Is it bad to go Vegetarian? Are there any health issues?

Question

Just wandering. like I mean do you need to eat any substitute for meat? Can you fill me in on it? lol

Answer 1

First of all don't listen to people who are ignorant about the whole subject who tell you being a vegetarian means you'll have a weak immune system and that you're missing out on something. Those people aren't MD's and have absoutely no idea what they're talking about.
Anybody, meat eaters or vegetarians can be "unhealthy" or have weak immune systems equally. There are no facts whatsoever on meat eaters being more "healthy" than vegetarians. *Given the risks associated with red meat and the fact that it doesn't have any unique nutritional value, meat doesn't seem to offer anything that justifies its consumption.
Try just having a protein shake every morning using skim milk, protein powder and ice cream to start out.
Then start reading labels to keep track of how much protein and iron is in the foods you eat. You are in charge of what you put in your mouth. You just need to be aware nutritionally of what's in your food along with taking vitamin supplements (regardless if you eat meat or not) that supports your individual needs.
You just have to find what you like. I've never been anemic since I stopped eating meat and I very seldom get sick if at all. I rarely eat any meat if at all in over 10yrs. I choose to not eat it just because I don't like the taste or cooking it. There are huge misconceptions out there about being a vegetarian. I think you would feel better about it if you talked to your doctor. They can reassure you that you'll be fine, just in case all the mixed answers you've gotten here have confused you enough. Good luck!

Answer 2

Wow, you've gotten some terrible answers. That's ok, once it's in the veggie section for a little bit, you'll get better ones.

As long as you eat a balanced diet, there are NO health issues associated with a vegetarian diet. This means no eating just cocoa puffs and cheese pizza. The key is to get a balanced diet. Visit http://www.goveg.com and http://www.pcrm.org for a vegetarian starter pack.

Now, to address the bad answers:

"have. . .small serving of fish once a week." This is completely unnecessary. And, it wouldn't make one a vegetarian. Millions of vegetarians live without fish. There is NO reason that ANYONE needs it.

"take a protein vitamin" There really isn't any such thing. And those that *do* exist usually contain small amounts of protein. You'd be better off with a tablespoon of peanut butter.

"you must use a substitute with lots of protean" This is another myth. You won't need extra protein. Again, eating a balanced diet is just fine.

"most of the vegans i know get food poisoning all the time, not just due to poor quality food, but their immune systems weaken as well " While I can't disprove anecdotal anonymous "evidence", you must take it with a grain of salt. It's been proven OVER AND OVER that vegan and vegetarian diets are healthier. But, people who think it's strange will always find a way to cut it down and will always make stuff up about it.

And, I think that Mish's comments pretty much speak for themselves. lol.

Answer 3

Are you eating well? If you are then there's no concern. Personally my immune system is stronger (I've been sick 2 times in four years, where I used to be sick a couple of times a year). Vegetarians have lower risk of heart disease, diabetes type 2, obesity, some forms of cancer, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stroke, etc. Google 'vegetarian' and the American Heart Association, American Diabetic Association, American Cancer Society, American Dietetic association, Mayo Clinic, and the Physicians Committee for responsible medicine and you will find that all of them say that a vegetarian diet is healthy. Candace- Did you know that most Americans are deficient in about 12 vitamins and minerals? I'm vegetarian and at my last blood test I was deficient in 1. And I don't take any suppliments. Did you know that flax seed has more omega 3 fat then any kind of fish? Did you know that a spoonful of sesame seeds has as much calcium as a glass of milk? Did you know that the more dairy and protein a person eats the higher their risk of osteoperosis is? It's much better to get calcium from seeds, nuts, beans and green veggies. Did you know that anemia (iron deficiency) rates are no different between vegetarians and omnivores? Did you know that Americans get about 2 to 3 times as much protein as they need, whereas protein deficiency is practically unheard of in first world countries? Omnivore means the ability to eat plants and meat, not the necessity. Humans do not need to eat meat. There is no nutrient in meat that's not found easily in other foods, but there are tons of things meat doesn't have.

Answer 4

It is not bad to go Vegetarian, if you do it the right way. some people stop eating meat and eat nothing except potato chips and sweets. This obviously isnt healthy. But you if you make sure to eat vegetables and fruit, and take a protein vitamin, its actually a very healthy way to be. Also, you can look up this chart that shows what vegetables you can eat together that equal a protein.

Answer 5

Unlike what is said in the first post..protein is not an issue at all. Whole grains, legumes, nuts and many other foods have protein.

The health issues are in favor of a vegetarian diet, you are less likely to develop certain cancers, heart disease and diabetes.

Answer 6

Vegetarian diet is actually very good for you. The main concern is lack of protein - and B12 - found in red meat. If you eat Tofu, Soybean, Lentil, Garbanzo Beans, Red Beans - you will get some very good complex proteins. However, having a bit of fish or egg once or twice a week is actually a good idea. I became vegetarian about two years ago - and my alternative health practitioner suggested that I have an egg or a small serving of fish once a week. Remember to take a good multi vitamin daily - particulary rich in B12.

Answer 7

It can be good to go vegetarian. You will need to consider your diet in total, not just a piece (protein source). Start with the food pyramid and do research on vegetable sources for everything.

Answer 8

Its ok to be a vegetarian. i am one myself. but since you get no meat, you must use a substitute with lots of protean. eat lots of cheese, and eat peanut butter crackers for snacks. for a meal, eat a peanut butter sandwich on whole weat bread with a cheese stick and a cup of your favorite fruit. rinse it down with a tall glass of milk

Answer 9

becomeing Vegetarian is a very healthy way of liveing just be sure that you get your protein from other foods such as black beans,nuts ect

Answer 10

I don't think it's too important to become vegetarian, especially if you like meat. Life is too short to give up things that you enjoy. The key to all foods is that you should enjoy all indulgences in moderation. Of course I don't do that because I am young and in good shape and have convinced myself that what I do as a kid won't effect my adult life. That's a good way of looking at things, huh?