Serena The Wanna-Be Vegetarian
Hello, my name is Serena and I’m a carnivore.
I admit it. I want to be a vegetarian. But how can I when I don’t want to give up my burgers, my pastrami and especially my bacon? Sundays won’t be the same without its rich fatty smell curling around the morning, welcoming a new week. How lonely my eggs will be, and how could I ever explain the absence of bacon to my beloved BLT?
I admit that I’m powerless over meat…
I’m also determined. It’s not about that holier-than-thou feeling that some vegetarians seem to annoy people with. Now more than ever I feel a need to eat healthier, to be conscious of where my food is coming from and how it’s treated before it gets to my table. I’m not just talking about meat either. Some of that “eat local” stuff seems worth looking into as well. It just makes sense, ethically and environmentally.
I’ve made a list of all animals harmed and I’m ready to make amends…
Dear Pig, Fish, Chicken, Duck and Cow,
You’ve been involved, errr I mean you’ve committed yourselves to some of my best meals and memories, but I’ve reached a point where we must begin to part ways. I’ve seen these photos . They weren’t easy to look at, and this isn’t going to be easy. We’ve fried, roasted and grilled you at countless gatherings. I’ve paraded around with your parts on a stick at various county fairs. I’ve stewed, stir-fried and broiled you. Over the next few months I’m going to try and stop eating you, yes, I’m going to give you up. I realize that it isn’t going to be easy. I’ll start with one meat free meal a week. And gradually I’ll become a vegetarian, and not just a “wanna-be.”
- Serena
Serena-
I was once like you, a full meat eater. I grew up with a “meat and potatoes” father and a “veggie loving” Asian mother. I loved my steaks and burgers. But, the more I educated myself about the environment and the treatment of animals the more I cut it out of my diet…I have been a Vegan for two years now. Did you know that the production of meat/animal products is one of the top contributers to global warming. Go to treehuggers.com and look up an article about it…it’s there and very eye opening.
Nothing wants to die; every animal,fish,bird fears death and frankly I don’t want to put anything through that just so i can have some chicken nuggets.
I thought about it and then one day just said no more…no more meat, no more milk,cheese, butter and i have felt amazing ever since. The more you put your meat (flesh) on a pedistal and say…oh i love you the more you will never become vegetarian. If you do the research you will never say it again, now the thought to me makes me cringe. I wish you all the luck in the world, and all the animals too.
Good book to read:
Skinny Bitch –about going vegetarian/vegan
Good Luck,
Cynthia
cyndulaney@gmail.com (if you need any advise)
hey great thought. I am phasing out of meat. I am learning tons of nice vegetarian and no-meat recipes and am going to stick with it.
Cynthia you hit the nail on the head here, it is the reading about the environment and the desire for my family to be healthy that has made me want to be a vegetarian. Choosing to change our diet puts us in the driver’s seat of our own health.
I’m going to check out Treehuggers.com right now.
I can’t say I’ll become a vegan, but I’m definitely looking for a healthier way to live on the planet or should I say ‘with’ the planet?
Keep in touch with me on this journey, I like your input!
Serena
hey Serena, i feel your pain girl. I am a beginner just like you and it is sooooo sooo hard to give up the meat specially when you live in a house with 4 other people who eat meat by the hour. I am on my 4th day without meat & im trying to stay strong and keep it this way, i have made it my #1 priority to watch what i eat.
It is hard but we can do it! =] good luck!
btw nice letter
hey Serena (and anyone else wanting to be vegetarian) i’ve been vegetarian for two years now, and while it’s amazingly healthy for me- i have so much more energy, i get sick less, and overall i just FEEL better- you NEED to be be sure to get enough iron. most of the iron meat-eaters get is from animals, and without that iron you become anemic and generally don’t feel very well. there are a lot of supplemens you can take though, or if you don’t want pills, you want to do it all-natural, i find it easy to just snack on nuts (with low sodium), they’re healthy and have lots of iron. they also have lots of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which you’ll now need more of. being vegetarian is great, you just need to make sure you do it healthily. good luck!
Thanks Jessica!
Serena; I’ve just celebrated completion of my first year of being a ‘vegequarian’ (I do still eat fish and seafood) & it’s amazing how much better I feel. I’m not saying that it’s easy, cause I still crave an occasional tenderloin sandwich, but don’t cave. Get yourself a copy of THE SKINNY BITCH, and every time you are tempted, open it up and read a few sentences. If that doesn’t stop the cravings, then nothing will. Good luck!
Hi Serena:
I used to be an avid meat eater and never thought I would be able to change. Have been vegetarian for a couple of years now and it’s amazing to me that I was ever anything but! Luckily there are so many good recipes and vegetarian products nowadays to help us make the transition. How wonderful of you to be taking this step.It is so excellent NOT to participate in such needless suffering, and the planet benefits and of course so do we. It’s all win, win, win and you WILL feel healthier too! Love and good Luck!
I loved your article. I’ve long felt bad for the animals but have been brought up, and raised my kids on “meat, potatoes, vegetables” and I got really sick of pasta from my (six) kids always eating it when they were younger. (Although I still eat it, wouldn’t want to live on it. Don’t like Tofu, haven’t found many veggie substitutes I like. AND organic and vegetarian food (except pasta) is EXPENSIVE.) My 18 year old has been a vegetarian for a couple years now and I envy her. The more I think about the animals, the less I want to eat meat. I don’t need to lose weight, and I already have low-iron – so if I wanted to go full-force vegetarian I’d have to be careful. But the girls and I are definitely eating less meat each and every week. In a few years my 9 year old and I might have some success at reaching the vegetarian point. I think someday civilization will look back and think “I can’t believe we treated animals that way.” The “wanna-be” vegetarian title is great. That’s exactly how I feel. (My motive though is to protect the animals.)
Hey I have severe anemia and struggle with iron levels so hang in there, take supplements if you can, of course check with your doctor first. Also, all vegetarians are not thin, I’ve seen and spoken with some that are substantial.
I’ll eventually get there… for now I’m a wanna-be, and that’s okay.
I am like you, ever since I became active in my own spiritual pursuits I began to think about just where my food was coming from. I think over everything I buy and will avoid making purchases that I feel may be damaging to someone or something else.
This goes especially for my meat but while I will avoid buying meat that I don’t feel is respectfully sourced I can’t agree that cutting out meat all together to live a life of Supplements is a way to ‘eat healthier’.
I fully encourage being more conscious about the food you eat but do remember, humans are carnivores. The moment you take something out of your diet, something we evolved eating, is the moment you throw your digestive system into a pattern that it’s not familiar or best suited for. Our brain can easily adapt with little consequence, our bodies are not so gifted.
We have a digestive system tuned for eating meat and no supplements out there will re-enact the break down of meat, the absorption of protein and the healthy process of digestion that meat stimulates. Supplements can’t trigger this process.
I really do hope you find a diet that benefits you physically and mentally. Showing restraint over the food you eat is mentally and physically strengthening. Rejecting a whole section of your diet may make you feel stronger mentally but just because you can’t see what it’s doing to you on the inside doesn’t mean all is well.
Whatever you choose, good luck
Dear Serena,
I became a vegetarian over 7 years ago and not for any love of animals, although I do, but strictly for health reasons. I had a heart attack which all my family have died from at this time. The longest survivor was a year younger than I am now. I knew I must do something if I wanted to live and being a great lover of life I picked up a book called “Reversing Heart Disease”. Not only do I eat vegetarian, I also eat low fat, not over 12 grams per day, and low sodium. Now if that wasn’t a switch and a taste adjustment please tell me what is? This way of life has made all the difference. I have been able to maintain a much lower bloodpressure and I do not have the heart pains. I do not have an issue with iron because I am post menopausal. I love the Morning Star brand Garden veggie Patties, only that variety, the maple sausage patty, corn dogs, hot dogs, and crumbles. I like Boco crumbles but nothing else they make. I just get real creative with my cooking of vegetables so I never really get bored nowdays. At first it was hard but the pay off was great right from the beginning so I am there. I drink soy and have found that Greenwise by Publix, hope you have one in your area, is my favorite. I like the Almond chocolate milk but it is a little higher fat. I don’t do skim milk because it hurts my stomach. One of the disadvantages of aging. I still love life and am enjoying it to the fullest of my abilities. I am 66. I sometimes even sneak meat substitutes in my husband’s food and he can’t tell the difference. I wish I had gone vegetarian when I was young like you and maybe I would still be dancing at 100. Good luck to you.
Dear Dangel,
Yes, you write convincingly and I agree with you. This is something that I’m taking my family through in order to give them the gift of better health.
I notice a miss meat more at certain times of the month. So I think you have a point.
Thanks for being here on this journey, I hope you will continue to read as I continue this walk toward better mental and physical health.
Serena
You`re on the right track,keep going!
I`m vegan and don`t consume animals for the past 5 years.
I wish you the best of luck and hope you have many tasty veggie moments!
Thank you Indie! I like to believe there’s a cow out there that is just as excited.
Hey Serena
How’s it going so far?
Congratulations Serena,
When I first start 15 years ago it was very hard, now after losing 60 pounds and keep it of for more than a decade, I use Irish Moss or Sea Moss for my protein, Immunocal to keep a high level of glutathion in my system, I eat dark leaf salad, I exercise every day, I drink half of my body weight in onzes of water and spend some time in the sun, by 10 AM or 4,5PM for my vitamin D, I use almond milk and cheese and eat Rye or Pumpernickle bread. If nobody did it before you’ll be the first one, If somebody did it before you’ll be one of them. Welcome and be proud of youself, you already make the first step. Peace and Love.
Thanks Marry, I can say, this is a lot harder than I expected it to be, and I’ve only given up some meat, not all. Thanks for the encouragement!
vegetarian means NO animals. what do you think eggs are sweetie?
Eggs are a NO, NO same as milk and cheese, they are all animal product. You can use Almond milk and almond cheese. Be proud and congratulate yourself that you give some meat, it’s a learning process, take it gradualy day by day and one day you’ll be there.
Remember “Don’t be in a hurry”
Peace, Love and Health.
Hey, you all are great. The pay-off of compassion for the animals is that we are improving our own health while saving the animals when we go vegetarian. I am 68 and raised my kids on meat, always feeling guilty about the slaughtered animals I was cooking. I used to tell my kids, “if I had to kill this myself, you’d be eating something else.” Finally, in 1997 I made a new year’s resolution to go vegetarian and I have not regretted it. As a person who was raised Catholic in the “olden” days when we could not eat meat on Friday, I use a lot of those “Friday recipes” for my cooking nowadays. I love the Morning Star veggie bacon and Spicy Black Bean burgers, but do not like any of the other brands of veggie bacon. Litelife’s Smart Ground crumbles make great vegan chili. GimmeLean comes like sticky hamburger and is great for making “porcupine meat balls,” those delicious things made with rice, onion, tomato, etc. I bake them smothered in tomato sauce and the rice sticks out like quills. My non-veg husband loves them. Again, I admire you young folks a lot. You’re waking up to the realities and suffering involved in food production so much earlier than I did.
Applause! The step to vegetarianism is an easy one. There are vegetarian alternatives to EVERYTHING, you just have to look for them. And it’s really not hard to just switch immediately to a meat-free diet. You just have to not expend the effort to buy meat products.
Also, no gelatin and no marshmallows. Gelatin and marshmallows are cows. And watch out for certain food colorings, which are made of bugs. I can’t remember which are.
Also also, going /vegan/ isn’t necessary. It doesn’t harm cows to milk them, and it’s impossible to hurt eggs because they’re not alive.
Dear Mr. Pitchfork,
I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive in writing back to you because, errr well… uh… your handle is pitchfork and I only know one dude that has that handle, I once married his brother, but that’s another story.
Glad to hear you’re not a milk basher, even though I drink almond milk, I do occasionally have cheese.
It’s a challenge, especially with the holidays coming up. What do vegetarians do around Thanksgiving and Christmas, and puh-leeze do not suggest Tofurky!
I’ve been a vegetarian for 18 years thanks to a trip to an abattoir- now there’s a surefire solution if you’re not sure you can last the distance! I eat eggs, drink milk, cream etc. but no cheese or gelatin for me (I do have some goats cheeses). Don’t conform to what someone else says you can or can’t eat. Do your own research, refer to your own morals, and come up with a combination that suits you.
Vegetarianism does not equate with weight loss – it is easy to substitute filling meat products with fried foods or creamy ones – that aren’t really every day foods! If you want to lose weight or become healthy, there is no reason why you can’t eat meat, chicken or fish. Portion size, cooking methods, fresh produce and exercise solve that problem. Going vegetarian is an entirely different issue.
I eat very fresh food, a variety of vegies, fruit, pulses, beans etc. (no tofu – can’t stand the stuff!) and have always been healthy and energetic. There are plenty of wonderful recipes around that you can incorporate into your holiday festivities – no reason why you can’t make a wonderful veggie dish to accompany all the others (watch – the meat eaters will probably eat most of it! Make sure you get served first!). It takes a bit of effort to make different meals etc. at the beginning (I started doing that when I was 8 years old and my mother refused to make a separate vegetarian dinner – fair enough!) but it soon becomes habit.
If you can’t go vegetarian, look into the types of meats or fish you are eating. I have met numerous people that will only eat one or two types of fish and one type of meat because it is sustainable farmed and humanely killed, and is local – not my personal preference – but I think it is also a moral approach to take.
Serena,
You are very strong and very brave to take the step of vegetarianism. I can say that because I’ve tried more than once myself and it’s not easy. Unfortunately, I still had an egg sandwich this morning. But I will try again soon, I promise.
To Mr Pitchfork, please read up on factory farming. Cows and chickens suffer greatly to give you that milk and eggs, unless you are extremely careful about who you buy from. But I’m not here to be a hypocrite. I, too, didn’t know at one time how much animals had to suffer so I could have my meat and dairy.
It would be so much easier to be vegetarian if people around us didn’t tempt us with their sizzling steak and rotisserie chicken smells on Restaurant Row. And commercials on tv or ads on billboards…all of them are so tempting and I am so weak.
I look forward to the day when policy prevents the consumption of meat, but even sooner I look forward to the day when policy prevents cruelty to animals. Vegetarianism will never be in the majority until humanity accepts responsibility for and empathizes with animals’ suffering.
Respect for animals is the first step. And children are our future. So as long as we prioritize teaching our children to love all creatures, I think the future will change for the better. Do you know the types of people kids can grow up to be when they’re not taught to respect all life? Psychopaths. It’s in EVERYONE’s best interest to make sure children learn empathy and compassion.
Remember last year when your friend got a new leather coat for Christmas and brought it over to show off. But instead of admiring the beautiful stitch work or the fancy buckle you pulled it up to your nose and just sniffed that wonderful smell… Yeah. Me too. I’ve got these four pointy teeth too that I hate to see go to waste.
Save a Cow… Eat a Vegan.
i’ve been a vegan for over 3 years now, and true it is hard..but once you’ve reached that goal..you’re going to feel fantastic and proud of yourself.When you have doubts and moments you slip,think not only of the animals that died to make your meal but also think of the benefits your body acquires because of being a vegetarian. You’ll feel clean and pure..and thats so much better than having the feeling of having a dead animal in your stomach..:)
Hey, my daughter 11 yrs old converted to being a partial vegatarian almost a year ago, she said she didn’t like that animals had to die for her to eat! I allowed because I felt she should be allowed to make that decision, she does however drink milk and eat cheese, she just does not eat any meat. She has done great, while the rest of the family(of 5) eats meat. She eats a lot of peanut butter and salads. Good luck on your journey!
Hey all u guys who want to be Vegetarians….try out your local ‘Indian Vegetarian Restaurants’. They have a whole lot of amazing variety of Veggie’s to offer that keeps you
(seriouslf no meet cravings?)
‘A satisfied Vegetarian’
I applaud all of the veggies and veggies-in-making. Even a small step is a step towards a more humane world.
To Mr Pitchfork — The reason milk and dairy is a no-no is because bovines are kept pregnant to produce milk, and they and their multiple calves (they get bred several times) are slaughtered when the milk production is not as high as the industry standards prefer.
Eggs are an issue because even so-called “free range eggs” come from chickens in crowded buildings, living in their own excrement and then slaughtered for food purposes (ground for animal food/meal or for human consumption).
Either way, some object to the overall treatment of these animals during their production lives, or the fact that they are kept to produce food for humans at all.
Good luck!
Yes, it is, but boy oh boy I miss my bacon!
I thought this was just so crazy. My name is Serena and I am a vegetarian. THere are different types of vegetarins. Those that do not anything that comes from animals, no eggs, milk, etc..
those who only include bi products
those who include bi products, poultry, and fish
For vegitarians and carnivores alike
try morningstar products some you will like others not so much.
use crumbles to substitute hampburgers. the bacon is gross, and so are the links get the patties, veg grillers, buffalo tufu nuggets, and itlain veg sausage links
Hi Serena,
I applaud you on a successful journey. I am about to be where
you started. We already made plans for Thanksgiving but on ALL calendars we will start a family change December 1. I am not sure what type of vegetarian but I know it will be a challenge since there are 5 other members in my family, one of them being a High School wrestler. I will purchase the book this weekend. Thank you for your testimonial letter(that’s exactly how I feel,it gave me an aahaa moment) and recent suggestions to others.
I’ve been hosting a vegan thanksgiving potluck for 6 years. Many of my friends are not vegan, but EVERYONE comes back every year and raves about the amazing dishes. Most of the standard side dishes are easily made vegan (and a lot are already vegetarian). I cook the main dish every year, which is a pot roast type dish made with seitan. It’s a little intense for beginner veggie cooks, so I’m not suggesting that. However, check out the “fat free vegan” cooking blog. (just google “fat free vegan blog”) She is one of the most talented recipe writers. I usually alter recipes as I cook, but I follow hers to the letter. Browse through her recipes and find a great centerpiece dish. And try her vegan ribs in the summer. My carnivore friends fight me for them.
Hi, I am interested in becoming meat free, but my main concern is will I loose weight. I am already a very thin person genetically an di dont want to lose any more weight. I relaly wan tot eat healthier but I fear if I cut meat out all together I will fade away. Please tell me just because you stop eating meat doesnt mean you’ll loose drastic weight
I know some pretty hefty vegetarians. Just because you cut meat from your diet doesn’t necessarily mean you will lose weight. However, if you are naturally thin, you must pay attention to your diet and make sure every bite you eat packs a nutritional punch.
You didn’t mention if you were going to continue eating dairy and eggs or if you were going to become a vegan, a person who doesn’t consume ANY animal products. I found this source (http://www.vegsoc.org/info/increase.html) to have some very helpful information about keeping weight on as a vegetarian. Good luck and write back to let me know how you’re doing!
Hello, I’m Emma. I’m 13. I’m a vegetarian, and have been for several years. Just make sure you eat foods high in protein and iron. My mom was worried I don’t have enough iron so the doctor ran a blood test on me today and I got 14.8
(she said that’s AMAZING!!)
Emma! That’s great! I’m still in the process of giving up meat and not doing very well this holiday season.
Getting enough protein and iron is especially important for a young lady like yourself. Keep up the good work and give me some pointers.
Does your Mom do all the cooking? What do you eat for lunch at school? That kind of stuff would be helpful.
Keep in touch!
Serena
Hi Serena, I am a vegetarian and have been for 3 years. I still buy and cook meat for my son and my dog, and can join in a conversation about meat, my favourite foods were venison, blue steak, steak and kidney pudding, and pork pies. My mouth starts watering when I talk about these foods but I just can’t bring myself to eat it. It started with a dressed salmon being opened for serving and a hogs head on a platter one new year. I wish you luck but if you do decide it is for you you’ll probably never stop the cravings just like me. You can supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals if you are at all worried. BTW Asda sell a fantastic range of vegetarian meals.
Michelle
Serena
I have been a vegetarian for 2 years. Really when you put your mind to it and it’s a real conviction, its very easy to avoid meat altogether. I commend people for following this life style.But you just have to really think about the animals and what they have to go through,which you worded it perfect, saying animals don’t want to die and your not going to put them through that anymore. When you use this perspective giving up all meat is easy. There are many alternatives out there.
Kelly
I’ve been vegetarian for about 5 years now, here is what I’ve learned so far. Keep in mind that you learn something new everyday. So, my list is not at all comprehensive. I’m sure that I have missed some things.
1) take a multi-vitamin (this is optional but, I am a strong believer in supplements AND NO, I do not work at a vitamin store or own stock in any vitamin companies)
Make sure to drink your water.
2) take NON-constipating Iron (Iron is known to constipate or “bind you up” [sorry, just being honest])
3) Add beans/legumes to your diet (but, don’t go overboard)
4) Skinny bitch is a good read filled with suggestions but, not for the faint of heart
5) If you miss meat, try alternatives like Morningstar or Boca (Be open to trying different brands. I like Morningstar but, some folks swear by Boca. It is personal preference.)
6) Be prepared to ask what is in so called “vegetarian” dishes. There are many types of vegetarian so, you’ll need to find out what type of vegetarian (lacto ovo, etc.) best suits you. But, it can be very comfusing to folks who are unaware. Some vegetarians eat chicken and fish, others only eat dairy (and ingest no meat), still others are complete vegetarian (or vegan [VEE-gan]).
7) Be patient with friends/family and ready to field all sorts of crazy questions. And, you CAN keep your leather or suede jacket/pants/purse/shoes, etc). You do not have to get rid of it just because you are vegetarian/vegan.
9) Make time to add in exercise, if possible. Even a 20 minute walk can do SO much good.
Good luck and I hope that I haven’t overwhelmed you. Don’t try to do these all at once. Just choose something from the list and do the best you can. We all make
Hi Serena
Kudos for all the good you are doing for your health, the environment and those creatures who will not be slaughtered. I have been a vegetarian for 13 years and when I stopped missing meat was when I learned how to cook delicious veggy meals. I recommend visiting http://www.drmirkin.com, lots of fantastic recipes. Congrats for making one of the best decisions you will ever make!
Thank goodness I’m not alone! It seems that everyone is either already a committed vegetarian or a gung-ho carnivore where I’m at.
When we got our second dog earlier this year, I realized that I was eating their distant cousins. I pictured what happens to farm animals happening to my beloved pets (after all, they’re not all that different), and it was finally the push I needed to phase out meat.
It has been hard bc my hubby is still a carnivore, but he supports me and buys his own meat or only eats it when we go out. I had a problem with the idea of buying and/or preparing meat and then not eating it. If I don’t support the way they treat animals, then that includes not buying the product.
Every now and again, I have a non-vegetarian meal (either seafood or Ikea’s meatballs!), but as I learn more recipes and make sure I’m getting all the nutrients I need, these will also be a part of the past.
I’d like my daughter to think it’s completely natural to eat vegetarian, bc I know how hard it was for me having been raised in a family where if it doesn’t have meat, it’s not really a meal.
Kim, actually, not buying leather/suede/fur items was one of the first steps I took long before I was able to alter my diet. This year I finally found a pair of incredibly comfortable vegan athletic shoes!
Serena, thanks for this honest-to-goodness article!
Guys I am Indian in USA, I am also vegan from my childhood. I would always like to meet people who is always ready to change themselves with their owen belief. I think it’s not difficult for anyone to be vegan If you keep one thing in your mind.
“Eat to Live, Don’t Live to Eat”
This is what my parents used to tell me. It is also my belief that in today’s world our body is made for vegan.
I was put on a vegan diet as a detox by a naturopath. I went vegan for one week then vegetarian. After doing this ‘detox’ I am now a vegetarian. My whole diet has changed. I can’t even stand the smell of red meat yet I used to be the biggest carnivore there ever was. I also don’t eat any bread or dairy.
I’m only into six weeks now but I’m loosing weight too which is also a huge bonus !!!
Hi Serena!
I love the title… “Wanna-be vegetarian!” I have been a conscious eater a year and three months now. While my goal is to be vegetarian, I make exceptions. They are few, but Christmas was one both years. I come from a massive family. One of my aunties makes the tastiest Swedish Meatballs & my dad makes cabbage rolls like my great gramma used to, which includes ground beef. I just can’t help myself for these two dishes! The amount of love that goes in to preparing these two dishes is grand and they are both dishes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
My choice of vegetarianism came from a regulation that the FDA deemed cloned meat safe for human consumption. Once my decision was made to go vegetarian, I read Skinny Bitch & my reasons became more diverse. I do love the taste of meat, so it is hard at times. I have chosen to be kind to myself for waivering and respectful to the Christmas cooks (they’re cooking for 50-some people an additional dish for me, the lonely veggie is too much work!). The other times I may find myself waiver is if the craving is so large, I feel it’s my body communicating that I need iron – I haven’t had one of these slips for almost a year now. Once I educated myself on healthy vegetarianism, the cravings became less. For the vast majority of the year, I am vegetarian… On the days I can hack it – I am forgiving. After all, we are all human right? No one’s perfect!
Good on ya for making the step! It’s a big one, but one I feel has increased not only my health, but my awareness of what I’m putting in my body.
Happy holidays!
Vegetables can also taste excellent just like meat! It depends on how vegetables are cooked and made attractive and also our attitude.
Increasingly research tells us that consumption of meat increases the chance of CHD compared to vegetables. If one keeps to the recommended recipe of five fruits and vegetables per day, it reduces the chance of colon cancer which is worse in the West due to diet.
Indian and Chinese cooking have a wide variety of interesting and tasty vegetables which can be acquired even for a complete non-vegetarian. Thanks to the advantage of transport supply of fresh vegetables from far corners of the world has been possible and hence our wide choice of food.
If we only look at the statistics of diseases related comsumption of mostly saturated fat consumption compared to polyunsaturates I hope it will change peoples mind about the right choice of diet. I have turned mostly vegetarian, eating lots of salads attractively done in olive oil, vegetables and pulses. I eat a lot of fish, moderate number of eggs and hardly any red meat. My weight and health has improved and I feel far more happy and I intend to maintain this level of health. Happiness also comes with feeling healthy and better chance of longevity. This also mean I can indulge happily in tasty desserts or tipple or even some junk food as long as it is within reason. I also do moderate exercise and burn off some calories.
Meat products have hormones which certainly interacts with out metabolism and red meat is connnected with high cholesterol. Roasting meat and/or vegetable reduces the necessity of using oil, which undergoes changes at high temperatures of cooking, hence the risk of cancer or CHD.
Recipe books on healthy foods are widely available. Indian cooking involves many different spices, each with several medicinal properties including anti-cancer, cardio-vascular, anti-arthritic to name a few.
Remember the spice trade which started centuries ago and even led to war being fought to protect these valuable commodities. Why not try ginger, garlic, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamon, cloves and turmeric for a start. For example, Indian food does not have to be hot as they are often associated with. They really do make a difference.
Hi i’m 17 and I was a vegan for 3 yrs. I applaud anyone that can be a vegan, and can keep that lifestyle change. In the 3yr time period I was a vegan, i was strictly no animal products and I worked closely with my doctor. I took supplements and ate veggies that would give me anything an everything i needed from meat, but I continued to get sick. I’d have extremely bad headaches, stomachaches, and would catch almost any illness that was at school. My doctor found out that my body couldn’t absorb the things through supplements and that my immune system was almost nonexistent. But he didn’t find this out until I caught a new strain of Mono, that almost killed me. I was unable to eat because ulcers lined my throat, which caused me to drop 50lbs in just 4 weeks. He slowly started to put me back on meat (like it was medicine which i found strange but he told me it was so i would shock my system) and now for 4 yrs I’ve gained back my health. My doctor advised me to never go vegan again, but to try an just eat as healthy as possible since it wasn’t a safe way to be healthy anymore. This might not apply to everyone here on this site, but I just thought you should know that for some people being a vegan is a serious health risk. I hope u stay strong, and everything works out.
I’ve been a vegan for 30 years and a fruitarian for 6 months. I changed to veganism overnight (and 30 years it was not as easy to do as it is today). Every single meat product is now duplicated in the vegan world. There is vegan bacon, steak, burgers, etc. There is no reason to eat animals or animal by-products. For the girl who veganism proved to be a “serious health risk”, I really doubt that by not eating dead animals you jeopardized your health. You may have a genetic issue, but for a doctor to tell you that you “have to” eat meat – I just don’t buy it. It’s not a doctor you work with to make sure you get proper nutrients, it’s a nutritionist. Most doctors know very little about veganism. I haven’t been sick for more than a couple days in 30 years…my immune system is rock solid, I am strong, healthy and all vitamin levels in my blood are at a great level (although I do take a Vitamin D supplement, which is something many people probably need and don’t take if you don’t live in a sunny part of the country). It’s so very easy to be vegan, I don’t understand why a reasonable person would want to be a part of killing animals at all. It makes no sense to me. It’s not even a matter of what tastes good v. what doesn’t since vegan alternatives are absolutely delicious and thinking about eathing something that suffered, bled and died for a dinner plate is horrific.
Linda,
I struggle with eating meat and yes I KNOW what happens to animals and its effect on the environment. For me it’s part of culture and breaking away from these foods means a break from the foods that define me.
Thank you for your contribution here. Wish me luck.
Hi Serena good luck I have been a vegetarian for 40 years and I have never been sick have never visited a doctor in all that time what a lot of people forget is that the plantworld produces all the medicinal plants as well as feed the world,so do not shun the herbals they contain the stuff that prevents disease,therefore making doctors obsolete as I know,the medical profession does not really like healthy people ,after all they grow rich on the sick ones,I could go on and on but suffice it to say that if people had to kill themselves what is served to them in supermarkets not many would be keen to eat what is called meat but in reality is the flesh of another being,very few humans are what you call carnivores,a carnivore kills its own food while a scavenger eats what someone else kills thus most humans are in fact scavengers.to end I will quote George B,Shaw “animals are my friends and I dont eat my friends”unquote I could tell you more but wont good luck with your vegetarian diet
Hi Serena
Surprisingly I share your name. Although I come from a meat eating family, I never liked meat or fish as a child so becoming a vegetarian was easier for me. I have heard that the blood types tell you if you are inclined to be a vegetarian or a meat eater.
I would have loved to become a vegan but wherever I go, i.e. friend’s, relative’s, restaurants etc. there is hardly any choice for me to eat so I reluctantly go for cheese or eggs (no fish or meat). Once I went to a party and the only choices there for me were some salad and rice. I am now so much aware of the needless consumption of animals.
Nowadays, there are many choices at supermarkets, e.g. tofu, soya products, quorn burgers and fillets, So Good soya milk etc. A couple of years ago, when I went into supermarkets and asked for ‘tofu’, the shop assistant would always take me to the ‘dog food’ section.
Some people erroneously believe that vegetarians don’t have protein in their diet.
Anyway, good luck with your decision.
Erm hey SERENA
I am at a young age and can i be honest with you i started about being a vegetarian 22 days ago when i found out what they did to animals. The chemicals and what that does to us after we eat the meat, not only was i concerned about the animals, it was also the risk of getting heart attacks and stroke plus realising that i could also get cancer easly.
That all worried me because i have phobia’s of diseases but knowing that there are other people considering and going through the pain of wanting meat that much, but are resisting is kind of inspiring for me to go ahead. It’s kind of stupid but i find it motivating but thank you…because some of the information on here is helpfull.
Goodluck though through your process
Being a vegetarian means doing your research and learning that there are actually natural foods out there that have MORE protein and iron than a steak! Which means that even though I’ve been a vegetarian for five years, I still have more complete proteins than my fiance
hehe