Are you weak without meat??
VenusSparks
Posts: 40
It really hurts my feelings when I see how animals are being slaughtered for us to eat. SO after seeing a video/documentary, etc I wouldn't eat meat for a few days.. But after that, I'm back to eating it again. I feel like my body needs meat b/c I feel really weak if I had not eaten meat after a couple of days. I tried the beans and tofu thing for protein but I couldn't do it in the long run. Any thoughts on this guys? To vegetarians/vegans out there, how do you guys do it??
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Is the slaughter of animals for food pleasant? No. But, that alone is not a reason to eschew meat products. It is just a fact of life. We don't judge a lion for killing a zebra. We don't assign moral values for animals that kill another animal to survive. Why do we assume we're better than animals ourselves? Is it possible to "survive" without eating any animal products? Yeah, I guess so. But, if you don't do well on such a diet, you shouldn't feel guilty for your biology.
If you feel bad about the meat you eat, you should do what you can to reduce the waste as much as possible and to find meat that was raised in ways you believe are ethical.
I, personally, did the vegetarian thing for about two years. It wasn't something that worked for me long term.0 -
I don't know about vegan, because I'm new to it, but I can say during part of my twenties, when I was eating reasonably healthy lacto-ovo vegetarian, working a heavy lifting job, and going to the gym as well as hiking trips with friends, I was physically in better shape and possibly even stronger than my hulking 6 ft and then some male friends.
Unfortunately my good habits and weight maintenance devolved into becoming a candy bar couch potato vegetarian, at which point I became fat and weak.0 -
I think you really have be careful about what you eat. I've traveled in India on business and have gone a week or so without meat and didn't miss it at all. Their vegetarian food is delicious and hearty. Since I always went for a swim in the pool every morning before heading to the office, I was reasonably active, too. I doubt that would have included any tofu or other soy products, but plenty made with chickpeas, potatoes, green peas and paneer, which they translate as "cottage cheese". It's typically cut into squares and doesn't look like what's sold as cottage cheese in the USA. One of my favorite India foods is palaak paneer, which is paneer in a spinach sauce.
Were you getting enough dairy products?0 -
Is the slaughter of animals for food pleasant? No. But, that alone is not a reason to eschew meat products. It is just a fact of life. We don't judge a lion for killing a zebra. We don't assign moral values for animals that kill another animal to survive. Why do we assume we're better than animals ourselves? Is it possible to "survive" without eating any animal products? Yeah, I guess so. But, if you don't do well on such a diet, you shouldn't feel guilty for your biology.
If you feel bad about the meat you eat, you should do what you can to reduce the waste as much as possible and to find meat that was raised in ways you believe are ethical.
I, personally, did the vegetarian thing for about two years. It wasn't something that worked for me long term.
Indeed it isn't pleasant, which is why I became a vegan in the first place. I occasionally eat eggs now, but that's because they're from my chickens that I'm raising and I know and control exactly what happens to them (no cruelty from humans, I let them free range during the day, put them in a big coop at night to protect from coyotes, feed and water them right, etc.).
Granted, we can't blame a lion for killing. But I don't think we can't relate that directly to human behavior, either. That's like saying, "Well, lions kill their babies, so it's okay that we do, sometimes, too." I know there are lots of arguments for meat eating that I don't yet have answers to. I'm not trying to force veganism upon anyone, either. I just think this argument is bogus;-)
As for making me weak, I have not suffered when it comes to strength in any way. Heck, I broke a plateau today, squatting 150 now for my working sets! I'd say if you're curious, try it out for yourself. Make sure you're getting enough protein and I think you'll do a-okay. Everybody's different, so there's only one way to find out!0 -
There are healthy and unhealthy choices whether you're omnivorous, vegetarian or vegan - so guess it depends on whether you make the effort to choose healthier foods and eat a varied diet to be sure you're getting the right nutrition.
What you eat is your decision alone.
Vegetarian worked for me for nine years then I cut dairy three years ago and it still works for me ... plenty of energy for daily walks and exercise and I really love my food. I found greatveganathletes.com interesting reading and quite inspirational, especially the story of world-record-holding marathon runner Fiona Oakes, so I don't think it's necessary to eat meat for energy but that's my personal opinion.0 -
Errr you're not a Vegan you're a vegetarian. Vegans do not eat eggs even if they're from their own chickens. That's it we do not exploit or consume animals or animal products. No wonder people are so bloody confused about veganism with people claiming to be part time vegans etc.Indeed it isn't pleasant, which is why I became a vegan in the first place. I occasionally eat eggs now, but that's because they're from my chickens that I'm raising and I know and control exactly what happens to them (no cruelty from humans, I let them free range during the day, put them in a big coop at night to protect from coyotes, feed and water them right, etc.0 -
Granted, we can't blame a lion for killing. But I don't think we can't relate that directly to human behavior, either. That's like saying, "Well, lions kill their babies, so it's okay that we do, sometimes, too." I know there are lots of arguments for meat eating that I don't yet have answers to. I'm not trying to force veganism upon anyone, either. I just think this argument is bogus;-)
We are animals, like it or not. Further, we have an evolutionary history strong shaped by eating meat. While we are omnivores and could certainly survive without access to meat, it doesn't seem to have been the case for any known population of humans during the vast majority of our evolution (it is a completely recent phenomenon). Perhaps it was just because we've never had the luxury to completely avoid meat during our evolution. In any case, we are meat eating animals. That isn't "nice" or "pleasant," but the world doesn't change itself based on our sensibilities.0 -
We are animals, like it or not. Further, we have an evolutionary history strong shaped by eating meat. While we are omnivores and could certainly survive without access to meat, it doesn't seem to have been the case for any known population of humans. Perhaps it was just because we've never had the luxury to completely avoid meat during our evolution. In any case, we are meat eating animals. That isn't "nice" or "pleasant," but the world doesn't change itself based on our sensibilities.
This! Besides not wanting to eat meat because it is so sad for the animals is kind of bogus. For vegans animals die too! Think of all the environments which has been destroyed and animals driven to the brink of extinction for oils, nuts, fruits and other greens. Something many vegans and vegetarians don't think of and calling us meat eaters the killers! If you want to skip meat, fine, but be honest. For the sake of humanity other animals die, no matter what!0 -
If you feel weak without meat, it's likely just the lack of protein. When I was younger (16ish), I didn't eat meat for a month and ended up passing out because I simply cut out meat without any protein alternatives. I got very sick. I was what you would call a "french fry vegetarian." I didn't eat meat, but I didn't really eat vegetables or eggs or basically anything healthy. Just refined carbs! But I didn't know any better. I went back to eating meat after that.
Basically, you don't need meat but you most certainly do need protein. My boyfriend is a very strong, active and healthy vegetarian. He eats a protein based diet with no meat! Tons of eggs, quinoa, and he drinks protein shakes.0 -
It really hurts my feelings when I see how animals are being slaughtered for us to eat. SO after seeing a video/documentary, etc I wouldn't eat meat for a few days.. But after that, I'm back to eating it again. I feel like my body needs meat b/c I feel really weak if I had not eaten meat after a couple of days. I tried the beans and tofu thing for protein but I couldn't do it in the long run. Any thoughts on this guys? To vegetarians/vegans out there, how do you guys do it??
You don't need meat and a lack of meat won't make you feel weak. I just ran 3.5 miles yesterday and haven't eaten meat in two years. I'm okay. A vegetarian diet is healthy and you can get the nutrients you need without meat including iron and protein. Beans and tofu are good sources, personally I like to pair beans with rice and guacamole. Mexican food is very easy to do vegetarian. I also like salads. Not small salads but huge salads with alot of veggies, sandwiches are great too. My sister make some tofu salad to put in them. There's also meatfree chili, hearty lentil soups, the options are endless. I get alot of easy receipes from www.peta2.org they are easy delicious recipes.0 -
I've felt way better since I've cut out meat.
If you really do want to stop eating it way not start slowly? Also, you may want to try it for more than just a couple days before deciding its not for you. Give your brain and body time to adjust and find some delicious recipes and after a while you won't miss or feel like you need it.0 -
Errr you're not a Vegan you're a vegetarian. Vegans do not eat eggs even if they're from their own chickens. That's it we do not exploit or consume animals or animal products. No wonder people are so bloody confused about veganism with people claiming to be part time vegans etc.Indeed it isn't pleasant, which is why I became a vegan in the first place. I occasionally eat eggs now, but that's because they're from my chickens that I'm raising and I know and control exactly what happens to them (no cruelty from humans, I let them free range during the day, put them in a big coop at night to protect from coyotes, feed and water them right, etc.
But you're exploiting a dog for companionship, and furthermore making him wear a ridiculous bowtie and posting it on the internet.
OP I think it's important to research and choose foods you feel ethically comfortable eating. A vegan diet may have products that have exploited humans especially if it contains sugar, cacao, coffee etc. You just have to make the best choices you can, and know that even if you decided to become a vegan organic homesteader you'll be killing a ton of insects.0 -
having gone through various phases of being vegetarian and vegan and omnivorous (currently omnivorous) I would say that my body functions at its best on an omnivorous diet.
That said, you should not be feeling weak on a vegetarian diet - are you getting enough iron? Lack of iron will make you feel weak or tired, but if you're talking about this happening after only a short time of being vegetarian, you would have to have already been borderline anaemic to begin with. There are a lot of vegetarian foods that are high in iron, but the kind of iron you get from vegetables is harder for the body to absorb, so you'd need more of it to compensate and eat it along with vitamin C rich foods (this helps the absorption of iron). If that doesn't help, get your iron levels tested at the doctors and if they're low take an iron supplement - there are plenty of vegetarian ones out there.
There are other possible nutrition issues that could result in you feeling weak and tired... back in the day there were websites which advised about how to go vegetarian safely and what foods you should eat to ensure you're getting all the nutrients that came from meat, i.e. which vegetarian foods are rich in these nutrients.
It will take your body time to adjust to eating a different kind of protein... back in the day it was always recommended to go vegetarian in stages, i.e. give up meat bit by bit and replace it bit by bit with plant equivalents, rather than going veggie overnight - this gives your body time to adjust. Unfortunately the trend nowadays seems to be online promoters of vegetarianism denying the fact that humans are omnivores and denying the need of the body for various nutrients that are harder to get on a vegetarian diet. This is a worrying trend, because people fall for it and put themselves at risk of health problems. That said, there probably are more level headed vegetarian websites out there that can tell you what nutrients to be careful that you're getting enough of and what plant foods contain them.0 -
Is the slaughter of animals for food pleasant? No. But, that alone is not a reason to eschew meat products. It is just a fact of life. We don't judge a lion for killing a zebra. We don't assign moral values for animals that kill another animal to survive. Why do we assume we're better than animals ourselves? Is it possible to "survive" without eating any animal products? Yeah, I guess so. But, if you don't do well on such a diet, you shouldn't feel guilty for your biology.
If you feel bad about the meat you eat, you should do what you can to reduce the waste as much as possible and to find meat that was raised in ways you believe are ethical.
This. I do not like the commercialization of the meat industry, and treatment of animals in facilities is too-often atrocious. For this reason I buy cage free and range-fed whenever I can. But I am not going to stop eating meat because:
a.) Animals are meant to be eaten. That is their job.
b.) Meat in appropriate amounts is good for you, and delicious.
c.) The animals do not care if I eat their meat, or not. Because they are dead. I personally think it's a bigger insult to refuse to use the products an animal gave its life to supply, and let it go to waste. At least I'm giving dignity to the animal's sacrifice by using its meat to build shmexy muscles on myself, rather than boycotting it and letting it go to waste.0 -
I'm eating a vegan diet not out of some ethical concern, but out of health concern.
So, here's my advice. If you are concerned about the slaughter or treatment of animals grown or hunted for food, either become a vegan or vegetarian (veggie eaters will welcome you into our fold), or work past your own concern, accept and own your place in the food hierarchy, and continue eating meat.
I look forward to my next steak. I just don't know how many years it will be
As for being weak without meat, obviously your body likes meat, likes the processing and digestion and storage of meat. You can train your body to accept iron, fat, and protein in other forms. It might take time. My body took to the veggies and whole grains with actually more energy. Everyone's body and nutritional challenges are different, and what works for me won't mean diddly for you.0 -
There have been times when I was weak for some meat.0
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I haven't had meat in over 6 years. I'm alive and well and i'm a student athlete. I think you'll survive 0
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I don't eat meat..........haven't ate meat for several years..for both ethical and health and cuz I don't really like it....I don't like labels either.
I consider myself strong....I have a couple full marathons, couple tough mudders, lost count of how many half marathons, and countless other races crossed off my bucket list...and can hold my own in the weight room 2:-)
It was a challenge at first but like with any transition it takes time to get used to it.............and I DO NOT like tofu! sorry tofu lovers!0 -
Errr you're not a Vegan you're a vegetarian. Vegans do not eat eggs even if they're from their own chickens. That's it we do not exploit or consume animals or animal products. No wonder people are so bloody confused about veganism with people claiming to be part time vegans etc.
I said I became a vegan, I never said I still was one. I apologize that I did not clarify that part, and I in no way am claiming to be a "part-time" vegan! I'm sorry you took it that way.We are animals, like it or not. Further, we have an evolutionary history strong shaped by eating meat. While we are omnivores and could certainly survive without access to meat, it doesn't seem to have been the case for any known population of humans during the vast majority of our evolution (it is a completely recent phenomenon). Perhaps it was just because we've never had the luxury to completely avoid meat during our evolution. In any case, we are meat eating animals. That isn't "nice" or "pleasant," but the world doesn't change itself based on our sensibilities.
Sorry OP, didn't mean to turn this thread into an argument over veganism. I'll try to make it quick. We really could argue about this until the end of time, but it wouldn't accomplish anything. You'll have your views, and I'll have mine, and that's totally okay! There's conflicting evidence for just about every argument. There's even arguments saying we aren't omnivores, but that we're herbivores! I don't really agree with this, but the fact is, there's a study for everything. I completely agree that it's a luxury to completely cut out animal products, and I'm very thankful to live in a time where such luxuries exist. As long as I possess such a luxury, I will not contribute to MY perception of cruelty in industrial farming. I let my own ideas of ethics guide me, and since our ethics differ, not everyone agrees with the idea of stopping meat eating. However, if some of my family, some of my friends, and I can cut down on the demand of meat (therefore cutting down on the supply of meat), even just a little, we feel that we've done our part (not saying you're not "doing your part"). I'm not looking to "eradicate" meat-eating. I'm just refusing to participate:-) As Forrest Gump said, "And that's all I have to say about that!"0 -
As a noobie vegan, I'm very encouraged by all the strong, fit vegans in this thread.0
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I've been vegetarian for 16 years, because of the way we raise and kill slaughter animals. My diary is open if you want to see all the junk I eat to get enough protein.0
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Eating is a natural act, not a moral one. You should eat what makes you feel best. If you feel you need to eat meat, eat it. Those "video-documentaries" are pretty much animal rights propaganda and pseudo-science, anyway.
To answer your question, I used to participate in a Lenten fast every year for my faith. During Great Lent, before Pascha, we give up meat, dairy, fish (with scales), oils, and pretty much everything that's tasty. That is, we're stuck with a vegan diet whether we like it or not (my apologies to all vegans here, but . . .yuck). In recent years I've not made it through a fast without getting light-headed after every meal and feeling constantly hungry. Even using various vegan recipes that used soy, chickpeas, and other "good protein" things, my symptoms would just get worse as time went on, so I'd add scaled fish, cheese, and chicken just to get by. I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes in April (having previously been hypoglycemic for decades) and have since discovered that soy makes my blood sugar skyrocket. (That means I would get light-headed from the high glucose and then feel hungry from the hypoglycemia following the crash. Go figure.) I'm not saying that you might have diabetes, but it's one of those things you might want to have checked before thinking of going meatless. If nothing else, you'd just have to come up with different dietary strategies to keep your blood sugar stable.
ETA: If we were herbivores, we'd be able to digest cellulose. We can't.0 -
I had the same problem -- I have been able to almost eliminate meat intake by using some simple vegetarian protein rules:
1) Eat COMPLETE proteins. Most vegetarian proteins are not "complete proteins" -- a complete protein is one that has ALL the vital amino acids. Only soy, Quinoa, and hemp are complete. Other vegetarian proteins, like beans do not have all the amino acids -- so you have to mix them (during the same meal or during the same day) with a complementary vegetarian protein that has this missing amino acids. Example, beans and rice.
2) Make sure you get ENOUGH protein. An average adult needs about 57grams. Vegetarian protein sources have less protein per ounce, so you have to eat protein rich foods all day long. For example, Chicken has about 5g/ounce; Quinoa has 3g/ounce (uncooked). So to get the same amount of protein as a 4oz chicken portion, you have to eat about 6.5 ounces of quinoa (cooked, that would be about 3-1/3 CUPS of Quinoa.
3) There are almost no vegetarian sources of vitamin B12. You WILL get weak and sick from B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia) eventually unless you supplement, eat foods fortified with B12 (like soy milk and cereal) OR eat animal products like cheese and eggs. You can also get it some from Brewer's yeast. Calcium and Zinc can also be a problem. Fortunately there are a lot of vegetables that are high in calcium; and you get large amounts of zinc from pumpkin and squash seeds.
4) Eat healthy fats. Part of the reason meat tastes good and makes you feel satisfied is the fat. But the fat in meat is terrible for your health. Make sure to add modest amounts of coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil to your cooking and eat nuts, seeds, and fatty fruits like avocado with meals to add flavor and satiety.
One other food for thought: Chimpanzees are genetically very similar to us. They are primarily vegetarians, but about 2-3% of their diet comes from animal proteins. If you cannot eliminate meat entirely, this is a good rule of thumb: 1 out of every 35-50 meals from animal products, including eggs which are a great source of choline which is kind of in the b-vitamin family and helps fight cancer and heart disease. You can also get it from Collard Greens.0 -
Eating is a natural act, not a moral one. You should eat what makes you feel best. If you feel you need to eat meat, eat it. Those "video-documentaries" are pretty much animal rights propaganda and pseudo-science, anyway.
To answer your question, I used to participate in a Lenten fast every year for my faith. During Great Lent, before Pascha, we give up meat, dairy, fish (with scales), oils, and pretty much everything that's tasty. That is, we're stuck with a vegan diet whether we like it or not (my apologies to all vegans here, but . . .yuck). In recent years I've not made it through a fast without getting light-headed after every meal and feeling constantly hungry. Even using various vegan recipes that used soy, chickpeas, and other "good protein" things, my symptoms would just get worse as time went on, so I'd add scaled fish, cheese, and chicken just to get by. I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes in April (having previously been hypoglycemic for decades) and have since discovered that soy makes my blood sugar skyrocket. (That means I would get light-headed from the high glucose and then feel hungry from the hypoglycemia following the crash. Go figure.) I'm not saying that you might have diabetes, but it's one of those things you might want to have checked before thinking of going meatless. If nothing else, you'd just have to come up with different dietary strategies to keep your blood sugar stable.
It is up to every individual to decide what is and is not a moral act and to create his or her own moral code. I don't see why you should have to feel defensive because you don't consider it immoral to eat meat and I won't judge you for it. But I also don't see why you should judge others as basing their decisions on pseudoscience and propaganda.0 -
There have been times when I was weak for some meat.
:laugh:
To the OP--I've been veg*n and I've been omni. Both require the same amount of thoughtfulness about reaching daily requirements for nutrients. It's just different foods are consumed to reach those goals.
I personally find omni easier for *me*, since I found it difficult to reach my iron or calcium needs on plants alone. Even though, I still was able to maintain a decent level fitness, strength and well-being. I just like meat for the "ease" of protein and iron intake (personal opinion, YMMV).0 -
I've been vegetarian for 24 years. I am not weak without it. I squat 155, I deadlift 190, Bench 75.
You've gotten some good suggestions on here. If you want to go vegetarian it is a lot more than just not eating meat, you'll need to do some research on making sure you get vitamins like b12, iron, vit d and calcium.
Good luck with whatever you decide. It's your decision and only you know what's right for you.0 -
I don't feel weak even though I haven't had a piece of meat in almost 7 years.
If you feel weak, you might need to look further into it, e.g. check your iron level0 -
Eating is a natural act, not a moral one. You should eat what makes you feel best.
That's why I am a vegetarian, actually.0 -
It really hurts my feelings when I see how animals are being slaughtered for us to eat. SO after seeing a video/documentary, etc I wouldn't eat meat for a few days.. But after that, I'm back to eating it again. I feel like my body needs meat b/c I feel really weak if I had not eaten meat after a couple of days. I tried the beans and tofu thing for protein but I couldn't do it in the long run. Any thoughts on this guys? To vegetarians/vegans out there, how do you guys do it??
You don't need meat and a lack of meat won't make you feel weak. I just ran 3.5 miles yesterday and haven't eaten meat in two years. I'm okay. A vegetarian diet is healthy and you can get the nutrients you need without meat including iron and protein. Beans and tofu are good sources, personally I like to pair beans with rice and guacamole. Mexican food is very easy to do vegetarian. I also like salads. Not small salads but huge salads with alot of veggies, sandwiches are great too. My sister make some tofu salad to put in them. There's also meatfree chili, hearty lentil soups, the options are endless. I get alot of easy receipes from www.peta2.org they are easy delicious recipes.
I agree. I am no longer vegetarian, but was one for 5+ years, and in that time frame competed in multiple sports, including powerlifting (which, by definition, requires strength).0 -
It really hurts my feelings when I see how animals are being slaughtered for us to eat. SO after seeing a video/documentary, etc I wouldn't eat meat for a few days.. But after that, I'm back to eating it again. I feel like my body needs meat b/c I feel really weak if I had not eaten meat after a couple of days. I tried the beans and tofu thing for protein but I couldn't do it in the long run. Any thoughts on this guys? To vegetarians/vegans out there, how do you guys do it??
I haven't eaten meat in years and, in that time, I have gotten leaner, stronger, faster and far, far healthier. Furthermore, I live 100% in accordance with my values which makes me strong in character. There are plenty of vegan athletes out there, from ultra marathoners to MMA fighters and weight lifting champions, proving meat is not necessary for physical strength. I simply eat a well-balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and sea vegetables. I have no troubles meeting my macro- and micronutrient requirements and I feel amazing. There will always be people who try to dissuade you – I still get them trying to convince me I am doing something wrong when, clearly, all evidence points to the contrary. I encourage you to follow your heart and do what feels best to you. I hope this helps.0
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