Could I become a vegetarian?

Question

I was not raised as a vegetarian, yet as the years have gone by (I'm 25 now) I've realized I don't like red meat. I do enjoy eating chicken and fish/shellfish but the idea that these are killed so we can eat them saddens me a lot. I've been thinking of becoming a vegetarian, and I would definitely keep consuming milk and cheese but I was wondering do these foods provide enough protein? I know there are proteins in other foods too apart from meat... just wanted to know from other vegetarians if they have ever had problems with their protein intake. Thanks.

Answer 1

The notion that only meat gives enough protein is ill-founded. Grains like wheat, maize do carry enormous amount of protein that gives an oversupply of what is required by the body.

The real problem of switching a diet is taste. Since taste is hardwired from birth (the tastebuds grow and get accustomed to what we eat early in our childhood), it will take time and effort to retrain them.

Try to change your diet habit one step at a time. You may take eggs (omelet), dairy products etc in the middle stage. Also join some vegetarian working group in your neighborhood. They will be able to take your around, train you in good tasty veg food.

One of the first problems you might face when to switch is, you won't have a "sense of filling the stomach". The digestive enzymes are trained to expect regular meat and this may give you a feeling of nonstop hunger. Generally a few spoons of rice in addition to other food will overcome this sensation.

Vegetarians live long, live proud, and feel superior. Join the club!

Answer 2

I've been a veggie since about the age of 22ish which is almost 7 years now.

Similar reasons to you - didn't really like it and didn't like the idea of it.

You get loads of protein from meat substitutes and as long as you keep a balanced diet shouldn't be any probs.

There is a vegetarian and vegan society which I believe has a website if you want more advice.

Must just say though - could never be a vegan. I'm a dairy addict!

Answer 3

Becoming a Vegetarian - Some Tips

* Invest in a good vegetarian cookbook.

* Check out your local health food store - it's bound to have vegetarian foods and products you haven't seen before - and ask questions about vegetarian foods that are new to you.

* Buy vegetarian cheese. Some cheeses are still made with an ingredient from the stomachs of slaughtered calves, while vegetarian cheese uses vegetable-derived rennet. Many of the more unusual varieties such as Stilton and Brie are also now available in vegetarian versions.

* Buy free-range eggs instead of the factory/battery produced versions. They are much healthier.

* Buy legumes/pulses and lentils. No need to buy the dried variety - go for the tinned types of kidney beans, garbanzo-beans (chick peas), etc.

* Make friends with soy products. Buy soy beans, try soy milk and experiment with Tofu. You might prefer tofu in smoked varieties, but remember: it has no specific taste of it's own - it's meant to absorb the flavour of other ingredients.

* Try TVP (textured vegetable protein) - buy the 'flavored' variety and use it instead of ground beef in vegetarian lasagna, and other recipes.

* Start reading food labels. You'll be surprised how many non-meat foods contain meat-derivatives, like animal fats or gelatin.

A Basic Vegetarian Eating Plan

All the nutrients you need can quite easily be obtained from a vegetarian diet. And research shows that in many ways a vegetarian diet is healthier than that of a typical meat-eater. Nutrients are usually divided into macro-nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats & oils), and micro-nutrients (vitamins and minerals). We also need regular fiber and 6-8 glasses of water, per day.

As far as meal planning is concerned, here is a very rough guide to what you should eat every day on a balanced vegetarian diet.

* 4 or 5 servings of fruit and vegetables
* 3 or 4 servings of cereals/grains or potatoes
* 2 or 3 servings of legumes/pulses, nuts & seeds
* 2 servings of milk, cheese, eggs or soy products
* A small amount of vegetable oil and margarine or butter
* Some yeast extract, ideally fortified with vitamin B12.

Answer 4

I have been a 'veggie' for 15 years and now I cannot face the thought of eating meat! On the question of protein Nuts & Pulses are a good source. There are many sites on vegetarianism that cover nutrition review these.

Oh! I believe that Quorn is a good source of Protein as is Tofu.

Answer 5

You have more choises in getting Vegetarian then having a Non Veg food, there are more then 1000 of vegetables, fruits, milk products, you will get enough protein and vitamins from this.I am a Vegetarian too since i m born and i have never ever thought of even eating an EGGS.

Answer 6

In this day and age it is difficult being a vegetarian. If you eat out much they put meat in every meal. You can go to places like Dixie Cafe where you can order a vegetable plate. I believe Cracker Barrel does also.
All eating is to your preference. There is enough protein in milk products and soy products to give you the protein you need.

Answer 7

Yes before you start find out about nutriton, learn about your pulses and grains and there qualities, learn about your vitamins minerals, you don't want to be a veggie and find you have made your self ill take heed. I became a veggie years ago an had problems within a couple of months I was aneamic. so I stopped. But it is a healthy way of living. If you know what you are doing

Answer 8

yes, you can...
You don't need to eat foods from animals to have enough protein in your diet. Plant proteins alone can provide enough of the essential and non-essential amino acids, as long as sources of dietary protein are varied and caloric intake is high enough to meet energy needs.
Whole grains, legumes, vegetables, seeds and nuts all contain both essential and non-essential amino acids.
Soy protein has been shown to be equal to proteins of animal origin. It can be your sole protein source if you choose.

>^..^<

Answer 9

Listen to your body telling you what it craves... i was veggie for 20 years until i started getting serious cravings for fish, (something that i've never been that keen on) and i just had to have some... there are certain types of protien, as well as fats and oils, that fish has in abundance. i discovered i loved eating fish....
so listen to your body... and try and avoid that nasty Quorn stuff - it's "grown" in huge vats and is pretty useless nutritionally...

Don't forget Nuts

and the most nutritious, protien packed, full of Essential Fatty Acids(Omega 3 & 6), complete food in the world... Hempseed.

Answer 10

Protein is the easiest nutrient to get. I get all of mine from Soy products, beans, nuts, whole grains, cheese (rennet free) and gelatin free yogurt.

Check out the vegetarian food pyramid.