(RANT) MEAT Vs VEGGIES

billsica · February 2012

So, I figured I would plaster my whining out on the internet, as everyone else seems to do. So Internet opinion here is the situation. Question is the last line, so you can skip ahead.

I'm having a rally hard time staying on board with my diet, things are just stressed out in my life. I have an toddler and a newborn on the way soon. I'm also signed up for a 5K, and will most likely be signing up for a 15K in the next few months.

I was a vegetarian from 1993 - 2005 and a pescatarian from 2005 to present. Know what I also did in that time? got fat.
I've been on MFP and lost 35 pounds, and its creeping back slowly over the past 8 months. I slacked. big time. I try to track every day and it just falls apart by night, workouts just are non existent. (winter and all)

My diet is borderline disgusting. I SHOULD be able to make my own meals and dinners and deal with it. I am so lacking in time, that I am not preparing my own food, and I get a. Tough, eat it.
I was making 5 meals for myself on Sunday, all the same with veggies and freezing them. Frankly I only know a limited about of stuff to make.
(Kale, sweet potato, peepers, brussle sprouts, broccoli, black beans and rice. )

I don't even have the time for that. Making it a priority is nice, so is a million dollars and a unicorn.

I also tend to start to want sugary foods a lot. I think this is most likely because of my massive sodium intake. I think I can try to curb my hunger by eating more protiene. I feel like I'm nearly at the end of my rope, and I have a deadline to get into shape, and its ####ing hard.

My question is.
Would it be easier and better to start eating meat, even though I don't really like the idea because I have moral objections.
Or keep on the peso-diet, and try to work harder and figuring something out?

swisspea · February 2012

I've been a pescetarian since 2005- don't go back to the meat- you can do it! Since 2005, I've lost so many inches in my waist, and on a pescetarian diet, I've been loosing weight (when I don't it's because Im eating too many carbs and fatty cheese for my protein).

You can have an amazingly healthy pescetarian diet and loose weight. I personally couldn't imagine going back to eating meat. You can do it!

woodsygirl · February 2012

I'm sorry that you have a hard time finding time. I have 2 kids and I know it's tough. Are you eating high protein vegetarian foods (tofu?) or are you eating lots of carbs (pastas, breads). I think the reason you crave sweets is because of an insulin spike, not sodium (I would check for any added sugar on labels) You don't have to eat meat to have a healthier diet and lose weight, however, vegetables are usually not the cause of weight gain (it's what you are filling in between those vegetables that are) and if you are eating too much salt and processed foods then adding meat is not going to help you lose weight. I would stock up on vegetable soups (low-sodium ones), already cut vegetables and fruits, etc, and keep them handy. They sell individual containers of frozen fruit now in the freezer section to help make it easier.

treetop57 · February 2012

I know it's not the question you asked, but there are some fish that pregnant women should avoid and some that are okay.

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/fishmercury.htm

RangerSteve · February 2012

Eggs
Eggs
Eggs
Eggs
Eggs

Eat eggs. They are filling, full of B vitamins (give you energy) and have protein and fat. Plus, the saturated fat is good if you're not eating meat products that also have it. Hard boil them if you're busy and on the go. 4 a day, every day. Don't worry about the cholesterol either, most of the studies that were scaring people into not eating them were published in the 90's and had funding from the corn industry who....go figure....makes breakfast cereal. A competing breakfast food had bad things to say about eggs. Who would have thought!

Anyway, eggs, lots of them.

Also, if you have a moral objection against eating meat, have you thought about hunting for your own meat? It's a quick process, the animals live a good life and you get to be up close and personal with it. I think everyone who eats meat should have to hunt at least once in their life. Plus, a lot of areas have smaller stores where you can take the animal after shooting it and they'll help you clean it and just take part of the meat as payment. Look into it if you want to eat meat without supporting the meat industry.

kennethmgreen · February 2012

The problem is your diet is disgusting. Or, as you say "borderline disgusting." You know the Disgusting Diet (tm) has a terrible weight loss success rate. You can have a disgusting diet eating paleo, low carb, pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan, kitten or twinkie. People can get fat eating almost anything, just as people can get healthier/lose weight eating almost anything. Just eat better foods than you are eating now. Well, eat less foods than you are eating now to lose weight. Better foods may help you feel better.

I eat pescatarian, but mostly because my body feels better doing that. I'd probably go back to other meats if I really missed it. If you have a moral objection to eating meat, seems like that's the thing to address. Despite the overwhelming levels of genius the Internet opinion provides, only you can make that call. Also, only you can prevent forest fires.

I think you answered your own question already.

But yeah, eggs are good. I think someone mentioned eggs. I love eggs.

chrishgt4 · February 2012

Well as a full blown carnivore I'd say go back on the meat. But then I don't understand the objection people have to eating meat since we are omnivores after all.

If god didn't want us to eat animals, then why did he make them out of meat?

chrishgt4 · February 2012

The problem is your diet is disgusting. Or, as you say "borderline disgusting." You know the Disgusting Diet (tm) has a terrible weight loss success rate. You can have a disgusting diet eating paleo, low carb, pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan, kitten or twinkie. People can get fat eating almost anything, just as people can get healthier/lose weight eating almost anything. Just eat better foods than you are eating now. Well, eat less foods than you are eating now to lose weight. Better foods may help you feel better.

I eat pescatarian, but mostly because my body feels better doing that. I'd probably go back to other meats if I really missed it. If you have a moral objection to eating meat, seems like that's the thing to address. Despite the overwhelming levels of genius the Internet opinion provides, only you can make that call. Also, only you can prevent forest fires.

I think you answered your own question already.

But yeah, eggs are good. I think someone mentioned eggs. I love eggs.

Award for greatest answer goes to......

Sarahmeridith · February 2012

I had a hard time when I was a vegatarian and I have one now I dont know if it makes a difference. But if you are worried about the salt making you hungry I would try adding more potassium, it helps to counteract the salt. Good luck you can do it!

VeganInTraining · February 2012

don't go back to eating meat! If you are morally against it (as am I) then stand by your standards! Maybe google some easy vegetarian meals and try those. If you need more protein then do a shake in the morning with soy protein, pick up some veggie friendly protein bars, munch on fruit (I eat a TON of fruit), make some trail mix, granola, there are an abundance of vegetarian options that are quick and easy!
Also, as others have said, eggs are great! maybe some veggie wraps.....I could go on and on. hummus and veggies? peanut butter and celery or apples?

onedayillbamilf · February 2012

If god didn't want us to eat animals, then why did he make them out of meat?

This made me spit Diet Dr. Pepper all over my computer!

VeganInTraining · February 2012

Well as a full blown carnivore I'd say go back on the meat. But then I don't understand the objection people have to eating meat since we are omnivores after all.

If god didn't want us to eat animals, then why did he make them out of meat?

For me, it's not an objections to "eating meat" it's the meat industry. God did not make animals to live in over crowded barns, never see sunlight, and eat corn. If they were hunted I have no problem with animals being eaten

_VoV · February 2012

Well as a full blown carnivore I'd say go back on the meat. But then I don't understand the objection people have to eating meat since we are omnivores after all.

If god didn't want us to eat animals, then why did he make them out of meat?

I would just like to point out that people are made out of meat too.

VeganInTraining · February 2012

Well as a full blown carnivore I'd say go back on the meat. But then I don't understand the objection people have to eating meat since we are omnivores after all.

If god didn't want us to eat animals, then why did he make them out of meat?

I would just like to point out that people are made out of meat too.

:laugh: that is the best response ever!

billsica · February 2012

I find it ironic that people who care about what they put in their bodies have an issue with my desire not to put certain things in it.

I'll stay the course and try to stay on the pesco path.
Yes, people are meat. Dogs and horses are meat to.

DQMD · February 2012

I know it's not the question you asked, but there are some fish that pregnant women should avoid and some that are okay.

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/fishmercury.htm

psst..it is a guy..

OceansForever · February 2012

Well as a full blown carnivore I'd say go back on the meat. But then I don't understand the objection people have to eating meat since we are omnivores after all.

If god didn't want us to eat animals, then why did he make them out of meat?

I would just like to point out that people are made out of meat too.

Yes! Thank you!

_VoV · February 2012

I would say if the reason you want to avoid eating meat is ethical, stick with it. It can be done without gaining weight. And you can do it without tons of time in the kitchen.

If you eat eggs and dairy, make sure you go for the biggest bang for your buck and avoid added sugars, such as heavily sweetened yogurt. Eggs with microwaved frozen veggies make a fine meal. Also, look into quick frozen faux meats, such as those made by Gardein, Morning Star, etc.

Feel free to friend me, if you would like. I try to limit salt, sugar and, to a lesser extent, fat. I do a fair amount of cooking, but some of my meals are zapped in a matter of minutes. My cravings are lessening the longer I do this, and I notice that I'm developing new favorite foods all the time. You can do this!

CosmicBella · February 2012

Well as a full blown carnivore I'd say go back on the meat. But then I don't understand the objection people have to eating meat since we are omnivores after all.

If god didn't want us to eat animals, then why did he make them out of meat?

I would just like to point out that people are made out of meat too.

:laugh: that is the best response ever!

...Hahahahaha!!!

MikeSEA · February 2012

My question is.
Would it be easier and better to start eating meat, even though I don't really like the idea because I have moral objections.
Or keep on the peso-diet, and try to work harder and figuring something out?

I see you've answered your question, but I'll weigh in anyway because forums are fun like that. I don't really find meat to be all the convenient or easy unless we're talking about jerky. Given my life and how little I enjoy cooking it's just as easy or annoying to purchase and cook meat as it is non-meat.

If it were me, I'd probably try to get protein from whey--assuming you allow yourself *any* animal products--because it's readily available and fairly cheap per g of protein.

Just because I'm curious, are your moral objections to eating meat based on the fact that it comes from animals or that the meat industry has a history of mistreating animals? For example, if I went out and shot an elk in a clean kill, would that count as mistreatment for you and thus prevent you from having a steak? Either way is valid, I just find the spectrum of reasons people have for their choices interesting.

woou · February 2012

I agree with the other poster that you can gain weight on any diet. I eat a vegan diet most of the time and eat meat, when I'm out as my cheat which is not often. It's working for me now, but I'd like to eliminate meat eventually.

AirCircleI · February 2012

You can lose weight either way. I was vegetarian for 10 years (including one year vegan), and then pescetarian for 7 years. I started eating meat for the first time in 17 years in January. From October to December I lost 15lbs (5lbs a month) eating veggie but HEALTHY and exercising. From January to today I have lost 10lbs (5lbs a month) eating meat.

It is really strange, but I am now happy that I have started eating meat again because it is different. But don't do it because you think you need to in order to lose weight, especially if you have moral objections to it. You can eat healthy and unhealthy regardless of whether or not you eat meat.

When I didn't eat meat, I found cutting out dairy was KEY to me losing weight, because I was consuming so many calories from things like cheese and cream sauces.

rjmwx81 · February 2012

I'm a meat-eater myself, but it seems to me like you're going to add a lot of stress to your life if you start eating meat again; you'll go through some mental anguish trying to balance your moral objections with your desire to lose weight. So, while my instinctual response might be "Eat a burger, hippie!" (kidding, kidding!) I think in your case it's probably best if you don't go back to meat because additional stress is not conducive to weight loss. Have you considered talking to a nutritionist or a dietitian? They might be able to help you out.

sweet_lotus · February 2012

I'm a veg, and my husband is a not-veg, and I can tell you that preparing healthy food is not any easier for either. Just like vegetarian food, meat needs to be prepped and cooked, too. (It has extra handling and cleaning requirements because of the bacterial risks...)

raystark · February 2012

I find it ironic that people who care about what they put in their bodies have an issue with my desire not to put certain things in it.

I'll stay the course and try to stay on the pesco path.
Yes, people are meat. Dogs and horses are meat to.

Yes dogs and horses are made out of meat.

They are also considered tasty in various countries. :bigsmile:

Follow your own standards.

MdmAcolyte · February 2012

In looking at your diary for the last couple days, you seem to eat a lot of fried foods. Maybe that's got something to do with it? Just because you are allowing yourself fish and shellfish doesnt mean its got to be deep fried or slathered in butter. Just an observation...

billsica · February 2012

I went out to eat the other day, so that was that plus leftovers.

billsica · February 2012

I know it's not the question you asked, but there are some fish that pregnant women should avoid and some that are okay.

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/fishmercury.htm

psst..it is a guy..

I think this one wins.

BAMFMeredith · February 2012

The problem is your diet is disgusting. Or, as you say "borderline disgusting." You know the Disgusting Diet (tm) has a terrible weight loss success rate. You can have a disgusting diet eating paleo, low carb, pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan, kitten or twinkie. People can get fat eating almost anything, just as people can get healthier/lose weight eating almost anything. Just eat better foods than you are eating now. Well, eat less foods than you are eating now to lose weight. Better foods may help you feel better.

I eat pescatarian, but mostly because my body feels better doing that. I'd probably go back to other meats if I really missed it. If you have a moral objection to eating meat, seems like that's the thing to address. Despite the overwhelming levels of genius the Internet opinion provides, only you can make that call. Also, only you can prevent forest fires.

I think you answered your own question already.

But yeah, eggs are good. I think someone mentioned eggs. I love eggs.

I know a guy who got really fat on the kitten diet once. It wasn't pretty.

No but seriously, you can have quite the fantastically healthy diet as a pescatarian. I'm a meat eater myself, but I have plenty of friends who are vegetarians, vegans, and pescatarians that are all perfectly healthy. Eggs are awesome, and some really good low sugar protein shakes help too. When you eat fish, eat in grilled, broiled, or baked...not fried.

wendyapple · February 2012

if meat feels icky, stay away from it. i make a big pot of lentils early in the week or over the weekend, and keep it covered in the fridge. i grap a half cup of it and scoop it over egg whites for breakfast, over a salad for lunch, or over steamed veggies for dinner. i sprinkle curry over it for some flavor, or spicy red pepper, or cinnamon for sweetness. so that's one option.

peanut or almond butter over a whole grain cracker or bread can be really satisfying. also greek yogurt. i also really like tempeh plain, or with some veggies and balsamic vinegar.

jeccalou · February 2012

I think you should look at your current diet before considering adding meat (if you are really morally opposed to it) And learn how to cook a few more things. Preparing and cooking with more whole unprocessed food can be just as quick as nuking a pot pie. That would cut your sodium in half, and in your theory cut your sugar cravings.

I too live a pretty busy lifestyle but during the week I can manage making a 5 minute breakfast (eat it on the way to work), prepare my lunch the night before (maybe ten minutes) and cook every night (20 minutes tops)

(RANT) MEAT Vs VEGGIES

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