Tips for a beginner vegetarian?!
I'm thinking about ending my meat consumption for the lives of animals, and the "green" effect it has on our planet!.
But my questions are:
Will I get enough (good tasting) protein!?
Will I have meat cravings!? ;)
Are vege burgers even good!?
Is there tofu that tastes okay!? (I can't stand the texture)
A lot of this is opinion stuff, so I'd like to hear about experiences you've had with vegetarian food, etc!.
also, I'm not going vegan yet, (just one step at a time!) but I would like to know if anyone thinks soy milk tastes good!? I've heard it's an acquired taste!.
Thanks for answering my silly questions!. :)Www@FoodAQ@Com
But my questions are:
Will I get enough (good tasting) protein!?
Will I have meat cravings!? ;)
Are vege burgers even good!?
Is there tofu that tastes okay!? (I can't stand the texture)
A lot of this is opinion stuff, so I'd like to hear about experiences you've had with vegetarian food, etc!.
also, I'm not going vegan yet, (just one step at a time!) but I would like to know if anyone thinks soy milk tastes good!? I've heard it's an acquired taste!.
Thanks for answering my silly questions!. :)Www@FoodAQ@Com
Answers:
Yes, you will get enough good tasting protein!. There are many substitute meats out there! For sandwiches and stuff like that, there is Tofurkey, and there are also some vegetarian hams at Asian markets (in my area, at least)!. And tofu is a great source of protein as well, and don't forget your leafy green vegetables!.
Be sure to eat plenty of nuts, and make sure it's a variety!. Walnuts and almonds are key; I usually have a few handfuls a week!.
You probably will have cravings, but it just depends; did you really like meat before you became a vegetarian!? Some people didn't really like meat, so they didn't experience much cravings!. It could be different for you though!. I can't really relate on this one, since I have never really had meat!.
Yes, veggie burgers are good! =)
here is a list of different brands for you to choose from: http://vegetarian!.about!.com/od/guideprod!.!.!.
I personally have not tried all of them, but I have had Bocca and Amy's and I like them!. I also love making portabella (or is it portobello!? I can never remember) mushroom burgers!. Ask me for the recipe if you'd like; I know it sounds odd, but it's really great!
Yes, tofu is great! The thing is that you have to do something with it; it is kind of pointless to eat it as is!. Tofu absorbs the flavours of whatever spices you put in your recipe!. You can fry it, scramble it, or put it in a vegetable stir-fry!. My friend even uses the silken kind to make vegan chocolate cream pie (I had no idea!.!.and it was really great!. This is because tofu takes on whatever flavours you want it to, if you season it, etc!.)
Here are some sites to give you ideas:
http://allrecipes!.com/Recipes/Everyday-C!.!.!.
http://www!.theppk!.com/recipes/
I find it helpful to read the reviews before starting to make the dish!. =)
I am very glad that you are taking this step out of your concern for our planet! It's ok if you're not going vegan yet (at least you said 'yet', that is a sign that you are open-minded and willing); one step at a time is great!.
And, to answer your question about soy milk, I think soy milk tastes good!. I don't like to drink the plain kind (I do use it in certain recipes though), but I like the vanilla and chocolate kind! Wal-mart has soy milk (in their dairy section!.!.kind of ironic, but it's easy to find)!. also, if you don't like soy milk, you could try rice or almond milk!.
If you ever need help or suggestions on recipes (sometimes the online recipe databases have too much and it's overwhelming, or sometimes there's no reviews so you're not sure if it's trustworthy), you can always email me!. Or if you can't decide what to make, I could help you with that too!. haha!. Or if you are craving a certain kind of dish, you get the idea!. I am here to help you if you ever need it, please remember that!. =]Www@FoodAQ@Com
Be sure to eat plenty of nuts, and make sure it's a variety!. Walnuts and almonds are key; I usually have a few handfuls a week!.
You probably will have cravings, but it just depends; did you really like meat before you became a vegetarian!? Some people didn't really like meat, so they didn't experience much cravings!. It could be different for you though!. I can't really relate on this one, since I have never really had meat!.
Yes, veggie burgers are good! =)
here is a list of different brands for you to choose from: http://vegetarian!.about!.com/od/guideprod!.!.!.
I personally have not tried all of them, but I have had Bocca and Amy's and I like them!. I also love making portabella (or is it portobello!? I can never remember) mushroom burgers!. Ask me for the recipe if you'd like; I know it sounds odd, but it's really great!
Yes, tofu is great! The thing is that you have to do something with it; it is kind of pointless to eat it as is!. Tofu absorbs the flavours of whatever spices you put in your recipe!. You can fry it, scramble it, or put it in a vegetable stir-fry!. My friend even uses the silken kind to make vegan chocolate cream pie (I had no idea!.!.and it was really great!. This is because tofu takes on whatever flavours you want it to, if you season it, etc!.)
Here are some sites to give you ideas:
http://allrecipes!.com/Recipes/Everyday-C!.!.!.
http://www!.theppk!.com/recipes/
I find it helpful to read the reviews before starting to make the dish!. =)
I am very glad that you are taking this step out of your concern for our planet! It's ok if you're not going vegan yet (at least you said 'yet', that is a sign that you are open-minded and willing); one step at a time is great!.
And, to answer your question about soy milk, I think soy milk tastes good!. I don't like to drink the plain kind (I do use it in certain recipes though), but I like the vanilla and chocolate kind! Wal-mart has soy milk (in their dairy section!.!.kind of ironic, but it's easy to find)!. also, if you don't like soy milk, you could try rice or almond milk!.
If you ever need help or suggestions on recipes (sometimes the online recipe databases have too much and it's overwhelming, or sometimes there's no reviews so you're not sure if it's trustworthy), you can always email me!. Or if you can't decide what to make, I could help you with that too!. haha!. Or if you are craving a certain kind of dish, you get the idea!. I am here to help you if you ever need it, please remember that!. =]Www@FoodAQ@Com
Lacto-vegetarian (no meat/eggs, but consumed dairy) since childhood,
vegan of a year and a half or so!. I have the experience, haha!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
vegan of a year and a half or so!. I have the experience, haha!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
- yes you can have enough protien!. peanut-butter is a sunstitution for meat so eat a lot of that
-vege burgers taste just like the real thing
- you may have meat cravings but just remember why you became a vegetraian and they will stop
- no, theres no tofu that tastes okWww@FoodAQ@Com
-vege burgers taste just like the real thing
- you may have meat cravings but just remember why you became a vegetraian and they will stop
- no, theres no tofu that tastes okWww@FoodAQ@Com
Good tasting protein!?!.!.!.not sure!. You'll probably have meat cravings, i mean if its your first time in all, then yeah!. vegie burgers!.!.!.0!.o and i've tasted soy milk!.!.!.and to be honest, it taste terrible! blahhh, but thats great that your going vegetarian! good luck!. :)Www@FoodAQ@Com
It's really easy to get enough protein without eating the flesh of animals!.
I did my conversion in steps!. I'm still converting although veggie 95% of the time!.
First, I started eliminating animal flesh decreasing portion sizes while increasing veggie amounts and alternate sources of proteins!.!.!.I used lentils alot in cooking!.
Then I worked to have days where if I ate an animal it was only at one meal a day!. So, if I had tuna for lunch, my dinner would be vegetarian!.
I worked toward replacing red meat substituting fish (mostly salmon & tuna or other environmentally sound fish), eggs, legumes or nuts!.
Then, worked toward eliminating poultry except for Thanksgiving!. I had trouble giving up turkey although I didn't ever eat much bird, mostly fixings on the day!. I finally conquered my annual novemer turkey habit after learning how turkeys are raised and what they are fed!.
Most of my daily meals are vegetarian!. I eat a variety of fruits, and vegetables in season and cook veggie chile, and spagetti sauces, and soups on weekends that I freeze for easy reheating during the week!.
I will eat eggs!. I always liked an eggs breakfast even for supper more than a hamburger!.
I don't drink milk, neither soy, nor dairy!. I have tired it and it is an acquired taste!.
I do use hard cheeses and plain yogurt as condiments!.
And, I love most (but not all) mushrooms which makes an excellent meat replacement in some dishes!.
A marinated large portabella mushroom with carmelized onions makes a great substitute for a burger!. At least for me!. So does eggplant!.
Quinoa is a good high protein grain that makes some interesting pilafs or salad like side dishes!.
There are other grains as well that have higher protein than just wheat!.
I think variety is the best solution!. And experimenting with recipes to find was tastiest and easiest for you!.
My journey to a veggie diet to me toward more natural and whole foods and away from processed foods!. So I instictually avoided using alot of veggie burgers and fake meats as I see them as overly processed & something I personally wanted to avoid!.
As well, I had concerns about our domestic soy!. If I eat it, I use organic tofu or soy nuts only!. Soy in the US is one of the grain crops most subjected to high pesticides and fungicides use!. It is one of the top 5 unlabled genetically modified foods in our food supply!. Its my personal choice to avoid gmo foods!.
I'm not afraid of scientific advancement but I do have problems being used by a guinea pig with out being asked!. I don't think altering the dna of food with non species dna has been adequately tested to be on the market!. So, when I can I avoid those crops!. Sorry for the tangent!.
I never had meat cravings, however, many do, especially if going to a restaurant with friends and they are ordering prime rib or something you once enjoyed!.
I get most of my protein from legumes and different sources of beans, also some nuts, and eggs, grains, and veggies!. I especially like using the different types of lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and white beans!.
As I said before I personally don't care for soy products and don't often use them!.
However, when I do use tofu (organic), it is useful, because it will take on any flavor you use to season it very easily!. Its just a matter of finding the proper consistance for what you are making: soft, firm, etc!.
I do eat organic fresh or frozen edame!. Its actually pretty tasty!.
On holidays, I will sometimes use orgainic milk in recipes!. Since I rarely buy it, buying organic occasionaly for a recipe doesn't bother me too much!. After all, I will grate either reggiano or asiago cheese over my spaghetti!. I've just lowered by dairy consumption to a condiment level not eliminated it!.
I'm been adventurous in finding tasty dishes trying mediteranean chickpea salads, Indian curry dishes, thai curries & stir fries, central and south american bean dishes, slavic lentil pilafs with mushrooms and the various other alternative protein dishes that have existed across cultures for a long time!. New to me but tested across time!.
I didn't see the point in eating fake meat, if I was going vegetarian so just went looking for non-meat dishes I would like to eat instead!.
One example of my transition: I went from eating cheeseburgers to hamburgers (lower fat) to grilled chicken to salmon cake burgers (homemade) to grilled eggplant sandwiches or grilled portabella & tomato sandwiches!.
So for me, no problem finding good tasting protein!.
I didn't have meat cravings!. But, milk cravings!.
I don't eat processed 'veggie' burgers
Yes, tofu takes on any flavor you want it to have and textures vary!.
Some like to terriyaki their tofu, which you might like!.
There are also other type of 'milks' on the market that can be used in recipes!.!.!. almond milk, rice milk, etc!.
For me it was easier to just avoid milk most of the time!.
I don't think it'd be possibWww@FoodAQ@Com
I did my conversion in steps!. I'm still converting although veggie 95% of the time!.
First, I started eliminating animal flesh decreasing portion sizes while increasing veggie amounts and alternate sources of proteins!.!.!.I used lentils alot in cooking!.
Then I worked to have days where if I ate an animal it was only at one meal a day!. So, if I had tuna for lunch, my dinner would be vegetarian!.
I worked toward replacing red meat substituting fish (mostly salmon & tuna or other environmentally sound fish), eggs, legumes or nuts!.
Then, worked toward eliminating poultry except for Thanksgiving!. I had trouble giving up turkey although I didn't ever eat much bird, mostly fixings on the day!. I finally conquered my annual novemer turkey habit after learning how turkeys are raised and what they are fed!.
Most of my daily meals are vegetarian!. I eat a variety of fruits, and vegetables in season and cook veggie chile, and spagetti sauces, and soups on weekends that I freeze for easy reheating during the week!.
I will eat eggs!. I always liked an eggs breakfast even for supper more than a hamburger!.
I don't drink milk, neither soy, nor dairy!. I have tired it and it is an acquired taste!.
I do use hard cheeses and plain yogurt as condiments!.
And, I love most (but not all) mushrooms which makes an excellent meat replacement in some dishes!.
A marinated large portabella mushroom with carmelized onions makes a great substitute for a burger!. At least for me!. So does eggplant!.
Quinoa is a good high protein grain that makes some interesting pilafs or salad like side dishes!.
There are other grains as well that have higher protein than just wheat!.
I think variety is the best solution!. And experimenting with recipes to find was tastiest and easiest for you!.
My journey to a veggie diet to me toward more natural and whole foods and away from processed foods!. So I instictually avoided using alot of veggie burgers and fake meats as I see them as overly processed & something I personally wanted to avoid!.
As well, I had concerns about our domestic soy!. If I eat it, I use organic tofu or soy nuts only!. Soy in the US is one of the grain crops most subjected to high pesticides and fungicides use!. It is one of the top 5 unlabled genetically modified foods in our food supply!. Its my personal choice to avoid gmo foods!.
I'm not afraid of scientific advancement but I do have problems being used by a guinea pig with out being asked!. I don't think altering the dna of food with non species dna has been adequately tested to be on the market!. So, when I can I avoid those crops!. Sorry for the tangent!.
I never had meat cravings, however, many do, especially if going to a restaurant with friends and they are ordering prime rib or something you once enjoyed!.
I get most of my protein from legumes and different sources of beans, also some nuts, and eggs, grains, and veggies!. I especially like using the different types of lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and white beans!.
As I said before I personally don't care for soy products and don't often use them!.
However, when I do use tofu (organic), it is useful, because it will take on any flavor you use to season it very easily!. Its just a matter of finding the proper consistance for what you are making: soft, firm, etc!.
I do eat organic fresh or frozen edame!. Its actually pretty tasty!.
On holidays, I will sometimes use orgainic milk in recipes!. Since I rarely buy it, buying organic occasionaly for a recipe doesn't bother me too much!. After all, I will grate either reggiano or asiago cheese over my spaghetti!. I've just lowered by dairy consumption to a condiment level not eliminated it!.
I'm been adventurous in finding tasty dishes trying mediteranean chickpea salads, Indian curry dishes, thai curries & stir fries, central and south american bean dishes, slavic lentil pilafs with mushrooms and the various other alternative protein dishes that have existed across cultures for a long time!. New to me but tested across time!.
I didn't see the point in eating fake meat, if I was going vegetarian so just went looking for non-meat dishes I would like to eat instead!.
One example of my transition: I went from eating cheeseburgers to hamburgers (lower fat) to grilled chicken to salmon cake burgers (homemade) to grilled eggplant sandwiches or grilled portabella & tomato sandwiches!.
So for me, no problem finding good tasting protein!.
I didn't have meat cravings!. But, milk cravings!.
I don't eat processed 'veggie' burgers
Yes, tofu takes on any flavor you want it to have and textures vary!.
Some like to terriyaki their tofu, which you might like!.
There are also other type of 'milks' on the market that can be used in recipes!.!.!. almond milk, rice milk, etc!.
For me it was easier to just avoid milk most of the time!.
I don't think it'd be possibWww@FoodAQ@Com
OMG! OMG! Being a vegetarian rocks!. Been one most my life! You will get enough protein if you eat right, Vege foods like Morning Star products have all sorts of nutrients and so does Boca!. Boca Generally has less calories than Morning Star though!. Meat cravings will happen so it is best to stay away from the fridge if there is any meat in it!. You can get lots of nutrients from other things than fruit and vegetable like Total cereals, fruit bars, vegetable juice!. Yogurt has lots of calcium and protein!. Soy milk is delicious once you get past switching from regular milk from a cow!. Just keep telling yourself it taste good!. The vege sausages patties and link are really delicious!. Have fun!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Congratulations to you for thinking about the animals! What a wonderful reason to go veg! The animals thank you, too! You are definitely right about it being a good thing to do about the green effect on our planet!.
This is key!.!.!.go to the store and buy TVP, which is textured vegetable protein!. It's amazing!. You have to rehydrate it by adding some boiling water, and it becomes like ground chicken!. It has SO much protein!. You can make "chicken salad" with it just like you would with meat by adding some mayo or veganaise, and onions, pickles, whatever you used to add to meat!.!.it's so yummy! Even my meat eating friends love it! (If you can find some dried kelp powder it will taste like tuna!) Anyway, you can make chili with it, tacos, whatever!. It's really good!.
Don't think of meat cravings as meat cravings, if that makes any sense!. If you can find substitutes for things, you won't have cravings!. It's just a matter of looking! As mentioned above, there are more and more options becoming available to vegetarians, even in the regular grocery stores like Giant, etc!. Boca burgers, etc!.!.!. and Morningstar burgers, etc!.!.!.are so good! Check out that section in your store and experiment!. Some things will taste better than others, as with anything in life!. Same with soymilk!. It sure is an acquired taste!. I hated it in the beginining, but now I love it, and even crave it!. (I actually put ice cubes in it, I like it REALLY cold, and I buy Silk brand!.!.!.the one in the green container that is unsweetened!. To me that one tasted the most like milk in the beginning!. Now my other meat eating family members drink it and love it after getting used to it being the only milk in the house!
Tofu out of the package doesn't taste so good, really!. I like it because I got used to it-I sprinkle salt on it and am happy!. Tofu absorbs the tastes of whatever you cook it in which can make it delicious! EXperiment with different sauces and you'll be pleasantly surprised! Try going to a Chinese restaurant and ordering one of the "bean curd" dishes, which is what tofu is!.!.!.you'll see how scrumptious it can be!
Yes, it all takes time!. Yes a lot of it is acquired taste!. I hope you have a Whole Foods Market near you, I can't imagine not!. They have vegetarian lunchmeats and everything and the breads in their bakery are vegan and delicious, and they use cage free hen eggs, and their salad and hot foods bar has many veg options, most of which are realy delcicious!
I'm so happy and proud of you for trying to go veg, and recognizing that it will be one step at a time, because it will!. Whenever you feel like a relapse coming on, go to meetyourmeat!.org for a refresher of why you want to go veg!.
You're an awesome, caring person and I applaud you!Www@FoodAQ@Com
This is key!.!.!.go to the store and buy TVP, which is textured vegetable protein!. It's amazing!. You have to rehydrate it by adding some boiling water, and it becomes like ground chicken!. It has SO much protein!. You can make "chicken salad" with it just like you would with meat by adding some mayo or veganaise, and onions, pickles, whatever you used to add to meat!.!.it's so yummy! Even my meat eating friends love it! (If you can find some dried kelp powder it will taste like tuna!) Anyway, you can make chili with it, tacos, whatever!. It's really good!.
Don't think of meat cravings as meat cravings, if that makes any sense!. If you can find substitutes for things, you won't have cravings!. It's just a matter of looking! As mentioned above, there are more and more options becoming available to vegetarians, even in the regular grocery stores like Giant, etc!. Boca burgers, etc!.!.!. and Morningstar burgers, etc!.!.!.are so good! Check out that section in your store and experiment!. Some things will taste better than others, as with anything in life!. Same with soymilk!. It sure is an acquired taste!. I hated it in the beginining, but now I love it, and even crave it!. (I actually put ice cubes in it, I like it REALLY cold, and I buy Silk brand!.!.!.the one in the green container that is unsweetened!. To me that one tasted the most like milk in the beginning!. Now my other meat eating family members drink it and love it after getting used to it being the only milk in the house!
Tofu out of the package doesn't taste so good, really!. I like it because I got used to it-I sprinkle salt on it and am happy!. Tofu absorbs the tastes of whatever you cook it in which can make it delicious! EXperiment with different sauces and you'll be pleasantly surprised! Try going to a Chinese restaurant and ordering one of the "bean curd" dishes, which is what tofu is!.!.!.you'll see how scrumptious it can be!
Yes, it all takes time!. Yes a lot of it is acquired taste!. I hope you have a Whole Foods Market near you, I can't imagine not!. They have vegetarian lunchmeats and everything and the breads in their bakery are vegan and delicious, and they use cage free hen eggs, and their salad and hot foods bar has many veg options, most of which are realy delcicious!
I'm so happy and proud of you for trying to go veg, and recognizing that it will be one step at a time, because it will!. Whenever you feel like a relapse coming on, go to meetyourmeat!.org for a refresher of why you want to go veg!.
You're an awesome, caring person and I applaud you!Www@FoodAQ@Com
Yeah, protein is very, very easy to find!.
Yeah, you'll probably have cravings!. That's the time when you go out and buy a box of some mock meat product, and eat one while playing with a pet!.
There are a lot of sucky vegetarian-meat products!. I only eat Boca and Morning Star brands, they're really good!. I love the fake chicken, the mushroom mozzerella burgers, and the crumbles (ground beef) are really handy!.
Sorry, but I haven't had tofu yet (never seen it in the store)!. I've heard that it's really good if you marinate it over night then cook it with a lot of spices!. That's all I've got for you on that though!.
My experience with vegetarian foods!.!.!.
Well, white rice is really good with some Mrs!. Dash garlic and herbs sprinkled on it!.
Pasta Roni fettuccine alfredo is amazing!. I used to like the chicken kind, but the plain kind comes guilt free!.
Just say no to off brand mock-meats!.
Spinach is only good fresh, trust me!.
Peanut butter has a lot of fat!. I forget the brand name, but I did find a jar of low fat peanut butter, and it's still good!.
Trail mix is good-- dried fruit for iron, nuts for protein, and granola for!.!.!. well, not quite sure, but it is good for you and yummy!
I've lost a lot of weight, and I didn't even need to!. I'm still at a perfectly healthy weight though, but just thought I'd let you know that you may need new pants in a few months!.
I used to have acid-reflux, but after a bit of being vegetarian it went away!. Meat obviously hated my digestive track!.
And I love soy milk!. When I first went vegetarian my mom went out and got a half gallon for protein, and I got a glass!. It was the first time I'd ever drank it and I thought it was awesome!. And it didn't make me sick like real milk would (lactose-intolerant)!.
And here's some handy diet tips:
-PROTEIN
Plant proteins should provide for you enough, as long as you make sure your calorie intake is high enough for your energy needs!.
-MORE AMINO ACIDS
If plant proteins simply aren't enough, try eating whole grains, nuts or seeds!.
-IRON
If you're not totally vegan, egg yolk provides iron well!. However, dried beans, dried fruits, and spinach are good sources as well!.
-VITAMIN B 12
This only comes naturally from animals!. It can be found in some fortified (not enriched) breakfast cereals such as Total and some brands of nutritional brewer's yeast, or in supplements!.
-VITAMIN D
You will need a reliable vitamin D source!. If you don't get a lot of sunlight, you'll probably need a supplement!.
-CALCIUM
Studies have shown that vegetarians absorb and retain more calcium than meat eaters!. Cool, huh!? Calcium can be found in greens such as spinach, kale and broccoli, and some legumes and soybean products!.
-ZINC
Grains, nuts and legumes are good sources!. If you chose to take a supplement, be sure to pick supplements containing no more than 15-18 mg zinc!. Supplements containing 50 mg or more may lower HDL ("good") cholesterol in some people!.
--And some more tips--
Keep your intake of sweets and fatty foods to a minimum!. These foods are low in nutrients and high in calories!.
Choose whole or unrefined grain products when possible, or use fortified or enriched cereal products!.
Use a variety of fruits and vegetables, including foods that are good sources of vitamins A and C!.
If you use milk or dairy products, choose fat-free/nonfat and low-fat varieties!.
Eggs are high in cholesterol (213 mg per yolk), so monitor your use of them!. Limit your cholesterol intake to no more than 300 mg per day!.
So that's all I've got for you!. Good luck :]Www@FoodAQ@Com
Yeah, you'll probably have cravings!. That's the time when you go out and buy a box of some mock meat product, and eat one while playing with a pet!.
There are a lot of sucky vegetarian-meat products!. I only eat Boca and Morning Star brands, they're really good!. I love the fake chicken, the mushroom mozzerella burgers, and the crumbles (ground beef) are really handy!.
Sorry, but I haven't had tofu yet (never seen it in the store)!. I've heard that it's really good if you marinate it over night then cook it with a lot of spices!. That's all I've got for you on that though!.
My experience with vegetarian foods!.!.!.
Well, white rice is really good with some Mrs!. Dash garlic and herbs sprinkled on it!.
Pasta Roni fettuccine alfredo is amazing!. I used to like the chicken kind, but the plain kind comes guilt free!.
Just say no to off brand mock-meats!.
Spinach is only good fresh, trust me!.
Peanut butter has a lot of fat!. I forget the brand name, but I did find a jar of low fat peanut butter, and it's still good!.
Trail mix is good-- dried fruit for iron, nuts for protein, and granola for!.!.!. well, not quite sure, but it is good for you and yummy!
I've lost a lot of weight, and I didn't even need to!. I'm still at a perfectly healthy weight though, but just thought I'd let you know that you may need new pants in a few months!.
I used to have acid-reflux, but after a bit of being vegetarian it went away!. Meat obviously hated my digestive track!.
And I love soy milk!. When I first went vegetarian my mom went out and got a half gallon for protein, and I got a glass!. It was the first time I'd ever drank it and I thought it was awesome!. And it didn't make me sick like real milk would (lactose-intolerant)!.
And here's some handy diet tips:
-PROTEIN
Plant proteins should provide for you enough, as long as you make sure your calorie intake is high enough for your energy needs!.
-MORE AMINO ACIDS
If plant proteins simply aren't enough, try eating whole grains, nuts or seeds!.
-IRON
If you're not totally vegan, egg yolk provides iron well!. However, dried beans, dried fruits, and spinach are good sources as well!.
-VITAMIN B 12
This only comes naturally from animals!. It can be found in some fortified (not enriched) breakfast cereals such as Total and some brands of nutritional brewer's yeast, or in supplements!.
-VITAMIN D
You will need a reliable vitamin D source!. If you don't get a lot of sunlight, you'll probably need a supplement!.
-CALCIUM
Studies have shown that vegetarians absorb and retain more calcium than meat eaters!. Cool, huh!? Calcium can be found in greens such as spinach, kale and broccoli, and some legumes and soybean products!.
-ZINC
Grains, nuts and legumes are good sources!. If you chose to take a supplement, be sure to pick supplements containing no more than 15-18 mg zinc!. Supplements containing 50 mg or more may lower HDL ("good") cholesterol in some people!.
--And some more tips--
Keep your intake of sweets and fatty foods to a minimum!. These foods are low in nutrients and high in calories!.
Choose whole or unrefined grain products when possible, or use fortified or enriched cereal products!.
Use a variety of fruits and vegetables, including foods that are good sources of vitamins A and C!.
If you use milk or dairy products, choose fat-free/nonfat and low-fat varieties!.
Eggs are high in cholesterol (213 mg per yolk), so monitor your use of them!. Limit your cholesterol intake to no more than 300 mg per day!.
So that's all I've got for you!. Good luck :]Www@FoodAQ@Com
http://www!.americanheart!.org/presenter!.j!.!.!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Peanut butter is delicious protein, as is soy milk!.
There are lots of tofu desserts available at any kind of grocery store, for a sweet tooth you aren't into plain tofu!.
Meat cravings are usual, solve them by chewing gum(it helps get your mind off of it)
Veggie burgers are surprisingly delicous, and another good source of protein!. Try them with pineapples, you'll love it!.
At a Korean mart there is Soon Tofu(very soft, almost like creme brulee), or very hard ones!. My friend hates them too, but if you mash them up and put it in your salad with cheese(if you eat it), or in your mashed potatoes, it'll be fineWww@FoodAQ@Com
There are lots of tofu desserts available at any kind of grocery store, for a sweet tooth you aren't into plain tofu!.
Meat cravings are usual, solve them by chewing gum(it helps get your mind off of it)
Veggie burgers are surprisingly delicous, and another good source of protein!. Try them with pineapples, you'll love it!.
At a Korean mart there is Soon Tofu(very soft, almost like creme brulee), or very hard ones!. My friend hates them too, but if you mash them up and put it in your salad with cheese(if you eat it), or in your mashed potatoes, it'll be fineWww@FoodAQ@Com
I'm a semi-pesceterian as well as a friend of many vegansWww@FoodAQ@Com
Hiya :) I've been a vegetarian for half a year, trust me, it's really not that hard, especially if you like vegetables and fruits!.
1) You'll definitely get enough protein!. Stuff like peanut butter is a really good source of protein as well as tofu!.
2) I have never had a meat craving since I've become a vegetarian!. Sometimes I'll see people eating meat, though, and be like I wonder what that tastes like!. After a while, I don't even remember anymore!.
3) Veggie burgers are really good :) Especially from Burger King! Haha, they aren't on the drive-through menu, but they have them haha!. :)
4) Tofu does taste okay, actually!. Sometimes even good!.
I'm not vegan either, I think it'd be really hard to go vegan!. I don't eat eggs, though, and I think soy milk tastes good!. But it is an acquired taste, you have to get used to it!. One more thing - if you're worried about being low on protein or iron, you can always get your doctor to issue you pills for them!. I don't personally take them, but I have one or two fellow veggie friends that do!. :)
Good luck on your decision (: Hope I helped!Www@FoodAQ@Com
1) You'll definitely get enough protein!. Stuff like peanut butter is a really good source of protein as well as tofu!.
2) I have never had a meat craving since I've become a vegetarian!. Sometimes I'll see people eating meat, though, and be like I wonder what that tastes like!. After a while, I don't even remember anymore!.
3) Veggie burgers are really good :) Especially from Burger King! Haha, they aren't on the drive-through menu, but they have them haha!. :)
4) Tofu does taste okay, actually!. Sometimes even good!.
I'm not vegan either, I think it'd be really hard to go vegan!. I don't eat eggs, though, and I think soy milk tastes good!. But it is an acquired taste, you have to get used to it!. One more thing - if you're worried about being low on protein or iron, you can always get your doctor to issue you pills for them!. I don't personally take them, but I have one or two fellow veggie friends that do!. :)
Good luck on your decision (: Hope I helped!Www@FoodAQ@Com