I'm sort of a vegetarian, but I don't think I want to be. Who do I listen to: my stomach or my heart?!
Answers: I'm not sure what sparked me to not being able to eat meat, but everytime I try all I think about is this poor animal crying in pain. I gag everytime meat is anywhere close to my mouth. I miss the taste of meat, but I don't think its right. I just don't know what to do. My stomach says eat the meat, but my heart says that animal has emotions too, and it felt pain. And ontop of all this my mom keeps persisting on the cons of being vegetarian: they lack B12, iron defiencies, etc. I don't want to end up ill or even dead because of this, but at the same time I don't think its right. What should I do?
No one is going to be able to convince you one way or the other. Deep down you already know the answer you are looking for. Personally I think if you are repulsed by the thought of eating meat and literally gag if you eat it, than what is the point of eating that. Anything that is going to make you feel terrible for doing it, is not worth the trouble.
If you miss the taste, the easy thing to do is find vegetarian alternatives to you favorite dishes. With a little creativity almost all meals can be made vegetarian. For example when I first went vegetarian I missed foods like tacos, chicken parm, etc. I found that many of the meat substitutes could fix this problem. Tacos could be made with TVP, beans or rice, chicken parm could be made with quorn faux chicken. As my vegetarian recipes increased I no longer missed old favorites, and instead found new ones. While I still use faux meat from time to time, I find I need it less now that I have new favorite meals.
Your mom sounds as if she is not very knowledgeable on vegetarian nutrition and is relying on misinformation. If done properly a vegetarian diet is healthy and nutritionally complete. As long as your diet is varied(like any other way of eating), you are not likely to be deficient in anything. I have never heard of anyone dying of vegetarianism. If you are really worried get a few books on vegetarian nutrition.
You need to go with what you feel is right. If the thought of eating meat really repulses you, you may want to give vegetarianism a little more time. Build up your recipes, find new favorites, rebuild old ones, etc. If you want to eat meat again than it is your choice. Just be sure that your choice is for the right reasons, not because your mom scared you out of it, etc. It needs to be your choice, and no one elses.
both, just east a little bit of meat for a week, then another week or too with no meat at all. thats what i would do in your position, but i can't live without my chicken.
Take daily vitamins. Don't eat the meat. Simple as that.
I would say follow your heart hun.
Go with your heart. Has your mom ever been vegetarian? Your mom doesn't know jack sh*t about veggie health. I miss the taste of meat too but I am not gonna give my money to some sons of b*tches that exploit and plunder.
Your stomach will make you fat, your heart will make you compassionate.
You need to do more research on being a healthy vegetarian. B12 is easily supplemented through dairy, eggs, nutritional yeast, or in pill form. B12 is a byproduct of certain bacteria that lives in dirt, because produce is so heavily washed nowadays, most people get their b12 from the meat they eat (which is heavily supplemented in their food). Iron defiencies are a silly myth. Some vegetarians are deficient but they either have a very unhealthy diet or they are naturally deficient and have to be careful regardless of what they eat. You didn't mention protein defiencies but i'll address that as well. Protein is in nearly ever food. People are in far more danger of consuming too much protein than too little. By eating a plant based diet, you are just getting your protein more effectively than meat eaters. You should read Becoming Vegetarian with your mom. It explains practically everything you need to know in detail. There is a massive amount of nutritional info as well as recipes, advice and a section for people with special needs.
Ill or dead because of being vegetarian?
Where did you hear this nonsense?
How many times have you actually heard of someone dying from NOT eating dead, rotting animal cadavers?
My guess is that you've NEVER heard of anyone dying from being vegetarian.
But we've ALL heard of people dying from heart disease caused by cholesterol.
And do you know what the ONLY source of cholesterol is?
Of course, it's created in our bodies, because after all, we are animals. But as far as food goes, Animal products like meat, cheese and milk are the only places that you will find cholesterol.
Not to mention the diseases that are threatening our world like Avian Flu (caused by raising chickens for meat) and Mad Cow disease.
Have you tried vegetarian/vegan "meat" products? Alot of them taste freakishly similar to real meat products... you should try some of the different varieties to see what your preferences are. Before I became veg, I was a HUGE meat eater... but eating meat alternatives helped me with my meat cravings. Now I'm a huge vegtarian meat-eater lol. And if you diet right, going vegetarian is actually HEALTHIER than eating meat. You have a lower chance of getting a heart attack, stroke, and a lot of other bad stuff. Research how to get all the nutrients you need (it IS possible) and share this with your mom. Not only am I a vegetarian, but I'm actually a vegan... and guess what? Not only am I not dead, but I'm like 10 times healthier than when I ate meat lol. But I think that you should follow your heart... if it says don't eat meat, then don't.
Ok firstly you need to do a bit of research on being a vegetarian. Probably the most important thing to do is relax about your choices. Being a vegetarian is NOT unhealthy. In fact there is a lot of research that states its very healthy for these reasons
Vegetarian foods are a major source of nutrition for most people in the world.
Vegetarians have lower rates of heart disease and some forms of cancer than non-vegetarians.
Vegetarian diets can be simple and easy to prepare.
What are the health benefits of a vegetarian diet?
According to the ADA, vegetarians are at lower risk for developing:
Heart disease
Colorectal, ovarian, and breast cancers
Diabetes
Obesity
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
This is because a healthy vegetarian diet is typically low in fat and high in fiber. However, even a vegetarian diet can be high in fat if it includes excessive amounts of fatty snack foods, fried foods, whole milk dairy products, and eggs. Therefore, a vegetarian diet, like any healthy diet, must be well planned in order to help prevent and treat certain diseases.
Are there any health risks in becoming a vegetarian?
Though being a vegetarian can be a healthy lifestyle, care needs to be taken that this is not a step towards a generally more restrictive, disordered eating pattern. Be sure you fully understand why you are choosing vegetarianism.
Do vegetarians get proper nutrition?
The key to any healthy diet is to choose a wide variety of foods, and to consume enough calories to meet your energy needs. It is important for vegetarians to pay attention to these five categories in particular.
Protein
Protein is found in both plant foods and animal foods. The ADA has said that it is NOT necessary to combine specific foods within a meal in order to "complete" the amino acids profile of the proteins found in plant foods. Eating a wide variety of foods and enough calories during the day will fulfill your protein needs. Good sources of protein include whole grains, lentils, beans, tofu, low-fat dairy products, nuts, seeds, tempeh, eggs, and peas.
Calcium
The ADA recommends consuming at least 1300 mg of calcium per day - the equivalent of over 4 cups of milk or yogurt! Vegetarians can meet their calcium needs if they consume adequate amounts of low-fat and fat-free dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Calcium is also found in many plant foods including dark, leafy greens (e.g. spinach, kale, mustard, collard and turnip greens, and bok choy), broccoli, beans, dried figs, and sunflower seeds, as well as in calcium-fortified cereals, cereal bars and some juices.
Vegans (people who don't eat any animal products) must strive to meet their daily calcium requirements by regularly including these plant sources of calcium in their diets. Many soy milk products are fortified with calcium, but be sure to check the label for this. You can also include a calcium supplement in your diet, which is available at the pharmacy in Health Services.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your body absorb and use calcium. There are few foods that are naturally high in vitamin D, though. Therefore, dairy products in the US are fortified with vitamin D. Many soy milk products are also fortified with vitamin D. Your body can make its own vitamin D, but only when the skin is exposed to adequate sunlight (but that can have its own risks). People who do not consume dairy products and who do not receive direct exposure to sunlight regularly should consider taking supplemental vitamin D. This supplement should contain no more than 100% of the Recommended Daily Value, however, because larger doses can be dangerous. Both multivitamin supplements and calcium supplements with vitamin D are available at the pharmacy in Health Services
Iron
Iron-fortified breads and cereals, dark green vegetables (e.g. spinach and broccoli), dried fruits, prune juice, blackstrap molasses, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and soybean nuts are good plant sources of iron. Consuming foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits or juices, tomatoes, and green peppers helps your body absorb iron from these plant sources. Cooking food in iron pots and pans will also add to your iron intake.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is produced in animals and by bacteria in the soil. Vegetarians who consume dairy products and/or eggs usually get enough B-12 since it is found in these foods. Vegans, however, should add vitamin B-12 fortified soy milk to their diets. Regularly taking a broad-spectrum multivitamin and mineral supplement (available at the pharmacy in Health Services) will also supply the necessary amount of B-12.
http://www.brown.edu/Student_Services/He...
another great site http://www.vrg.org/
Why are people vegetarians?
People are vegetarians for many reasons, including concern for personal health and the environment, economic and world hunger concerns, compassion for animals, belief in nonviolence, food preferences, or spiritual reasons. People may become vegetarians for one reason, and then later on adopt some of the other reasons as well.
if you want to why not be a semi vegetarian eat a bit of fish until you feel more comfortable. I would recommend you read up on some sites.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~rabbit/vegm...
http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/
http://www.hindhttp://www.theppk.com/uonnet.com/mag/200...
http://www.d-vegetarian.com/blog/
http://www.vrg.org/
http://www.vegsoc.org/cordonvert/recipes...
http://www.vegweb.com/
i hope these help you. there are fake meats you can eat. good luck
EDIT Steven B " (Genesis 1:29-31): 'Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground-- everything that has the breath of life in it-- I give every green plant for food." And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.' (NIV) Let no animal suffer or die that we may live! (d-29)
http://www.all-creatures.org/recipes/sou...
I would just like to add here that NOBODY has ever died of being a vegetarian but the statistics on food poisoning is absolutely amazing - poisons and death due to contaminated meat, salami, corned beef, chicken, contaomnated take away food with meat in it. That is not to mention the heart disease and obesity problems due to eating to much meat.
I've been a Vegetarian for a little over a year now (before that I only ate turkey so it wasn't a big loss). I discovered a brand called Yves, they seriously make great simulations of meat using soy and the such, and IMO they honestly taste better. PC also makes some great veggie "meats." I have veggie "chicken" nuggets, and I can't even tell a difference, same with veggie burgers.
Go with your heart. Non vegetarians do not understand us. I do not lack B12 or iron, in fact I get probably more of that then non vegeterians do! The fact is, ANYONE can lack a certain thing if they eat unwisely. Even meat eaters. I have veggie dogs, and looking at the nutrition facts right now, they have more iron and protein then a regular hot dog does!
I am a lacto-ovo vegetarian, so I still eat dairy products. Vegetarians also do not have to worry about getting mad cow disease or the health risks from eating red meat. Plus being a Vegetarian, you probably eat more veggies and fruits then non veggies. Always a plus. ;)
If you decide to be a vegetarian, stay strong with it. It's hard for the first while, but mostly that comes from people around you who aren't vegetarians. Nobody in my family is a vegetarian, and I got the whole, "try some fish, it's not meat" speech. I NEVER liked fish to begin with and it IS meat.
I don't care one way or the other what you eat but if eating meat is making you gag and feel bad, then don't. Since there are so many food alternatives to choose from, eating something that makes you feel bad in any way doesn't make sense does it? Emotional well being is just as important as physiological well being. Hunger can be "cured" by just filling the stomach with something substantial and nutritious. And food cravings will eventually fade away. But emotional distress can take something a lot more.
follow your heart, food will come and food will go, its only your taste buds, you shouldn't eat animals, its bad.... =(
I think you shoul listen to your heart. All diets are going to be hard to stick with when you first start off, but eventually you'll adjust to it and you'll never have the urge to eat meat again. However, if you REALLY think you cant go another minute without meat, i guess you can go ahead and have some. Or better yet, you can limit how much meat you eat daily/weekly/ or monthly. You can occasionally eat some meat when you really want it.
And vegetarians do get a lot of protein. Omnivores consume 4x the amount of protein that is needed, while vegetarians consume 2x. It is a huge big fat rumor that vegetarians dont get enough protein, B12, or Omega 3 fatty acids. You just need to know how to substitute the meat out with other products (lol it really isn't that hard). OH!!! i have another idea, you can always eat soy meat instead of regular meat if you are missing the taste. It tastes just like the real thing (so Ive heard) and it has a good amount of protein. Oh yea, iron can be obtained in a lot of foods. Look at the cereal in your pantry and see how much iron it contains (lol this wont work if you eat sugary cereals lol). Breakfast cereal usually has a lot of iron in it.
-i hope i helped and i hope you are happy with your choice.
Follow your heart. If you truly believe somethings wrong, don't do it, or endorse in it. You just saw how they were treating those poor cows in California. I don't think it's right. Mothers of many animals take care of their young and try to protect them and isn't that what humans do too? How would you feel if someone you loved was taken for someone else to eat, when there was other things to eat (vegetables, soy, tofu).... Try to take either vitamins that give things you lac or eat more protein foods that have the things you need... If you do things right you could very well be very healthy. I'm thirteen and have been a vegetarian for six years now... and my doctor said I'm as healthy as can be, and I'm so glad. Follow your heart. =] Believe in your beliefs, stay strong, do what's right for you.....
Veganism is very much a personal decision.
It is very possible to be a healthy happy vegan. Some of the top athletes are vegan. (Vegetarianism is a bit of a cop out because dairy cows suffer even more than meat-producing cows. Also some people don't really that male calves become veal eventually...after much suffering.)
Animals should be respected and have the right to live a happy life. They are not on this earth for us to exploit.
May I direct you to two podcasts which I have found very helpful:
1) Vegetarian Food for Thought" by Colleen Patrick Goudreau
2) "Veganfreak radio" by Bob & Jenna Torres.
They are both entertaining and informative.
Best Wishes
Follow your heart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...
Vote me best answer!!!!!! = )
eat healthy food shawty.
meet is good and all that vegy shiet is all new-age.
people have been eating meat for ages. why stop now?
eat the meat. animals are cute but if it's already dead, eat it!
god put animals on this planet for us to eat, yeah im sure that the animal felt pain when it was killed for the meat but it only felt pain until it was dead which took maybe 2 seconds. eat what you want.