This question is for all vegetarians?

Question

I am thinking about becoming a vegetarian. I was wondering do vegetarians slack off sometime and eat meat. How many years have you been a vegetarian?

Answer 1

I stopped eating meat in March 2005 and cut out seafood in September 2005. It hasn't been that long, but I haven't slacked off yet. Although I was always kind of picky about meat and seafood in the first place, so I was never the kind of person who loved it and needed it with every meal. Sometimes I'm tempted to slack off, usually during the holidays when there are traditional meat dishes that I miss, or when we're at the beach and everyone's eating seafood. I don't really anticipate giving it up, though.

Depending on how strict you want to be, sometimes it's hard to avoid things like gelatin (which is basically made from skin and bone, I believe) and rennet (enzymes produced in an animal's stomache), especially when you're in a restaurant and can't check labels and ingredients. (If you're vegan, it's probably very easy to avoid, but I don't think I can give up dairy.) I didn't start paying attention to these things until a few months ago, and it's been a bit frustrating because they're often found in things like cheese, candy, and other places you might not think to look.

And unlike one of the other posters, I don't think it's strange that you're "thinking about becoming vegetarian." It's always frustrating when people accuse vegetarians of doing it because it's "trendy." That may be true for some people, but I'm pretty sure my mom didn't do it well into her forties because it was the cool new thing to do. She could care less about the latest fads. I don't even tell people I'm vegetarian unless I have to. It's not easy to cut out something that is a major food group for us, so it makes sense that you would end up thinking about it first.

Also, don't get frustrated if your first attempt at eliminating meat doesn't work. I thought about becoming a vegetarian for a long time before it actually happened. When I was in middle school and high school, there were three times when I tried to stop eating meat, but fell off the wagon after a month. I think that when you really feel ready to it, you'll be able to make it happen. If you find yourself missing meat, there are some good frozen soy products that can serve as substitutes if you're into that. Morningstar Farms and Boca are my favorite, especially for imitation chicken. Good luck!

Answer 2

Great Question!

I am 39, and have been vegetarian since I was 14 or so. Even before that, I was never a big meat person.

I am not vegan. As much as I want to be vegan, I don't have the discipline. Basically, I don't eat meat and/or pork. I do however, eat egg products and I do eat fish.

Have I slacked off and tasted the evil, forbidden meat? Yes, once or twice. There's nothing wrong with it. The reality is, once you find your zone and your comfort level, it becomes a way of life. It becomes second nature, and very easy to follow.

Here is a great site for you to get started:

http://www.msu.edu/user/daenzerr/rd491/types.htm

Here's another:

http://www.healthycookingrecipes.com/vegetarianrecipes/vegetarian-diet-and-types.htm

Good Luck!

Answer 3

I had tried becoming a vegetarian several times, but I ended up falling off. The easiest way that worked for me, was to cut out certain meats one or two at time, rather than trying to become a full fledge vegetarian all at once. For example, I stopped eating pork first, then after 6 months, beef. It just makes things easier in my experience than going cold turkey all at once.

Answer 4

I have only been a vegeterian for about 3mnths...but I come from a vegeterian background. In my family vegetables have been the main course. Religiously I had started cutting down my meat and I was only eating chicken, eggs, and goat. Than one day I went to Meat.org on accident saw the video and bam I've been a vegeterian since. It made me give it up at once. Hurting another creature has always been a sin to Hindus. But that is a personal reason. I haven't even had a craving for meat since and I actually find it sickens me now. This psychological approach is best if you want to become a vegeterian. The mind is very powerful.

Answer 5

No, at least I don't. I have been vegetarian for 15 years, ever since I could make my own diet choices.
Do some research and you will find a vegetarian recipe for nearly every meal you eat now.

By the way, fish is meat. Amused One amuses me when he says he's a vegetarian.

Answer 6

I have only been a vegetarian for like 6 months, but I always find myself wanting meat. It's a challenge, but it's all about will power and self control. I haven't broken down so far.

Answer 7

I've never "slacked off". but i guess i'm different. I quit eating it with a huge sigh of relief. I never liked it in the first place. but when i came to the full realization of how it got to my plate, i simply couldn't eat it again. So, when i realized I had the choice "not to eat meat" I ran with it..

12 years vegetarian..

Answer 8

i used to be a vegetarian, but then i got really weak from the lack of protein. im not crazy about meat, so i dont eat much of it, but your body needs protein from somewhere, that could include peanut butter, soy products, etc. you especially need more protein when you are young. i cant go back to being vegetarian yet, though i think i will someday. my boyfriend eats meat at every meal, etc. its hard for me to re-adapt to vegetarianism in my circumstances. they do make many products specially for vegetarians. i would suggest you reading some books about the pros and cons of it before pursuing such a drastic change in your diet. good luck to you. blessed be.

Answer 9

I'm three months shy of my 20th anniversary as a veg and I've never slacked off and eaten meat. Once (in the first year) I wanted to, but the urge passed and that was that.

Answer 10

I can't speak for all vegetarian but I have at times made compromises and even totally fallen off the wagon. It is really hard to hold true to this lifestyle when traveling. Most of the world is not constructed to catering to vegetarian needs which means one has to go way out of ones way to find ways to keep oneself true to this path.

If you find yourself compromising do not beat yourself up, just pick yourself up and try again. In time you will adapt to your new lifestyle and find it easier to maintain.