost any weight, but I discovered I was lactose intolerant because this plan also does not include dairy. I tried tofu, but it made my stomach hurt (I later discovered that I am soy intolerant).

However, I still have the McDougall cookbooks and love making some of their meals from time to time.

Edited to add: I decided a vegetarian eating plan was not for me. I love beef, chicken, turkey, and fish, but not much of any other meat.

Give up meat? Really? Why don't I give up sex too while I am at it.

Could i? yes i would be capable of doing such a thing
Would i? never in a million years, would i even entertain the notion of doing such a thing

**** no.

NOOOOOO!

I need my protein, I love my protein and plant based meals do not provide enough for me, and they are loaded with carbs. I don't do well with lot of carbs.

Having said that, I don't eat much red meat anymore ( or bacon, or lamb, or pork), but yes to chicken, fish, eggs, cheese and dairy.

Greens actually have quite a bit of protein and you can meet your daily needs if you eat properly

I was raised on a dairy farm, but we always had a steer for the freezer and had chicken and pork, hunted deer, rabbit, and squirrel. My husband's family raised beef cattle and we are doing the same now. My children are learning to hunt, fish, and be self reliant.

My husband works with a "city" girl who made the comment that she thought what we do was wrong, we should go to the store like "normal" people to buy our meat. I want to cry when I think how far removed from reality some people are. I do think she is just particularly ignorant. I work with a lot of people who think what we do is pretty cool and I tell them all the time they can some visit us and help out b/c mucking stalls and giving calves their vaccinations is no fun.

I understand why vegetarians choose not to eat meat, besides the health reasons. I think people should eat less meat, or buy better treated (more expensive) meat because the big business way of it is heartbreaking. That was one of the reasons my husband and I decided to do what we do. I also think everyone should visit a farm.

So could I give up meat? No.

NOOOOOO!

I need my protein, I love my protein and plant based meals do not provide enough for me, and they are loaded with carbs. I don't do well with lot of carbs.

Having said that, I don't eat much red meat anymore ( or bacon, or lamb, or pork), but yes to chicken, fish, eggs, cheese and dairy.

Greens actually have quite a bit of protein and you can meet your daily needs if you eat properly

Lunch today:
Mixed greens with spinach and kale (3 cups); carbs= 15; protein= 6
Grilled mahi-mahi (4 oz): carbs =0; protein = 20
Do the math...

Easily, I was vegan for over 7 years. I'm eating meat, dairy, and eggs again, but considering going vegetarian/vegan again.

Isn't this evidence that the answer is actually, "no"?

Or more accurately, "not for more than seven years"?

Honestly, I could have very easily remained vegan. I decided to try meat again in order to support local farmers who raise rare breeds of livestock as many of the heritage breeds were dying out due to lack of use. It took me over a year to be able to eat meat again without inducing sickness.

And really, veganism was easier for me than paleo was. I just didn't like to proselytize, which I still am not doing, as diet is personal and shouldn't be attacked.

I did it as a teen too, but I think I did eat some really healthy stuff. A lot of stir fries, vegetarian lasagne etc.