This is very hard... I can't be vegetarian or Vegan, can anyone help?

Question

Okay, whenever I drink any dairy product whether it's whole milk or skim milk, I'll have asthma, and I'm I'm also allergic to soy milk, oranges, and nuts... So now, I'm trying to eat really healthy, but it's hard because of food allergies.

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Have you tried rice milk?

Answer 2

Yes, you *can* be a vegetarian, it just might require a little more effort. A common misbelief is that a vegetarian diet MUST include soy products, (as someone else mentioned) and that is just completely incorrect.

I know several people who find that dairy irritates their asthma symptoms. Once when I started a new asthma medication, I had horrible chest pains and couldn't breathe and finally discovered that the medication had milk protein in it!

As several other people suggested, you can use rice milk instead of soy milk.

Are you allergic to all nuts, or just some? You don't need to have nuts for protein. Beans, seeds, and whole grains (such as quinoa) are also high in protein.

I'd suggest going to a website such as www.fitday.com and logging your food intake for a few days to make sure you are getting all of the required nutrients on your current diet.

Answer 3

What a bummer.

For many years I was plagued with migraines, poor digestion and eczema. Eventually a friend suggested going on an 'exclusion' diet which cuts out foods most people are allergic to. You then reintroduce things gradually to identify exactly what causes your allergic symptoms.

Having identified and cut out my 'irritants' I managed syptom free for a year. But in the end I got sick of the diet (ever tried a pizza made without cheese or tomatoes!?) and decided to go back to eating normally.

The point is that when I return to a 'normal' diet I found that most of the things that had previously caused me grief no longer did so!

For example, though I wouldn't drink a glass of cows milk without expecting some ill effects, I can manage milk that has been heated such as in cappuccino or ice cream.

I don't know if this 'desensitisation' might work for you but it did for me.

Answer 4

there's also oat and rice milks out there which are pretty good. i like rice milk cos it has a milder flavour than soy.

you dont need to eat meat and dairy anyway.

lots of vegies and legumes are out there that you can eat. beans are a good source of protein (instead of soy and meat)
i believe broccoli has calcium, as do other vegies.
strawberries are a good source of vitamin C too.
my best advice is to research into it. find out what other sources there are for the nutrition yu will lack from not eating what you are allergic to.

you CAN be vegetarian if you cant eat soy. a lot of people are and are perfectly healthy. it just means you cant eat tofu or drink soymilk. i dont drink soymilk more than maybe once very few months, but i eat lots of beans, which up my protein.

Answer 5

I like the suggestion of rice milk which tastes great, especially the chocolate!

This might sound really odd, but you might want to consider going to a chiropractor for regular spinal adjustments. They can work wonders with allergies of any kind.

A balanced diet includes meat & fish protein in moderation; you were designed by the Creator to be a meat-eater.

Have a long talk with a nutritional expert at your local health food store and see if he/she can design an eating program for your optimal health. Most medical doctors know little (if anything!) about nutrition, so that's why I have suggested a health food store. It has been my experience that so-called dieticians aren't that knowledgable, either.

Relax, enjoy the choices that are out there for you.
All will be well, I predict.

Answer 6

It's difficult to not be able to get your protein from dairy OR soy and I realise you must be frustrated. Legumes are good sources of protein AND have amazing health benefits including cancer-preventative antioxidants and zero trans fat and cholesterol so they're great for your heart!! Lentils are a fantastic, hearty replacement for meats in stews and soups. They also make a delicious side dish when cooked with chopped onion, tomatoes and curry spice. Garbanzo beans (a.k.a. chickpeas) are great whole over a dark green salad, or pureed with garlic, olive oil and cumin as hummus.

The most important thing you can do, of course, is speak to a registered dietitian or nutritionist who can help you tailor the best possible healthy eating plan to your specific situation.

Good health to you!

Answer 7

I commend you for wishing to eat in a healthier manner but with your allergies being a vegetarian is probably not a realistic diet for you.

If you cannot take soy then you cannot be a vegetarian. The entire vegetarian diet relies heavily on soy products for protein. You can get along fine without milk and you can get your calcium from other sources.

I would say you could drink Rice Dream - it is very good and even comes flavored.

I was a vegetarian for some years and then they finally found the soy was blocking my thyroid medication - one third of my hair fell out and I gained a tremendous amount of weight. Now I quit soy I feel like a different person.

Eat fish, shellfish, meat and poultry, lots of vegetables and fruits and rice and other whole grains. Eat what you can and do not worry about meat or no meat. Eat eggs if you can too - white of egg is very good and you can get them in a box in the dairy section like Egg Beaters low cholesterol liquid eggs.

Answer 8

i hope you're not allergic to some meat products like pork and chicken. Oranges are not the only fruit, there are lots to choose from and water is still the best drink we can get. maybe a CALCUIM supplement is an option because you are allergic to dairy products. There are lots of healhty foods around. check your nearest grocery store, or consult a dietetian.

Answer 9

You are allergic to 5 things. I don't really see the problem. You could easily be Vegetarian or Vegan and avoid these things. People are Vegan or Veg that are allergic to many, many more things than this and do just fine.

I don't mean to minimize your problem, but I think if you want to make this diet change you can do so without too much trouble.

Answer 10

Meat is healthy if prepared correctly. So are vegetables. There are other fruits besides oranges. What is the issue here? Don't eat what your allergic to. That isn't that hard, plenty of people do it.

Answer 11

Eating healthy doesn't always mean being vegetarian or vegan. A lot of vegetarians are lacking in protein and vitamins, so you should definitely either do some research or consult your doctor. Meanwhile, here's a few tips on healthy eating. Drink a lot of water. At least 8 - 10 glasses a day. That will flush out toxins in your body and generally make you feel better. Try to load up on colorful fruits and veggies, like squash and dark greens. Eat lean meat and fish. Fish is a very good source of antioxidants. A great source of calcium and protein is edamame (soy beans). Try lightly boiling them and sprinkle with salt. Great snack and great for you!!