Wanting to become a vegetarian?

Question

I would like to become a vegetarian. What types of foods can I eat to replace meat without losing the nutrients? I know most of my family will not like it, but I want to improve my health and physical problems and generally become healthier with a good diet.

Btw I'm 21/f and married.

Any ideas of the types of food I can buy?

Answer 1

You can get all of the protein you need by combining grains with pulses (beans). The exception is green beans, which don't have much protein in them at all. You should also learn how to cook with tofu. It's a Chinese ingredient, but it's pretty versatile and it can be substituted into many foods that call for meat if you prepare it correctly.

Stay away from pre-packaged vegetarian food. Most of it is VERY high in sodium, and it's almost as bad for you as the meat it's meant to replace!

The one thing you may need to do is supplement your diet with B12. You can get this from tempeh (a fermented soy cake from Indonesia), which is commonly available in supermarkets nowadays, but most people don't care for the taste. Of course, if you continue to drink milk and eat eggs this won't be an issue. Good luck!

Answer 2

Fruits, veggies, grains, nuts/seeds, beans/pulses--how simple is that?

Check out "Skinny B!tch" for an all-around great guide to going veg*an--but be warned, the language is a bit salty.

There are tons of analogues out there, but just make sure they're not too high in sodium, fat, calories, etc. And try not to use them too often.

I have tofu tips in my profile, so check it out when you want to cook tofu.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Spanach. It has iron (the nutritions that the meat has) it's the only thing you should need. But drink milk and eat eggs because are very important

Answer 4

Eating a variety of different seeds, nuts, and legumes everyday is a great replacer.

For example, Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, soybeans, kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, peanuts, peanut butter, and walnuts.

Answer 5

you don't need eggs and dairy, in fact they are really bad for your health. See milksucks.co.uk and check out vegansociety.com for info. Eat lots of dark green veg for calcium and iron, other fruit and veg, beans and pulses (various - check out your dried goods aisle), nuts and seeds, grains i.e. bread, cereals, etc, tofu and soya, soya yoghurts/milks/cheeses.

Answer 6

things like quorn or nuts or beans. you dont neccesarily need to replace everything, most of the protien you get from meat is un needed

Answer 7

Follow the ink..

Answer 8

it is so easy

eat just fruits and vegetables