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Anyone here a vegetarian/vegan?

post #1 of 36
4/6/11 at 12:01pm
Thread Starter 
I am curious about this. Is anyone here a vegetarian or vegan?

If a vegetarian -- who DO you eat? Some veggies eat fish, no red meat but other meats, no meats but will use dairy and eat cheese.

I am a vegetarian (no meat--at all. Only digest diary when cooked in something and not solely like milk or cheese) and would just love to hear what others experience (even questions) are.

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post #2 of 36
4/6/11 at 12:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SubconsciousMe View Post
I am curious about this. Is anyone here a vegetarian or vegan?

If a vegetarian -- who DO you eat? Some veggies eat fish, no red meat but other meats, no meats but will use dairy and eat cheese.

I am a vegetarian and would just love to hear what others experience (even questions) are.
A Vegetarian does not eat animal flesh and/or meat at all. So fish would make that person a Pescetarian, not a Vegetarian.
I haven't eaten red meat since I was a child. I eat tons of fresh fruits and vegetables daily and prepare them in ways that I never get tired of, the combos are endless. I rarely ever drink milk, but will eat cheese.
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post #3 of 36
4/6/11 at 12:10pm
I am an ovo-lacto vegetatian (I eat eggs and dairy).
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post #4 of 36
4/6/11 at 12:15pm
Thread Starter 
When I saw a nutritionist she stated that there are subcategories of vegetarians - ie: pesco, oco-lacto. Hence, why I asked the question the way I did.

I think I am gearing up to become vegan. Just need to get more accustomed to almond milk (I'm allergic to soy and have issues with monsanto).

Has anyone seen the documentary "Food, Inc."?
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post #5 of 36
4/6/11 at 12:34pm
My boyfriend and I are working towards cutting meat out of our diets. We will still eat seafood for a while anyways, not sure if we'll give that up or not. I don't like eggs, but will still eat dairy foods. I'm not a huge milk fan, but we only use soymilk instead of regular milk.
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post #6 of 36
4/6/11 at 1:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SubconsciousMe View Post
When I saw a nutritionist she stated that there are subcategories of vegetarians - ie: pesco, oco-lacto.
Has anyone seen the documentary "Food, Inc."?
The eating of an animal is not a Vegetarian practice.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pescetarianism
Read the bottom of this comparing other diets (it sources it from reputable places)

I have seen Food Inc. and loved it!

Here is a forum made up of vegetarians and some vegans
http://www.veggieboards.com/newvb/forum.php
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post #7 of 36
4/6/11 at 2:02pm
My sister is a vegetarian and my SIL is a Vegan. My Brother follows a Vegan diet mostly because of his wife but eats meat, and stuff outside of their home. BUT he is a vegan baker so that is really neat.

I did see Food.Inc. I thought it was wonderful.

I'm not a vegetarian or a vegan but I stick to organic food.
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post #8 of 36
4/6/11 at 4:04pm
I'm vegetarian, and I have to agree I get so annoyed when people ask if I'll eat fish. I am VEGETARIAN!!

So basically my answer to anyone trying to understand what I do and don't eat is- I don't eat dead animals. (no, i don't eat live ones either...)

I do eat cheese and the occasional omelette, I could probably be vegan if it weren't for cheese. Yum. Oh well. One of these days maybe..
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post #9 of 36
4/6/11 at 5:04pm
I nearly was one, years ago--I ate very little meat or eggs. And my health suffered for it. I became severely anemic. All I can remember is that my hemoglobin (?) was 4. It should've been from 12.5 to 26. Last November was the first time since 1995 that I know it was normal--12.5. And that's after eating much more red meat. (My doctor ordered me to start eating red meat, back in 1995, after those test results. He said iron pills would not be enough to help my anemia, as I also needed animal protein. Iron pills make me violently ill--I can't take them.) I understand the feeling about wanting to go vegetarian, but please, especially if you're a woman who menstruates, re-consider.

And yes, I still feel pangs of guilt every time I eat meat. However, we humans do have canine teeth and molars. We are meant to be carnivores, though I do believe that cutting down on red meat, especially fatty meats, is beneficial to our health (if not anemic). IMHO, we no longer have the same dietary needs as our pre-historic ancestors, who had a mostly red meat diet (which aided in brain development for our species).
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post #10 of 36
4/6/11 at 5:13pm
Marge Cat, I respectfully venture to say that you have something else going on besides just not eating meat if it has taken 16 years of meat eating to get a normal reading. That is just very extreme.

I was vegetarian for 2.5 years prior and all through my chemotherapy. My counts bounced back just fine despite being so desperately low that I need several transfusions and platelets due to the chemo. I was very relieved as so many people were telling me to eat meat, thinking that would help.

Cally
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post #11 of 36
4/6/11 at 5:14pm
I was a vegetarian for 5 years. I gave it up when I started getting sick and actually had cravings for meat, which in time had grown to disgust me the more time I went without it.
It wasn't the vegetarianism that made me sick, it was the fact that I wasn't doing it right. I wasn't eating healthy foods, I wasn't making sure I got enough enough protein or anything.

I stopped eating meat again just a few days ago. This time I'm ready to do it right and eat healthier.

I have to say, a pet peeve of mine is when people say, "Yeah, I'm pretty much a vegetarian. I only eat chicken and then it's only every couple of weeks." Sorry, you either don't eat meat or you don't; you're a vegetarian or you're not.
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post #12 of 36
4/6/11 at 5:48pm
me! It was the best decision I've ever made in my life, and I am a much better person for it, in every way..and, it really is easy (for me)! (This is coming from a person who ate every animal and animal body part under the sun, from snails to cow's stomach, to raw fish to raw meat, I ate everything..lol). For the past 10 yrs. or so I've felt "lighter", if that makes sense, both physically and mentally. There are so so many awesome veggie/vegan products out there now that taste so fine!

best wishes and good luck for those who are transitioning or are considering it, it really is worth it, there is a plethora of great resources on the net to help!

And for you Dark Mavis:
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post #13 of 36
4/6/11 at 5:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mollysmom View Post
I wasn't eating healthy foods, I wasn't making sure I got enough enough protein or anything.
I stopped eating meat again just a few days ago. This time I'm ready to do it right and eat healthier.
Awesome that you are going to try again.
I get tons of protein eating beans, legumes, nuts, eggs, flax, some grains (like certain wheats and quinoa), nut butters, cheeses, tofu's, and greek yogurt. Actually there is a lot of protein in many different foods.
Lots of people don't do their diets right/eat the right things, vegetarians or not.
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post #14 of 36
4/6/11 at 5:52pm
You are what you eat, and I eat vegetarian animals.

So yes, I am vegetarian, in a way.
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post #15 of 36
4/6/11 at 6:01pm
Thread Starter 
I'd quote but well, I'm lazy

Re: The sub-vegetarian categories when I met with a nutritionist. I go by what I learn and as long as I am straight with my diet, I'm okay. Sorry if I offended anyone--sure was not my intent.

Re: Cheese. I, too, am a huge cheese fan. But one day I went to a pizza chain called "Z Pizza" and ate a vegan slice. OMG it was tasty! They used entirely vegan ingredients including Daiya cheese which is sooo tasty too! It takes some getting used to, I guess. But I'm used to it and found it at a grocery store so I am good now.

The only time I have a harder time is when going out to eat. Animal products to some extent are used everywhere out here. Despite living in a huge city, in the central corridor, it still remains a pain. Therefore, at times, I am forced to eat something with an animal product in it (think eggs or dairy).

I also used to be really into organic but now I have my organic boundaries. Obviously, buying an organic banana or orange is almost counterproductive. Now, I spent my organic allowance on buying organic things like strawberries instead.

My health has improved drastically since this complete change. I've even lost 30-40 lbs. But again, that's me and it isn't for everyone.
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post #16 of 36
4/6/11 at 6:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cococat View Post
Awesome that you are going to try again.
I get tons of protein eating beans, legumes, nuts, eggs, flax, some grains (like certain wheats and quinoa), nut butters, cheeses, tofu's, and greek yogurt. Actually there is a lot of protein in many different foods.
Lots of people don't do their diets right/eat the right things, vegetarians or not.
Exactly, that's where I went wrong. I didn't eat nuts or much of anything with protein at all. No wonder I started not feeling well.
This time I have a healthy plan and I'm going to stick to it.
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post #17 of 36
4/6/11 at 6:09pm
I've been a vegetarian for so long that I can't even remember when it started. I know that first I cut out red meat almost totally for a few years. I would eat it once or twice a month. Then I cut out poultry, also, for a few more years. Eventually I stopped eating all seafood.

That was at least 10 years ago. I don't miss eating animals at all. The thought disturbs me. My friends and family (other than my cats) avoid eating much meat in front of me. I'm grateful for that. I can't take it.

I think vegetarianism is much healthier if you don't eat junk. I eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and legumes.

I do eat a few eggs (2 or less a week), some cheese, and other low fat, mostly organic dairy foods.

Most people eat way more protein than their bodies can use, so it gets stored as fat. I was anemic when I was in my 20's, when I still ate red meat. Iron pills solved that problem.

I have no interest in going vegan. I'm very healthy.

Robin
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post #18 of 36
4/6/11 at 7:17pm
Something that I had a problem with and since I'm restarting my vegetarianism is going to be a problem again, is when I get invited somewhere and they have lots of meat, not usually anything I can eat. I always feel so rude when I decline what's offered to me. Any suggestions for how to handle a situation like this?
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post #19 of 36
4/6/11 at 7:59pm
I've never felt it was rude to anyone that I don't eat meat. Anyone whose house I'm going to knows I am a vegetarian. I don't apologize for that. I consider my way the better way to live.

However I don't expect others to worry about my diet and do anything special. There's nearly always plenty of side dishes that I can eat. Also plenty of choices in restaurants - as long as you don't try to eat vegan all the time.

People on wheat free, raw foods, or kosher diets have a much harder time eating out, and forget it if you want a low sodium diet.

Robin
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post #20 of 36
4/6/11 at 8:08pm
Mollysmom, no worries, everyone has food/dietary preferences, no need to feel rude. Just politely decline, a "no thanks" will suffice, if you don't want to say you're vegetarian yet, that's ok. Fill up on the non-meat dishes!

But at some point in time, you will probably would like to tell people around you, "no thanks, I dont eat meat", or "I'm vegetarian", or whatever. Believe you me, the people around you will adapt, and deal. You don't have to explain, you do not have to apologize, they will deal and accept, and if they don't, it's not your problem -it's theirs. It's your choice not to eat animals, it's your life, the naysayers can F* off if they don't like it, do what is right for you, and what you want to do, and what you know is right for you and your conscience..
I've been there, pm me if you want to chat
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post #21 of 36
4/6/11 at 8:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mollysmom View Post
Exactly, that's where I went wrong. I didn't eat nuts or much of anything with protein at all.
I believe you want around 100grams of protein a day, at least for guys.

As we know w/ our kitties though, plant and meat protein aren't the same. Any meat contains all essential amino acids. No vegetable does, however, you can get them all by eating various veggies. That's the trick.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mollysmom View Post
I always feel so rude when I decline what's offered to me. Any suggestions for how to handle a situation like this?
Push the plate away while turning your head to the side and politely ask if there is anything on the menu that doesn't taste like murder, while squinting judgmentally of course.
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post #22 of 36
4/6/11 at 8:26pm
My mom has been a vegan for almost 30 years now. She mainly eats tofu, noodle, rice and vegetables.

Many vegans and vegetarians will experience hair loss or thinning hair if they do not educate themselves about proper nutrition. You need to find a plant food that will provide the necessary protein to avoid hair loss. Meat eaters don't have this problem because meat is a source of complete protein.

When I was in school, I knew a vegan who was about 23/24(?) at the time and he had lost about 40% of his hair. He attributes it to his vegan diet. It was actually through him that I understood why my mother didn't have the same head full of hair as she used to when she was in her 20s and early 30s.
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post #23 of 36
4/6/11 at 8:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mollysmom View Post
Something that I had a problem with and since I'm restarting my vegetarianism is going to be a problem again, is when I get invited somewhere and they have lots of meat, not usually anything I can eat. I always feel so rude when I decline what's offered to me. Any suggestions for how to handle a situation like this?
I don't think you are rude as long as you are very nice and polite about it.
People will adapt with you somewhat. It is a good idea to carry food with you, easy foods like a Larabar (they are raw, vegan, have protein), an apple, to go packs of organic nut butters, etc. While these are not full complete meals they can be used just in those rare situations in case you really do get caught with literally nothing to eat so you won't go hungry. I also don't have a sweet tooth so when I am attending hamburger, hot dog, and cake cook outs I eat beforehand or if I know them well enough I offer to help with the menu and bring stuff or make stuff with them.
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post #24 of 36
4/6/11 at 8:45pm
I've experimented with eating a vegetarian and a vegan diet, as well as a raw vegan diet...eventually I went back to being an omnivore, for various reasons- i learned that just because I'm a vegan or raw vegan, isn't automatically going to mean I eat healthy. I decided that balance is what matters the most. I did learn so much from each of those, like now I will avoid meat that isn't organic, only eat the lean protein from the meat like chicken breast,and I eat a high percentage of raw veggies and fruits! So I'm glad I went through being a vegetarian and vegan for a while, it put things in perspective for me. I think everyone should eat what intuitively feels right for them. And I will always believe that one doesn't have to be a complete vegetarian in order to make a statement about humane treatment of animals, simply avoiding meat on certain days or reducing how much meat you eat is already going to make a difference.
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post #25 of 36
4/6/11 at 8:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ducman69 View Post
Push the plate away while turning your head to the side and politely ask if there is anything on the menu that doesn't taste like murder, while squinting judgmentally of course.
Good thing you said politely ask otherwise this approach might have been seen as offensive.
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post #26 of 36
4/6/11 at 8:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ut0pia View Post
I've experimented with eating a vegetarian and a vegan diet, as well as a raw vegan diet.
Complete raw and complete vegan (or even high percentage) are not for me either. But to each their own. I personally feel better when I eat one certain way over another so that is what I do. I agree in that I also think anyone trying to learn more about the food they are putting in their bodies on a daily basis is a win/win.
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post #27 of 36
4/6/11 at 9:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cococat View Post
I don't think you are rude as long as you are very nice and polite about it.
People will adapt with you somewhat. It is a good idea to carry food with you, easy foods like a Larabar (they are raw, vegan, have protein), an apple, to go packs of organic nut butters, etc. While these are not full complete meals they can be used just in those rare situations in case you really do get caught with literally nothing to eat so you won't go hungry. I also don't have a sweet tooth so when I am attending hamburger, hot dog, and cake cook outs I eat beforehand or if I know them well enough I offer to help with the menu and bring stuff or make stuff with them.
Bringing your own food always works! I do that a lot myself, because a lot of the people I hang around all love eating out at places where there is nothing on the menu I can eat! The last time I went out with friends on a day long trip I brought food for the whole day with me, I brought a chopped pineapple, a few oranges, a few bananas, a salad, and a bagel with cream cheese I just love fruits they fill me up, sitting across from my friends at applebees and smelling their food i had absolutely no desire to eat any of it! The truth is when you stop eating a certain food you lose the taste of it. This is what's happened to me and restaurant food, with few exceptions. Anything that has any type of high salt sauce really I have lost the taste for..
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post #28 of 36
4/6/11 at 10:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by David's Steph View Post
Mollysmom, no worries, everyone has food/dietary preferences, no need to feel rude. Just politely decline, a "no thanks" will suffice, if you don't want to say you're vegetarian yet, that's ok. Fill up on the non-meat dishes!

But at some point in time, you will probably would like to tell people around you, "no thanks, I dont eat meat", or "I'm vegetarian", or whatever. Believe you me, the people around you will adapt, and deal. You don't have to explain, you do not have to apologize, they will deal and accept, and if they don't, it's not your problem -it's theirs. It's your choice not to eat animals, it's your life, the naysayers can F* off if they don't like it, do what is right for you, and what you want to do, and what you know is right for you and your conscience..
I've been there, pm me if you want to chat
You post made me smile! I'm fine with saying I'm a vegetarian. If I'm worrying about being rude, saying I don't eat meat is a lot nicer than saying "Oh, that looks gross. No thanks." I do feel like I have to apologize with certain people, though. I don't feel guilty for being a vegetarian, but I do feel guilty turning food down for some reason.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ducman69 View Post
Push the plate away while turning your head to the side and politely ask if there is anything on the menu that doesn't taste like murder, while squinting judgmentally of course.

Quote:
Originally Posted by cococat View Post
I don't think you are rude as long as you are very nice and polite about it.
People will adapt with you somewhat. It is a good idea to carry food with you, easy foods like a Larabar (they are raw, vegan, have protein), an apple, to go packs of organic nut butters, etc. While these are not full complete meals they can be used just in those rare situations in case you really do get caught with literally nothing to eat so you won't go hungry. I also don't have a sweet tooth so when I am attending hamburger, hot dog, and cake cook outs I eat beforehand or if I know them well enough I offer to help with the menu and bring stuff or make stuff with them.
That's a great idea! I hadn't though of bringing my own snacks. A lot of the food outings I make are barbeques (hot dogs and burgers), so in those cases there isn't anything to eat.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ut0pia View Post
i learned that just because I'm a vegan or raw vegan, isn't automatically going to mean I eat healthy
That's true. In my case I ate a lot of junk. Cake and brownies don't have meat.
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post #29 of 36
4/7/11 at 5:08am
I am neither, but the only meat I eat is chicken or turkey. I eventually want to stop eating poultry as well, but haven't gotten there quite yet. I eat no red meat, and can't stand seafood of any kind.

Dana eats all meat, and that's his choice. I told him though that here in our home, that as long as I make the meal, he has to eat what I cook, and if he wants certain meat he has to go out, buy it and cook it himself. When we go out to eat, I don't care at all what he orders.
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post #30 of 36
4/7/11 at 5:16am
I am a vegetarian and have tried the vegan thing a couple times.
One of my most frustrating times being a vegetarian was at my former job...it was a dining center/catering company/meals on wheels for senior citizens and they served fish as the vegetarian option. And most of the seniors didn't seem to care but every once in awhile they would have someone whow ould get mad that they wanted a vegetarian meal and got fish. I tried to explain to them the difference but the managers didn't care.
I have been a vegetarian for about 3 years now. I eat a lot of tofu, quinoa, fresh veggies/fruits, vegetarian "meats" (quorn brand is very good & actually made from mushroom but you would never know it by tasting it!). I try to eat as fresh as possible and have some sort of protein with most meals. I love tofu and prepare it in many ways.
I don't feel like I am missing any nutrients or am not eating healthy enough by missing meat. If you research vegetarian diets, you will find a ton of info about what you should be eating so that you stay healthy.
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