The Vegetarian & Vegan Thread

[cosmogrl5]

I eat fish, and I'm a pescetarian for that reason (a vegetarian that eats fish). I basically only eat salmon, tuna, mahi mahi, and the occasional shrimp. I do this because:

1. Salmon is very healthy for you, provided it's wild salmon.

2. If I didn't eat fish, there would be next to nothing I could eat while I'm up at college in NH, unless I wanted to exist solely on salad and bread. I need protein, and buying my own food daily like tofu or tempeh while I have an expensive meal plan to pay for is NOT going to happen. So I rely on tuna and salmon from the college cafeteria for a great deal of my protein while I'm at college.

I do the same. I know that you can get protein through many sources aside from fish, but I have an autoimmune disorder and function the best when I get my protein through fish. Sometimes I do feel badly about it, but I need to consider my health first while still remaining true to my belief that people shouldn't eat red meat and poultry.

 

[cosmogrl5]

There is a diet book called The Soy Zone which was written by Dr. Barry Sears (the same doctor who created the famed "Zone Diet"). I came across some articles about it today, and even if you are not trying to lose weight, there are some good eating principles, as this book is geared toward giving vegetarians balanced nutrition. You can read about it here:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0820/is_2000_Sept/ai_65802972

http://diet.ivillage.com/plans/pzone/0,,2znv,00.html

 

[Priestess]

The worst thing is that if you've been a strict vegetarian for years, animal products can really wreak havoc on the system...also it feels somehow as if you can't trust people to respect your choices, the paranoia sets in...AHHH!!!

Does it ever! I remember once when I had some gravy on chips. I was assured that it was that packet mix gravy that doesn't have anything even remotely close to animal product in it. And these days, so many packet gravies are like that, completely animal free.

So, I smothered my gravy on my chips. Gobbled it up. About half an hour later I was feeling sick. Really sick. I had a fever and felt dizzy and everything. Turns out the gravy was made the traditional way from fat and pan drippings. Apparently they thought that it "didn't really matter, it was only gravy". Ohhh, the stomach pain I had. It was so awful. My body just was not used to digesting animal products. Grrrr.

I have to agree, it does feel as though people don't respect my beliefs. People tend to mock vegetarians for their beliefs. But if I were to mock someone for their religious beliefs you can be their would be hell to pay. A little equality wouldn't go astray sometimes.

 

[ruthie]

I made the switch a little more than a week ago [not that I had much to weed out to begin with...]. It's been more positive than I could have imagine or could begin/want to write down in words.

 

[kare2711]

Diet aside, it's really difficult not to come across anything does not have any by products of animals.

I'm a huge perfume lover and well, I like Amber and Musk and it's sad to read that they're by-products of animals

Question: Any one who has undergone pregnancy? I know my mum and husband will persuade me to eat some meat during this period, or at least during my confinement. I do intend to eat some fish just to make them assured.

 

[Priestess]

A lot of those methods used to manufacture various products are really quite outdated. A lot of scents these days are completely synthetic, so before you go deciding you'll never wear Musk or Amber again, do a little research and you'll find an animal friendly brand to use.

And for those are worried about the animal bones being used to whiten sugar, Australia hasn't used that method in over 50 years, so buy some Aussie sugar if it's a concern.

kare2711, you should be very careful about eating meat during your pregnancy if you haven't been eating it for years. You can wind up really sick, your body isn't used to digesting it or fighting off any bacteria etc that comes with it. Consult a dietician who can help you eat properly through your pregnancy.

I have friends who kept up their vegetarianism through their pregnancies and they both had healthy babies. Plus you Mum and you husband should respect and support your choice to be a vegetarian. It's your decision to make. As long as you're healthy your diet shouldn't be an issue.

 

[chanelnumber5]

I made the switch a little more than a week ago [not that I had much to weed out to begin with...]. It's been more positive than I could have imagine or could begin/want to write down in words.

Good for you Ruthie

 

[kateelle]

There is a diet book called The Soy Zone which was written by Dr. Barry Sears (the same doctor who created the famed "Zone Diet"). I came across some articles about it today, and even if you are not trying to lose weight, there are some good eating principles, as this book is geared toward giving vegetarians balanced nutrition.

Everything I know of from reading about soy has been rather negative. I would never replace anything with soy in fact.

 

[seanutbutter]

I made the switch a little more than a week ago [not that I had much to weed out to begin with...]. It's been more positive than I could have imagine or could begin/want to write down in words.

I'm so glad to hear that!

 

[misssakura]

Be very, very careful with eating fish during pregnancy. Unless you know exactly where your fish comes from, and the quality of the water there's a possibility that mercury levels could be dangerous for the child. Not only that but fish is notorious for parasites such as roundworm, tapeworm etc. Just be insanely careful. Lots of people remain vegan throughout pregnancies and stay healthy but if you insist on eating fish...just...be warned.

 

[Deleted member 36123]

I made the switch a little more than a week ago [not that I had much to weed out to begin with...]. It's been more positive than I could have imagine or could begin/want to write down in words.

Good on you!

I'm sure you will never look back! I know I haven't!

 

[Organic]

Everything I know of from reading about soy has been rather negative. I would never replace anything with soy in fact.

you do know that cows eat mostly soy, right? instead of being allowed to graze like nature would want them to. so....you're still eating it.

 

[serenade]

I can't wait until I'm a vegan. Just need to get my parents to get me some non-dairy cheese, completely vegan bread, a stock up on tofu and veggies, and I'll be set to go! I'm so happy to be able to say I don't eat meat, it feels really good. I've always been a fruits-and-vegetables girl rather than a meat-and-junk person as my mum's a health freak, so I think being a vegan won't be a huge deal for me at all I've collected a few good recipes, too. Eee, excited!

 

[misssakura]

I'd avoid the non-dairy cheese personally but savoury yeast is pretty frickin' sweet.

 

[cosmogrl5]

I can't wait until I'm a vegan. Just need to get my parents to get me some non-dairy cheese, completely vegan bread, a stock up on tofu and veggies, and I'll be set to go! I'm so happy to be able to say I don't eat meat, it feels really good. I've always been a fruits-and-vegetables girl rather than a meat-and-junk person as my mum's a health freak, so I think being a vegan won't be a huge deal for me at all I've collected a few good recipes, too. Eee, excited!

I love your vegan enthusiasm! And I am sure that all the cute little animals would like to send you a big THANK YOU!

 

[chanelnumber5]

I can't wait until I'm a vegan. Just need to get my parents to get me some non-dairy cheese, completely vegan bread, a stock up on tofu and veggies, and I'll be set to go! I'm so happy to be able to say I don't eat meat, it feels really good. I've always been a fruits-and-vegetables girl rather than a meat-and-junk person as my mum's a health freak, so I think being a vegan won't be a huge deal for me at all I've collected a few good recipes, too. Eee, excited!

Its so great your so excited!! I wish I could go vegan, but my mom says it'll make me sick (which is really silly considering my grandmom was vegan for years and is the healthiest and fittest person I know!).

 

[seanutbutter]

^ My parents refuse to let me go vegan as well. I doubt I'd make a good one anyway; I love yogurt too much!

 

[Deleted member 36123]

^ Same!

 

[cosmogrl5]

I love yogurt too, especially Dannon Fit and Light. Are there any yummy soy yogurts?

 

[Deleted member 36123]

^ That's a good question! I haven't tried any but maybe I should.

Your avatar is really pretty Who is it of? Is it Christy Turlington? (Don't hit me if I'm wrong )