I have tried to eat vegetarian, but I get light headead and dizzy when I dont eat meat.?

Question

I am unwilling to eat protein supplements as they are artificial. Soy is also sketch and we all probably have enough soy in us already from it being added to EVERYTHING. So what can I eat to get the needed protein/ stop the light headedness?

Answer 1

Check your health status before you start any program. You need to know before hand your current level to see if you require any additional suppliments. Lightheaded ness can be caused by a vareity of reasons. Lot of spinach, green leafy vegetables, legumes, lentils, soy products, diary products, dry beans, peanuts should provide you with enough source of protein. Vegetables and fruits should be increased to 3 servings per day to compensate the non meat. take your regular vitamins and get a blood work done after 3 months to see if there are any changes that require any attention. This will help you to plan and eat a balanced diet

Answer 2

Here is a list of veggies, beans etc and all the protein they have.
http://www.vegparadise.com/protein.html
But the protein thing is a myth; most people get far too much.
http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/vsk/protein_myth.html
You can get all the protein you need from a vegetable-based diet.


They key to being a healthy vegetarian is to eat a variety of food. You have to mix it up... mac&cheese and potato chips simply wont do.

:)

Here is a link to the vegan food pyramid to give you an *idea* of what a healthy diet looks like.
http://www.vegsource.com/food_groups.htm

It also contains a link to a vegetarian starter kit to help you out.

And you are farily correct about not needing too much soy soy, we should only have about 2 servings a day. It is perfectly fine to eat some, but soy is toward the top of the pyramid. I am a bit of a soy-addict... soy milk in my cereal, love of tofu.

If you are already eating a healthy variety, then you may have some other issue. Try to get checked out at the doctor.

Answer 3

I agree with the posters who say that it's not the missing meat, it's the amount & type of food that counts.
I have hypoglycemia and I can't eat a meal of say, granola and soymilk, or pancakes w/maple syrup, unless I want to be dizzy and nauseated a few hours later. I combine my foods so I can feel well.
Food combining is when you use different kinds of food together in one meal so that the Amino Acids combine and form a whole protein. Rice and Beans is an example. Or scrambled eggs w/whole wheat toast. A baked potato w/shredded cheese and salsa. Green salad w/ fake bacon bits and avacado.
You just have to pick foods that are vegetarian and that you like, then combine them. Also try eating more often. Sometimes 5-6 small meals a day is better for people who get low blood sugar.
All the Best!

Answer 4

light headedness are NOT signs of a lack of protein in your diet, that would be something else. You should talk to your doctor. A well balanced vegetarian diet should be very good for your health, and not harmfull to it.

Just like any diet if it is unbalanced then you can plan on havng health problems now or in the future. Look at the information other people have given you (Lillyian is very smart vegetarian).

Answer 5

First, every plant-based food has protein in it.

Insead of soy, use any other legume. THere are literally thousands of them. Include whole grains and lots of fruits and veggies, as well as nuts and seeds.

If you make a point of eating sufficient calories from the whole range of foods above, you will be getting more than enough protein, along with the fatty acids and low-GI carbs and micronutrients that you need. WIth that, you shouldn't still feel lightheaded.

IF it continues, see your doctor, as it may be anything number of things, including things that have nothing whatsoever to do woth your diet.

Answer 6

You need to be eating carbs as well as protein. Just because meat is gone from your diet doesn't mean that you don't have enough protien in your diet. People often consume too much protein, they don't need the help of animal products. You need to focus on eating green vegetables and in large portions. Beans, nuts, breads,and cheese if you eat it. Do not supplement your diet with junk food like french fries and chips and pastries. That could be the cause of your dizziness. Or maybe you transitioned to fast.

Answer 7

Have you tried to be a Ovo-lacto vegetarian if you don't like the supplements or soy...? This way you can eat eggs...

If not, try lentils/legumes....there are many kinds out there and many ways to prepare them. I believe you can also get them in frozen sections if you need some protein fast and don't want to take a long time to prepare. Also, many nuts like peanuts, almonds, etc. have protein too...

Answer 8

I've been a vegetarian for a year, and I feel great. I eat eggs, which is a great source of protein. The main source of protein for vegetarians is tempeh, soy, and beans. I would suggest eating some products from these brands: Quorn, Morningstar, or Gardenburger. They make great products!

Answer 9

If you are not going vegan you could eat cheese, eggs, or yogurt. Some great vegan sources of protein (besides soy) are nuts and seeds, seitan (wheat gluten), wheat germ, and quinoa. I get light-headed and feel crummy if I eat something with a lot of carbs in it. So I try to be sure to include a protein source when eating carbs.

Answer 10

Lightheadedness isn't caused by lack of protein. It's more likely hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar. You may also be diabetic. Just 10 pounds can make the difference between being diabetic and being normal.

You should see a doctor.