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Thread: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch?

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    Default Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch?

    As the title states, any guidance/advice?

    What foods will I need to consume to fulfill my nutritional requirements?

    I have been a meat eater for 26 years and would like to stop eating the animals.

    Your experience and input is appreciated.

    So far what I have been eating/drinking is:

    1. Fruits and vegetables
    2. Oatmeal
    3. Mixed nuts
    4. Beans
    5. Tofu
    6. Egg whites
    7. Cheese
    8. Yogurt
    9. Milk

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    Quinoa is a great choice! It's a complete protein and is super versatile. You can do a lot with eggs as well. Lentils are versatile, as are beans (hummus, soup, rice & beans). Brown rice... I'd also consider keeping fish in your diet.

    Most people don't need a ton of protein...America is weirdly obsessed with protein. Unless you're trying to build serious muscle, don't worry too much about hitting specific protein numbers.

    Since you aren't female, you don't need to worry too much about keeping your iron levels up. If you were a woman, I'd recommend supplementing.

    As for fulfilling nutritional requirements...that depends on how active you are. But really, it isn't difficult. If you're eating cleanly and sanely, then you need only listen to your body to know when you're hungry. And then you eat. Eat fruits, veges, greens, beans, and whole grains. You'll be fine.

    Going vegetarian is only a big deal because you've never done it before; in practice, it ain't no thang.

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    Thanks a bunch Charlie61, the quinoa suggestion sounds good. I remember a classmate of mine sending me pics (shes a foodie) of quinoa dishes she cooked at home. I made the switch to brown and black rice a long time ago, much more satisfying in taste and I don't feel as guilty as when I used to eat white. Same goes for the whole grains/wheat bread over white bread.

    You are on the money with the protein obsession...good amount of people I know are obsessed with protein and I am like..."Do you even lift bro?" lol but really they are going bananas with protein shakes and what not.

    As for activity, I am pretty much a cardio person and not much of a body building/lifter/meathead. I do pull ups and push ups though to maintain some body...don't wanna become a noodle because I do a lot of running, twice a day for about an hour each (1 hour in the morning, 1 hour in the afternoon).

    I have a feeling I will be good, I dont love meat that much to begin with so giving it up completely should be cake. My only concern is when I go out/meet up with friends to eat I might not have enough options. Maybe that will be more motivation to save money and eat at home, its healthier since I know whats going in and the prep. Ill save my social dining for coffee/tea.

    I stumble upon this link which helps as well...great for anybody on here who also wants to make the change:
    http://zenhabits.net/how-to-become-a...-the-easy-way/

    *I always feel good after lots of vegetables and fruits...its like my system is getting cleaned and pooping is good...sometimes its a "clean shit" thanks to my clean eating.

    I read though that to much soy milk/tofu does something to sperm? Maybe lowers it?

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    Just remember...don't put yourself in a position to fetishize meat as a "bad" food (so naughty! so good!). That's the problem you'll run into if you start thinking "oh gosh, I'm NEVER going to eat meat again!" and get all freaked out about it. Burgers are gonna start looking reaaaallly good if you start thinking that way.

    So I'd recommend that if you're having a craving, then plan a meal a few days in advance that incorporates a healthier version of whatever you're craving. Planning it a few days ahead will ensure that you aren't just having a knee-jerk craving that will pass within a few hours. And looking for a healthier version (both for the planet and you) will ease any guilt you have about eating it. Go out and buy it as a single item, not as part of your regular grocery list.

    People enter craving -> guilt spirals that can end with bingeing.

    So if you're craving a burger, go pick up a single turkey burger from the grocery store and cook it yourself (turkey is far healthier than beef, both for the planet and for your body). If you're craving a steak, buy a tuna steak, then marinate and cook it yourself. And enjoy it! You get the idea.

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    Ex-vegetarian. Had to quit quitting meat because I have a lot of food allergies and blood sugar problems.

    Like Charlie said, quinoa is an excellent option. It's still one of my favorite foods.
    Kale is a great vegetable too. It's like an even healthier version of spinach. I like to add olive oil and sea salt, then pop them in the oven till they turn slightly crispy.
    If you like shakes, kale, chia seeds, greek yogurt, and your favorite fruit is a good combination.
    Chickpeas, aka garbanzo beans, are also really good. I add olive oil, cayenne pepper, and garlic, then microwave.
    Avocado! I had to bake mine a bit because of my food allergies, but I used to like them plain.
    Apples with greek yogurt and peanut butter mixed together.
    Whole grain pasta. I added cheese and veggies, like spinach and avocado hearts.

    I don't know if you're a Chipotle fan, but I still eat my bowls vegetarian. Brown rice, black beans, veggies, pico, the spicy red sauce, sour cream, cheese, guac, and lettuce. Not exactly low on the calories, but it's so good. I can have half for lunch and half for dinner happily.

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    Being a vegetarian seems like such a plentiful diet to me. Cheese, eggs, yogurt, grains, greens, fruit, veges! The only thing you "can't" eat is meat. Which means you can eat everything else!

    Generally people who eat meat rely on meat, so they never explore other foods. The number of foods I discovered after becoming a raw vegan was incredible (I quit the raw vegan thing after becoming anemic). Thai coconuts, as an exotic example. Fun and yum!

    For inspiration, try looking at restaurant menus online to see what they're serving as their vegetarian options! That'll give you ideas.

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    A wealth of information has flooded the thread, I love it. Thanks guys and feel free to keep it coming.

    I do believe that excluding meat will open up a door to a whole host of food I have yet to try. I like the fact that I can go ham (hard as a motherfucker, pun intended) on all the vegetables, fruits, and nuts.

    Oh and tuesdaymarie, chipotle now has (had em for while now) sofritas I believe that are called. Its spicy tofu and it taste very hearty. I like it so if you havent tried/heard about it already, give it a go. I like chipotle...I go for the brown rice, fajita mix, spicy salsa, corn, lettuce, and sometimes guacaomole and meat but since I am making a change Ill go for the sofritas. I wont miss the chicken or steak much anyways.

    I am gonna look at some meatless patties such as morning star and the like. I am starting to see food as fuel now and treating meals like a bodily function and not a fiesta. All the the time I spend brushing and flossing is some motivation to not be eating lol but living an active lifestyle, I will definitely have to eat and nourish the body. I find that I have more cravings for drinks (just a simple iced coffee/tea) more than I do for food.

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    One of the best sources for non-meat food and nutrition that I've ever come across is: http://www.drfuhrman.com/

    I'd recommend to become a member for a few months, you'll have access to many hundreds of great recipes that more me makes severely limiting my meat intake easy. It's only $3.95 or so but well worth it in my opinion.

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    Quote Originally Posted by jimboe7373 View Post
    One of the best sources for non-meat food and nutrition that I've ever come across is: http://www.drfuhrman.com/

    I'd recommend to become a member for a few months, you'll have access to many hundreds of great recipes that more me makes severely limiting my meat intake easy. It's only $3.95 or so but well worth it in my opinion.
    Thanks for the input/suggestion.

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    Thanks for the wealth of information sugarmouse0707.

    I have been splurging on the junk food since I started...french fries once a day. I feel like with the whole cutting out meat and running twice a day offsets the junk food but that should only be in moderation. But so far so good and I dont miss meat. I always have oatmeal every morning with cinnamon or fresh fruit and I load up on vegetables and tofu. But you mentioned consumption of a lot of tofu is bad? How so?

    P.S. That website is really informative, thanks again.

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    ^Tofu is an extremely processed food. I mean jesus...you can see where the machine stamped it when you take tofu out of its creepy little watery container. It's considered healthy when it's used as a substitute ("instead of red meat tonight, I'm having tofu"), but as a food in and of itself, there isn't anything that great about it. If you were a woman, I'd tell you that soy can do funky things to your hormones. But since you're a dude, I'll just recommend that you use it sparingly. Don't use it as a crutch.

    You should be focusing on all of the exciting things you could make in place of meat/meat substitute dishes! Tofu will hold you back, IMO.

    Also, ditch the fries. Make homemade sweet potato fries or something that has at least a bit of value... Cutting meat out only to replace it with even more saturated fat & cholesterol is not the way to go...

    /mommy rant


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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    Quote Originally Posted by charlie61 View Post
    ^Tofu is an extremely processed food. I mean jesus...you can see where the machine stamped it when you take tofu out of its creepy little watery container. It's considered healthy when it's used as a substitute ("instead of red meat tonight, I'm having tofu"), but as a food in and of itself, there isn't anything that great about it. If you were a woman, I'd tell you that soy can do funky things to your hormones. But since you're a dude, I'll just recommend that you use it sparingly. Don't use it as a crutch.

    You should be focusing on all of the exciting things you could make in place of meat/meat substitute dishes! Tofu will hold you back, IMO.

    Also, ditch the fries. Make homemade sweet potato fries or something that has at least a bit of value... Cutting meat out only to replace it with even more saturated fat & cholesterol is not the way to go...

    /mommy rant

    Gosh dammit and I have been eating loads of tofu from Ranch 99 market.
    I always thought tofu was some super healthy stuff. Also been drinking a lot of silk brand soy milk....that should be okay? I heard lots of soy can mess with the hormones in a man? Not sure if true. My friend told me it lowers libido and swears by it but it hasn't affected me...still have a high one at that.

    I cant cook...but I will have to learn. All I used to know how to do was bake salmon and prepare sandwiches. The rest I just ate raw or streamed but no culinary prowess here. As for the fries, I know its some bad stuff...Mcdonalds (thats the only thing I like on the menu). I have still maintained my weight though...at least thats good.

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    ^Don't worry about it. It's not the optimal choice when compared to the huge variety of other fun, fresh, vibrant foods you could be consuming instead, but like I said, as a substitute for meat, it's considered healthy. If you're worried about soy at all, try out some other milk substitutes. I love (unsweetened) almond milk, and rice milk is very good as well. Remember to check for the unsweetened varieties, since many substitute milks are full of sugar.

    Maybe use tofu more as a transitional food while you discover other dishes that work for you.

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    Do you ever eat wraps? Buy some whole-wheat tortillas and stuff them full of all sorts of things. Hummus, sliced red onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, olives, sliced cheese, avocado, cucumbers, spinach, rice, beans, anything! Wraps are the bomb dizzle.

    Then throw in a side of sliced apples dipped in peanut/almond butter.

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    Okay cool beans...no more worries.

    I have yet to try almond milk, next time I go to the grocery store I will pick some up (unsweetened). I currently have soy and whole milk.

    The wraps sound good and it seems like it would be easy to prepare. All those ingredients...lots to choose from. Id like to make one with tomato, basil, spinach, and eggplant.

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    BTW I felt Chipotle was a fast food haven since their ingredients are high quality but what is up with all the sodium in their food. Is that suppose to be a preservative or the engine of flavor.

    http://www.shape.com/blogs/weight-lo...-healthy-order

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    I've been a vegan for about 15 years now, and it's amazing how much more available vegan-friendly food has become during that time (and how many more people know what that word means). I guess my best advice to a newbie is to explore cuisines from parts of the world where meat is more of a luxury than a staple. Try all the African, Indian, & Asian restaurants in your area. Don't be afraid to ask questions about how the food is prepared, & try to re-create your new favorite dishes at home.

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    Quote Originally Posted by azaleanola View Post
    I've been a vegan for about 15 years now, and it's amazing how much more available vegan-friendly food has become during that time (and how many more people know what that word means). I guess my best advice to a newbie is to explore cuisines from parts of the world where meat is more of a luxury than a staple. Try all the African, Indian, & Asian restaurants in your area. Don't be afraid to ask questions about how the food is prepared, & try to re-create your new favorite dishes at home.
    Also another good idea azaleanola, there are bunch of Indian restaurants in my area. I have always been a fan of curry, tikka masala, naan, etc. I can try the vegetable curry, lentils, etc.

    Oh another thing I love is falafels...those are good. There is this place in San Jose near Santana Row (think Norcal's version of Rodeo Drive) that has some good falafels.

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    ^^^ this made me hungry - yum

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    I'm a pescatarian who tries to avoid gluten and most dairy. I eat vegetarian and vegan often. Its really easy to do. Salads, soups, smoothies, wraps/tacos. The key to good food is just adding lots of spices, taco sauces, or salsa to everything. You can't really tell the difference.

    There's even protein in greens. A decent amount! Most people are surprised to hear that. Same goes for calcium.

    I feel a million times better when I eat this way compared to when I don't.

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    I've been a vegetarian my whole life, so it comes naturally to me but some foods I couldn't live without are quinoa, string cheese, at home fruit and protein smoothies, zucchini, raspberries! mhm I'm getting hungry thinking about it!

    But in all seriousness, any diet change has the potential to affect you negatively (but hopefully positively!) Starting out, you may need to watch your intake of certain vitamins, protein etc. My doctor recommends all vegetarians to take B12 supplements and I feel much more energetic when I take them. Make sure you eat enough protein and you should feel great!

    There are tons of great vegetarian cook books to get you on your way

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    Quote Originally Posted by GlamourRouge View Post
    The key to good food is just adding lots of spices, taco sauces, or salsa to everything. You can't really tell the difference.
    Exactly. When I went vegan / vegetarian, I suddenly realized that most meat is just a vehicle for the actual flavors you add to it (spices, salt, grilled flavor, etc.).

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    Quote Originally Posted by BlackSheEp3 View Post
    As for the fries, I know its some bad stuff...Mcdonalds (thats the only thing I like on the menu). I have still maintained my weight though...at least thats good.
    McDonald's fries are not vegetarian.

    I think you've got some great advice and the only thing I can think of is always read the ingredient list. There will be things that you think are veg but aren't, like peanuts coated in gelatin, animal broth added into things, lard in biscuits and tamales, salad dressings and sauces with fish.
    This looks helpful

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    Default Re: Any vegetarians in the house? Guidance for a meat eater wating to make the switch

    Quote Originally Posted by jazzgirl View Post
    McDonald's fries are not vegetarian. http://animalrights.about.com/b/2011...vegetarian.htm

    I think you've got some great advice and the only thing I can think of is always read the ingredient list. There will be things that you think are veg but aren't, like peanuts coated in gelatin, animal broth added into things, lard in biscuits and tamales, salad dressings and sauces with fish.
    This looks helpful http://www.nomeatathlete.com/non-vegetarian-foods/
    I thought the recipe was changed but guess its still the same with the beef flavoring. Good point on reading the ingredient list, that often gets overlooked.

    And thank you for the link, it's very helpful.

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