No Red Meat or Fried Food

SavvyJackal · January 2014

A few months ago, I went to see a doctor about some issues that I commonly experience. The main issue is my breath, which, often times, has a strong metallic-like odor. In addition, I also get diarrhea very often. He came to the conclusion that it could be a dietary issue, and suggested that I experiment by taking red meat and fried food out of my diet.

I tried it. It seemed to help, but I soon went back to my old eating habits out of frustration.

It's been a few months since then, and I'm feeling worse than ever. My dietary habits have been terrible. I've been eating red meat and fried food every day.

So, I've decided to go back on the diet. The problem is, I don't know what to eat. I'm sick of eating turkey sandwiches and yogurt every day. I don't like many fruits or vegetables, and I don't really like eggs very much. I'm forcing myself to eat this stuff, which is why I stopped doing it in the first place.

Can someone help me? I need food/recipe ideas. I can't have such little food variety, but at the same time, I definitely can't go back to the way I was eating before.

Also, I was wondering, is there any food that I can substitute for red meat in order to get the vitamins that I need?

Thanks in advance!

erbear117 · January 2014

I think the hardest part of making a huge dietary switch is losing the comfort and flavor of your favorite foods. So you might try finding some new, simple, really tasty recipes to ease the transition. What kind of red meats do you like? For example, if you like sloppy joe's, try making a vegetarian version with soy "crumbles" (ie. Boca crumbles). When you disguise the change like that, it is surprisingly tasty and satisfies your urge for the comfortable. As far as fried food goes.... you could try dipping your fav foods in egg yolks and rolling in breadcrumbs or cornmeal, then baking in the oven. See? It's just making small changes over time, so that you don't get overwhelmed and then resort back to the problem over frustration and lack of hitting that tasty pleasure center in your brain.

neanderthin · January 2014

Nothing wrong with either in moderation......key for you is moderation. Eliminating foods you like to eat, rarely works.

BaconMD · January 2014

Yeah, deprivation isn't a road to success. For many reasons.

That being said, try some of the recipes from www.theppk.com and see if you like them. Everything we've made from there has been excellent, and I bought two cookbooks so far from the same author. All 60-70 recipes have turned out from good to amazing.

SavvyJackal · January 2014

Thank you, Erbear! That's a wonderful idea, and I'll definitely be doing it!

Bacon, thanks for the link! The recipes actually look really good!

Neander, I get sick if I eat the stuff. I can't really eat it in "moderation." Unless by "moderation" you mean one fried/red meat meal once or maybe twice a week.

pursuittofit · January 2014

As above, I suggest moderation. How much could you limit yourself weekly? Choose a goal. For example, three times a week. After three weeks, make it two times a week. After three or even more, limit it to once a week. That was only a example, make your own goals and adjust them to yourself. Good luck

PRMinx · January 2014

Have you tried (or asked your doctor) about buffalo meat? It's way healthier than red meat, but I find that the buffalo steaks taste just like real steak. Just be careful not to over cook because then you have hockey pucks.

toddis · January 2014

I'm confused by the responses. If eating something makes someone ill and other adverse reactions, wouldn't it be wise to avoid it?

To the OP, you certainly are limiting yourself if you think all you can eat is turkey and yogurt. There is a world of food out there that doesn't need to be fried or red meat. As someone else suggested, try substituting things in your favorite recipes.

The fried thing is an acquired taste and you can generally try to either decrease gradually or go cold turkey but eventually it will be a thing of the past.

neanderthin · January 2014

Have you tried (or asked your doctor) about buffalo meat? It's way healthier than red meat, but I find that the buffalo steaks taste just like real steak. Just be careful not to over cook because then you have hockey pucks.

If you like buffalo, you'd probably like beefalo as well.

AlongCame_Molly · January 2014

Wait--you said cutting out fried foods and red meat seemed to help...and then you gave up out of frustration?

If it was working, why were you frustrated? Not getting it.

mccindy72 · January 2014

A few months ago, I went to see a doctor about some issues that I commonly experience. The main issue is my breath, which, often times, has a strong metallic-like odor. In addition, I also get diarrhea very often. He came to the conclusion that it could be a dietary issue, and suggested that I experiment by taking red meat and fried food out of my diet.

I tried it. It seemed to help, but I soon went back to my old eating habits out of frustration.

It's been a few months since then, and I'm feeling worse than ever. My dietary habits have been terrible. I've been eating red meat and fried food every day.

So, I've decided to go back on the diet. The problem is, I don't know what to eat. I'm sick of eating turkey sandwiches and yogurt every day. I don't like many fruits or vegetables, and I don't really like eggs very much. I'm forcing myself to eat this stuff, which is why I stopped doing it in the first place.

Can someone help me? I need food/recipe ideas. I can't have such little food variety, but at the same time, I definitely can't go back to the way I was eating before.

Also, I was wondering, is there any food that I can substitute for red meat in order to get the vitamins that I need?

Thanks in advance!

I can't eat red meat either, or fried foods. There are a lot of meals that are traditionally prepared with red meat that I now prepare with turkey or chicken. You don't just have to have it on a sandwich. Ground turkey, with the correct combination of seasonings, works well in many things from spaghetti sauce to stroganoff to cowboy beans. As far as fried foods, as someone else suggested, try a breading coating and then baking the food to get the flavors you are desiring. Don't forget about fish and seafood. I've made tacos with cod and walleye both and they are a big hit even with regular red meat eaters.

SashleyA · January 2014

A few months ago, I went to see a doctor about some issues that I commonly experience. The main issue is my breath, which, often times, has a strong metallic-like odor. In addition, I also get diarrhea very often. He came to the conclusion that it could be a dietary issue, and suggested that I experiment by taking red meat and fried food out of my diet.

I tried it. It seemed to help, but I soon went back to my old eating habits out of frustration.

It's been a few months since then, and I'm feeling worse than ever. My dietary habits have been terrible. I've been eating red meat and fried food every day.

So, I've decided to go back on the diet. The problem is, I don't know what to eat. I'm sick of eating turkey sandwiches and yogurt every day. I don't like many fruits or vegetables, and I don't really like eggs very much. I'm forcing myself to eat this stuff, which is why I stopped doing it in the first place.

Can someone help me? I need food/recipe ideas. I can't have such little food variety, but at the same time, I definitely can't go back to the way I was eating before.

Also, I was wondering, is there any food that I can substitute for red meat in order to get the vitamins that I need?

Thanks in advance!

Moderation is key. I think it's easy to limit things, but hard to totally get rid of them. Eat what you can of red meat and fried food, but if you cut it back to a few times a week it should help.

There are a bunch of foods you can substitute for red meat to get the vitamins you need. Check out vegetarian cookbooks for ideas about which plants, grains, legumes, etc have the same nutrients. They should also have some good ways to cook them so they don't taste as meh, since you already don't like vegetables. Fish is also a good substitute for red meat nutrients and pork or chicken would fill in some gaps. I lived overseas in a place where red meat was not eaten frequently (beef never, but sheep and goat were more common, but only a once or twice a month thing for me) and mostly ate chicken or vegetarian dishes. I got plenty of nutrients from the stuff that was served. It's totally possible!

BaconMD · January 2014

I'm confused by the responses. If eating something makes someone ill and other adverse reactions, wouldn't it be wise to avoid it?

Yes, you're right. For example, I felt like total **** and after trying various things, I cut out all meat and rarely eat dairy or eggs now, and I feel way, way, way better. But the OP clearly indicates it's a struggle to avoid red meat and fried foods. Yes, he feels better, but that doesn't magically take away the strong desire for a steak or fries or whatever it is. Hence why some of us suggested not depriving himself, otherwise, if/when he caves in and eats that stuff, he'll feel guilty and like a failure, etc. I've felt that myself in the past. But it gets much easier to make a change if you have something to take its place that you enjoy just as much, or more.

dbmata · January 2014

yo mods, del. double post.

dbmata · January 2014

Have you tried (or asked your doctor) about buffalo meat? It's way healthier than red meat, but I find that the buffalo steaks taste just like real steak. Just be careful not to over cook because then you have hockey pucks.

also, have you tried non-industrial meat?

I know a few folks whose doctors have told them they are allergic to eggs and beef ( two different folks, two different issues), both have been able to reintroduce those foods by going direct to farmers and staying away from the feed lot crap.

That said, you don't need red meat or fried foods, particularly if your doctor is ancient and considers only beef "red meat". try game, try exotics, and try to cook creatively, you'll find it easy to get away from the beef.

As for "fried food", I would be hard pressed to believe that you are allergic to the process, so find out which constituent you are allergic to and cut it out.

stealthq · January 2014

Sounds like you can have any poultry, pork, or fish. Should be a good amount of variety there. For other protein sources, what about beans and dairy - tofu if you like it.

This sounds like primarily a 'stuck in a rut and don't know how to cook' issue more than anything else, is that right?

SavvyJackal · January 2014

Wait--you said cutting out fried foods and red meat seemed to help...and then you gave up out of frustration?

If it was working, why were you frustrated? Not getting it.

I was only eating a few different foods. Yogurt, eggs, apples, turkey, chicken, lettuce. That was all I was eating and I couldn't stand it.

Sounds like you can have any poultry, pork, or fish. Should be a good amount of variety there. For other protein sources, what about beans and dairy - tofu if you like it.

This sounds like primarily a 'stuck in a rut and don't know how to cook' issue more than anything else, is that right?

Yep, basically. lol

Thank you all for the replies.

mccindy72 · January 2014

Wait--you said cutting out fried foods and red meat seemed to help...and then you gave up out of frustration?

If it was working, why were you frustrated? Not getting it.

I was only eating a few different foods. Yogurt, eggs, apples, turkey, chicken, lettuce. That was all I was eating and I couldn't stand it.

Sounds like you can have any poultry, pork, or fish. Should be a good amount of variety there. For other protein sources, what about beans and dairy - tofu if you like it.

This sounds like primarily a 'stuck in a rut and don't know how to cook' issue more than anything else, is that right?

Yep, basically. lol

Thank you all for the replies.

If you want some recipes, fish tacos is super easy, and the others are too, I'd be glad to share.

SavvyJackal · January 2014

Wait--you said cutting out fried foods and red meat seemed to help...and then you gave up out of frustration?

If it was working, why were you frustrated? Not getting it.

I was only eating a few different foods. Yogurt, eggs, apples, turkey, chicken, lettuce. That was all I was eating and I couldn't stand it.

Sounds like you can have any poultry, pork, or fish. Should be a good amount of variety there. For other protein sources, what about beans and dairy - tofu if you like it.

This sounds like primarily a 'stuck in a rut and don't know how to cook' issue more than anything else, is that right?

Yep, basically. lol

Thank you all for the replies.

If you want some recipes, fish tacos is super easy, and the others are too, I'd be glad to share.

I'd love some recipes, thank you so much!

mccindy72 · January 2014

If you want some recipes, fish tacos is super easy, and the others are too, I'd be glad to share.

I'd love some recipes, thank you so much!

[/quote]

I usually buy fillets (white fish like cod, haddock, or walleye work best) coat them with taco seasoning and then cook them in a little olive oil until flaky. Then just put them on a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and cheese like normal tacos. There is a white dill sauce that can be made also, which is good.
The stroganoff: 1 lb ground turkey, brown with 2-4 cloves of diced garlic and 1/2 of a small onion, chopped. Add mushrooms when onions are translucent. cook for another 5 minutes. Mix 8 oz. sour cream (I used fat-free) with 1 cup of low sodium beef broth, add seasonings to taste (I use garlic powder, a little sea salt and pepper, a little low-sodium seasoning salt and a dash of cayenne). Whisk in 2 tbsp of corn starch. Add to meat mixture and simmer for 15 minutes or until thick and well-mixed. Serve over noodles.
Spaghetti: 1 lb. ground turkey, browned with 2-4 cloves of diced garlic and 1/2 of a small onion, chopped. When onions are translucent and meat is cooked thoroughly, add 1 large can of all-natural tomato sauce and 1 large can of all-natural diced tomatoes, drained. Add 1 can of sliced mushrooms (or you can saute up some fresh). Season to taste (I use 3 tbsp of dried oregano, 1 tsp basil, a pinch of thyme, and 1-2 bay leaves, along with garlic powder). Add a dash of olive oil and a couple dashes of wine vinegar. Simmer 30 minutes.

Mof3wc · January 2014

A few months ago, I went to see a doctor about some issues that I commonly experience. The main issue is my breath, which, often times, has a strong metallic-like odor. In addition, I also get diarrhea very often. He came to the conclusion that it could be a dietary issue, and suggested that I experiment by taking red meat and fried food out of my diet.

I tried it. It seemed to help, but I soon went back to my old eating habits out of frustration.

It's been a few months since then, and I'm feeling worse than ever. My dietary habits have been terrible. I've been eating red meat and fried food every day.

So, I've decided to go back on the diet. The problem is, I don't know what to eat. I'm sick of eating turkey sandwiches and yogurt every day. I don't like many fruits or vegetables, and I don't really like eggs very much. I'm forcing myself to eat this stuff, which is why I stopped doing it in the first place.

Can someone help me? I need food/recipe ideas. I can't have such little food variety, but at the same time, I definitely can't go back to the way I was eating before.

Also, I was wondering, is there any food that I can substitute for red meat in order to get the vitamins that I need?

Thanks in advance!

There's a whole world of food out there that aren't made of red meat or deep fried. You might have to eat some fruits and veggies. There must be at least a few, prepared in some way, that you like a bit.

Why not take some of your favourite red meat recipes that use hamburger, and try them with ground turkey, chicken or pork instead?

And there are no vitamins you lose from cutting out red meat.

magerum · January 2014

Have you tried (or asked your doctor) about buffalo meat? It's way healthier than red meat, but I find that the buffalo steaks taste just like real steak. Just be careful not to over cook because then you have hockey pucks.

Curious as to what makes buffalo meat "way healthier" than red meat? (It is red meat too btw, but I digress)

mccindy72 · January 2014

Have you tried (or asked your doctor) about buffalo meat? It's way healthier than red meat, but I find that the buffalo steaks taste just like real steak. Just be careful not to over cook because then you have hockey pucks.

Curious as to what makes buffalo meat "way healthier" than red meat? (It is red meat too btw, but I digress)

buffalo meat is lower in overall fat and has a higher ratio of polyunsaturated fat to saturated fat than beef. Venison is also leaner than beef. Grass-fed beef is lower in fat than regular beef, because the animals are "grained" at the end of their life to raise the fat content in the meat and create the marbling that makes the fattier cuts tasty.

SavvyJackal · January 2014

I usually buy fillets (white fish like cod, haddock, or walleye work best) coat them with taco seasoning and then cook them in a little olive oil until flaky. Then just put them on a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and cheese like normal tacos. There is a white dill sauce that can be made also, which is good.
The stroganoff: 1 lb ground turkey, brown with 2-4 cloves of diced garlic and 1/2 of a small onion, chopped. Add mushrooms when onions are translucent. cook for another 5 minutes. Mix 8 oz. sour cream (I used fat-free) with 1 cup of low sodium beef broth, add seasonings to taste (I use garlic powder, a little sea salt and pepper, a little low-sodium seasoning salt and a dash of cayenne). Whisk in 2 tbsp of corn starch. Add to meat mixture and simmer for 15 minutes or until thick and well-mixed. Serve over noodles.
Spaghetti: 1 lb. ground turkey, browned with 2-4 cloves of diced garlic and 1/2 of a small onion, chopped. When onions are translucent and meat is cooked thoroughly, add 1 large can of all-natural tomato sauce and 1 large can of all-natural diced tomatoes, drained. Add 1 can of sliced mushrooms (or you can saute up some fresh). Season to taste (I use 3 tbsp of dried oregano, 1 tsp basil, a pinch of thyme, and 1-2 bay leaves, along with garlic powder). Add a dash of olive oil and a couple dashes of wine vinegar. Simmer 30 minutes.

Oooh, thanks! That spaghetti recipe sounds especially tasty!

Thank you all again for your help!

bcattoes · January 2014

Honestly, I can't imagine eating foods that made me feel bad and I'd been advised to limit by a doctor, no matter how much I like them.

There are plenty of things to eat besides red meat, fried foods and turkey. Chicken and fish are the most common and usually most affordable, but you could also branch out into other poultry (duck, goose, quail, etc.) or rabbit.

You could also prepare meatless meals using beans, nuts or seeds as a protein source.

Since fried foods are problematic would leaner cuts of red meat lessen the problems? Are your problems related to fat content?

BrianSharpe · January 2014

I'm not a dietician but I'm going to go out on a limb based on 2 clues......bad breath / bad taste in mouth and the fact you don't like too many fruits & vegetables.

Google ketosis and talk to a registered dietician. Your problem may not be red meat or fried foods it may be lack of carbs.....

mccindy72 · January 2014

I usually buy fillets (white fish like cod, haddock, or walleye work best) coat them with taco seasoning and then cook them in a little olive oil until flaky. Then just put them on a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and cheese like normal tacos. There is a white dill sauce that can be made also, which is good.
The stroganoff: 1 lb ground turkey, brown with 2-4 cloves of diced garlic and 1/2 of a small onion, chopped. Add mushrooms when onions are translucent. cook for another 5 minutes. Mix 8 oz. sour cream (I used fat-free) with 1 cup of low sodium beef broth, add seasonings to taste (I use garlic powder, a little sea salt and pepper, a little low-sodium seasoning salt and a dash of cayenne). Whisk in 2 tbsp of corn starch. Add to meat mixture and simmer for 15 minutes or until thick and well-mixed. Serve over noodles.
Spaghetti: 1 lb. ground turkey, browned with 2-4 cloves of diced garlic and 1/2 of a small onion, chopped. When onions are translucent and meat is cooked thoroughly, add 1 large can of all-natural tomato sauce and 1 large can of all-natural diced tomatoes, drained. Add 1 can of sliced mushrooms (or you can saute up some fresh). Season to taste (I use 3 tbsp of dried oregano, 1 tsp basil, a pinch of thyme, and 1-2 bay leaves, along with garlic powder). Add a dash of olive oil and a couple dashes of wine vinegar. Simmer 30 minutes.

Oooh, thanks! That spaghetti recipe sounds especially tasty!

Thank you all again for your help!

You're very welcome, enjoy!

margaretturk · January 2014

Have you tried (or asked your doctor) about buffalo meat? It's way healthier than red meat, but I find that the buffalo steaks taste just like real steak. Just be careful not to over cook because then you have hockey pucks.

Curious as to what makes buffalo meat "way healthier" than red meat? (It is red meat too btw, but I digress)

Buffalo meat tends to be leaner than red meat. The problem with red meat that is corn fed and fried foods are they are often high in fat that is not so easy to digest.. I have been reading the Book Digestive Wellness by Elizabeth Lipski. She goes over some the underlying digestive issues that can cause bad breath. One of her suggestions is a probiotic supplement and or high quality non-sugar yogurt. You might want to ask your doctor about that. You might want to consult a nutritionist because nutrition is not always a strong suit with a doctor. Good luck.

SavvyJackal · January 2014

Honestly, I can't imagine eating foods that made me feel bad and I'd been advised to limit by a doctor, no matter how much I like them.

There are plenty of things to eat besides red meat, fried foods and turkey. Chicken and fish are the most common and usually most affordable, but you could also branch out into other poultry (duck, goose, quail, etc.) or rabbit.

You could also prepare meatless meals using beans, nuts or seeds as a protein source.

Since fried foods are problematic would leaner cuts of red meat lessen the problems? Are your problems related to fat content?

He didn't say anything about fat content, so I don't think so. Just fried food and red meat.

I do notice that, though I may not get physically sick when I eat a leaner cut of steak, my breath does have that terrible metallic smell for a few hours afterwards. Obviously it's doing something to me.

Also, I completely forgot about tofu. I do like tofu, so that's good! lol

BeachGingerOnTheRocks · January 2014

Did your doctor tell you WHY no red meat and no fried foods, or did he just do what all doctors do and jump on the no red meat, no fried foods bandwagon when they don't really know anything about nutrition and you're complaining of stomach pains or have high cholesterol.

Most doctors don't know a thing about nutrition, which is kind of ironic.

Are you allergic to either? Do you have a problem with your bowel lining that precludes you from digesting them? Why the avoidance? Is it for general health and wellness? If so, then the doctor's information is probably archaic.

You should ask why. If it is just because he wants you to "try that" then your doctor really doesn't have a clue, and you should consider going to a gastrointerologist and maybe a nutritionist. Find out why a doctor is asking you to avoid food groups.

That being said, if you do have a digestive issue, you can eat so many things. Fish, all the veggies, poultry, legumes, dairy, tofu and about a billion other things out there. Start skimming the internet for recipe ideas.

SunofaBeach14 · January 2014

How about just improving your diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and limiting your fried foods? Honestly, I'm having trouble seeing the justification for giving up red meat when recent studies seem to moving against the old "wisdom" that said it was bad for us.

Then, I'd get a new doctor who had the good sense to tell you to exercise more.

No Red Meat or Fried Food

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