VEGETARIANS - loss of appetite?!
VEGETARIANS - loss of appetite?
Hi. I have a problem. Since becoming vegetarian about 5 weeks ago, I am completely losing my appetite! I've always loved food, and now I can barely stomach a banana.
Initially I was fine. I gave up meat and other animal products but was still able to enjoy some dairy and the occasional egg, but now I can't even enjoy eating cheese-- and I loved cheese.
I've become turned off to food in general. All food. I don't understand what's going on.
I recently watched a lot of PETA videos about how animals are raised and slaughtered, and they devestated me. I'm sure that has something to do with why I can no longer enjoy dairy products, but why is my appetite disappearing altogether?
Answers:
You need to learn about your other options
and use them. Veggie burgers, homemade
lentil burgers, falafel, beans and rice, nuts,
etc. You simply need to get some veggie
cookbooks and start replacing all the things
that you no longer want to eat. Try not be
alarmed. All of us have gone through this.
I think your diet may be completely off-balance and you are lacking some essential nutrients. I'm not saying that a Vegetarian Diet is not good for you, but you should consult with a dietician or your doctor. Talk to the experts.
Good Luck!
When I first went vegetarian, a year ago, I experienced the same problem. This website mentions how loss of iron can cause a lack of appetite- maybe that's what's causing it. If you aren't taking supplments, you should soon.
I'm having the same problem.
I think it's b/c our body's aren't used to not having any protein so its making us loss our appetites.
but I don't really know the real answer to your question. =/
Honey, I can't be sure - but here's an idea:
A major element of appetite, is appeal. Many people who change their lifestyle, know what to git rid of - but not how to replace it. Bad things should be tossed, but good things must replace it - or it will never work. Many vegetarians / vegans don't know what to eat, or how to properly combine or season (that is, prepare) food stuffs. It takes a little research, practice, and some adventure - to figure it out. Until then, the diet is dull, redundant - and therefore, unappealing. Healthy and delicious, do belong in the same sentence; so does equally, if not a little less - expensive. :)
You may have a nutritional imbalance, due to a lack of knowledge, on your part. Be sure to maintain a well-rounded diet. Vitamins show in colors. If you rotate and keep a colorful balance of fruits and vegetables, you can rest assured you are getting what you need. You also need to be sure not to lose vitamins by overcooking vegetables, or saturating in water. They are best cooked on high heat, for just a few minutes - long enough until they are brightened and tender with a little crunch. Sauteed or steamed, is best. And fresh is best; then frozen or dried. Forget the canned junk. As for the protein issue - contrary to popular belief - is not hard to get in a vegetarian/vegan diet. Potatoes, beans, tofu...these are some protein-rich foods...and there are several others I can't remember, right now.
You may also be simply getting used to the idea, of eating to live - and not living to eat. Your body will go through an adjustment period.
It is possible that you have an underlying medical issue - which coincided with your diet change (but unrelated to it) - which is causing the loss of appetite. Are you using diet pills, or on any new medication? Check with your physician, to be safe.
If it is simply a lack of creativity - try expanding your horizons, a little. There are countless fruits, vegetables, grains, herbs, and seasonings - which you most likely, never knew existed. We just know the ones most commonly marketed in our area. Look to foreign cuisines for new ideas and combination of foods. America has one of the most unhealthy diets, in the world. She's trying to do better - but it is inevitable, that staying within her ranks, food-wise - will prove comparatively disappointing, to health-conscious people. Natural foods are the main staples in many foreign countries. They do use some meat and dairy, a few processed goods... but not as the center focus, as Americans do. You will find a health-friendly environment, with them. Some you may want to try: Indian, Middle-Eastern, and Thai.
I hope you this helps, and that you are able to pin the cause of your issue. Take care, sweetie.
It okay, your body is just detoxing. That will end soon. Try Cabbot cheese which is made from vegetarian rennet as opposed to animal rennet (marked "enzymes" on most cheeses. You will adjust. The same thing happened to me, and resolved itsself. See if you can find a local dairy or food co op so you know the milk and dairy products are from well cared for animals. Good luck.
MAYBE YOU SHOULD EAT MEAT YOU FEEL MUCH BETTER. WE ARE MADE TO EAT MEAT.
i think you don't like the food you're eating
i m guessing you're eating salads and bread, and boring stuff
you need to get out and buy a whole bunch of different vegetarian food and try them all, you'll find food you enjoy and you'll be able to stomach them
go find vegetarian resturants or order off the vegetarian menu at resturants, vegetarian food is good
Don't know why your appetite is disappearing as the opposite has happened to me! I never cared much about meat products in the first place.. It was a turn off seeing blooding hamburger or beef on the kitchen counter! All that blood killed my appetite when a meat eater. Now that I'm a vegetarian I eat much more food than I should!
There is one red food that sorta bothers me cause it reminds me of meat.. Beets! But at least I know it's not animal blood so I can eat beets without getting sick on them! I now eat alot of fruit and a lot of pasta probably too much!