What advice do you have for a new vegetarian?

Question

I read somethings online, and since have not been able to handle meat.. It has been making me litterally vomit. I do breastfeed my almost 8 month old... SO what advice do you have for me? Meal ideas? Vitamin supplements? I am ready and willing to take any and all advice! Thanks!

Right now I am taking One A Day Womens formula... do you think that is a good one? Or should I try another kind??

Oh I would never try to convert anyone else in my house... Infact, I make sure my kids do eat meat! Their growing bodies need it!

Answer 1

I've been a vegetarian for four years and all I can say is that the tofu and soy products are getting better and better. I finally found one that tastes just like meat, in any variety! The brand is called Morning Star. It comes in beef/regular, turkey, and mexican flavors. Steer away from the mexican flavor, it's not very good in my opinion!

I find it at my local safeway near the produce section! It's a life saver. It's great to add in pastas, or anything at all really. I just had some of it in pasta last night, in fact :) You really must try it!

Congratulations on deciding to become a vegetarian by the way! You'll be so much healthier. Studies have shown that vegetarians live and average of 7 years longer than meat eaters. Plus, you're a woman, so you've already got 7 years on the average man. Hah, with both of those combined you'll live a long, long life.

I also find that I don't get sick as often. It's sooo great. Good luck :)

Answer 2

There's nothing wrong with going vegetarian, I've been one for over twenty years. Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for your baby at this point. Do take a good multi-vitamin. There are now some excellent non-meat, high protein choices on the market that were not there when I became vegetarian, so it shouldn't be difficult at all to obtain enough protein for your body's use. I don't recommend that you force anyone in your household to follow suit. Just because you are not able to injest meat does not mean that there are others in your family that would not enjoy meat eating. I personally do not feel that my own choice is a reason to dictate what others consume. Also, there are people who really do feel the physical need to consume meat products. Some good healthy non-meat choices are being produced by Schneider's and also Yves. These are very tasty as well and very nutritious too. If you have difficulty in deciding a good balanced non-meat food plan, perhaps you could consult a nutritionist in your area, or online if you are able to locate one, to give you some helpful information. I wish you every success with your choice.

Answer 3

If you can, talk to your doctor or a nutritionist. They will be a great source to make sure you stay healthy. Leafy greens are great for all kinds of vitamins and yes, even some protien. Watch out for the fake meats,etc. I've heard that they can mimic the symptoms of ovarian cancer in some women when eaten in LARGE amounts. Of course everything in moderation, right? As a vegetarian my best advice is diversity. Try out as many different foods as you can. We like green shakes, we put leafy greens and fruits into a vitamix blender and drink about a quart or more of that a day along with our regular meals. If you use the right amounts it tastes great and it's really good for you. Look on-line for your favorite recipies and modify them to be veg. You can often replace meat with TVP (check out Dixie Diner.com) in chili, tacos, caseroles etc. We use liquid smoke instead of ham in a lot of our southern recipes and it works great. Good luck and be safe.

Answer 4

Be aware that you cannot survive on a strictly plant diet. Human beings are omnivores, meaning they are required by nature to consume some animal products. The most glaring example is vitamin b-12. There is NO reliable plant source for B-12. It can only be obtained through animal products. Others have proposed specific foods, including spirulina, nori, tempeh, and barley grass, as suitable non-animal sources of B12. Such claims have not stood the test of time. Vegetarianism is a diet cult, and if you allow yourself to be roped in by the claims, you will lead a less healthy life. Humans have canines, which are specific to meat eaters, whether they be carnivores or omnivores. The nonsense about meat hanging about in your colon and waiting to nail you is also nonsense. There is a claim that you are holding 8 to 20 pounds of meat in your colon, however, there is not one single shred of evidence to prove that. If that were the case, then and individual would lose 8 to 20 pounds when they had a high colonic. Call any coroner's office in the country and ask them if they found 8 to 20 pounds of meat hanging about in the colons of person they've autopsied, and you'll be surprised to hear them say no. Eat meat sparingly, and only that which you can handle, but do not swallow the vegan line about health. (Check in with the oldest people in the world and see how many of them are vegans).

Answer 5

MAke sure you take lots of vitamins, centrum preformance would be good, and make sure you get your protein from somewhere. They have lots of protein filled fake meats at the store. Look where the vegetables are, fake sausage and hambureger, and it is pretty good and very low in calories. Soy milk is a wonderful source of vitamins and proteins, also beans, brocolli and peanut butter and eggs (if you still eat eggs) are fantastic sources of protein and if you baby will not eat meat you will have to be VERY careful that she or he gets plenty of protein, maybe through supplementing formula even after the child turn one. Protein is a main source for brain growth. Good luck

Answer 6

B COMPLEX is A MUST when you go vegetarian. However if you get a chance consult your doctor or nutritionist.

Start liking tofu, soy, etc. Also eat lots of grains like lentil, beans, garbanzos.

Don't give up on lacteous too fast if you are thinking of doing so.

You can still have some egg and fish to make it gradual.

Answer 7

Go back to meat! Chicken, Bacon, Beef, it's great stuff and think of the vitamins you get from it. Are you going to eat Quorn, a meat substitute which has all the flavour of a dried cowpat - the texture's the same too? You've got incisors for a reason and they're not there to munch on lettuce! Are you questioning nature? Then get down to your local Butcher/Supermarket and let's put an end to all this nonsense! You're a mother now, not a silly little girl trying to get Brownie points!

Answer 8

Growing bodies need healthy food. That does not necessarily mean eating flesh. Take a look at the vegetarian food pyramid.

Answer 9

i advice you to only eat fruits and saldes

Answer 10

well done keep going