"Mostly" plant-based diet, but not vegan/vegetarian?
enewsome2
Posts: 355 Member
Hey all,
I know this can be a bit controversial....
Hopefully this board doesn't get clogged up with hatemail.
I am looking for like-minded individuals to friend.
Recently, I was inspired by "Forks over knives" to eat a more "plant-based" diet.
I am not a Vegan or Vegetarian, however, I am trying to keep my diet as plant-based as possible, keeping it around 75% Vegan.
Anyone else out there like this?
I know this can be a bit controversial....
Hopefully this board doesn't get clogged up with hatemail.
I am looking for like-minded individuals to friend.
Recently, I was inspired by "Forks over knives" to eat a more "plant-based" diet.
I am not a Vegan or Vegetarian, however, I am trying to keep my diet as plant-based as possible, keeping it around 75% Vegan.
Anyone else out there like this?
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Replies
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Why is this controversial? Did I miss something?
I fit into this category of mostly plant-based but not vegan or veg. I love eating red meat every so often.0 -
Just watched 3 different documentaries today : Food Inc, Fat Sick and Nearly Dead PLUS Forks over Knives. All of which were AMAZING movies to see, and were TRUE eye openers.
I am the same way as you, not sure that I am ready for a strictly vegetarian/vegan diet, but am looking into cutting back on my dairy and meats. Then also WHERE I get my meat and dairy products from, that is a VERY important part of it also.0 -
I plan to move into a vegetarian/vegan based diet. I've recently had to do a lot of research into animal testing and animals raised for consumption (for a school project) and animal cruelty aside, the meat that's hitting the shelves isn't in any way natural and I don't like that. Even organic food is full of additives and growth enhancers.
I've been scouring the boards trying to find information for people changing over to a vegetarian diet and there doesn't seem to be a lot of info! Any websites with recipes, meal plans, etc. would be a so helpful... any tips on getting those high protein numbers without meat or eggs? Or getting the calcium without dairy? I think i'm going to do some research in the farms in my area and see if any of them farm completely naturally, as I wouldn't be opposed to eating food that was produced in a natural way.0 -
Why is this controversial? Did I miss something?
I fit into this category of mostly plant-based but not vegan or veg. I love eating red meat every so often.
I know some "hardcore" Vegans in my "real" life, and they get a little annoyed by non-pure "Vegans" or "Vegetarians".
I just realized I am a "Flexitarian", but I think that is most people... Lol.0 -
I plan to move into a vegetarian/vegan based diet. I've recently had to do a lot of research into animal testing and animals raised for consumption (for a school project) and animal cruelty aside, the meat that's hitting the shelves isn't in any way natural and I don't like that. Even organic food is full of additives and growth enhancers.
I've been scouring the boards trying to find information for people changing over to a vegetarian diet and there doesn't seem to be a lot of info! Any websites with recipes, meal plans, etc. would be a so helpful... any tips on getting those high protein numbers without meat or eggs? Or getting the calcium without dairy? I think i'm going to do some research in the farms in my area and see if any of them farm completely naturally, as I wouldn't be opposed to eating food that was produced in a natural way.
Almond milk for calcium without dairy. I compared unsweetened almond milk with skim, 1%, 2%, and whole milk, it had more calcium. You can also take a calcium supplement0 -
I am in the same boat as you. I eat some fish and cheese but no eggs, chicken, pork or beef. I found that allowing some fish and cheese made it a whole lot easier to eat the occasional meal out.0
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why aren't you going full out vegan? What's stopping you? Something made you change your mind to eat more plants and less meat, but why not cut it out and dairy?0
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My goal is not to change your mind but rather push you to think more deeply about the matter. People who switch to vegan or vegetarianism for health reasons are simply not knowledgeable on the matters of health and how meat really effects it. It's difficult to sift through a lot of the garbage. This is a complicated matter but I'll just get to the point. You watched a documentary, one with a specific goal and one that is very bias to that goal. Do you think they would love to provide you with all the details? They simply provided one side of the coin and you took it at face value. Nothing in nutrition should be taken at face value. Again, it's hard to trust people. So many people with so many credentials and differing views. Who to believe?
To say the least, meat isn't ruining your health and anyone who tells you otherwise generally provides correlational studies that do not sufficiently establish causation. There are cultures who eat a lot of meat and a lot of saturated fat and live relatively healthy lifestyles and long ones at that. Health is more than simply food. I believe one's mental well-being (namely stress-related) affects a person's health far more than food. You'll probably do more damage worrying about your food than actually consuming it.
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My goal is not to change your mind but rather push you to think more deeply about the matter. People who switch to vegan or vegetarianism for health reasons are simply not knowledgeable on the matters of health and how meat really effects it. It's difficult to sift through a lot of the garbage. This is a complicated matter but I'll just get to the point. You watched a documentary, one with a specific goal and one that is very bias to that goal. Do you think they would love to provide you with all the details? They simply provided one side of the coin and you took it at face value. Nothing in nutrition should be taken at face value. Again, it's hard to trust people. So many people with so many credentials and differing views. Who to believe?
To say the least, meat isn't ruining your health and anyone who tells you otherwise generally provides correlational studies that do not sufficiently establish causation. There are cultures who eat a lot of meat and a lot of saturated fat and live relatively healthy lifestyles and long ones at that. Health goes simply food. I believe one's mental well-being (namely stress-related) affects a person's health far more than food. You'll probably do more damage worrying about your food than actually consuming it.0 -
Whoops. I'm clearly a big fail at figuring out how to quote and comment. I would like to add to the discussion though...AeolianHarp I would agree with you that stress factors into health in a big way but I do believe there is plenty of research proving that the diets our cattle are fed have reduced Omega 3, and increased Omega 6s. Natural meat (free range, grass fed) should have a 1-1 ratio. The problem also exists in poultry. If you choose to eat meat I would suggest grass fed beef and organic chicken. I eat about 3 oz of organic chicken several times per week, but have given up other animal based proteins. Some day I hope to give up the chicken as well.
By the way I did watch Forks over Knives and I agree that it had an agenda and also that it did not prove cause and effect in many of the claims it made. I based my dietary changes on a book by David Servan-Schreiber MD, PhD called anti-cancer: a new way of life. He provides all the science and discusses if the info is correlation or causation. I would highly recommend.0 -
I think Michael Pollen summed it up best in "In Defense of Food":
Eat real food. Not too much. Mostly plants.
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It makes me so happy to see people who are changing their lifestyle in a healthier, more environmentaly friendlly way. Congrats. (:
I have been a vegetarian my whole life, and been a vegan for about a year now !0 -
I did this after watching the same documentary and also Sick, Fat, and (whatever else its called, lol)! I ended up losing weight in a short while but everytime I do it I end up getting sick =\ I am looking to do it again very soon!!0
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People ask me if I'm a vegetarian all the time, because I love vegetables and eat a lot of them. I'm not a vegetarian--I like fish, and occasionally eat red meat (perhaps once or twice per month). 0
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I think Michael Pollen summed it up best in "In Defense of Food":
Eat real food. Not too much. Mostly plants.
This.0 -
I think your approach is great. Whilst i would love the whole world to wake up tomorrow and be vegan, i am a realist!
The most obvious benifit you will find eating fresh foods is that you'll cut out alot of salt, sugar and fats that are in most pre-made or pre-packaged foods. Just eat a balanced diet and pay attention to what you're really eating. For example i love oreos but they are little more than cocoa and sugar providing me with little to no nutritional value. Just by being aware of whats in our food helps us make better choices.
Good luck with it.0 -
:ohwell: I call myself a "Vegetarian Wanna-Be" I seldom eat red meat (although I do enjoy an very occasional steak). But I do eat Turkey, Fish and Dairy. If I fit your category, I'd be glad to join your group.0
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I'm not vegetarian or vegan - but I only have meat 2-3 times a week. I like my eggs and milk in my coffee to much, and think its very difficult to be a proper vegan. I have slowly been switching to almond milk to use less dairy though. I do eat fish too - usually tuna because of the high protein count. I don't actually like any other fish or seafood so that's easy. I started off doing Meatless Monday and by doing this I was encouraged to look at other meatless meal options, whether is was cooking at home or out. We've found some yummy recipes and vegetarian things. I love falafel, tofu and other yummy things I'd never have discovered had I not changed my diet, just one day a week. I do like meat though, but as I said above, really only limit it to around 3 days a week.
I have a friend who is 100% vegan though and I see the struggle she goes through every day. The questions, the looks and the difficulty she has eating out in public (finding things on menus to eat etc). And it goes as far as the wine she will drink. This is the main reason I could never be vegan.
My diary is open for anyone who is looking for ideas.0 -
I think Michael Pollen summed it up best in "In Defense of Food":
Eat real food. Not too much. Mostly plants.
I dont know anything about In Defense of Food but I agree with the statement!
If you think about it, eating 75% plant is really just eating naturally. Add some protein, maybe a little bread and there ya go. 0 -
My goal is not to change your mind but rather push you to think more deeply about the matter. People who switch to vegan or vegetarianism for health reasons are simply not knowledgeable on the matters of health and how meat really effects it. It's difficult to sift through a lot of the garbage. This is a complicated matter but I'll just get to the point. You watched a documentary, one with a specific goal and one that is very bias to that goal. Do you think they would love to provide you with all the details? They simply provided one side of the coin and you took it at face value. Nothing in nutrition should be taken at face value. Again, it's hard to trust people. So many people with so many credentials and differing views. Who to believe?
To say the least, meat isn't ruining your health and anyone who tells you otherwise generally provides correlational studies that do not sufficiently establish causation. There are cultures who eat a lot of meat and a lot of saturated fat and live relatively healthy lifestyles and long ones at that. Health is more than simply food. I believe one's mental well-being (namely stress-related) affects a person's health far more than food. You'll probably do more damage worrying about your food than actually consuming it.
^^Exactly. I tried out vegetarianism a while back just for the heck of it. I kept it up for about a year, but it didnt take long before I found myself craving eggs. I had only ever eaten them occasionally before, but after becoming vegetarian, I was going through them like mad. It was because my body wasn't getting enough protein. It's not healthy to cut such an important nutrient from our diet completely. Protein is responsible for supporting brain function and muscle. I really dont know how vegans do it. Everything in moderation is key.0 -
Hey all,
I know this can be a bit controversial....
Hopefully this board doesn't get clogged up with hatemail.
I am looking for like-minded individuals to friend.
Recently, I was inspired by "Forks over knives" to eat a more "plant-based" diet.
I am not a Vegan or Vegetarian, however, I am trying to keep my diet as plant-based as possible, keeping it around 75% Vegan.
Anyone else out there like this?
After watching _Fork over Knives_, I also wanted to become more PlantStrong. I have added more whole foods to my diet--vegetables, fruits, and whole grains--and greatly reduced processed foods, added sugar, fast food...and animal protein. I try to make a new recipe at least once a week, and I have been cooking and meal planning a lot more than I used to. I would say I am in a transitioning phase, slowly but persistently moving toward a healthier lifestyle.
I would consider myself a flexitarian because I still eat animal-based protein, but I try to choose organic lean protein and organic reduced-fat dairy and eat less of it altogether. I also make sure that I have a good showing of plant-based food at every meal.
I agree with the other posters who recommend Michael Pollen. Have you read any of his books? I really like _Food Rules: An Eater's Manual_ because it has given me some great dietary advice, it's super easy to read, and I can quickly go back to it for refreshers and motivation. 0 -
Whoops. I'm clearly a big fail at figuring out how to quote and comment. I would like to add to the discussion though...AeolianHarp I would agree with you that stress factors into health in a big way but I do believe there is plenty of research proving that the diets our cattle are fed have reduced Omega 3, and increased Omega 6s. Natural meat (free range, grass fed) should have a 1-1 ratio. The problem also exists in poultry. If you choose to eat meat I would suggest grass fed beef and organic chicken. I eat about 3 oz of organic chicken several times per week, but have given up other animal based proteins. Some day I hope to give up the chicken as well.
So what? If someone is getting sufficient Omega 3s in spite of one's meat consumption then who is to say that meat is negatively affecting one's health?
There are tonnes of people who live long, healthy lives despite what is considered a subpar diet. Health is a complicated matter. I never meant to imply that food doesn't affect it but there are hundreds of different factors that can hurt one's health just as much as food can. Restricting food and potentially placing a psychological burden on oneself just for it is moot. People focus on food far too much and never look at other aspects. There are people who never care a dash about health yet live longer than people who do.
Restricting food you enjoy is never the way. It's a pointless endeavour.0 -
I'm a vegetarian of 19 yrs, and I
flexitarians! Here's why- you guys have made tons more food choices available in regular grocery stores, and gotten more choices on restaurant menus. Your buddies that it bugs haven't thought it through.
I particularly love the term flexitarian (and pescatarian) because it actually does bug me when people refer to themselves as a vegetarian and then you see them eating a turkey sandwich or shrimp cocktail. My sister in law does this, and it drives me bonkers! She says it's too hard to explain to people...0 -
I eat a mostly whole plant diet. I am trying to get more whole foods in and less meat/animal proteins. I am following the Eat to Live philosophy for health reasons. You can look at my profile and friend me if you like. Check out www.drfuhrman.com for more info. I personally think there is a lot more to the issue than most people want to believe. So to each their own. I know I feel better not eating animal protein. I just need to learn more about eating this way.
There is a lot of info about reversing/preventing heart disease, cancer, and auto immune diseases. I believe it is through whole plants. It is the micronutrients rather than the macros. If you eat whole plants, it just works out.0 -
If anyone has any good plant/veggie recipes let me know! I'm always in the market for new ideas in this department...0
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I have been Vegetarian/Pescatarian (meaning I will eat seafood occasionally) since 2008. After seeing Forks Over Knives, I've been trying my best to eat as 'vegan' as possible. Not ready for the full commitment of going 100% vegan though, so just trying to be as conscious about it as possible. So far so good!0
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I am 100% Vegetarian (Oops..I would say Eggtarian ) since birth. Seldom, I take eggs, especially egg white omlet. During my this weight loss program, I gained much more knowledge for plant based food I ate whole my life then I knew before. You may add me in and send any queries you have for plant based food.
Cheers0 -
Ok, so, I just watched Food, INC. and I have seen in myself that I am a victim of this system. If you look at my journal, I am constantly sticking to fast food meals and sugary goodnesses. I don not want to continue this trend. I AM going to try to rid myself of this crap that the governments and the food systems are feeding us. I WILL do this!
Plant based diet.. HERE I COME!!!0 -
Ok, so, I just watched Food, INC. and I have seen in myself that I am a victim of this system. If you look at my journal, I am constantly sticking to fast food meals and sugary goodnesses. I don not want to continue this trend. I AM going to try to rid myself of this crap that the governments and the food systems are feeding us. I WILL do this!
Plant based diet.. HERE I COME!!!
Good for you! I couldn't get past the rough handling of the chicks before I turned off Food Inc! I am new to vegetarian-->vegan and it is not easy, but if you look at it as a process, it is easier. Start by adding more veggies. I'm not the pasta and potato chip vegetarian, I am whole green veggies, nuts, seeds, & beans and use condiments only in small amounts. I like whole nuts instead of oils, I grind my own nut butters so I know they are just nuts. I don't buy convenience food for myself except for canned unsalted tomatoes, soy milk that is just soy beans and water, and tofu. The rest is plants from the produce section. I've cut way back on my grains and just have those occasionally. Protein? It is in the veggies, nuts & beans! You do get to eat a lot of them! I am hooked on my morning smoothies! You get a lot more fruit this way, too. Whole foods have the "ingredient list" in check so you do get the proper ratios of fats to carbs to protein. It is awesome how I feel! You should supplement with Vit b12 and DHA. Or eat small amounts of animal products. Good luck to you!0 -
Yea, when I saw how the chicks were being tossed around I closed my eyes. I couldn't watch it. I even cringed when they broke the chickens necks at the organic farm, and all the manure the cows were standing in just made me sick!! It was a real eye opener! I am planning on digging out my blender today and getting stocked up on some fruits and veggies and nuts. I may have a few bites of meat sometimes, but I WILL not over do it like I am now!! Thanks for the advice susan!0
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