Calling All Vegetarians!!!!

[Proud Mommy]

I tried a few years ago to become a vegetarian but I have no idea what im doing. My husband is a BIG meat eater and so is my eldest son, it became very difficult for me to prepare 2 meals every night. I have a hard time eating meat because I can only think of where it has come from My husband use to hunt and doesnt now because it has caused many problems between us When I go out to eat I order what ever I want but I always pick off the meat

I am tired of having this constant fight within me I know there is a big difference between a vegetarian and a vegan, so is there anyone that can help me??

How do I decide which is right for me?

How do I get enough protein?

Are there ways to adapt to my families way of eating?

Thank you in advance

[yorkiegirl83]

I am about 90% vegan at this point in my life.

I eat the majority of the time raw foods 80% raw, 20% cooked.

All the minerals and vitamins and protein and calcium you need can come from plant based sources as well as soy if you decide to eat that (there's debate on whether or not it's truly healthy).

A good way to incorporate your lifestyle into your families could be to serve more veggies in subtle ways and to skip the meat/dairy/egg (whichever you decide to do) and to use substitutes for yourself.

I personally drink almond milk but my DH still will drink regular milk although he doesn't mind the almond.

He still eats meat, but it has lessened since I have started eating so differently.

There are so many different types of vegetarians -- you really need to look into your reasons for why you want to be veggie, how much change you want to make, and what will make you the happiest.

Good luck to you! I learn more every day and am so much happier since I made the changes in my diet

[Proud Mommy]

Originally Posted by yorkiegirl83

I am about 90% vegan at this point in my life.

I eat the majority of the time raw foods 80% raw, 20% cooked.

All the minerals and vitamins and protein and calcium you need can come from plant based sources as well as soy if you decide to eat that (there's debate on whether or not it's truly healthy).

A good way to incorporate your lifestyle into your families could be to serve more veggies in subtle ways and to skip the meat/dairy/egg (whichever you decide to do) and to use substitutes for yourself.

I personally drink almond milk but my DH still will drink regular milk although he doesn't mind the almond.

He still eats meat, but it has lessened since I have started eating so differently.

There are so many different types of vegetarians -- you really need to look into your reasons for why you want to be veggie, how much change you want to make, and what will make you the happiest.

Good luck to you! I learn more every day and am so much happier since I made the changes in my diet

Thank you so much... as far as dairy goes, most I can do without, except cheese. I love cheese I drink soy milk and I HATE, HATE,HATE, eggs

I want to feel good about what I eat and not guilty for causing another animals death

[yorkiegirl83]

Originally Posted by Proud Mommy

Thank you so much... as far as dairy goes, most I can do without, except cheese. I love cheese I drink soy milk and I HATE, HATE,HATE, eggs

I want to feel good about what I eat and not guilty for causing another animals death

Good luck to you . It is an adjustment, but I've been really happy with it and honestly it's simplified my cooking and everything.

Even if you do not decide to go Raw I really recommend the book The Raw Food Detox Diet by Natalia Rose -- just for info on food combining. It's amazing!

[romeos mommy]

i cook meat , but i don't eat it. i will just eat the veggies,etc.

[Proud Mommy]

Originally Posted by yorkiegirl83

Good luck to you . It is an adjustment, but I've been really happy with it and honestly it's simplified my cooking and everything.

Even if you do not decide to go Raw I really recommend the book The Raw Food Detox Diet by Natalia Rose -- just for info on food combining. It's amazing!

Great thank you

[Proud Mommy]

Originally Posted by romeos mommy

i cook meat , but i don't eat it. i will just eat the veggies,etc.

are you vegan?? I cant even stand to see raw meat... especially if its on a bone

[gutu28]

Im a pescartarian (I only eat fish) and I have been for about 1.5 months now. I love it! My main motivation was all of the hormones the put into chicken/beef/pork. I never thought it effected me, but I used to get daily headaches. I have cut out meat and tried to lessen the amount of perservatives I eat and it really has made a difference! As for cooking for non-vegatarians, I don't have too much to offer since I pretty much just cook for myself. There are a lot of "mock meats" that are pretty good! But those should be eaten in moderation. Try upping the veggies at meal time! Good luck!

[Proud Mommy]

Originally Posted by gutu28

Im a pescartarian (I only eat fish) and I have been for about 1.5 months now. I love it! My main motivation was all of the hormones the put into chicken/beef/pork. I never thought it effected me, but I used to get daily headaches. I have cut out meat and tried to lessen the amount of perservatives I eat and it really has made a difference! As for cooking for non-vegatarians, I don't have too much to offer since I pretty much just cook for myself. There are a lot of "mock meats" that are pretty good! But those should be eaten in moderation. Try upping the veggies at meal time! Good luck!

Ok I have NEVER heard of this... I love fish. Sometimes I still have a hard time eating it if I think about it. When I need protein or go to a restaurant I get fish. My favorites are salmon and mahi mahi.

can you tell me more about what you eat and how you prepare it??

[heatherjean8737]

I have been a vegetarian for about 10 years now. My fiance is not a vegetarian but doesn't eat as much meat as he used to. A lot of the times for dinner I will make two seperate dishes. Like I will make tuna noodle casserole for him and noodle casserole for me. I also like to have pasta and put a lot of veggies with it and alfredo sauce. Then if you wanted to serve it with chicken, you can cook the chicken seperately and they could add it in.

My friend at work is vegan so whenever I make baked goods I try to make them so he can have them. Everyone at work loves the stuff and can't even tell the difference. I just make donuts a few weeks ago and they turned out great.

Good luck with this change in your life. If you have any questions, I can try to answer them for you! Also, you can find a lot of great recipes online by just googling different things.

[Dior'sMom]

I am a newbie veggie. 1 month in.. I love chicken and lamb and I thought it would be very hard for me to cut it out of my diet. I currently eat alot of morning star products (a way to wean myself off meat), fruits, nuts (almonds, peanuts) and of course more veggies.
My partner who was a big meat eater has cut out the meat eating also. I just started cooking differently and realized that the food can taste just as good. I dont drink milk but I eat alot of yogurt and I love egg whites. I realized my grocery bill has been alot bigger though.. currently looking for deals to get my bill down. Food network has a bunch of neat veggie recipes...www.vegetariantimes.com helped me out alot

[Proud Mommy]

Originally Posted by heatherjean8737

I have been a vegetarian for about 10 years now. My fiance is not a vegetarian but doesn't eat as much meat as he used to. A lot of the times for dinner I will make two seperate dishes. Like I will make tuna noodle casserole for him and noodle casserole for me. I also like to have pasta and put a lot of veggies with it and alfredo sauce. Then if you wanted to serve it with chicken, you can cook the chicken seperately and they could add it in.

My friend at work is vegan so whenever I make baked goods I try to make them so he can have them. Everyone at work loves the stuff and can't even tell the difference. I just make donuts a few weeks ago and they turned out great.

Good luck with this change in your life. If you have any questions, I can try to answer them for you! Also, you can find a lot of great recipes online by just googling different things.

how do you get your protien?

[yorkiegirl83]

http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/protein.htm

That's a link explaining proten and protein sources while being vegetarian or vegan, hope it helps!

[Wylie's Mom]

I'm a pescatarian (also can be spelled pescetarian but usually the other way), so I eat fish. I don't have to worry about the protein. But, I do get most of my protein from yogurt, cottage cheese, and soy. Mostly bc I rarely cook. I also rely a ton on Kashi GoLean (the regular/original kind) - a miracle food - chock full of protein AND fiber. I eat Fiber One also. I love sushi, lentils, chick peas, beans, veggie burrito bowls, fish tacos, seafood lasagna, crab, crab cakes, mussels.

It can be hard, I suppose, but I just don't miss meat one iota - nor do I mind if my hubby has it, I don't mind making it for him either.

I'd write more, but I have to go soon...but I'll be back later!

[Proud Mommy]

Originally Posted by yorkiegirl83

http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/protein.htm

That's a link explaining proten and protein sources while being vegetarian or vegan, hope it helps!

oh great... thank you