Do I need to stop being vegetarian?

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Replies

  • Rocbola
    Rocbola Posts: 1,998 Member
    I've been losing weight continuously for about a year now. At first it was great, I was doing more exercise and eating better than ever before. But I was always tired and my stomach always hurt. I had problems with food as a result and stopped eating, but kept exercising as much (I do olympic weight lifiting for 2 hours and either cycle or walk for another 1.5hours 6 times a week. On the days I don't go to the gym I go for a 30 min run). I really enjoy the exercise.
    I was diagnosed with ceoliac disease about 2 months ago and the stomach problems have stopped, but I all my family keeps telling me I'm too underweight. I get chest pains when I don't eat "much" (about 1500 calories) and I often get sugar lows if i'm even half an hour late for a meal and haven't had my period for quite some time now.
    I'm trying to eat more, but as a gluten free vegetarian it's very hard to find foods I can eat and even when I do, they mostly tend to be vegetables, plain carbs like rice or very high in sugar, which I don't like eating.
    I really don't want to eat meat, but I don't want to stop exercising and I'm scared about losing even more weight. I really don't want to end up in hospital. I feel like I have to eat meat. I don't know what to do :S
    The key to health is getting enough fruits and vegetables, along with exercise, sunlight, clean water, etc. The base of anyone's diet should be fruits and veggies, and anything else can fill in the gaps.
  • deedzzz
    deedzzz Posts: 220 Member
    you could supplement your diet with whey protein, either as smoothies or bars or whatever you fancy
  • QuirkyD
    QuirkyD Posts: 68 Member
    My story--

    I was an unhealthy vegetarian for almost 4 years. At the time I was mostly just walking but then I started at a kettlebell gym and just fell flat. I had no stamina and got nauseous at every work out. As a result I signed up with a trainer/nutritionist who put me on a high protein meat based diet. I felt immediately better and had so much stamina. it has been about 4 yrs and now I am feeling guilty again for eating meat (stopped for animal welfare) .

    Good luck deciding what to do-- it is a hard choice :)
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    My story--

    I was an unhealthy vegetarian for almost 4 years. At the time I was mostly just walking but then I started at a kettlebell gym and just fell flat. I had no stamina and got nauseous at every work out. As a result I signed up with a trainer/nutritionist who put me on a high protein meat based diet. I felt immediately better and had so much stamina. it has been about 4 yrs and now I am feeling guilty again for eating meat (stopped for animal welfare) .

    Good luck deciding what to do-- it is a hard choice :)
    I've been a healthy vegetarian with plenty of energy and stamina for many years. If you don't eat the right foods, any diet will make a person unhealthy. Meat is not magic.
  • redraidergirl2009
    redraidergirl2009 Posts: 2,560 Member
    I've been losing weight continuously for about a year now. At first it was great, I was doing more exercise and eating better than ever before. But I was always tired and my stomach always hurt. I had problems with food as a result and stopped eating, but kept exercising as much (I do olympic weight lifiting for 2 hours and either cycle or walk for another 1.5hours 6 times a week. On the days I don't go to the gym I go for a 30 min run). I really enjoy the exercise.
    I was diagnosed with ceoliac disease about 2 months ago and the stomach problems have stopped, but I all my family keeps telling me I'm too underweight. I get chest pains when I don't eat "much" (about 1500 calories) and I often get sugar lows if i'm even half an hour late for a meal and haven't had my period for quite some time now.
    I'm trying to eat more, but as a gluten free vegetarian it's very hard to find foods I can eat and even when I do, they mostly tend to be vegetables, plain carbs like rice or very high in sugar, which I don't like eating.
    I really don't want to eat meat, but I don't want to stop exercising and I'm scared about losing even more weight. I really don't want to end up in hospital. I feel like I have to eat meat. I don't know what to do :S

    So from your post it's unclear as to what kind of vegetarian you are, lacto-ovo? You can add in meal/protein shakes to supplement your diet which can be made calorie dense if you want to gain/maintain weight. It sounds like you aren't eating enough for the type of exercise you enjoy which can caused the tiredness. You don't have to eat meat.
  • geekyjock76
    geekyjock76 Posts: 2,720 Member
    Are you using a digital food scale to weigh all your food? How many lbs (kg) are you losing per week? I ask because, a few months ago, a girl claimed to be eating a lot of calories but later realized she was eating far less than she thought. Even if you are eating 2000 calories, it may not be enough if you're engaging in 3.5 hours of strenuous exercise 6 days a week.

    If you can't eat more meals, or larger meals, add caloric ingredients. For example, a cup of whole milk with a serving of whey protein will provide about 300 calories. Toss in two tablespoons of almond butter and that adds another 290 calories.
  • bellevie86
    bellevie86 Posts: 301 Member
    As someone who tries to cut out meat as best I can (98% of the time at least) I'd say that's not the answer to the problem, you can be fine not eating meat. IF you are finding alternate sources of protein like everyone has said. Also, my ex was celiac and his doctor told him a lot of celiacs also have problems with lactose. Not sure if that's the case for you but if it isn't a problem I'd say try adding more cheese and such. I also use a Vegan protein powder called "Vega" try it out!
  • eldamiano
    eldamiano Posts: 2,667 Member
    Oh come on. Forget about this in-depth analysis and go and treat yourself to a burger!
  • fashionosack
    fashionosack Posts: 94
    If you want to lose weight through vegetarian, it should be noted that natural vegetarian-based, rather than what we have seen in the market, refined processed flour, instant noodles, cakes and other easily digestible food. Natural Vegetarian including natural cereals, whole wheat flour products, beans, green or yellow vegetables. High natural sugar content and high-fat vegetarian diet should be eaten sparingly manner. When those who are used to eating meat beginning vegetarian diet, do not be anxious, you can step by step, from the dish vegetarian meal try to eat two to start, and then gradually reducing meat such as adaptation and refined foods, slowly turning to natural vegetarian .

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