Going Vegetarian?

I've been completely vegan for about three weeks now (before I ate meat maybe once a week, eggs every day, and no dairy), and I feel great. I have a lot of energy, and I've been able to wake up early when normally it's a struggle for me. I also suggest easing into it (I quit dairy first--I found that to be the easiest) and trying to stay away from the "junk" (I do like the occasional vegan 'chicken' finger, though). I struggle a bit with getting enough protein, but I find edamame and rice protein powder very helpful. Good luck!

personally i have loved going vegan, i do miss cheese but there are substitues that you can buy also, don't listen to people about why soy is bad, because you would have to be eating a hell of a lot of soys for this to be true, it's the same with everything, in moderation, but in saying that, you'd be in a lot more danger eating the amount of meat compared to soya for this to make a difference. soy is increidbly good for you and it's your main source of protien as a vegan or even vegetarian sometimes.

don't worry if you slip up, because everyone does you just gotta shop around and try different things out in terms of sustitues or do it the old fashioned way with wholegrains, veggies, tofu and other non processed foods.

I really suggest you read the links and look at where the information is coming from before you decide not to listen, then if you do that's fair, it may never affect you but it's worth the read and the video. I wouldn't say don't listen to people if it actually comes from someone with some sort of status about the topic ( isn't me, but I think the links are worth reading). There's also a book called "The Truth About Soy" which I will never read but I've had a lot of people suggest I read it.

But I understand where this person is coming from. A lot of people who are against vegetarians will point out it's bad so it seems like one of those pointless things (because soy is full of good stuff). And he's right, there is a ton of nutrition in soy, and everything should be in moderation. "The Truth about soy" apparently goes into how there's hidden soy in most products (breads etc) that we eat as a person (when you're not vegetarian). If you watch the video they'll mention that some soy is not as bad as other types, but I really think people should stay informed and not just ignore it.

Personally, I don't care if you drink eat and poop soy, just thought I'd bring it up :P

Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uIn2L90wA8&feature=player_embedded

If you're looking at it for a weightloss reason I'd say don't bother. My sister was a vegetarian and then vegan for a total of about 15 years and she eventually went Paleo after she hit about 320lbs. She's since dropped close to 80lbs in a year and feels better than she has in years./quote]

All the vegetarians/vegans I know that are over weight are because they're not eating healthy. They just default on fries and bread. But I totally second the paleo, a few friends of mine eat this way and one has dropped a ridiculous amount of weight by exercise and paleo.

As others have pointed out, going vegetarian is no free pass to effortless weight loss. To hear some celebrities talk, you would think it is. Mindless eating of refined carbs, fat, crispy snacks and sweets can pack it on.

If you go lacto-ovo, eggs, cheese, and other dairy products can provide a lot of nutrition. For vegans, I think focusing on the following food groups can make for a healthy and light diet: fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans & lentils, and small quantities of nuts and nut-butters. I would look first at what you already make and enjoy eating that is naturally meat free. Then, search for a good basic vegetarian cookbook that appeals to you.

As others have stated, if you go vegan and don't eat a lot of vitamin B12-enriched food, take a multiple vitamin, or vitamin B12 several times a week.