I want to transition into a vegetarian. How safe is it after years of eating regular foods?

Question

I want to begin to eat only vegetarian meals, however I'm nervous it could have various health risks after years of eating meat and regular foods. Does anyone know the affects?

Answer 1

You won't have near the health risks that eating lots of meat poses. Since you will probably be eating tons more fruit, veggies, legumes, beans, etc., I would expect to have some *bloat*, if you know what I mean. This can be helped by starting slowly and increasing the foods, and try not having fruit and veggies at the same time. For some reason the tummy needs different chemicals to break down these foods and when you mix the both you can get gassy or an uncomfortable feeling. Just build up to it and I haved to say I'm proud of ya! It is a good health choice you have made. Lotsa luck.

Answer 2

Many people experience better health as a result of the switch. Even switching to fake meats is a change for the better because of the lower amounts of fat and cholesterol compared to meat. You don't have to switch all at once, just reduce the amount of meat you consume and start introducing vegetarian meals. It's really only a health risk if you eat only vegetarian junk food. Beans, grains, fruits and vegetables are all healthy. Putter around in the bookstore and find a cookbook with everyday meals.

Answer 3

It is no big deal you just need to make sure you get your proteins from other sources. Just keep in mind that once you seriously go vegetarian you may never be able to go back to eating meat. Your body becomes unable to process meat. I have several friends that have been vegetarians for years and they tried to eat meat and it made them severely sick. Personally for me I eat vegetarian most of the time but I love seafood and occassionally a good steak. I eat vegetarian for the health reasons and because I really like fruits, vegis, legumes, potatoes and rice. I would rather eat a tomatoe any day over a chocolote cake or something sweet, but once in a while I get a hankering for a juice steak or some crab legs.

Answer 4

I am not a full vegetarian but my daughter is. She has had no bad effects, she is 19. I do see however that she has vitamins every day and she takes a nutrition drink everyday, Boost usually. As she is still growing I make sure she gets calcium and protein as she works out in the gym. There are some excellent sites on the web that will help you set up a diet for yourself.

Answer 5

I recently stoped eating red meat but my advice for you i would still eat a little here and there just to be sure that your body will be ok with just being a vegetarian and if you don't have any bad reactions then ease off of eating meat don't just completely stop that could be bad for you ok.

Answer 6

I went vegertarian in my early twenties (a few years ago) for about a year and had no problems. Although, I really had to make sure to get a lot of protein through beans, soy, quinoa etc...Especially if you exercise you need protien to help heal torn muscles. I did notice that I felt better when I went back to eating lean meat like turkey, chicken & fish. Everyone is different, just listen to your body.
Good luck and be healthy!

Answer 7

Transition slowly over to it. It's safe, but you could trigger some real cravings or shock the body with not so pleasant, although temorary side effects, etc. Add more vegetarian items slowly as you reduce the meat and dairy based items. I started by using soy milk instead of milk...then added soy or veggie burgers instead of hamburgers, brown rice instead of white rice, Stevia instead of white sugar, etc.

Answer 8

I dont think it will have any effect at all. I've gone two weeks without meat before and felt the same, BUT if you go a long time without meat and then you decide to have a steak one night, then your stomach may be feeling upset.

Answer 9

i was vegetarian for a year and i became deathly I'll. i took all the vitamins and shakes i was supposed to but my body stopped absorbing nutrients and i had to be hospitalized. as soon as i added meat to my diet i became perfectly healthy. i know many vegans who are the picture of health, but everybodys system won't thrive on vegetarian food. just be careful and stay healthy, if it doesn't agree with you stop.........good luck!!!

Answer 10

there is no health risks just make sure you get plenty of other non meat protien in your diet. i have friends who think theyre cool to be a vegitarian then only end up eating pb&js, twinkies, and potato chips, then end up getting sick.