Becoming Vegatarian?!
Answers: I would really like to become vegetarian. I need any tips anyone can give me! And is it hard to stick to? Thanks for any help you can give me! =D
I chose to become a vegetarian at the age of four, and have been ever since. I got this off of a wonderful website. Read this all over, it tells you basically everything you need to know. I drink Shaklee Energizing Soy Protein Shake every morning which is an excellent source of vitamins I lack in a vegetarian diet. Don't hesitate to email me if you have any questions. Hope this helps!
Vegetarian and Semi-Vegetarian Diets
Different people follow different forms of vegetarianism. A true vegetarian eats no meat at all, including chicken and fish. A lacto-ovo vegetarian eats dairy products and eggs, but excludes meat, fish, and poultry. It follows, then, that a lacto vegetarian eats dairy products but not eggs, whereas an ovo vegetarian eats eggs but not dairy products.
A stricter form of vegetarianism is veganism (pronounced: vee-gun-izm). Not only are eggs and dairy products excluded from a vegan diet, so are animal products like honey and gelatin.Check the Label Sidebar
Some macrobiotic diets fall into the vegan category. Macrobiotic diets restrict not only animal products but also refined and processed foods, foods with preservatives, and foods that contain caffeine or other stimulants.
Following a macrobiotic or vegan diet could lead to nutritional deficiencies in some people. Teens need to be sure their diets include enough nutrients to fuel growth, particularly protein and calcium. If you're interested in following a vegan or macrobiotic diet it's a good idea to talk to a registered dietitian. He or she can help you design meal plans that include adequate vitamins and minerals.
Some people consider themselves semi-vegetarians and eat fish and maybe a small amount of poultry as part of a diet that's primarily made up of vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts. A pesci-vegetarian eats fish, but not poultry.
Are These Diets OK for Teens?
In the past, choosing not to eat meat or animal-based foods was considered unusual in the United States. Times and attitudes have changed dramatically, however. Vegetarians are still a minority in the United States, but a large and growing one. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) has officially endorsed vegetarianism, stating "appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, are nutritionally adequate, and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases."
So what does this mean for you? If you're already a vegetarian, or are thinking of becoming one, it means that you're in good company. There are more choices in the supermarket than ever before, and an increasing number of restaurants and schools are providing vegetarian options — way beyond a basic peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
If you're choosing a vegetarian diet, the most important thing you can do is to educate yourself. That's why the ADA says that a vegetarian diet needs to be "appropriately planned." Simply dropping certain foods from your diet isn't the way to go if you're interested in maintaining good health, a high energy level, and strong muscles and bones.
Vegetarians have to be careful to include the following key nutrients that may be lacking in a vegetarian diet:
* iron
* calcium
* protein
* vitamin D
* vitamin B12
* zinc
If meat, fish, dairy products, and/or eggs are not going to be part of your diet, you'll need to know how to get enough of these nutrients, or you may need to take a daily multiple vitamin and mineral supplement.
Here are some suggestions:
Iron
Sea vegetables like nori, wakame, and dulse are very high in iron. Less exotic but still good options are iron-fortified breakfast cereals, legumes (chickpeas, lentils, and baked beans), soybeans and tofu, dried fruit (raisins and figs), pumpkin seeds, broccoli, and blackstrap molasses. Eating these foods along with a food high in vitamin C (citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, and broccoli) will help you to absorb the iron better.
Girls need to be particularly concerned about getting adequate iron because some iron is lost during menstruation. Some girls who are vegetarians may not get adequate iron from vegetable sources and they may require a daily supplement. Check with your doctor about your own iron needs.
Calcium
Milk and yogurt are tops if you're eating dairy products — although vegetarians will want to look for yogurt that does not contain the meat by-product gelatin. Tofu, fortified soy milk, calcium-fortified orange juice, green leafy vegetables, and dried figs are also excellent ways for vegetarians (and vegans) to get calcium. Remember that as a teen you're building up your bones for the rest of your life.
Because women have a greater risk for getting osteoporosis (weak bones) as adults, it's particularly important for girls to make sure they get enough calcium. Again, taking a supplement may be necessary to ensure this.
Vitamin D
People need vitamin D to get calcium into our bones. Cow's milk and sunshine are tops on the list for this vitamin. Vegans can try fortified soy milk and fortified breakfast cereals, but they may need a supplement that includes vitamin D, especially during the winter months. Everyone should have some exposure to the sun to help the body produce vitamin D.
Protein
Some people believe that vegetarians must combine incomplete plant proteins in one meal — like red beans and rice — to make the type of complete proteins found in meat. We now know that it's not that complicated. Current recommendations are that vegetarians eat a wide variety of foods during the course of a day. Eggs and dairy products are good sources of protein, but also try nuts, peanut butter, tofu, beans, seeds, soy milk, grains, cereals, and vegetables to get all the protein your body needs.
Vitamin B12
B12 is an essential vitamin found only in animal products, including eggs and dairy. Fortified soy milk and fortified breakfast cereals also have this important vitamin. It's hard to get enough vitamin B12 in your diet if you are vegan, so a supplement may be needed.
Zinc
If you're not eating dairy foods, make sure fortified cereals, dried beans, nuts, and soy products like tofu and tempeh are part of your diet so you can meet your daily requirement for this important mineral.
In addition to vitamins and minerals, vegetarians need to keep an eye on their total intake of calories and fat. Vegetarian diets tend to be high in fiber and low in fat and calories. That may be good for people who need to lose weight or lower their cholesterol but it can be a problem for kids and teens who are still growing and people who are already at a healthy weight.
Diets that are high in fiber tend to be more filling, and as a result strict vegetarians may feel full before they've eaten enough calories to keep their bodies healthy and strong. It's a good idea to let your doctor know that you're a vegetarian so that he or she can keep on eye on your growth and make sure you're still getting adequate amounts of calories and fat.
Getting Some Guidance
If you're thinking about becoming a vegetarian, consider making an appointment to talk with a registered dietitian who can go over lists of foods that would give you the nutrients you need. A dietitian can discuss ways to prevent conditions such as iron-deficiency anemia that you might be at an increased risk for if you stop eating meat.
Also, remember to take a daily standard multivitamin, just in case you miss getting enough vitamins or minerals that day.
Tips for Dining Out
Eating at restaurants can be difficult for vegetarians sometimes, but if you do eat fish, you can usually find something suitable on the menu. If not, opt for salad and an appetizer or two. Even fast-food places sometimes have vegetarian choices, such as bean tacos and burritos, veggie burgers, and soy cheese pizza.
Vegetarians can opt for pasta, along with plenty of vegetables, grains, and fruits. You may also find that the veggie burgers, hot dogs, and chicken substitutes available in your local grocery store taste very much like the real thing. Try the ground meat substitute as a stand-in for beef in foods like tacos and spaghetti sauce.
Regardless of whether you choose a vegetarian way of life, it's always a healthy idea to eat a wide variety of foods and try out new foods when you can
I became a vegetarian just about 20 years ago. I never actually looked back. My motivation was animals and the whole factory farming issue (which is rather cruel). Once my eyes were opened to the issue, I never had any problem sticking to a vegetarian diet.
But that is me. You have to ask yourself why you want to become a vegeterian. If your reason is strong enough, then you will be able to stay there.
There are many, many valid reasons to go veggie. I believe it is the right way to help the planet and help our health. There is lots of research out there about the benefits.
Your choice. You make it.
First Off I'd Order PETA's Vegetarian starter kit.its very helpful-and its free. you can go to either Peta.com or goveg.com to order it,or download the PDF file. Secondly, id like to say that it is very easy to become a vegetarian and/or vegan.All you have to do is stop eating meat (not right away...Baby steps are good).Don't worry about getting too little protein,there are loads of ways to get it (Besides Meat) Like beans,tofu (No Duh),and most other veggies and stuff (Fact: Most omnivores (aka: "meat eaters") eat too much protein). and lastly,Vegetarianism is a great way to live your life,you are not only keeping yourself healthy but are helping the enviorment and animals as well.GOOD LUCK!
It really depends on you. If you are motivated and you want to do it, you will have no trouble sticking with it. If you are getting forced to do it by your doctor or parents, you'll have a harder time.
Just start out slowly. Try to avoid meat most of the time, but don't worry if you eat a little once in a way. Then, after a month or two, cut off the rest of the meat. These days, almost all restaurants, cafeterias and everywhere else have vegetarian items, so you'll have no problem.
becoming a vegetarian takes some steps. wen u start, don't immediately stop eating meat. ur body is really used to the protein and other things it gets from meat so stopping it immediately usually causes ppl to puke,etc. reactions are different for evrybody. i suggest that u slowly cut back on eating meat. i.e. if u usually eat meat every meal, cut it back to once a day. then after a month or so, cut it to once a week. then to once in 3 months. slowly, u'll stop eating meat, and ur body won't 'panic'. this is from friends experience cuz im a vegetarian born and up till now and forever i don't eat meat.
First, I would advise you make sure that you are willing to give up meat and other animal products such as gelatin and some cheeses (which contain enzymes derived from stomachs of calves) and then do some research to make sure that you know what kind of nutrition that you will need.
I'm a vegan (I started off vegetarian) and my main motivation was because of the animals. I don't think it's necessary at all for derivatives from animals to be in makeup, shampoo, paints, and so many foods. There are so many alternatives that can be substituted- alternatives that aren't cruel.
If you are motivated, it is not hard to stick to at all! You seem to be pretty motivated, so I don't think that you'll have any problem with being a vegetarian.
I would write in to Vegetarian/Vegan Groups for free brochures and kits. Those will provide good information.
Good luck!
Baconbit... Do you have scientific proof to back up your stupidity?
I did not think so Bubba.
I, on the otherhand do, in favor of V*, of course...
Well, they DO NOT eat eggs, but you could eat organic eggs, im not sure how their made, but I dont eat, eggs regardless. I do drink Organic milk, they dont give the cows shots and stuff, so therefore I dont drink regular milk. When your a vegan or vegetarian you just need to learn how to eat healthy! You gotta do it right, my grandma went vegan once and she got sick cause she wasn't sure how to make it work. Theres things you can eat, like sald, tofu, anything organic or soy. Go to the library or look online for vegan tips and recipes. Steak or red meat is very bad for you, people dont realize, cause their stupid and dont care about anything! I've been a vegetarian for 2 years, and it wasn't hard for me what so ever, because I exercise and eat right. But I do eat fish, nothing else what so ever, I love Organic food =) Just work with a good vegetarian diet, and you'll be fine! My opinion, I DONT think animals should be killed just to satisfy someones appetite. Heres a site about what they do too animals! http://www.peta.org/
Theres also alot of good things you should know about going vegetarian! =) Good luck! and I really respect you if you go through with this! It's honestly NOT that hard at all if you do it right. Good luck hun!
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Oh, great idea, Plug In Baby! I've been vegetarian for two years, and I should say I don't need to eat meat or fish, I just consume more cheese, yoghurt and other dairy products than non-vegetarians. In the beginning it was a bit difficult to change my diet, but I managed to stick to it without problem. All you need is a good motivation. Personally I think that it's wrong eating other living organisms that are not very different from us. In your case it can be the fact that Matt is vegetarian too ;) So everything depends on you. Just try to have a balanced diet, with the correct intake of essential aminoacids, fats and carbohydrates. If you stop eating meat you should begin eating a little more cheese, soya, beens and other foods rich in proteins. Good luck my friend vegetarian! ;P
Great for you!
Tips - Dont let others get you down. People will say that you wont be able to do it, ignore them completely!
It is not hard to stick for if you are focused on why you want to do it.
also, dont do it gradually, it will seem more like a 'treat' when you have it. just cut it all out at once.
the longer you are one, the easier it gets. but its not really hard at all.
i never had any trouble, hope you do well!!
i consider myself something inbetween vegetarian and vegan (no milk or meat for me)
congrats! you will be so much healthier and smarter now.
it is a wonderful thing
vegetatians cant think for crap. eat meat!! whats the point!!! it wont make any other person become vegetarian.i have them especially because they are braindead half the time!!
"oh but you can get your protein from tofu and gorgonzola beans and shakes"
No youo cant!! its chemically different from meat protein WHICH YOUR BODY NEED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY!!!
DO NOT BECOME VEGETARIAN YOU WILL SEVERELY HARM YOUR HEALTH!!