Any Vegetarians Here?

[anniet]

I've been tossing the idea of going vegetarian back and forth in my head for some time now. Recently I was informed by my eye doctor that I could be in the early pre-warning phase of a condition that can be slowed or halted by increasing antioxidants, zinc and lutein in my diet, which I can do by increasing leafy greens. So I'm seeing this as a sign from the universe that it's time once again to give some strong consideration to going veggie.

So I'm wondering if there are any vegetarians here who can share their experience with me? I love veggies, beans, fruits and whole grains so that shouldn't be a problem - except for when I need something quick for dinner - I'm thinking vegetarian can be more time consuming and needs more planning than throwing meat on the grill. I'm also wondering how much will I miss real meat?

 

[princessrunner]

I'm not a total vegetarian. We raise our own beef (organically) and therefore, it is easy for me to justify feeding my family the beef without steroids. Other than that, we eat tons of veggies, fruits and lots of beans and legumes...all organic due to the toxin loads in commercially grown produce. I make all our bread, granola bars and treats for school so I know what my kids eat. My mom has high cholesterol, glaucoma and early stage macular degeneration. My father died at 60 of colon cancer. I feel the need to eat healthy but within the boundaries of my environment. Being that I have kids, sometimes quickie meals are a necessity but I have lots of things frozen and ready to go. I spend my weekends cooking and freezing so we are ready for what lays ahead. I was a strict vegan for a number of years and then found out that I was lacking in protein in my diet and practically killing myself. It is a fine balance to get it all in and live too.

 

[disneychrisk]

Back in April of this year, I tossed meat out of my diet completely and began a journey down a veggie-type lifestyle. Now, I say this because I still eat fish and I also eat dairy and eggs (although not that much).

I, too, thought that it would be tough to find quick meals and "survive" eating as a veg, so to speak. But, it's really easier than you might think. Usually, most people cycle through seven or eight meals for breakfast, lunch or dinner. So, I looked at what I ate and decided how I might substitute meat and introduce more veggies.

I love eating veggie patties from Morningstar, for instance. They're quick to cook up in the micro and are delicious! They also have veggies in them and are high in protein!

I also toss baby spinich tomatoes and fresh mushrooms in a salad for dinner or lunch. Oh, and a great quick meal that I enjoy is heating up Uncle Ben's rice (in the pouch - nuked in 90 seconds) and adding frozen veggies and tomato sauce! It's quick, nutritious and good! Of course, good old peanut butter and jelly is good too. I use the natural peanut butter and jelly sweetened with its own juices only. Then, I spread it on whole wheat bread.

So, my advice is to look at what you like to eat already and then decide how you can alter those meals to incorporate more veggies and non-meat protein sources! Given a little time, you'll find your way and enjoy healthier eating!

 

[Zoesmama03]

I've been playing around with it for years. I was vegetarian(did have dairy and eggs though) for quite some time in high school but it was not all that healthy considering I didn't always have proper nutrition substitutes since I didn't do the shopping.

I had a couple weeks of it with my ex before he just couldn't handle it anymore. I was too lazy or found it too much to prepare things separate and if I'm going to do it, its going to be the healthy way where everything is balanced.

Now that my hubby and I are separated I'm living with my mom and brother who are total omnis. We do eat a lot of veggies but still most meals are meat based(for dinner) but I think I'm going to work on it because we do have beans on occasions so I wanna work on more bean meals for dinner and also to just take that time to prepare things so that I can omit it and substitute my proteins and iron. I have been mildly anemic for YEARS and it doesn't matter if I eat meat or not it is still low. So I'm very careful about getting my slow Fe(slow release iron) when I'm lacking on meat.

I've never cared that much for meat though so its rather easy for me to give it up.

 

[corinnak]

I've been a happy, healthy lacto-ovo vegetarain for....22 years. It is second nature to me at this point, and that desire for meat really did go away for me. For DH too - he decided, when we started sharing all our meals together that it was simplest if we at the same things and he is very happy with it as well. He doesn't even miss turkey on Thanksgiving, as we have all our own favorite "traditional" dishes.

It is not a health-panacea, of course. You can eat healthy or junky whether or not meat is part of your diet, goodness knows.

I am so entrenched a vegetarian at this point, I don't even have any good resources on the tip of my tongue to point you to. Vegetarian Times is always a good place to start looking - they have a good cookbook series called Low-Fat and Fast. There are lots of recipes on their website as well: http://www.vegetariantimes.com/

Good luck with your decision!

 

[anniet]

Thanks so much for the replies! I had stumbled upon Vegetarian Times and even made a zucchini lasagna from their magazine this summer and it was quite yummy!

I would definitely have to be lacto-ovo since I grew up with fresh eggs and I've inherited my grandmothers love for all things cheese!

I do agree though, that I will have to keep my mind on keeping it healthy - as my dh always reminds me, you can still be a vegetarian and eat potato chips!