I'm a vegetarian. So why am I craving red meat?

Question

I've been a veggie for 12 years, and specifically, I reeeeally want a hamburger.

Answer 1

It's really funny that you posted this. I went veggie a year and a half ago... and just yesterday I found myself really craving a Quarter Pounder with Cheese from McD's. LOL I didn't think much of it, cuz as a meat-eater I used to crave them once or twice a year (I've never been a fast food fan). Maybe they're throwing subliminal messages into their commercials this week or something. LOL

Answer 2

that happens sometimes, not to me personally, but i know veggies who crave meat at times. try finding an alternative, or something with a meat-like flavor or texture. i would not eat the hamburger for two reasons: one- you have a been a vegetarian for years and you don't know how your body would react to eating meat all of a sudden and two- red meat has been proven to cause cancer, so it's not a habit you want to start up.

Answer 3

myth:Cravings are your body's way of telling you it needs something.

truth:Probably not. To date, scientists have not been able to link cravings in humans to specific micronutrient deficiencies. In fact, an experimental psychologist conducted a study on people with constant chocolate cravings. In this experiment, one group was given a cocktail that mimicked the chemicals found in chocolate, and another group was given a fake chocolate bar which looked, smelled, and tasted like chocolate but contained no authentic chocolate-like compounds. Guess which bar satisfied the participants most? The fake chocolate! Even though it didn't chemically resemble chocolate, the look, smell and taste hit the spot and satisfied cravings.

That said, cravings are believed to be emotionally or psychologically driven. People also tend to crave foods they enjoy and associate with pleasurable times and places. For example, you may crave hamburgers because you downright love the taste and typically eat them in cozy pubs and at family barbecues — not because you’re deficient in the mineral iron. Hormonal changes can also be responsible for cravings. Ice cream and pickles anyone?

Answer 4

The same thing's happening to me now... I've been a vegetarian for 8 years, but sometimes want some chicken. Not red meat though, just chicken. I do too take iron, but not right now, maybe that's why.

Answer 5

Is it just red meat? Or any meat? It could be a deficiency you body wants you to relieve. Or it could be just a craving. You could try a soyburger to see if it's just the taste you are missing or it's something else.

If you do give in --Go get a real hamburger not some fast food one.

Answer 6

12 years, you have shaken the Beef hormone addiction. So it is probably something else your body is craving. Are you eating balanced meals? Are you eating enough?
If if gets too bad try Boca burger. My Vegan daughter uses them for her You don't have to eat meat seminars. Her Boca Chili is always a big hit. Meat eaters rarely can tell the diffrence. If it's just flavor this will work.
Also look at your B-12. I use it in liquid form from The Vtammin Shoppes.
http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/index.jsp?source=Go83

Answer 7

There are amino acids that every human body must have, or it is malnourished. That's right. All the calories in the world don't help if you are missing one of these amino acids.

It is possible to get them on a vegetarian diet, but very difficult. As little as 6 ounces of chicken or fish a week can supply them, but to the diehard, this is heresy!

Your body is screaming at you to get one of the aminos that you are missing.

Try this: http://www.quackwatch.org/03HealthPromotion/vegetarian.html
and go especially to Table 4.

Best wishes!

Answer 8

The answer simply is because you probably have been surrounded by a lot of it and have been strongly tempted but I suggest some vegetarian burgers like Boca Or Morningstar.

Answer 9

Some people crave red meat when they are anemic. You may need more iron in your diet. Try drinking orange juice or grapefruit juice, both help your body to absorb iron.

Answer 10

go get vegetarian burgers.. my -in law are vegetarian from religion.and i buy the vegetarian burgers . but my husband and i eat chicken and fish and vegetarian but most because you need iron.. find something that iron and it vegetarian.. and you need protein.. And i know a lot of lentils and chick pea has a lot of protein..
Vegetarian burgers taste simple but you can taste the veg.. so you not breaking your vegetarian

So good luck..
I cook vegetarian once in while because i love eating vegetable