Carnivore transisioning to vegetarian. Any Help?

Question

So I grew up a carnivore. I didnt even know what a vegetarian was until late in my highschool years and always thought it was just something weird or that people did it for religious reasons. Then I had one friend who was, then I suddenly had 5 friends that were...etc etc. My girlfriend is a vegetarian and she has never tried to push her beliefs on to me, but she has shared her views and reasons. She great up as a vegetarian. Im quite the animal lover and once I really started looking into it I started to feel like I was only putting my money towards the suffering and abuse of animals that I love. Ive cut beef and pork out of my diet, but I still eat turkey and chicken. My main concern is that Im fairly small. I find it hard to keep weight on and Im scared that if I stop eating animal products I may lose more weight. I just started working out and Im watching what I eat more and more, while cutting back on meat.

Any helpful tips or insight?

To add to some things that I noticed from responses. I currently eat a lot of the things she eats. I never cook/make any meats at home. If I do eat chicken or turkey its from a restaraunt. Also, I dont eat fish. I do indeed like eggs and I am lactose intolerant, but when I do drink milk I drink organic milk...soy milk - Im allergic. Im a strange person I guess...lots of issues here. Although, she eats eggs and so does her family. Im almost positive they only eat free-range though.

Answer 1

nope my best friend is vegetarian.. nd its not weird or w.e even though she gets grossed out when i eat hot dogs haha..so if you really CANT do it then dont..

however... there are some really great tips on PETA.org

^^ i <3 them even though im NOT a vegetarian, they've had some great celebrity sponsers, and do a great thing for animals <3

~olivia

Answer 2

I don't think you'll find a problem with losing weight. I've been vegetarian for almost 2 years and I actually gained a bit when I switched. Turned out, most of the recipes I was trying were LOADED with cheese! LOL Now that I've learned how to really cook without meat (which was a switch after 29 years of eating meat!) I have found I'm back to my normal weight.

If you like chicken, try Quorn (it's not soy-based). Their naked cutlets are great... very versatile. Cut 'em up for soups & stews, leave 'em whole and barbecue or bake them in any chicken recipe... they're delicious.

If your girlfriend is vegetarian, sounds like it'll be pretty easy for you to make the switch... since you're already eating a lot of vegetarian meals... plus you don't have to figure out what to make! ;) As for eating out... that is harder, but most places have options. If you go to a place where they make sandwiches to order (subway, quiznos, a deli, etc), just omit the meat. Lots of fast food places have veggie burgers... even if it's not on the menu, you can ask. They might have it. Good luck.

Answer 3

You need to get some proper information from your gp about switching to vegetarianism. I myself do eat meat, though I really do understand your views. I saw a lamb being born in a farm when I was 18. It was the most beautiful thing i have ever seen (Until i had my own kids!!!) and vowed that i would never eat lamb again - and havent (it used to be my favourite roast!!)

There are a lot of substitutes now for vegetarians, and animal fat is very high in colesterol (probably spelt wrong!) so as long as you are getting enough vitamins, minerals and proteins then you should be ok. Definately speak to a doctor though.

Good luck!!!

ps - are you still going to eat fish?????

Answer 4

First of all, congrats! Second, you need to educate yourself about vegetarian nutrition. The American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada have released this position on vegetarian diets, which outlines the nutritional issues.

http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/advocacy_933_ENU_HTML.htm

As for losing weight; you will only lose weight if you don't eat enough calories. Don't fall into the trap of the protein myth: you *don't* need a lot of protein, even if you are lifting weights. You can get all the protein you need by eating a variety of foods, including nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, tofu, etc. Don't rely on protein supplements - they can be dangerous. Try not to rely too much on processed foods such as veggie 'meats' (though they are good transitional foods).

If you are concerned about animals, you should research the impact of the dairy and egg industries as well. These industries are (IMO) even more cruel than the meat undustry.

I would suggest joining a vegetarian forum where you can get some support and insight. I think http://www.veggieboards.com is excellent.

Good luck!

PS: Vegetarians don't eat fish either :)

Answer 5

Well if this will be of any help to you I think what you should do is slowly take wean yourself off certain meats but not all meats together. I tried this myself and ended up very very sick and almost in the hospital. It was to much for my body and for some reason my body simply couldn't handle it.
What I do recommend is stop eating any ( red ) meat and eat more chicken/Turkey/FISH <<<.
Steaks and etc no good for you and steaks are only about 20 percent protein anyway. Red meat is low protein and bad for you if you cannot control your portions.

In all honesty I have nothing against Vegetarians or Vegans, I just think that it takes a special person to be able to become and follow that life style and your being a huge Carnivore could cause your body to become very very sick, very fast.

* TIPS * if you are serious start out cutting meats back slowly until you have cut them out all together, allowing your body to adjust. Then make sure in the meantime you go to a health food store and look for some replacement Vitamins designed for Vegans and Vegetarians to help your body replace what's being lost.
Hate to see you get sick man like I did and end up in the hospital.
But I must say if your looking to become a more healthy person by doing this all the power to you and I truly wish you the best of luck.
* Note to the Thumbs Down people*
If you think what I have stated isnt possible then you are all 100 percent wrong. I have spoke to many Doctors on the situation and it happens to many people who try to become Vegans cold turkey even when they take supplements. So before you go knocking someone get your facts right. Just because some of you live like Vegans and Vegatarians dont mean you know what your talking about when it comes to medical issues.
Hope this helped you out

Answer 6

Good for you! I recently went through the same transition-I havent eaten meat in years, but just recently gave up poultry. If you go to peta.org you wont WANT to eat meat! I too, am lactose intolerant, and allergic to wheat, soy and eggs, so this diet is a huge challenge! But, I have found that I have lost my taste for meats now, There are so many lovely ways to fix veggies and fruits. There are also many websites dedicated to it. I hope your transition is as easy as mine. I found that once I learned the shocking trush behind commercial meats, that is really all it took. My 12 year old daughter went veg too after watching a video called "Eating". It shows not only how horibly the animals are treated, but how unsanitary meats are and how many things are injected into them. YUCK! Hang in there Your girlfriend is lucky to have you

Answer 7

Hello. I have cut off meat about 2 years ago. I admire you for your concerns and I don't think you should worry about losing weight, I am myself quite skinny and had actually put a few kilos up since. I feel much, much better phisically an emotionally because I know it was the right thing to do. I would never go back, I have no regrets and I am happy that I did it. Cheers and goveg.com.

Answer 8

Losing weight if you stop eating meat?..... Don't worry.. eat tones of milk products. It's equvivalen to meat.