I have recently become a vegetarian and cant persuade my mother that this is the right choice. help!?

Question

any protein enriched stuff a vegie can eat? please help!

my mum isnt going vegie she just keeps pestering me abt my choice. im not forcing any1. shes trying to persuade me to not be a vegie.

Answer 1

Don't think my ans. is too big.
Ive explained everything.

MYTH: "Vegetarians get little protein."

FACT: Plant foods offer abundant protein. Vegetables are around 23% protein on average, beans 28%, grains 13%, and even fruit has 5.5%. For comparison, human breast milk is only 5% (designed for the time in our lives when our protein needs are as high as they'll ever be). The US Recommended Daily Allowance is 8%, and the World Health Organization recommends 4.5%.

MYTH: "Beans are a good source of protein."

FACT: There is no such thing as a special "source of protein" because all foods -- even plants -- have plentiful protein. You might as well say "Food is a good source of protein". In any event, beans (28%) don't average much more protein per calorie than common vegetables (23%).

The short answer is: "No, sufficient protein can be obtained by eating a variety of foods", but here is a longer explanation:
Protein is synthesized by the human body out of individual amino acids. The body breaks down food into individual amino acids and then reassembles the proteins it requires.

All amino acids must be present in the body to make proteins. Those that can be synthesized from other amino acids are called "unessential" amino acids. You can live on a diet deficient of these if you eat enough extra of the other amino acids to synthesize these. Those that cannot be synthesized from other amino acids are called "essential" amino acids and must be present in the diet.

Protein that contains all essential amino acids is called "complete" protein. Protein that contains some, but not all essential amino acids is called "incomplete" protein. It used to be believed that all amino acids must be eaten at the same time to form complete proteins. We now know that incomplete proteins can be stored in the body for many days to be combined with other incomplete proteins. As long as all essential amino acids are in the diet, it does not matter if the proteins are complete or incomplete.

The amount of protein recorded on food labels only lists the complete proteins. A product may contain much higher amounts of incomplete protein that is not listed. Combining such products may increase the total amount of protein beyond the levels expected.

The 1989 revision of the FDA's RDA suggests a protein intake of 44-63 grams. Many scientists think this number is too high. Most scientists agree with this number.

Here is another (from "Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine"):

THE PROTEIN MYTH

In the past, some people believed one could never get too much protein. In the early 1900's, Americans were told to eat well over 100 grams of protein a day. And as recently as the 1950's, health-conscious people were encouraged to boost their protein intake. The reality is that the average American takes in twice the amount of protein he or she needs. Excess protein has been linked with osteoporosis, kidney disease, calcium stones in the urinary tract, and some cancers. Despite all this, many people still worry about getting enough protein.

The Building Blocks of Life:

People build the proteins of their bodies from amino acids, which, in turn, come from the proteins they eat. Protein is abundant in nearly all of the foods people eat. A varied diet of beans, peas, lentils, grains, and vegetables contains all of the essential amino acids. Animal products are high in protein, but are undesirable because of their high fat and cholesterol content. Fat and cholesterol promote heart disease, cancer, and many other health problems. One can easily meet the body's protein requirements with plant foods. It used to be believed that various plant foods had to be eaten together to get their full protein value, but many nutrition authorities, including the American Dietetic Association, have determined that intentional combining is not necessary.1 As long as one's diet includes a variety of grains, legumes, and vegetables, protein needs are easily met.

If you are concerned,
Include:beans,nuts,peanut butter,whole grain breads,soy,eggs,milk

Answer 2

Just let her know that you've thought this through by telling her all about the things that you can still eat and why they're good for you. People sometimes freak out a bit and come up with the most random claims that it's not healthy or it's weird but it's not like a change in religion or planet you live on or anything, you're just chosing a veggy burger over a meat one. No big deal.

I've been a vegetarian since I was three and I'm the only one in my family (I was a stubborn three year old!). I've been a vegetarian over 20 years now and I'm the healthiest person in my family. I never have to worry about eating dodgy chicken or getting ill from food poisoning caused by badly cooked meat and I feel much better about myself knowing that nothing had to die so I could eat it.

If you have any local health food shops/vegetarian shops try going there and just looking to see whats on offer. Pretty much anything you eat as a meat eater has a replacement as a vegetarian. You aren't left out, you're just chosing something a little different. People get used to it.

It might be a Vegan website but I found this place really helpful when looking for replacement ideas: www.veganstore.co.uk

Enjoy being a vegetarian, it's a positive thing :)

Answer 3

There are plenty of protein enriched frozen, non-meat products... many of which are not only tasty, but good for you. I'm not a vegetarian, but I eat them often in lieu of eating the comparable meat product. There are breakfast products as well. I find many of these items to be yummy. Bring mom to that section of your grocery store, and look things over together. It would hurt either to find a good book that you can read together so she has a better understanding. Don't be upset with Mom. People are often so uninformed that they assume being a vegetarian isn't a healthy choice, when, in fact... it can be very healthy. Maybe there's a vegetarian here who can recommend a book. If not, go to a good book store together and check out those books. There should be something short and sweet that'll give you (and Mom) the information you need. Check out the vegetarian cookbooks while you're at it for good recipes. Mom might enjoy them too. My daughter is a vegetarian and a wonderful cook (and she is healthy). She makes some dishes a gourmet would be impressed by... and love. The whole point is... it's a learning process for you AND Mom... so make it something you learn together.
Good Luck!

Someone can probably recommend some good cookbooks too. I've got some at home, but don't remember what they are. I'm sure there are many, countless great recipes on the internet too. Google away!!

Answer 4

As a vegetarian you can get protein from a wide range of sources.

Soya products are the best known-soy milk,tofu etc.You can also eat any of the wide range of meat substitutes available in health food shops and large supermarkets.If your in the UK you can get quorn which is high in protein and sold nearly everywhere.

As you are a vegetarian not a vegan you can continue to eat eggs and cheese which are both high in protein.Point out to your Mum that the human body needs far less protein than most people think.Most western diets contain far more protein than the body needs.Ideally your diet should contain around 7 or 8% protein and this is incredibly easy to do as a vegetarian by eating tofu or one of the other meat substitutes on a regular basis-say 4 or 5 times a week.

The main thing is to eat a sensible varied vegetarian diet-lots of fruit,vegetables,whole grains,beans and pulses and a bit of protein from 1 or best of all a variety of the sources I mentioned above.If you show your Mum that you've done research into how to get protein as a vegetarian she may stop hassling you.

Answer 5

Parents can be a drag :). Like someone else said, if you show your mother you are making an informed choice instead of just following some fad, she'll most likely let off. Educate your mom! Show her the unforgivable cruelty that happens in the animal product industry, that vegetarianism and veganism are perfectly healthy diets (if not healthier) for people of all ages, and that its silly to care so much about the well being of dogs, cats, and the mentally handicapped while not showing any compassion for any other animals. Show her how animal agribusiness is hurting our environment

Grab some literature and check out the myriad amount of web resources. The more educated YOU are about your decision, the less others can shake you.

Answer 6

You mean your mom is trying to dissuade you from being a vegetarian?

Well just share with her what a balanced diet is for a vegetarian - show her that you're modifying your diet to get protein, minerals and vitamins from other sources. She's probably just worrid about you because most vegetarians dont eat a balanced diets that includes folic acids, vitamins, iron etc which also comes from meat sources like beef, apart from protein.

So if you wanna go veggie - do more than add tofu. make sure you get lotsa legumes, fibre, a good mix of veggies that cover all the vitamins and minerals etc.

If she sees you're making an informed intelligent decision, then she'll respect it. If you're gonna just start chugging soy shakes and tofu, then you gotta do better than that. Whether you're a vegan, vegetarian, omnivore etc, you still need a balanced diet.

good luck!

Answer 7

Vegetarianism is at an all time low at the moment. There are fewer veggies in the world than there has ever been. This is reflected by restaurant menus, there are fewer and fewer veggie choices available.
I can't see the point of vegetarianism myself, but a good healthy diet can be maintained without fish, meat etc.
I would stay away from microwave meals and processed foods, as they contain high amounts of hydrogenated fats, salt and various additives/ preservatives.
Steaming fresh vegetables until they are just tender is good for keeping the nutirents in and making your own dishes is fun and very rewarding.
There are some fab vegetables out there, butternut squash is one. It's delicious and very versatile. It can be stuffed, roasted put in stews etc.
As for protein, there is more protien in a homemade nut cutlet than a lamb chop. Nuts are high in protein.

Answer 8

My parents not keen when i made the change to the right side either. My mum used to make my sandwich's for school and low and behold there would be meat inside (usually it would be corned beef or left over Sunday roast) on my return from school very hungry she would tell me it was ok because it was cold? My dad also ran a beef farm so he was less than pleased either.

Forget about protein counting and all that, you will be fine if you just eat sensible stuff like I'm sure you will anyway. Just tell your parents that at least you ain't gonna die of colon cancer!
Welcome to your new life!

Answer 9

1) You get to decide what goes into your body.
2) The dependence on protein is a myth perpetrated by the meat and dairy industry.
3) If you want protein, many vegetables have lots of it: brocolli, legumes. You can go for the tofu or the old reliable TVP (textured vegetable protein).
4) More people die from being carnivores than being herbivores.

Answer 10

Fear not, I have the same problem. You know, without a shadow of a doubt that it is the safest, wisest, best and healthiest choice but unfortunately we are not to dictate the actions of others. It is the same problem that God has with man. In Him is all goodness, and in all His ways are only life, but stubborn man is his own greatest enemy and cuts himself from the blessings that God is trying to bestow, not only by disobedience, but also by open rebellion. To a mind that reasons, does that not sound preposterous? Tell your mother that meat takes much longer to digest than plant-based foods, thus it creates a much larger tax on the whole system, thus releasing more toxins into the bloodstream. Filled with parasites, chemicals and bacteria, disease and high amounts of the wrong fats are even prevalent in chicken and fish. The only safe route is a natural and simple one. Tell her how much better you feel, and if she is a God fearing woman, tell her it is the diet chosen by God to our first parents in the garden in Eden (read Gen 1 and 2). It was not until the flood that God allowed provisions for flesh foods, because in a flood, one can not grow a garden. One will notice too, that after they started to consume flesh, the years of living dropped drastically from many centuries to only a few. May God bless on your interests.

Answer 11

Many people believe that a vegetarian diet is unhealthy. The truth is that it could be.

Meat, eaten occasionally, is a good source of many things the body needs. Eaten to often and you are likely to become unhealthy.

To have healthy vegetarian diet you need to make sure you are getting what you might normally get from meat (if you are vegan this is even more difficult).

Beans, tofu, and dairy products are high in protien. There are high protien drinks that you can buy, specially for body builders (but there is no guarantee that they are vegetarian).

Tofu and chick peas are high in calcium, which is good for bones. Of course dairy products are good as well.

Nuts and seeds are also something that is good to add to your diet.

Many vegetarians take dietary supplements, particulary iron, however you may find you don't need to if your diet is carefully balanced.