I'm planning on becoming vegetarian and I have a few questions. Any Help?

Question

Well I've been wanting to become a vegetarian for a while now but the problem is I have so many questions that need to be answered. It's a few questions and I'll choose a best answer:

How can I become a vegetarian in a healthy way?

If I automatically quit eating meat, what will happen?

How can I explain to my parents that I want to become one? (I am 17)

What produce can handle my cravings for meat yet give me the healthy fats and protein found in it?

What is the difference between a vegetarian and a vegan? Which is easier?

What type of foods can you eat? (EX can I eat eggs, cheese, milk etc)

Sorry for so many questions. I just don't know where to start so if anyone can please help me out, I would really appreciate it and choose as best answer.

THANK YOU!

Answer 1

Firstly well done on deciding to become a vegetarian!!

Now to answer your questions:

How can I become a vegetarian in a healthy way?

Being a vegetarian in general is healthy. there isn't an unhealthy vegetarian. So add more fruit and veg to your diet and try some nuts and seeds they'll help protein intake.

If I automatically quit eating meat, what will happen?

Nothing will happen. You may crave meat for a while especially if your surrounded by meat eaters but thats it. Also if you didnt eat much veg as a meat eater than eat lots when you convert you may have a lot of the s***s (sorry cant spell the other word for it)

How can I explain to my parents that I want to become one?

Juts explain that you wish to become vegetarian and they should respect your wishes. If your parents are difficult and wont do special meals you can just miss out the meat to show them your serious about being veg and they may come round.

What produce can handle my cravings for meat yet give me the healthy fats and protein found in it?

I eat substitute which can be used in spagetti bolognese, roast dinners ect. It's low in fat and salt.

What is the difference between a vegetarian and a vegan? Which is easier?

Vegetarians dont eat meat or fish. Vegans don't eat any animal products so a vegan wouldnt eat milk, cheese, honey, meat, fish, eggs ect. it is a lot easier to be a vegetarian. if you want to be vegan then maybe you could become vegetarian then change to vegan.

What type of foods can you eat? (EX can I eat eggs, cheese, milk etc)

as a vegetarian you can eat milk eggs cheese ect. you would only miss out meat, gellatine and fish. sweets have animal fats in so you;'d to check the packs.

Good luck. I hope i've answered you questions. If you have any more queries or want to talk just email me =]

Answer 2

1. You can be a vegetarian by eating as much from each of the pyramid, substituting nuts and beans in the meat section. Also it won't hurt to check with your doctor about your vitamin levels to see if you need any boost or use of suppliments.

2. nothing will happen, your body will thank you though! :)

3. You are 17 not 7 so they should listen and understand. Understand your reasons incase they pressure you. But my mom was a little doubtful at first and then supportive (I was 12)

4. Seeds and nuts give you protein

http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/whattoe...

If you are doing it for the animals then that is reason enough to stop your craving for meat, otherwise whatever your reason, health or environment that works too.

5. Vegetarian is defianteyl a good way to start.

Lacto-ovo vegetarians don't eat meat, chicken, fish but do eat eggs and milk.

lacto-vegetarians don't eat meat, chicken, fish, or eggs (or anything made from eggs such as some pastas) but do drink milk

ovo-vegetairans don't eat meat, chicken, fish, or milk (or any type of dairy or bread containing milk/whey ) but do eat eggs.

vegans don't eat meat, chicken, fish, milk, eggs, or anything made from milk or eggs, or animals such as wool, silk, honey, leather, tested on animals

6. I started with pretty much just eating morningstar farms burgers,or boca burgers (veggie burgers) for dinner. there are a lot of meat alternatives either with the veggie burgers or there could be a seciton in the vegetable section in your grocery store. there are chick'n strips and ground beef -vegetarian of course

good luck!!  

Answer 3

Yes, you can be still be healthy, some would argue you're healthier without meat.

I gave up all animal products for lent, and nothing really happened except I craved a lot of food for the first few days. All mental though.

I think the best way to tell your parents is by telling them the truth about why you want to become a vegetarian. There's still a lot of food you can eat without your parents having to make a drastic change in their lifestyles in order to accommodate to you. =D

There's a lot of 'fake' meat, like Tofurkey.The only thing you're missing from meat is B-8 (* I think that's what it is, you should double check)

There's a lot of different variations and levels of vegetarians and vegans. To make it easy; vegetarians dont eat meat, and vegans dont eat anything that comes from an animal like meat,  milk, cheese etc.

surf the web, there's a lot of great sites that you can visit. You're 17 so I'm sure you can talk to a Health teacher at your school to help you out.  

Answer 4

Just make sure you eat lots of vegetables and fruits and tofu. Try to stay away from the white foods though i.e pasta, breads, etc. Because they are loaded with carbs and you need more protein.

You might feel a little sick-y at first because of /shock/ from not getting the meat protein, but just make sure you eat lots and lots of peanut butter and nuts and soy/tofu and you will be fine within a week most of the time. You might lose quite a bit of weight just starting out but you will get back up to normal once your body adjusts to the change.

I was 12 when I sat my parents down to tell them. It really surprised them because I was once a hunter. haha. I sat down next to my father first (he is always more understanding) and I told him that I saw a video on the internet that made me think about my views on my diet. And then I told him I didnt want to eat meat anymore. Then I went to my mom. I waited until after dinner to tell them just before I went to bed.

They have stuff called Soy burgers and it tastes just like hamburgers. And they have soy/tofu turkey, ham, hot dogs, corn dogs, sausage, etc. You can find like everything. :D

Vegetarian you do not eat just meat. Vegan you do not eat anything that has come from an animal, such as cheese, eggs, honey, milk, etc. I personally think that being a vegetarian is EASIER, but I am a vegan myself. Have been for 2 years now.

You eat whatever you do not think is right or what you just do not like. Being a "vegetarian" usually refers to no meats, no seafood, and no fish but you still eat eggs and dairy. But you can eat fish if you would like or seafood or whatever. Or you could omit eggs or dairy. Whatever you want to do, dear.

Answer 5

How can I become a vegetarian in a healthy way? Well you should make sure to still maintain a healthy diet,  supplemets and iron pills are available if your worried, also you can consult a docotor

If I automatically quit eating meat, what will happen? Well...its possible that your iorn levels would drop and you'd become tired.

How can I explain to my parents that I want to become one? (I am 17) You could sit them down and talk about it maturlly, explain your reasons and how you've thought it out.

What produce can handle my cravings for meat yet give me the healthy fats and protein found in it? This I'm not to sure about...

What is the difference between a vegetarian and a vegan? Which is easier? A vegetarian is easyier, a vegan won't eat any animal biproducts such as cheese, milk, egg, Where as a vegetarian just dosent eat meat.

What type of foods can you eat? (EX can I eat eggs, cheese, milk etc)

You can eat eggs, cheese, milk, and all your normal foods except meat... (Fish is meat a lot of people seem to think it isnt...)

Answer 6

You can stop eating meat suddenly but b sure to eat things like beans, tofu, avocado (for fats), spinach, lentils...etc

Vegans do not eat eggs, milk, milk products, or wear animal products like leather, fur, wool (basically not using/eating any animal products), Vegetarians on the other hand only cut out meat (some eat fish others dont, its your own decision)

As for explaining it to your parents you just have to be open with them about it. Weather it is for animal, enviromental, economical or simply health rasons. I suggest you offer money to buy specialty foods (TVP, tofu etc) and offer to cook for the family.

Some things that help me with my meat cravings are cheese (wierd i know), fried portobello mushroom burgers, fakon (tofu bacon...its is delicious! but its terrible in meals like soup)

Answer 7

Try to follow the suggestion given by Bettina.

Toy can also try some healthy and delicious dishes to start yourself as vegetarian.

http://indian-veg-food.blogspot.com

Answer 8

Google the vegetarian food pyramid.  

Answer 9

The only definitions worth repeating are from the founders of the words.

vegetarian - http://www.vegsoc.org/info/whatis.html

vegan - http://www.vegansociety.com/newsroom/ind...

Here is a small list of vegetarian foods.

http://michaelbluejay.com/veg/eat.html

Eating things like pasta and sandwiches can keep you full and satisfied longer. If you have strong cravings for meat, try watching Earthlings or just thinking about it.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=...

All of the healthiest fats can be found in a vegetarian diet.

http://www.veganhealth.org/articles/fat

Bread, pasta, cereal, rice, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, fruits and veggies can easily offer everything that you need except B12.

http://www.veganhealth.org/sh

http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo

All vegetarians should take a B12 supplement regularly since most people eat meat, dairy AND fortified cereals yet still have a B12 status that is lower than recommended.

http://www.veganhealth.org/articles/b12

It may help you if you see proof that vegetarians have the same potential as anyone else.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/sto...

http://www.veganbodybuilding.com/phpBB2/...

http://www.veganbodybuilding.com/phpBB2/...

http://www.macdanzig.net/bio.php

http://www.scottjurek.com/career.php

If you need meat or dairy during any stage of your life or to live any certain lifestyle, why does the American Dietetic Association say otherwise?

http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada...

Answer 10

Hi! Congrats on wanting to become veg!

How can I become a vegetarian in a healthy way?

Read up on veg*anism and what to do, what foods to eat, what foods to eat to get your nutrients, etc. Start by eliminating meat and (if you choose) all animal products, and replace them with veg foods and veg nutrients.

For information on veg nutrition check out:

http://veganpeace.blogspot.com/2008/02/v...

If I automatically quit eating meat, what will happen?

Your body would start to regulate in it's original healthy state.

How can I explain to my parents that I want to become one? (I am 17)

Just say mom, dad, I have great news to tell you! Sit them down and say I plan to take charge of my life! I plan to eat healthy and be healthy, with my new habits I plan to live long and be healthier and cut the risk of many diseases affecting are society today. I plan to be happier and look fresher. I plan to help the environment and make my carbon foot print on this earth smaller. I am going to be helping end world hunger as well as the mass slaughter of billions of animals. Mom, dad I have become vegetarian! If you have questions you can read The China Study, watch Earthlings, go to the websites tryveg.com and goveg.com, and search online. I feel this is the right thing to do for me and my body as well as the earth and animals. I hope you can respect and understand my descion, and maybe join me in this amazing life of veg*anism!

What produce can handle my cravings for meat yet give me the healthy fats and protein found in it?

Seitan and tofu when cooked certain ways as well as Boca, Morningtar, and Amy's products.

What is the difference between a vegetarian and a vegan?

Veganism is a philosophy and lifestyle that seeks to exclude the use of animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. Meaning they do not consume any animal products or by products what so ever. (Which include all meats, dairy, eggs, & honey.) They do not wear, sleep on, cover with any animal skin, or products. (Which include fur, leather, pearls, & silk.) They avoid as much cruelty to living things in which have a nervous system and can feel pain and spread emotion as possible, living the cruelty-free lifestyle. They do not support companies which do animal testing. They do not support anything which involves animal cruelty and abuse for *entertainment*. (Which includes the circus, zoo, rodeo, bull riding, hunting, fishing, & dog fighting.) Some are activist and fight to stop cruelty and help animals in their rights.

Vegetarianism is a diet that excludes all animal flesh, including poultry, game, fish, shellfish or crustacean, and slaughter by-products.

Which is easier?

It really depends on your situation, a vegetarian can be easier since it is more mainstream, but a vegan can be easier since it is healthier and cheaper (as far a food consumption)

What type of foods can you eat (EX can I eat eggs, cheese, milk etc)?

If a vegetarian yes, as well as foods that contain no slaughtered animal or slaughter by/animal products. The main foods are water, fruits, vegetables, nuts (almonds cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts, etc), beans (black, pinto, baked, kidney, etc), seeds (flax, sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, hemp, etc), soy products (tofu, TVP, tempeh, fortified soy milk, miso, etc.) pulses, whole grains, quinoa, seiten, breads, nutritional yeast, cereals, chickpea, seaweed, lentils, & vegetable, hemp, and flaxseed oils, plant meats, and plant milks. Brands: Amy's, Boca, Moringstar, Gardenburger, Tofurky.

http://veganpeace.blogspot.com/2008/03/v...

Recipe sites:

http://veganpeace.blogspot.com/2007/08/v...

Sites to check out:

http://vegetarian.about.com/

http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/vege...

http://www.vivausa.org/activistresources...

http://www.bryannaclarkgrogan.com/page/p...

http://vegetarian.lifetips.com/

Answer 11

You have to change gradually. It is of course difficult to change abruptly. There are several healthy food even in vegetarian. I think you can eat cheese, milk, etc.