A realistic approach to becoming a vegitarian?

Question

I am interested in becoming a veg for spiritual purposes, but meat is a moderate staple and source of protien and fat. Any time I've tried cold-turkey (no pun intended) to stop eating meat, I've gotten very hungry and craved protein, even though I don't eat a whole lot of meat. Anyone have a suggestion?

Answer 1

Finding 'hearty' vegetarian food is a problem. (Vegetarian restaurants and cookbooks kinda stink for it; individual vegetarians, not so much.) I'm guessing that's a bigger part of the problem. It takes, I find, fairly rib-sticking stuff for an omnivore to feel satisfied with vegetarian food.

I suggest sticking to recipes you like and trying to adapt them to be meat-free, rather than, say, downing a pile of curried lentils and expecting it to pass for a taco with all the trimmings.

Mushrooms make decent "meat" in quite a few recipes -- assuming you like mushrooms, of course, and then there are all those soy meat substitutes -- tofu, tempeh, etc. And, depending on the recipe, you can often just leave the meat out entirely. Or cook a vegetable as though it were meat -- asparagus done according to a recipe for broiled fish with sauce, mushroom wellington, veg marinated, skewered, and BBQed.

Grab some nuts and nut butters for snacks, and get some _good_ cheeses.

This is too vegan for me, but --
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0820/is_1999_May/ai_54450666

There's those lentils again, but --
http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/content/0,21770,1175146,00.html

And, of course, try doing it gradually instead of cold...tofu.

Answer 2

I found that it's best to eat several small meals often rather than 3 large ones, to keep your blood sugar steady and your hunger at bay. If you crave protein make sure you're eating enough beans, lentils, nuts and/or seeds during the day. Also fill up on grains at every meal, as they do contain protein and when combined with beans and lentils they will provide all the protein you need. Soya milk and other soya products are a good source of protein, and so is the grain quinoa. Obviously eggs and cheese are too if you allow yourself those. I find that good hunger snacks are almond butter on toast or an extra bowl of cereal with soya or almond milk. Rice cracker and humous is also a good snack. As someone else said, the amount of protein you need is actually very low, and the fatc you crave it is most likely because you aren't eating enough grains and starches to fill you up. If you're worried you could get a protein shake and have that with your breakfast. You shouldnt need it but it might help you while you adjust to life without meat. Well done on going veggie and good luck!

Answer 3

You actually need very little protein in your diet. About one teaspoon of peanut butter or one glass of 2% milk is plenty for your daily allowance. Soy protein (veggie burgers, etc.) and legumes like beans and lentils combined with rice will also give you protein.

It took me about two weeks to stop craving meat. I ended up eating a lot of cheese and fried foods during that time period to halt the cravings. I found that fried mushrooms did the trick. I know that's not healthy, but the cravings will pass. Your body will adapt quickly to the vegetarian diet and you will actually no longer see meat as food. It actually starts to make me a little ill to smell cooked meat.

The first two weeks are the toughest. Concentrate on eating a well balanced diet - a good breakfast and a healthy lunch and dinner. Eat your protein everyday. You can do it, but it does take some will power in the beginning. After 17 years I actually couldn't eat meat now if I wanted to.

The world needs more veggies! Good luck!!

Answer 4

If you are willing to give up meat for spiritual purposes then you will find the strength to overcome the meat cravings for sure.
I know a person who was very attached to eating meat, went cold turkey and never looked back.
You can get protein from beans, nuts, cottage cheese. In case you miss meat there are multitude of meat substitute at the supermarket and health food stores. Check the brand Yves.
You can also buy protein bars at health food store as well as protein shakes. Believe me there is no scarcity of protein out there.
Good luck.

Answer 5

For me a realistic approach was to just stop eating it when all of the reasons not to came together for me. If you're craving protein, eat some protein; you need to familiarize yourself with the various non-meat sources anyway. Peanut butter is filling so it might fit the bill for you until you adjust to not planning your diet around meat.

Answer 6

While it is a very respectable thing to want to become a vegetarian, your body is designed for both meat and vegetables. Look up non meat foods that include a lot of protien. Vitamins can help you reduce the cravings. Almonds are VERY healthy for you and help you to burn calories as well. Since you said vegetarian and not vegan I am assuming that you can still eat eggs, milk, and cheese. They are also pretty good sources of protein.

Answer 7

I was at bootcamp last 45 days, and yeah everyone noticed I was a vegetarian, cuz I would always share my food w/ some girl their and I'd give her all the meat, those girls wanted me!

Answer 8

To supplement your diet with proteins, you can eat green veggies and also lentils...

There are plenty of veiggies that are very rich in proteins. Also try to go to the website http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09324.html

Answer 9

Don't eat meat. Don't buy meat. That simple.

Answer 10

my grandmother doesnt eat meat but she does have fish and isnt overly concerned if meat was cooked in the same meal..like she just picks off the pepperoni off her pizza ..stuff like that. don't stress about being pure and maybe try eating fish. and eggs