I'm interested in converting to vegetarianism.?

Question

What are some suggestions to: 1. Do this properly so that I can ensure I am receiving the right vitamins and nutrients, and 2. What are some tips and suggestions that I can follow in order to help suppress my urge for meat and or non vegetarian type foods etc...
I anticipate this being difficult, however I do really want to do this in order to be a healthier person inside and also to loose a lot of the weight I've been lugging around with me.
Only serious replies, please.
Thanks!!

Answer 1

I converted about seven years ago - your questions and concerns are exactly what you should consider. Good for you for seeing it.

Start with a good cookbook. I can recommend 1001 Low-Fat Vegetarian Recipes by Sue Spitler. I've worn it out! Everything I've made out of it has been fantastic. Also, get a copy or two of Vegetarian Times magazine. They have amazing recipes in there.

The key to getting over your craving for meat (and that's one tough thing) is to make sure you make flavorful meals. There's only one way to make vegetarian food taste fantastic - fresh ingredients, right down to the herbs.

Also, to satisfy your meat craving, introduce yourself to a product known as seitan. It's also called wheat gluten or wheat meat. It's gluten flour combined with a variety of spices and has the consistency of meat. I buy one called Ray's Sweet Meat, but it's locally made (Philadelphia) and may not be available where you are. However, check with your Whole Foods store, or go to www.vegweb.com and learn how to make it. Asian restaurants that serve mock chicken and beef will be able to tell you where they get it.

Remember, a good vegetarian diet includes protein. You can get protein into your diet through nuts, tofu and textured vegetable (or soy) protein, available in some stores and whole foods suppliers. If you choose to eat eggs, that's also a great source of protein.

Good luck with it. Don't give up! It's a tough transition, but if you allow yourself the time to get used to it, you'll never feel better. :)

Answer 2

I'm thinking about switching too, not sure though.

As far as vitamins and minerals go you should not have to worry to much about that since you'll be consuming a lot of fruits and vegetables.

The only exception when it comes to vitamins and minerals is your b vitamins. Those are hard to get from fruits and vegetables. For those I would suggest just taking a b-complex supplement. With supplements ensure you are buying something that is not synthesised, but rather, derived from a natural source.

Besides the b vitamins the only other thing you should really worry about is ensuring you are getting enough protein and protein from a variety of sources.

Excellent sources of protein are Raw soybeans, Bananas, Strawberries, Broccoli, Romaine Lettuce, Walnuts, Peanuts, Corn, Peanut Butter, Pinto Beans, Bush's Baked Beans, and the good ole tofu.

Answer 3

eat a veriety of different colored vegetables. eat whole wheat grains and nuts.go to health food store ask about vitamin B12 many vegetarian lack B12. drink lots of water avoid peanuts as well they are hard to digest almondbutter is your best source of protein also eat a lot of raw brocolli for calcium. http://www.notmilk.com

Answer 4

there are many people in this worlld who are vegetarian yet still they are healthy. try to see how 'HARE KRISHNA" people live on vegetarian diet, i am not saying you become hare krishna's but im just trying to say just check and you will see the difference. ..........bye the way im not one of the hare krishnas...............cheers

Answer 5

I think being a vegetarian is not good.
Because you will not get the proper nutrition that your body needs, like Proteins.