To all the vegetarians out there...

[NeverlandClub23]

I have been considering for a couple of years now to "switch-over" to be a vegetarian. I always wondered how people who switched over later in life (like not growing up a vegetarian) felt about being a vegetarian. What are some of the hardest things? And what kind of benefits did you discover? I think that going out to eat would be one of the hardest obstacles. I just would really like to hear some other views on what it's like to be a vegetarian. BTW, I would still like to eat/drink animal products (milk, cheese, eggs, etc.) and fish. Thanks for any info any of you can give me!! I appreciate it.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

My coaches are vegetarian like ou want to be and have no trouble at all eating out. Lots of options!

I am not a vegetarian, but would like to be. However--I still like chicken!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I've been vegetarian since I was 20 years old. I didn't really make the decision to be vegetarian, exactly. I was in college and working in a National Park for the summer and figured I would try being vegetarian for that summer. Never went back.

My boyfriend at the time (DH now) was vegetarian and when I first met him I told him that I could never be vegetarian because I couldn't give up steak. Funny to think about now because I gag at the thought of it. Certain things were harder to give up, however. I was never a fish eater, but giving up crab was hard and was the last thing that I gave up.

The hardest part is eating out at fast food places, even though it's a lot easier now than it used to be. Actually eating at friends houses is harder. It's usually not an issue, but has been at times through the years. But I've been a vegetarian for over half my life now and am used to the inconvenience.

We do eat dairy and eggs. One of the most interesting things about being vegetarian is raising children. So far none of them eat meat (2 have tried it, though), but I know that possiblilty certainly exists.

 

[luvmydogs]

I'm 38 years old, and have been a vegetarian since I was 14. I'm lacto-ovo, so I eat dairy and eggs.

I must say it was very easy for me to become vegetarian, because it was a moral issue for me--my parents have told me stories about how I refused to eat meat starting at age four, when I learned where my McDonald's hamburgers really came from. To be honest, the health benefits were always secondary to me; but as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, high cholesterol & triglycerides, etc... run in my immediate family, I'm aware that my diet can help lower my risks of these conditions. That said, vegetarians can still eat poorly--I researched a lot about proper meat alternatives, but I don't always follow them as I should. The eating pattern I've fallen into since I have a husband and child for whom I cook, is basically that I eat everything on my plate but meat. If I make chicken, baked potatoes and a veggie, I have a little bit bigger potato and maybe dress it up with more toppings, and eat a little more veggies. There are other times when I'll make something like a big pot of my MIL's yummy spaghetti sauce with meat, but reserve a little for myself made without. My dh has high cholesterol and tri., so I've added a little more meatless options to our dinner table--he balked at first, but now asks for them. Sometimes it's a pain to make a meatless version of a dish for myself, but I've done it for so long that it's just second nature.

I have no problem eating out at resaurants--many restaurants offer veg. options now, and there were only several times I've had to ask for an entree to be made without the meat. I ask politely and explain that I'm a veg. and can't say I've ever had a problem. I never expect that when I go to someone's home for dinner, that they make special food just for me. My MIL always does, and I greatly appreciate it, but I don't expect people to change their habits just for me. I've gotten really good about "eating around" the meat, that if you were eating dinner with me, you'd probably never even notice I had none on my plate.

I've had to really watch food labels, as I don't eat products with animal broth or fat. I bought some vegetable soup one day, and found out it was made in chicken broth, so now I make sure I read labels or look for items that specifically say 'vegetarian.' That may not be an issue for you depending on 'how vegetarian' you want to become--I've tried to go completely vegan, but I just couldn't give up my dairy! Mmmmmmmmm....cheese.

There are a lot of vegetarian websites with nutrition info, recipies, advice, etc... Read up and start at a level with which you're comfortable. If you don't think you can go vegetarian 'cold turkey'--so to speak --try just limiting your meat intake for the week, and go from there.

Good luck!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I read about it. It sounds hard to do. Processed foods and meat are fast and you have to be prepared that is for sure.
But now is the time to do it. With all the organic stuff out there now it would be easy.

Here is "Whole Foods Market" recipes which have alot of vegetarian dishes. It is an organic store that offers alot of choices to the vegetarian.

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/index.html