Vegetarians check in here

[PandaBear]

The transition to vegetarianism was easier for me when I first really did it at age 17...I had learned a lot about what happens on factory farms, laboratories, etc., and so my youthful energy became anger and so I acted out of compassion for the animals.

I've lapsed many times. I know it's because I psychologically associate eating with comfort, and so if I'm "depriving" myself of something I think tastes good, it's not going to work. I need to figure out some techniques to equate meat (all of it) with something nauseating. And of course, to remember that compassion and the energy I had when I was younger.

I've heard walnuts have the Omega-3's. Can anyone verify?

 

[Keturah]

I've heard walnuts have the Omega-3's. Can anyone verify?

Yes they do. Though flax seeds and pumpkin seeds are a better source.

http://www.annecollins.com/dietary-fat/omega-3-efa-6-chart.htm

 

[24fanatics]

Hi all...

I am still a new vegetarian. I started weaning myself off of meat about 3 months ago, and have been officially veggie since the first of September. Right now I am an ovo-vegetarian. I have managed to cut out dairy products, but I am still working on the eggs. I think my ultimate goal is to be vegan. I love this new way of eating, and I feel so much better. Take care.

 

[veganwitness]

i am a vegan now for about five months. i never really liked meat so the main thing that i gave up was dairy and items with animal products in them. i feel so much better. more energy, i need less sleep and i have lost over 50 pounds.

 

[trek4]

I am doing pretty well so far giving up meat, it's the cheese I am having trouble with.

 

[PacificPandeist]

The transition to vegetarianism was easier for me when I first really did it at age 17...I had learned a lot about what happens on factory farms, laboratories, etc., and so my youthful energy became anger and so I acted out of compassion for the animals.

I've lapsed many times. I know it's because I psychologically associate eating with comfort, and so if I'm "depriving" myself of something I think tastes good, it's not going to work. I need to figure out some techniques to equate meat (all of it) with something nauseating. And of course, to remember that compassion and the energy I had when I was younger.

I've heard walnuts have the Omega-3's. Can anyone verify?

I am so down with your point of view, brother.... I still wouldn't eat meat if it was farm raised instead of factory raised but thinking about those squalid warehouse conditions just makes me ill!!

//// Pacific PanDeist

 

[Herbivorious]

Hello all, as if my name were not proof enough

I am a ovo-lacto vegetarian.

I was vegan for about a year in highschool after learning about soo much that goes on, and it disquisted me, but I lapsed after about a year, due to the fact that they did not have nearly as much stuff as they do now, years ago and I got really sick. But now that I re-tried it, I've had no problems, I think the problem was that I lacked creativity with my meals, and the fact I was living at home, and they are no where near vegetarians, so basically all I ate was salads at their home. I find it much easier now living on my own and actually taking the initiative to play around with my food so to speak.

 

[marshgreencohen]

i just love vegetables but i can't say no to our daily meat viand,but i always request veggie dishes though

 

[Squirrelborg]

I'm semi-vegetarian. I guess ovo-lacto pescatarian(?).

 

[izarya]

I've heard walnuts have the Omega-3's. Can anyone verify?

Yes they do, avocados actually pack quite an omega 3 punch as well.

 

[izarya]

I've been considering eating a more vegetarian type of diet, but I do admit being afraid of not getting adequate protein. I don't think I want to be a full blown vegatartian, just limit the amount of meat I eat, especially red meat, to a few times a year. I will not however give up Salmon.

 

[eyeliv4God]

I just made a pledge to eat a vegetarian diet for 30 days. I'm supposed to be getting a starter kit from PETA in about a month. If I stick with the diet, I'm probably going to go Lacto-Ovo

 

[InTheFlame]

I've been considering eating a more vegetarian type of diet, but I do admit being afraid of not getting adequate protein. I don't think I want to be a full blown vegatartian, just limit the amount of meat I eat, especially red meat, to a few times a year. I will not however give up Salmon.

Hey Izarya,

Protein is far less of a worry than people tend to think. There are many excellent vegetarian sources of protein - and practically every food contains at least some. It's really, really hard to eat a varied veg diet and not get enough protein. Even for weightlifters and marathon runners. In fact, the only time I've heard of someone having problems getting enough protein on a veg diet was during a multiple-baby pregnancy. Anyway, here's some info for you - http://www.vegsoc.org/info/protein.html

PS. I think I often come across as pushy when it comes to veg diets. It's not that I'm trying to convert you, I just like to share facts!

 

[izarya]

Hey Izarya,

Protein is far less of a worry than people tend to think. There are many excellent vegetarian sources of protein - and practically every food contains at least some. It's really, really hard to eat a varied veg diet and not get enough protein. Even for weightlifters and marathon runners. In fact, the only time I've heard of someone having problems getting enough protein on a veg diet was during a multiple-baby pregnancy. Anyway, here's some info for you - http://www.vegsoc.org/info/protein.html

PS. I think I often come across as pushy when it comes to veg diets. It's not that I'm trying to convert you, I just like to share facts!

Thank you for the information. My concern is that even though that site posted info on the RDI these numbers vary from person to person. I am very active, please don't take this the wrong way or anything but: I am 6' tall, and currently weigh 212 pounds. Of that 10.5% is body fat. In the warmer months, I run 4 miles outdoors 3 days a week, the other 2 days I run on my treadmill (now that it's cold I only use the treadmill about 3 days).
I lift weights 4 days out of the week, and I mountain bike for about 10 miles on the weekends with my teenage and pre-teen children year around. My concern is that if I do not get enough protein to sustain my muscle mass, I'll loose it!
I once has a client that was a vegetarian, she could not put on quality muscle for anything.

 

[InTheFlame]

My concern is that if I do not get enough protein to sustain my muscle mass, I'll loose it!
I once has a client that was a vegetarian, she could not put on quality muscle for anything.

Yeah, I can understand that concern! Typically legumes - especially chickpeas (garbanzo beans?) - have the highest protein content per gram. Almost as much as meat, without the fat and cholesterol. They also have a fair amount of calcium in them, which MAY (no-one seems to know for sure) assist in the body's digestion and utilisation of protein.

 

[veganbunny]

I have been vegan for about 2 and a half years. Before then I was vegetarian for quite a while. My best loved brand for vegan food is Toffutti! (sorry if I spelt it wrong!)

 

[Macrina]

Hey everybody!

I was just thinking, "we need a vegetarian fellowship thread" and here one is! So hello!

I've been a vegetarian nearly my whole life, and became a vegan almost a year ago.

 

[SuddenlyISee]

Just checking in. I've been vegetarian for a year.

SIS

 

[Jedidah]

Hello everyone. Another veggie here Been vegetarian for about a year now too.

 

[jessluv2]

Hi everyone!

Another lacto-ovo vegetarian here!

God Bless,
Jessica