Becoming Veggie
gabrielleelliott90
Posts: 854 Member
Hi all. I have decided, after watching a video of what goes on inside a slaughterhouse, to become a vegetarian. I tried awhile back, but I was so scared of becoming anaemic. How can I easily combat this. Taking multivitamins? Please don't make it too complex, like having to eat numerous leafy vegetables. Please tell me what foods easily have iron in abundance.
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This should end well.
My only suggestion, and the only suggestion you should take is: Do your own homework. When going vegetarian, it's easy to become malnourished which will simply make you sick. Do it right, and don't eat what people tell you to do. It's not simple black and white. Going vegetarian is a huge challenge to do correctly.0 -
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/vegetarian-diet/art-20046446?pg=2
Read it all, and do more research. Go in well-prepared before you commit to a big dietary change like that.0 -
Or, you know, you could eat free form meat from your local butcher. You don't need to go vegetarian to avoid slaughterhouse foods.0
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From what I understand iron is pretty plentiful in beans and soy, not just green leaves. But a fair number of the vegetarian pre-menopausal women I know do take an iron supplement. Mostly the ones who diet, and so don't get all that much food to begin with.
Have you considered adding iron to the tracked nutrients on the food tab? Whether or not you leave it there forever it could help guide your choices while you make the adjustment.0 -
Well, you could take a supplement. Or eat your leafy greens. I do both those thing and I also throw
a teaspoon of spirulina in my daily green smoothie.Per teaspoon, spirulina has about 30% rda of iron. It also has 150% rda of b12, which you will have to watch out for if you go veggie/vegan.
You are more than welcome to come peek at my diary. I get plenty of iron.0 -
chivalryder wrote: »Or, you know, you could eat free form meat from your local butcher. You don't need to go vegetarian to avoid slaughterhouse foods.
'Free form meat'??? Either way the animal has to be slaughtered. In fact, 'local' butchers will often just use the nearest slaughterhouse.
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Laurend224 wrote: »Well, you could take a supplement. Or eat your leafy greens. I do both those thing and I also throw
a teaspoon of spirulina in my daily green smoothie.Per teaspoon, spirulina has about 30% rda of iron. It also has 150% rda of b12, which you will have to watch out for if you go veggie/vegan.
You are more than welcome to come peek at my diary. I get plenty of iron.
Your profile is private
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This saddens me. I, too am firmly against slaughterhouse methods-so I got started raising my own meat. I don't just use "the nearest slaughterhouse." I PERSONALLY see the animal through birth all the way to death to assure they are stress free, healthy, and loved the entire time.
Please, shop around. Ask questions. Ask to see the animals alive, in their normal housing. Ask about medication or worming methods the farmer uses, and ask if the processing is done on-site or elsewhere, and what methods are used.
Assuming we all just dump the animals in a trailer and haul them to god-knows-where because we cant get our hands dirty is lazy and hurts people in business like me. I care for my animals, and my customers.0 -
gabrielleelliott90 wrote: »Hi all. I have decided, after watching a video of what goes on inside a slaughterhouse, to become a vegetarian. I tried awhile back, but I was so scared of becoming anaemic. How can I easily combat this. Taking multivitamins? Please don't make it too complex, like having to eat numerous leafy vegetables. Please tell me what foods easily have iron in abundance.
I'm going to come off mean but oh well. If you are really interested in becoming a vegetarian, then you should be willing to really research into foods that provide iron, protein, etc and figure out just how much you are going to have to eat in order to find that balance so you don't run into deficiency issues.
Saying that being told to eat numerous leafy vegetables is too complex is a bit mind boggling. That's probably the "least" complex way to give you that info.0 -
I take a daily vitamin, eat plenty of vegetables, a lot of spinach (I happen to love spinach salads), tofu, beans, faux meat products, and fish (I am a pescatarian) once a week. I have absolutely no issues with anemia.
I avoid meat 40% for ethical reasons and 60% for the fact that I think meat is absolutely disgusting in every way.0 -
KGRebelRanch wrote: »This saddens me. I, too am firmly against slaughterhouse methods-so I got started raising my own meat. I don't just use "the nearest slaughterhouse." I PERSONALLY see the animal through birth all the way to death to assure they are stress free, healthy, and loved the entire time.
Please, shop around. Ask questions. Ask to see the animals alive, in their normal housing. Ask about medication or worming methods the farmer uses, and ask if the processing is done on-site or elsewhere, and what methods are used.
Assuming we all just dump the animals in a trailer and haul them to god-knows-where because we cant get our hands dirty is lazy and hurts people in business like me. I care for my animals, and my customers.
I ask this out of pure curiosity--- do you feel bad when you have to kill the animal? You say you care for them, so do you find yourself sad when they are no longer alive?
I ask because I can't even kill bugs and feel horrific for killing mice. I am thankful that there are people who take care of their animals like you do- as I know most of the world survives by eating meat.
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snoringcat wrote: »chivalryder wrote: »Or, you know, you could eat free form meat from your local butcher. You don't need to go vegetarian to avoid slaughterhouse foods.
'Free form meat'??? Either way the animal has to be slaughtered. In fact, 'local' butchers will often just use the nearest slaughterhouse.
Then do your homework and find one that doesn't use one. It would still be easier than cutting out meat entirely, if the slaughterhouse is the only reason for switching to vegetarian.
Or, even better, buy the animal straight from the farm that raised the animal. Cut out all of the middle men.
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KGRebelRanch wrote: »This saddens me. I, too am firmly against slaughterhouse methods-so I got started raising my own meat. I don't just use "the nearest slaughterhouse." I PERSONALLY see the animal through birth all the way to death to assure they are stress free, healthy, and loved the entire time.
Please, shop around. Ask questions. Ask to see the animals alive, in their normal housing. Ask about medication or worming methods the farmer uses, and ask if the processing is done on-site or elsewhere, and what methods are used.
Assuming we all just dump the animals in a trailer and haul them to god-knows-where because we cant get our hands dirty is lazy and hurts people in business like me. I care for my animals, and my customers.
I ask this out of pure curiosity--- do you feel bad when you have to kill the animal? You say you care for them, so do you find yourself sad when they are no longer alive?
I ask because I can't even kill bugs and feel horrific for killing mice. I am thankful that there are people who take care of their animals like you do- as I know most of the world survives by eating meat.
Define "bad"? I may feel a bit sad, but at the same time, I respect what I kill. I grew up to respect nature for they are providing us with the means to eat/survive. I don't hunt/fish for sport and yes, there are obviously other ways to obtain things like fish, etc..but hey, if you are going to worry about how a store is obtaining its meat, then hunting/fishing would actually be a good way to insure that the whole animal is used/respected.
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Research your multivitamin. Most don't have iron.
A good way to get iron is through packaged cereal .. most brands have 50-100% of your daily need.
Also: Leafy greens (spinach etc) are not actually good sources of iron. a pound of spinach has about half your day's iron.
And never forget that not only is chocolate is a better source of iron than leafy greens, it's vegetarian as well.0 -
KGRebelRanch wrote: »This saddens me. I, too am firmly against slaughterhouse methods-so I got started raising my own meat. I don't just use "the nearest slaughterhouse." I PERSONALLY see the animal through birth all the way to death to assure they are stress free, healthy, and loved the entire time.
Please, shop around. Ask questions. Ask to see the animals alive, in their normal housing. Ask about medication or worming methods the farmer uses, and ask if the processing is done on-site or elsewhere, and what methods are used.
Assuming we all just dump the animals in a trailer and haul them to god-knows-where because we cant get our hands dirty is lazy and hurts people in business like me. I care for my animals, and my customers.
I ask this out of pure curiosity--- do you feel bad when you have to kill the animal? You say you care for them, so do you find yourself sad when they are no longer alive?
I ask because I can't even kill bugs and feel horrific for killing mice. I am thankful that there are people who take care of their animals like you do- as I know most of the world survives by eating meat.
I do. I really do. I always thank the animal for it's life, and the day we are set to process I light candles and hang prayer flags around their pen. It has taken a long time for me to NOT sob the entire time. It's not being desensitized though, I just realized when I go outside in a tizzy it always affected the animals-they were stressed because I was stressed. I try to stay calm and peaceful the entire time, and I am absolutely adamant about an instant death. Even those who process on site have some horrific methods of dispatch-which is why I encourage people to ask. I have turned down people several times for saying the only wanted meat if it was killed a certain way-and I found that method atrocious and barbaric.
I really, truly feel that if I am going to eat meat or eggs, or dairy-it is my responsibility to be strong enough to see it through. I find it cruel that some people raise the animal, only to load it into a trailer and haul it to be killed by someone who only sees it as a number. That is the ultimate betrayal of trust in my opinion.
I also don't believe in cooking my meat "any old way." I cook it using the best oils, the most painstaking recipes, and with the freshest produce I have in my garden. It seems to trivialize the animals life to just plop in over macaroni and cheese or instant potatos.
OP-I know that's a long ramble but im just trying to show you there is a way to change the slaughtering process without changing your diet. If enough people stand up and say, "I'm not supporting this," more humane factory farms will have to follow. Hit them in their wallet.0 -
Just as a follow-up, you could try posting this in one of the vegetarian subforums. Might cut down on the haters a bit.0
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More meat for me I guess0
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RangedLunatic wrote: »Just as a follow-up, you could try posting this in one of the vegetarian subforums. Might cut down on the haters a bit.
Seriously? Haters? Really? And where? :huh: I think that the conversation so far on this topic has been pretty civil and informative.
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PikaKnight wrote: »RangedLunatic wrote: »Just as a follow-up, you could try posting this in one of the vegetarian subforums. Might cut down on the haters a bit.
Seriously? Haters? Really? And where? :huh: I think that the conversation so far on this topic has been pretty civil and informative.
I was just thinking the same thing. This thread is extremely civil.0 -
I am a pescetarian for similar reasons. Cutting out meat all together can be hard and I do struggle with low iron etc. Adding the fish helps me be a little more balanced.0
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PikaKnight wrote: »RangedLunatic wrote: »Just as a follow-up, you could try posting this in one of the vegetarian subforums. Might cut down on the haters a bit.
Seriously? Haters? Really? And where? :huh: I think that the conversation so far on this topic has been pretty civil and informative.
I was just thinking the same thing. This thread is extremely civil.
He may not be referring to this thread in particular. I am always a bit reticent to open any thread (on any forum, not just MFP) about vegetarianism, as it really can bring out the trolls. This thread has been remarkably respectful.0 -
Laurend224 wrote: »
Also, probably want to supplement B12 or make sure you're eating plenty of fish and shell fish.
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MakePeasNotWar wrote: »PikaKnight wrote: »RangedLunatic wrote: »Just as a follow-up, you could try posting this in one of the vegetarian subforums. Might cut down on the haters a bit.
Seriously? Haters? Really? And where? :huh: I think that the conversation so far on this topic has been pretty civil and informative.
I was just thinking the same thing. This thread is extremely civil.
He may not be referring to this thread in particular. I am always a bit reticent to open any thread (on any forum, not just MFP) about vegetarianism, as it really can bring out the trolls. This thread has been remarkably respectful.
That usually happens (in all honesty) when someone usually jumps the gun and starts mentioning "haters". Not even joking.
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PikaKnight wrote: »MakePeasNotWar wrote: »PikaKnight wrote: »RangedLunatic wrote: »Just as a follow-up, you could try posting this in one of the vegetarian subforums. Might cut down on the haters a bit.
Seriously? Haters? Really? And where? :huh: I think that the conversation so far on this topic has been pretty civil and informative.
I was just thinking the same thing. This thread is extremely civil.
He may not be referring to this thread in particular. I am always a bit reticent to open any thread (on any forum, not just MFP) about vegetarianism, as it really can bring out the trolls. This thread has been remarkably respectful.
That usually happens (in all honesty) when someone usually jumps the gun and starts mentioning "haters". Not even joking.
Sadly, I don't entirely disagree. I wish we could all make a bit more effort to be nicer to each other.
As for the OP's question, if you are super-lazy like me, you might want to look at some of the vegetarian and vegan meat substitutes, like veggie burgers, and dogs, meatless ground round etc. I use the Yves brand and most of them are fortified in B12, zinc and iron, as well as pretty tasty. As nutritious as eating enough leafy greens to get your RDA? Probably not. But it's better than being anaemic.
That being said, do make an effort to get the greens, veggies, and whole grains in, you'll find it gets easier. I eat probably 3x more veggies than I used to, (though still 1/2 as much as I should).0 -
Not even lying, I love me some Morningstar Farms chik'n nuggets and corn dogs.MakePeasNotWar wrote: »PikaKnight wrote: »MakePeasNotWar wrote: »PikaKnight wrote: »RangedLunatic wrote: »Just as a follow-up, you could try posting this in one of the vegetarian subforums. Might cut down on the haters a bit.
Seriously? Haters? Really? And where? :huh: I think that the conversation so far on this topic has been pretty civil and informative.
I was just thinking the same thing. This thread is extremely civil.
He may not be referring to this thread in particular. I am always a bit reticent to open any thread (on any forum, not just MFP) about vegetarianism, as it really can bring out the trolls. This thread has been remarkably respectful.
That usually happens (in all honesty) when someone usually jumps the gun and starts mentioning "haters". Not even joking.
Sadly, I don't entirely disagree. I wish we could all make a bit more effort to be nicer to each other.
As for the OP's question, if you are super-lazy like me, you might want to look at some of the vegetarian and vegan meat substitutes, like veggie burgers, and dogs, meatless ground round etc. I use the Yves brand and most of them are fortified in B12, zinc and iron, as well as pretty tasty. As nutritious as eating enough leafy greens to get your RDA? Probably not. But it's better than being anaemic.
That being said, do make an effort to get the greens, veggies, and whole grains in, you'll find it gets easier. I eat probably 3x more veggies than I used to, (though still 1/2 as much as I should).
And I make a mean chocolate cheesecake....with tofu. Vegan meats are not to be discounted...except Boca brand. *shudder* soooo grainy.
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Watched earthling awhile back and turned veggie. I feel healthier than ever :-)0
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KGRebelRanch wrote: »
Not even lying, I love me some Morningstar Farms chik'n nuggets and corn dogs.MakePeasNotWar wrote: »PikaKnight wrote: »MakePeasNotWar wrote: »PikaKnight wrote: »RangedLunatic wrote: »Just as a follow-up, you could try posting this in one of the vegetarian subforums. Might cut down on the haters a bit.
Seriously? Haters? Really? And where? :huh: I think that the conversation so far on this topic has been pretty civil and informative.
I was just thinking the same thing. This thread is extremely civil.
He may not be referring to this thread in particular. I am always a bit reticent to open any thread (on any forum, not just MFP) about vegetarianism, as it really can bring out the trolls. This thread has been remarkably respectful.
That usually happens (in all honesty) when someone usually jumps the gun and starts mentioning "haters". Not even joking.
Sadly, I don't entirely disagree. I wish we could all make a bit more effort to be nicer to each other.
As for the OP's question, if you are super-lazy like me, you might want to look at some of the vegetarian and vegan meat substitutes, like veggie burgers, and dogs, meatless ground round etc. I use the Yves brand and most of them are fortified in B12, zinc and iron, as well as pretty tasty. As nutritious as eating enough leafy greens to get your RDA? Probably not. But it's better than being anaemic.
That being said, do make an effort to get the greens, veggies, and whole grains in, you'll find it gets easier. I eat probably 3x more veggies than I used to, (though still 1/2 as much as I should).
And I make a mean chocolate cheesecake....with tofu. Vegan meats are not to be discounted...except Boca brand. *shudder* soooo grainy.
I like some of the Boca Burgers, but I love Morningstar (and I'm not even vegetarian
). Aside from the nuggets and corn dogs, I do enjoy their burgers (love the grilled and the black bean quinoa) and their ribs. That over mashed potatoes...*nom nom nom* 0
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