I want to become a vegetarian...but?

Question

I want to start a vegetarian diet, but I'm afraid of becoming undernourished and becoming underweight, etc. I'm already anemic, and so I don't want to make that worse. I don't know what the change in my eating patterns will affect. I've heard that sometimes your hair will fall out, and I don't want that.

I'm planning on eating eggs, and fish, but what else can I do to make sure I keep enough protein in my diet? Do I need to make sure and take specific vitamins? What specific nutrients do I need to make sure I'm getting?

Please remember, I'm next to clueless about everything related to this.

Answer 1

you will not be a vegetarian if you continue eating fish. some vegetarian sources of protein are soy milk, fake meats, beans, nuts, tofu, and leafy greens. your hair won't fall out if you get enough protein, which is not hard to do at all. you may want to take multi-vitamins, but they are nothing to depend on.

Answer 2

You said you were anemic. Has your doctor prescribed you iron pills, or just told you what you need to eat in your diet? Are you regularly getting tested for your iron levels/hemoglobin? All you need to do is tell your doctor you don't want to eat meat and he will give you healthy iron fortified foods. I have malt-o-meal or another highly iron fortified cereal almost every morning, and spinach for lunch to ensure I get enough iron. You can search iron fortified foods or foods rich in iron and see what si vegetarian and what you wouldnt mind eating, also you should take something with lots of vitamin C to help your body better absorb the iron. Things with protein you can also search, its easy do a google search becoming a vegetarian, or vegetarian protein foods. I like to eat beans, lentils, and tofu.
Someones hair falling out isnt a good sign, that sounds like they didn't learn what they needed to eat in order to be healthy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle isnt easy, it takes research, and planning. Good luck.

Answer 3

I was anemic before I became a vegetarian . It did not get worse actually. I take iron supps because my doctor suggested them. Hair will not fall out, trust me. You'll be fine and feel great! Make sure to eat your beans and try some veg "false meats" like smart ground or gimme lean. Eat what you like, discover new foods! Do online searches and visit PETA because they have some recipies there. Good luck.

Answer 4

First, vegetarians do not eat any animal flesh, and this includes fish.

Second, unless you eat too little or you eat just junk food, you will almost certainly get enough protein. Eat a good variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, and nuts, and you will be FINE. It can't hurt to take a supplement, though.

Check out www.vrg.org for a list of veggie foods that have iron. And remember, eat something with vitamin C to increase iron absorption.

Answer 5

sorry about the technicality of most vegetarians. it is just something we care about alot and are defensive over. if youeat fish you will be a piscetarian. it basically means you don't eat meat with the exception of fish.

the main thing to remember about non meat protein is to eat a variety in the same day. unlike meat protein, it is not whole...that is why we say eat different stuff....for instance, if you eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich make it on wheat bread with grains. it's that simple. the average american eats double their share of protien....

the one vitamin you wont get however is vitamin b12.....this is only if you are a straight vegetarian...eating eggs and fish will take care of this for you.

congratulations on the begining of something amazing. my husband and i started out the same way you are doing...we have slowly gotten rid of everything except cheese and freerange eggs....move at your own pace....we've only been vegetarians for 7 months. don't let anyone get you down. and if someone is rude to you about this subject then they probably don't care about being veg*ns as much as they say. any meat reduction makes a HUGE difference. remember that.

Answer 6

you will get all sorts of strange info here. the best thing to do is go to the library and get a book on becoming a vegitarian. My aunt's family and my sister are vegitarians. my sister is average build and my aunt is a little chubby. my cousin is skinny. it all depends on how much you eat like any way of chosing foods. be sure to eat lots of tofu , beans and cheese to get protine (many vegitarians eat free range eggs-vegans do not) some vegitarians eat seafood too, not strict ones. get books ask a librarian!!! they will know how to help you. you can also ask your doctor. good luck!!

Answer 7

"Please remember, I'm next to clueless about everything related to this" -- You are in good company then, because the the veggie-heads on here are pretty clueless as well --- even about good health . . .

If you already anemic, you ought not to be fooling with your diet. And certainly don't take any advice from the fanatics on this board. I'm serious. Consult with a nutritionist. Anemica is nothing to fool around with. Think of your body as a fine sports car and it develops a problem. Would you take it to a backyard mechanic or take it to someone that specializes in fine sports cars?

Guys on here are backyard fanatical "nutritionists". Take your fine body to a professional.

You might want to Google and read up on "Flexitarian Diets" and bring that up to the professional.

Answer 8

If you are anaemic, why the hell would you want to cut out one of the richest sources of iron (red meat) from your diet??

You don't get enough iron already, that is what anaemia is, so why would you chose a diet that would lessen it further?

Go have a prime steak and some spinach.

Answer 9

Eggs and Fish are not foods that a vegetarian eats

Answer 10

Drink lots of milk. Yogurt throughout the day will help, too, and of course, fruits and vegetables.