Vegetarians do not live on salads alone!

[isyne4u]

I consider myself a semi-vegetarian, which means I don't eat red meat (other than the occasional burger from McD's ).

Is McD's meat really "red meat"? I thought it was more like cooked cardboard!!

BTW...I eat McD's cardboard burgers too!!

 

[RadioNate]

It was almost ok that he was a Californian (I'm from Oregon and Oregonians tend to have a "closed gate mentality" when it comes to Californians moving to Oregon )
T&B

Since we've been making fun of Oregon I will say Oregonians tend to have a "closed gate mentality" about anyone moving to Oregon. I think my poor inlaws almost fell over when DH moved me to Oregon.

Back on topic. I eat salads for meals and I'm not a vegeterian. I tend to just add a lot of other stuff.

I don't think I could handle being a vegeterian even though I don't eat a ton of meat because I can't do all the carbs in pasta, rice etc which is the bulk of what my vegeterian friends eat. Too many carbs really wack-out my blood sugar and make me feel lethargic.

 

[ballroombelle]

But I have encountered people who bug me about being vegetarian, like I'm threatening their very existence because I don't eat meat.

Lol, you must be surrounded by carnivores. I'm surrounded by vegetarians (oh-so many-varieties: the ovo-lacto, the good old fashioned non ovo-lacto,
the raw foodies, the seafood vegetarians...) and I do hear a good deal of recruitment material revealing the glories and wonders of their particular sect of vegetarianism.

I don't eat a whole lot of meat/animal products in general but I don't cut them out either. My vegetarian friends have just given me SO MANY delicious meat-free options, I love it! But on occasion--- I need a steak! Couscous, tempeh and kale are NOT a porterhouse!!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Since we've been making fun of Oregon I will say Oregonians tend to have a "closed gate mentality" about anyone moving to Oregon. I think my poor inlaws almost fell over when DH moved me to Oregon.

Yep, they sure do, at least it was that way when I was living there. I wonder what they'd think of me if we ever moved back there. Would I still be considered an Oregonian since I lived my first 21 years there or an outsider since I've lived more than half my life outside OR?

Yeah, I suppose that carbs are pretty heavy in the diets of many vegetarians. Not as much for us in the summer with all the fresh fruits and vegies, but more in winter. Cheap, easy to make and filling.

T&B

 

[sha_lyn]

I am not vegetarian but have many friends that are. What really bugs me is when we go somewhere and they are told "just pick the meat out" like somehow picking the bits of a ham hock out of beans will remove all the meat substance. Also was at a pot luck when someone told everyone her casserole was vegetarian, and that she was vegetarian. A friend started eating it and realized it was a tuna casserole. The person who brought it couldn't understand why the vegetarians where upset, she claims she thought all vegetarians ate fish.

 

[chadfromdallas]

The person who brought it couldn't understand why the vegetarians where upset, she claims she thought all vegetarians ate fish.

Person sounds like a moron

 

[Southern4sure]

I am not vegetarian but have many friends that are. What really bugs me is when we go somewhere and they are told "just pick the meat out" like somehow picking the bits of a ham hock out of beans will remove all the meat substance. Also was at a pot luck when someone told everyone her casserole was vegetarian, and that she was vegetarian. A friend started eating it and realized it was a tuna casserole. The person who brought it couldn't understand why the vegetarians where upset, she claims she thought all vegetarians ate fish.

My MIL is a vegetarian. Has been since she was 3 yrs old (per her mother). MIL doesnt like the taste and texture of any meat. MIL will not pick meat out of a dish..she still tastes it she says. She does not eat seafood or eggs. She does eat some diary..cheese, yougurt, sour cream but she doesnt drink milk to much. She is a tiny woman..5 feet and under 100 lbs. She just found out she has high cholesterol. We do not know how this is, except to think it is hereditary.

 

[Cebhfhionn]

As the best friend of a vegetarian, I can completely understand what you are saying.

I recently got married and made sure that they had a "real" meal for her in addition to the salads that we had.

She told me that once she dated this guy(I think it may have been her ex-husband) and he took her to a restaurant where there was literally NOTHING for her to eat. Rather than leave(the menu was posted outside) he insisted that they go in and she could have a salad for dinner! Mean, mean, mean!

 

[sha_lyn]

Person sounds like a moron

LOL... she struck me as being a bit flighty that is for certain. She hasn't been invited back LOL.


Went camping with 2 Veg friends one time. On the way back hoem we stopped at a mom/pop diner to eat. There was literally nothing they could eat other that a side salad and baked potato. All the vegetalbes had meat (bacon, ham hock etc) in them

 

[sweet angel]

Those people that can control their diet are just oh so annoying eh?

Yeah...no! I can control my diet, but I think a lot of people claim that salad fills them up just to say I'm on a diet, don't I look great? without saying it. Not everyone, of course, but those who've made that comment to me always seem to be that type.

Two questions:
I was thinking about this yesterday when I was making pea soup that called for chicken boullion. If you're vegetarian (or vegan, I guess), can you not use that? Can you not eat chicken or beef broth?

Second question: What makes one choose to become vegetarian or vegan? Is it a health thing? An "I can't stand what they do to the poor animals" thing? Or other? Sorry to sound stupid, but it's intriquing to me.

Thought of another question, since you cut out meat, does it help to lose weight?

 

[hucifer]

As the best friend of a vegetarian, I can completely understand what you are saying.

I recently got married and made sure that they had a "real" meal for her in addition to the salads that we had.

She told me that once she dated this guy(I think it may have been her ex-husband) and he took her to a restaurant where there was literally NOTHING for her to eat. Rather than leave(the menu was posted outside) he insisted that they go in and she could have a salad for dinner! Mean, mean, mean!

Oh wait, I have a topper.

Dan and I went to a steakhouse for his birthday last year...his pick, not mine obviously. Since they had nothing on the menu for me and it was a fancy-schmancy place (Ruth Chris Steak House), I asked the waiter what could they do for a vegetarian. The previous year the chef prepared a pasta and veggie dish with garlic and olive oil...it was very tasty. This year the waiter says "We prepare a plate of all vegetarian items." I said, sounds great dude. Bring it.

So he comes out a half hour later with a plate of steamed veggies. That's it. There isn't even butter on these veggies. Just steamed. Plus, they aren't even bite sized...we're talking half a head of broccoli and half a zucchini and a whole carrot and a portobello mushroom. So I said, "Is that it?" And he looks surprised that I was surprised. And I'm all, "Would this fill YOU up ya idiot?"

So I ask for a side of mashed potatoes. And yes, I paid extra for them. So my plate of steamed broccoli head was like $17 and the potatoes were $5. I left hungry and furious. How clueless can you get?

That was the last time Dan asked to go there. He felt so bad for me. It used to be his favorite restaurant, too.

 

[hucifer]

Two questions:
I was thinking about this yesterday when I was making pea soup that called for chicken boullion. If you're vegetarian (or vegan, I guess), can you not use that? Can you not eat chicken or beef broth?

Second question: What makes one choose to become vegetarian or vegan? Is it a health thing? An "I can't stand what they do to the poor animals" thing? Or other? Sorry to sound stupid, but it's intriquing to me.

Thought of another question, since you cut out meat, does it help to lose weight?

That was more than two questions.

1. Most vegetarians will not use chicken or beef broth in their cooking. If you know where to look, you can find a great veggie broth substitute.

2. People become vegetarians for all sorts of reasons, it is almost as personal as religion. Personally, I became one because I think it is the healthier way to eat. But many people don't eat meat because of the taste or texture. Then the most common reason: because people consider it cruel. Something about it having a mother.

3. (Bonus question) HECK YEAH you lose weight! I lost about 20 pounds and kept it off for 5 years since I became a vegetarian. DH in the past year stopped eating meat and drinking soda and lost 80 pounds. You end up replacing the meat calories with more nutritious calories.

Fire away another question, I dare ya.

 

[sweet angel]

Fire away another question, I dare ya.

I'm thinkin', I'm thinkin'!

Honestly, I'm not trying to sound stupid...I'm just curious and intrigued. Sounds like an interesting choice.

 

[brerrabbit]

Recipes that call for a beef or Chicken broth can be substituted with Vegetable Broth. I am not a vegetarian but my son's girlfriend is. I do most of the cooking so I have learned a lot about vegitarian cooking. There are lots of options. I actually made sushi type rolls for her with avacados, cucumbers, peppers and othe vegitables. Something I also learned was to be careful with certain cake and brownie mixes. One of them I can't remember which Pillsbiry or Betty Crocker uses dried lard in their mix. A definate no no for a vegitarian.

 

[hucifer]

I'm thinkin', I'm thinkin'!

Honestly, I'm not trying to sound stupid...I'm just curious and intrigued. Sounds like an interesting choice.

It doesn't sound stupid at all, I enjoy answering these questions. It gets people more "vegetarian-conscious."

An earlier poster had mentioned that this was a great time to be vegetarian, and I couldn't agree more. 10 years ago it seemed practically unheard of. Now I see lots of vegetarian options on menus, or at least experience more restaurants who go out of their way to serve me. BESIDES steamed veggies and salads, though.

 

[chadfromdallas]

Personally, I became one because I think it is the healthier way to eat.

Great reason to, I think! I mean, if you look at the food chain and know how the nutrients/energy flow, being closer to the primary source just makes sense

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I'm thinkin', I'm thinkin'!

Honestly, I'm not trying to sound stupid...I'm just curious and intrigued. Sounds like an interesting choice.

LOL, I have no problems with questions as long as you are truly curious, not being nasty. You passed my test.

I don't use beef or chicken boullion in my cooking and I ask what is used at restaurants and check labels before buying at the grocery store. I'l fairly strict most of the time, however, I do eat cheese and don't check for rennet and we do use marshmallows, even though they are not vegetarian. I think those are my only exceptions and if it was easier to eat vegie for those things I would. My kids have always eaten jello from buffets and I have never made a big deal about it. I've obviously drawn my line in the sand and am not as strict as some, but more so than many.

I'm a vegie mainly because it's healthier...for the animal. I do wear leather shoes. Again, that is where I've drawn the line.

I think a person can loose weight, depending on what else they eat. I used to eat a LOT of cheese, which is very caloric. I've cut out a lot of it and am trying to watch some of the carbs and hope to loose the 10 pounds that I need to lose. It's baby weight, but my baby is 5yo.

Ask away!

T&B

 

[hucifer]

Great reason to, I think! I mean, if you look at the food chain and know how the nutrients/energy flow, being closer to the primary source just makes sense

And this coming from someone in TEXAS?

 

[chadfromdallas]

And this coming from someone in TEXAS?

Don't mess

 

[zakatak]

I was a vegan for 5 years before my son was born (9 years ago). I slowly went back to SAD (Standard American Diet) for convienence when he was a baby. I gained a ton of weight! Finally, 3 kids later I decided I had had enough! On October 23rd, 2002 I went back vegetarian (including Salmon though). I lost 35 pounds in 6 months and kept it off for a long time. Until recently that is, when during stress (FIL sick and dying) my diet caved in a bit and became more junk vegetarian then healthy veggie. The result? I have gained 10 pounds back! So, as of tomorrow, May 3rd, I am heading back to vegan, truely this time, and giving up my crutch of Hot Chocolate. Why you ask? Because I have noticed that when I DO drink it my asthma acts up and when I don't, I can breathe... interesting, eh?

So, back to my healthy ways and hopefully back to goal by the end of the month!

Here's a recipe: I'll be careful since last time this happened I was slightly insulted by the food choices I eat.

Oatmeal:

1/4 cup rolled oats
cheeries & blueberries
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
dash cinammon
hot water

Mix, stir and cool. Eat. 150 cals. Lasts all morning!

My #1 thing I look for is Less is More... meaning the less ingredients, the better for you. LOOK at the ingredients of what you eat. Can you even pronounce some of the chemicals? Additives? Colors? Less is More. Even better... make it yourself! Then you know what's in it.