Help Please?

Question

I don't think that it is right to eat meat or to kill an animal for any reason. I want to stop eating meat and all that stuff but I have some questions. I have had cancer before but my doctor said that I could live a normal life and all that jazz but my grandma is concerned that by not eating meat I won't get proper nutrition.

Are there subsitutes for meat? If so what are they?
Are there other things that I can eat to still have good nutrition? If so what are they?
How long will it take to transition?

Any other info that you feel would be helpful please let me know.

Thanks.

Answer 1

You can still get proper nutrition by not eating meat. The only thing you would be missing the most of is protein. There are MULTIPLE sources that you can get the protein from. Added milk, whey protein, various other protein supplements. Make sure you get enough or everything in your diet or you will get weak. For me, being a vegitarian took about 3 weeks to fully adjust, in that time, I lost weight, and felt a bit weaker, but I was restored after a few days. Also, just a warning, without meat for about 2 weeks, it will mess up your system when you have it again for the first time, if you choose to go back.

Answer 2

You can absoloutly live a healthy life as a vegetarian. You just have to be carefull not to over fill on junk food when you first give up meat. Soy is your friend. It has an excellent source of Protein. Eat lots of beans and legumes. And of course load up on the veggies. Now a days its easier to be a vegetarian. You can find just about everything you can in the "meat world" that has a soy substitute. Soy milk is an excellent source of Protein as well. You should also take an Iron supplement, you can find yourself lacking iron real fast if you dont eat the right ammount of protein. Its just a good idea to take the iron so that you are not over freaked out about the right ammount. I would really recommend a subsribtion to Vegetarian Times. They have lots of great veggie recipes every month. They also have a lot of info on being a veggie. PETA Website is also a good source. They have a vegetarian started kit that is excellent. There are a lot of things to consider when taking on this diet. But in the end it will be the best choice you ever made. I have been a vegetarian for 10 years and I feel great. With the proper guidance I am sure you will be fine as well. Good Luck!!

Answer 3

Good for you!!! there are many substitutes for meat. go to your health food section in your store and they should have some if you live in a large town but if not don't worry. You can make you own if you like from gluten or soybeans. A bit labor intensive but it can be done. Or if you want to just take things you may have in your pantry already or that is easy to get anywhere, go with beans of any kind. they are legumes and have an abundance of good soluble protein, the thing that is supposed to be what the meat is used for. So you are getting the protein first hand rather than getting it second hand with the meat or animal. It is much easier on your system too and lots healthier. Nuts of any kind are another good source of protein. One thing I would do is eat lots of your veggies, more raw than cooked but if you can't take it raw that is fine too but just cook the veggies till they are just turning and not till they have no more life in them. Leave a bit of crunch to them and they will be much better for you. I went from a meat diet to totally veggie right away and had no ill effects. Just substituted the soy or the beans for the protein and ate lots more veggies. For some really good recipes and more info on some of the dishes you can make, check out www.3abn.org, or www.drmcdougall.com. the latter is a doctor that can tell you a lot more about nutrition and your health and will answer your questions and has a newsletter you can sign up for that will have good recipes in too. 3ABN has a place that you can get recipes as well as you can watch the programming that has some cooking shows on and you can learn and see how to make some good meals. check them out and keep up the good work. later you may want to go vegan which is putting away the milk, cheese, dairy products that are made from animals and the by products but so some good research before doing it as it can cause deficiencies if you do not do it right. Good luck and happy eating.

Answer 4

First of all, congratulations for deciding to choose a healthier, more humane diet. It's actually very difficult to get too little protein if you are eating enough, even if you're not eating meat, milk, and eggs (milk and egg production also involve very cruel practices, and some feel that it is more humane to eat meat than milk or eggs). There are actually studies which show that animal protein can help cancer to grow.

Depending on what type of cancer you had, you may want to avoid soy (soy may not be good for those who have had or at risk of breast cancer).

There are many substitutes for meat. The best, most versatile alternative is beans. Nuts, seeds, lentils are other choices. Choose whole grains for protein, iron, and fiber.

Focus on a healthy, balanced meal. Here is a vegetarian food guide:
http://www.dietitians.ca/news/downloads/vege_guide(EN).pdf

Don't worry too much. Take a multivitamin every day if you're concerned about your intake. Don't take protein supplements - most people get too much protein.

As for how long it takes to transition, well that is up to you. Do what you are comfortable. A common approach seems to be to first cut out red meat, then poultry, then fish, then milk & eggs. (That approach worked for me).

I strongly encourage you to talk to a registered dietitian (RD) regarding your diet considering your health history. Good luck!

Answer 5

I've been a vegetarian for 18 years an I am completely happy.What isnt out there for making a transition to becoming a vegetarian.They make it so easy to not eat meat that I don't understand why everyone doesnt become a vegetarian.Just go to a local co-op or any store really and you can find vegetarian food in the freezer section or in the nature market section.Just make sure youtake vitamins(which you still get what you need in veggie food)such as calcium and vitamin c and all your b vitamins for extra support.Its really not hard at all so good luck and I think you will notice a change in your body for the better.

Answer 6

Eat more fruit than you normal doing it has some similar enzymes that meat has. Meat is dead animal it is not trueprotein. Kelp also Beans is better protein, Soya Beans, Lima Beans, Fava Beans, Wax Beans. It's a myth that you need lots of protein. It's the right enzyme balance that you need. Too much protein can make you fat and flabby!. I am a healthy vegetarian but I do eat eggs, cheese and drink milk things that aren't necessary. If
you eat 1 large egg a day that gives you all the protein you need unless your a heavy work that you might need 2! Beans is better though!
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help see: www.veggie123.com

Answer 7

there are lots of meat substitutes. what i would highly recommend is reducing the amount of meat you eat to about 6 oz a day and not cut it out all together. bring the world back to more of a balance -- 20 oz of meat is gluttony when you need only 1/3 of that. 6 is good for you. think of it as 1/3 of the slaughter. its like driving an suv -- why this country wants extremes is stupid.

Answer 8

I dont eat meat ,red meat I cant I still get my protien I also get vitamin B-12 shots and I am in the best of health I do miss eating a hamber out of beef or a nice juicy steak but my health is more important to me My dad has cancer and I took him off of red meat and he is feeling less sluggish and more energized but from what I am told from people they need protien from meat use organic substitutes you want miss it at all best wishes but keep in mind things are different for different people

Answer 9

Beans and peas offer alot of protein. Your local diabetic assoc. believe or not can offer diet information on that. You should also talk to your doctor about vitamins and such. Maybe protein drinks could provide you with the energy most people loose because of their change of diet.

Answer 10

You can eat fish instead of meat as a substitute.
Its not veg but you can eat it in less quautities.