Should I ?

Question

I am thinking of becoming a Vegatarian should I ? And if I do give me some tips and facts about being a vegitarian. I already know they dont eat meat what so ever.

Answer 1

Just eat a balanced diet and leave out the dead animals. Not hard in the least.

Answer 2

There are several flavors of vegetarian. Some are extremely strict (no meats or animal products like milk and oils). Others are considerably more relaxed - now red meats but allow fish and poultry. In the end, you'll want to ensure that you're getting proper nutrition - vitamin supplements are helpful.

Be aware that there are some negative social outcomes from becoming vegetarian. If you go to eat at someone's house, they may get irrititated if they think they have to "make something special" for you. Be aware that you can be imposing and offer solutions in such situations.

don't adopt a "holier than thou" approach. Mankind has survived long and well on omnivorous eating.

I'm a believer of everything in moderation.

Answer 3

Good for you for knowing that vegetarians eat *no animals what so ever.* That already makes you a step ahead many of those who answered your question.

It amazes me how many people look into the eyes of fish and think *hmmm, you look more like a cucumber than an animal... I think I should be able to eat you while labeling myself as a person who doesn't eat animals."

Anyway, you should be a vegetarian if it is in your heart to be so. I felt guilty about eating animals for a couple years, and one day I woke up and didn't eat animals. I have followed that pattern for over 6 years now.

:)

Here are some great links for you:
http://www.vegsoc.org/newveg/fft/index.html
and (I'm a bit biased about this one)
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-GXLd3H0hc6klMFe3HeGqSDn7SVlgijZ53gHnrrlGNoFgNut5?list=1

Among other topics, there is a link at the bottom called "How to Become a Vegetarian." It has links, books and info.

:)

Answer 4

I think it depends on why you are considering it. It is a very personal thing, not just something trendy. It's good for the environment, health, ethics, reducing animal cruelty and certainly it is not neccesary to eat meat with so many alternatives. In fact studies such as the china study (Ref http://www.thechinastudy.com/about.html) conclude that no animals or animal products is the optimum for human health. So many resources for recpies and information on the internet, eg http://vegweb.com/ Do a web search and you will be sure to find more. Once you feel comfortable with what you have read then you can decide it if is right for you and work out how you can make the changes in your life to make it easier.

Answer 5

Being vegetarian is a decision that is completely up to you. I personally could not live without meat. But, if you choose to go completely vegan (no milk or eggs or animal meat whatsoever), you can still get protein from beans, nuts, and peanut butter. There are also lacto-ovo vegetarians, people who still consume milk and eggs. A friend of mine was this because she said it was wrong to let cows and chickens suffer in pain from not milking them or taking their eggs, which is a kind of pain that can actually kill a cow.

Do some research on the different levels of vegetarian before you go make your decision. Good luck to you no matter what!

Try this link: www.vegsoc.org/info/goingveg.html

Answer 6

Becoming vegetarian should be a deeply personal choice. Not one made by others for you.

It often takes strength of conviction. You can see by the flippant responses you got that people LOVE to give veggies a bad time. If you're veggie only because a number of people told you to, and not because you deeply believe in it, it will be more difficult for you.

There is NO need to "mix" proteins. That is a myth. Meat is a lousy source of protein. We are not designed to eat it. So much mis-information out there.

It is very easy to be veg. I recommend books. Both "how to" and cook books.

Answer 7

The best advice that I have (that hasn't already been given here) is this:

Do not depend on fake meat products like Boca or Morningstar for your protein needs. Those can be a fun treat, but are usually VERY high in sodium...Processed foods like that, as a rule, are not healthy in large doses. Plus, they tend to get pretty expensive.

Consult a doctor or nutritionist if you have certain dietary needs. Otherwise, just keep a good balance of different foods within your caloric intake. Only about 10% of your calories need to come from protein. A 2,000 calorie diet should have about 50 grams of protein; at 4 cals/gram, that's 200 calories worth of protein. You don't need to overdo it!

Get a variety of protein sources in your diet. Beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are cheap and easily prepared, and will give you plenty of fiber and protein in the proper doses.

my favorite easy and high-protein recipes:

mix one can of vegetarian (no lard) refried beans, one can of black beans, and one cup of salsa; microwave or simmer in saucepan. add seasonings like cumin or chilli powder if desired. use as filling with wheat tortillas, and you've got delicious and easy burritos!

1 bag (16 oz) of dry soup beans or lentils, as prepared by instructions on the package. add vegetables and seasonings of your choice. so many varieties of soup can be made with beans and lentils, I never get tired of making this.

***

ALSO:

Gelatin and Lard are not vegetarian friendly products. They sneak their way into a lot of foods that you might not suspect, like cereals with frosting or marshmallows, many kinds of candies, and pastries/donuts.
Read the ingredients of food packages when in doubt.

I was outraged and saddened when I discovered that marshmallows, frosted pop-tarts, and most gummy candies contain gelatin. But, knowing how unhealthy those things are, plus knowing that animals had to die to have their bones/cartilage matter ground up into gelatin...it wasn't difficult to swear off those things forever.

Answer 8

i am a veggie and have been for many years, it opened my tastebuds up to a whole new world of food which i previously ignored. You could try giving it up in stages, depending on how much you eat already. I gave up white meat/foul at age 16, red meat at age 18 then fish/seafood at age 24.

Good luck with it, it is a healthy lifestyle if you continue to eat sensibly and make sure you get what you need in fruit & veg. xx

Answer 9

Why do you want to become a vegetarian----u should kno facts about vegetarianism, the types of, the benefiis, whatever. You just dont wake up 1 day & say--I want to be a vegetarian. Something had to take you to that place. & if your beliefs are strong enough, then you do. You need to read up on it. Go to local library get some books, reference online. BUT you must know why you are doing it, for health & wellness, for beliefs of not eating animals, or any anilmal products, wanting to be w/ nature, because others are doing it--whatever your reason, figure it out on your own 1st

Answer 10

It's really up to you.
Some facts:
-They do eat dairy products.
-You have a bit more choices then a vegan would.
-You have to check labels to make sure there's nothing with meat or meat by product in it.
-MorningStar makes good products.
-It's hard at first because you're body is getting use to it but after a while it gets easier.
-Be ready for wise cracks and rude comments.