Not Vegetarian, just not eating beef. Any thoughts?

MaryS910
MaryS910 Posts: 348 Member
edited September 25 in Food and Nutrition
Hi Y'all! I just joined on Monday and so far, really like this website. I have about 80 pounds to lose so if I stick to it, you'll be seeing a lot of me, lol.

:smile: I have always been a beef eater, eating red meat probably 5 times a week. Well, as of today, I have had NO beef for 3 weeks, having given it up for Lent. I just felt that I wanted to try as you hear about all the hormones given to the cows and so much beef is fatty.

I haven't really noticed much difference in how I feel or anything. Now that I am dieting and exercising as well, I am concerned that I am not getting enough protein. Do you think quitting beef can help me or would I have to quit all meat for it to make any difference? I am not much of a chicken eater, maybe had it once or twice over the last 3 weeks. I eat Shrimp or go meatless, for the most part, with the occasional sausage gumbo or something like that.

I just would like some feedback from any of you, vegetarians or not, who think this might help my efforts to lose weight and feel better or if it's not going to make a bit of difference since I didn't give up all meat.

Thanks in advance!

Mary

Replies

  • rileamoyer
    rileamoyer Posts: 2,412 Member
    Do you have access to buffalo - pricey but great alternative. (I love red meat, but have cut back a lot).
  • sweetbri07
    sweetbri07 Posts: 150 Member
    Hi there! I also have given up beef for lent, and I think it's helped my diet extremely!!! I was used to eating beef probably about 3 times a week, I'd say. I also gave up soda, and for the most part, ice cream. And I've upped my water a whole bunch. I was kinda stuck at the beginning, but once I cut out the beef, I've been losing about a pound a week.

    I've been eating more chicken, turkey, shrimp and fish. I've also been eating veggie burgers and such. They help those burger cravings. Good luck on your journey!!
  • chelsifina
    chelsifina Posts: 346 Member
    Oh! Read "Food Matters" by Mark Bittman (a chef). Its a quick, informative, and entertaining read. He talks about reducing one's meat intake, but not quite going vegetarian, and all of the benefits of that. Also, he has a month's worth of great recipes for that style of eating. What he does is to eat like a vegan until 6, and then no holds barred after that. Its good for your health (weight loss, more nutrients, etc) and much better for the planet. Hope that helps!
  • bryony_pie
    bryony_pie Posts: 40
    Hi Mary! I am not a vegetarian but I have not eaten red meat in about 10 years. I always worried what effect red meat was having on my diet, so I gave it up and haven't looked back since. I'm not sure if I can say I feel better because it has been such a long time, but I do feel good now, so that might mean something! Getting enough protein shouldn't be too hard - it just might take a little while to get used to getting it from different sources. Look at it as an excuse to try new foods! If you get bored with chicken, there's always pork and turkey (ground turkey makes a great sub for ground beef in pretty much anything). I also love shrimp and all sorts of fish, which can be prepared in a bajillion different tasty ways so you don't get bored. Also, if you feel adventurous, try some adding some tofu, edamame, or quinoa. If you are still worried about getting enough protein you can always supplement with protein shakes or powders (I like designer whey chocolate powder but i'm not all that picky, there is probably something tastier out there!). Hope this helps! Good luck with kicking the red meat habit!
  • KerrWal
    KerrWal Posts: 10
    Personally, I try to follow a paleo diet, so my goal is to always have some form of protein on my plate in the form of meat, be it lean meat like chicken and ground turkey, or red meat. I've been reading the Primal Blue Print by Mark SIsson and its amazing how what we eat truly affects our bodies and from his arguments, meat is crucial. The culprit in many of our lives are processed foods and the chemicals that comprise them, our bodies were never made to digest or function on them.

    Hopefully someone here can let ya know how going meat-less has been for them, but for me, I need that protein- I can't make that difference up with just nuts and fish (which I don't care for!). I eat ground turkey, in the form of burger patties or ground taco meat at least four times a week and I'll enjoy a steak maybe 2 or 3 times a week.- I've dropped 6 pounds so far, but I've also cut out breads, sugars, crackers, chips, all that good ol' stuff. For me, its worked to keep a high protein intake with a low (between 50-100 g/day) carb intake. I don't think I could do that without meat!

    But everyone is different, so good luck with everything!
  • eeeekie
    eeeekie Posts: 1,011 Member
    Roughly 8 years ago I went vegetarian for 9 months. After those 9 months I was craving fish so I ate that and eventually poultry and sometimes a little pork. I've not had red meat in 8 years. I have no craving for it. In fact, the smell of most red meat makes me feel sick. I was once dared to try a piece of steak (something I didn't like when I did eat red meat) and I did and one chew down into it I nearly threw up. The texture was so gross! I also know in if I ever did decide to go back to eating it that I'd get very sick. That also helps me not eat it lol (even though I don't want too).

    If I want a burger type meal I eat turkey burgers...which are my favorite! Good luck with your new found meatless journey
  • MaryS910
    MaryS910 Posts: 348 Member
    Do you have access to buffalo - pricey but great alternative. (I love red meat, but have cut back a lot).

    No, I don't. Why did you cut back on red meat?
  • melsinct
    melsinct Posts: 3,512 Member
    I don't eat much beef but when I do it is grass fed beef. It is much, much lower in fat and cholesterol than the standard grocery store grain fed variety. Being that it is much leaner, you do have to be careful not to overcook it since there isn't a lot of fat and it will get dry. It costs more but I don't eat it often.
  • e1lindsay
    e1lindsay Posts: 230
    I've starting buying SmartChicken brand, ground chicken....all natural and i think it's waaaay tastier than ground turkey
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