Question for vegetarians?

Question

Okay, this is prolly more than one question in one posting (please don't report me Miss Edna).

1. If we give up meat and dairy, what are some of the best sources of calcium? My husband hates soy milk, but my girls and I love it so it's him I'm comncerned about. Also, he is allergic to peanuts and other nuts. Is it all right to give a 13 month-old soy milk?

2. Can we eat fish several nights a week and still be considered veggies? I heard that many veggies eat fish and consider it all right because fish have less coplex nervous systems.

Okay, I htink that's it. Thank you!

I remember what else I wanted to ask - where did human's get their calcium from before we turned to the milk of other species?

Answer 1

There are different types of vegetarians. Ovo-lacto vegetarians eat/drink cheese, egg, and milk products but do not eat meat (that's what I do). Polo-pesce vegetarians eat chicken and fish. You are right in saying that fish have less nervous systems; for some people it is also tied to a religious definition of meat. Vegans eat no dairy or animal product (some alcohol is even filtered through animal bone, apparently, honey would also be off limits) and they do not wear leather or fur.

As for your 13 month-old, I would make sure to speak with a nutritionist or at least a family doctor before putting the child on a vegan diet. It can be done, but it will take extra time and care. Also, make sure your child does not have a soy allergy.

I would recommend doing what I did: start out by just cutting out red meat from your diet. Replace it with chicken, fish, and sides. Be sure to research recipes using tofu, soy, and seitan, especially if you are planning to feed a whole family. After that, have a family meeting and see how it's going. If/when the family is ready, go to the next level by cutting out the chicken and replacing it with seitan, for example. Do this so you can know your limits.

Good luck! Being vegetarian has its challenges, but it's a healthy lifestyle.

Answer 2

I am a semi vegetarian (long story) yet I know many vegetarians, and I've been in similar situations. The best source of calcium can be soy milk, but your husband can also eat vitamins, some fruits and vegetables, and beans. Now for your 13 month old soy milk, if it is expired, throw it away. Yet if it isn't, sure give it to him but make sure it doesn't have any bacteria or disgusting things.

Now for fish, I am a big fish eater and so are my vegetarian friends. We consider fish not a meat, and thus, it is alright to eat fish several night a week. I have heard on the news that fish can be healthier than chicken, and society should eat it atleast once a week. However, in your case, your body will be benefiting from dieting fish.

Answer 3

Pescatarian is the word you are looking for if you eat fish and no other meat. I may have that spelled wrong though.

There are lots of veggies with calcium out there. But if your husband won't drink soy, he should take supplements. I found soy milk to be an aquired taste. I used to hate it, but like it now. Also, try different brands too.

I was allergic to milk when I was young, so I had to have soy formula. Maybe look into that? I know it's not generally recomemend unless there is no other choice, but it could have imporved over the years.

Good luck

Answer 4

Perhaps your husband could take calcium tablets instead of soy milk.
As for your 13 month old, speak to your doctor or a dietician.
Vegetarians do not eat fish.
Humans stopped drinking milk once they were weaned prior to milking cows.

Answer 5

If you eat fish at all, you can not really be considered a vegetarian. Vegetarians do not eat meat. Fish is meat, so if you eat fish, you aren't a vegetarian. There are a lot of good soy milks available, but if your husband doesn't like soy milk, try rice milk or almond milk.

Answer 6

I am not a vegetarian but my daughter is. She drinks whole milk to get calcium because she doesn't like the soy. She eats nuts for protein but maybe you could substitute eggs. I really would check with your doctor about the soy for a 13 mo old as the baby needs the extra nutrients to grow. My daughter eats tuna fish on her salads and fish is excellent for your bodies oils and vitamins. But I am sure if you get any book or check the web you could find excellent recipes as I have which will help you. I have a lasagna recipe that is great because of all the cheese. Layer marinara sauce then lasagna noodles, mix ricotta cheese with oregano, two eggs, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Layer 1/2 of this onto lasagna noodles, then slice a summer squash very thin and sprinkle the squash over the noodles, cover with marinara, shred three carrots and sprinkle over marinara, cover with lasagna noodles and marinara, sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese. Bake for about 55 minutes till done. It's delicious. Good Luck

Answer 7

Although I am not a vegetarian, I can answer one question with confidence... I have given my daughter soy milk, and have not seen any adverse effects. If you look at the Enfamil (a supplement for baby's) it includes soy.

If you eat fish, you can be considered a vegetarian. There are different types of vegetarians... the most extreme would be that of a Vegan who does not eat anything that comes from any animal.

Answer 8

You can eat fish but you wont be vegetarian. Those who call themselves vegetarians and eat fish, are not using the label correctly. Fish is flesh and vegetarians dont eat flesh. Soy milk is fine.

Also, there is no such thing as a semi-vegetarian. EIther you are or you are not.

As far as calcium, dark leafy greens have alot of calcium. Broccoli and almonds are a good source too.

Answer 9

You will have to watch what type of fish you are eating. It isn't recomended to eat freshwater fish that frequently due to mercury content. Some vegetarians still eat fish and poultry. Some don't. Most don't give up dairy (Veganism) so you could keep your daughter on regular milk. It all depends on your reasoning for becomming a vegetarian in the first place I suppose.

Answer 10

for good calcium have soaked overnight almonds ,dried .figs,avocado.
soya milk is not a very good choice rather you are dieting ,better have milk instead
soya milk is not good for a 13 months old. b'coz its hard to digest and have more protein. why don't you have milk or its product like cheese ,yoghurt etc. and milk is not consider an non veg.. but fish is there are different views on this but prefer not to eat so much fish as its rich in some metals can cause abdominal problem.