I'm still trying to be a vegetarian, but...

Question

I find it really hard for a few reasons.

1. Based on my 'resources', I find it very hard to get adequate nutrition. I take a multivitamin, but that doesn't seem like enough.

2. I don't feel at all good everyday. I feel deprived and have no way of solving it. With meat and other things added to my diet, I don't feel bad mentally and physically (I'm not tired,etc.)

3. It's flat out hard.

Basically, I'm not looking for persuasions to remain a vegetarian or added tips because i can't fully "carry out" all that's kind of required to be a vegetarian.

Thinking about it, it feels like I am mostly doing it for "show". I know this is insulting to many dedicated vegetarians and vegans.

i just don't feel a vegetarian lifestyle is for me.

Do any of you agree?Have any of you, who have tried, switched back to a regular diet filled with everything from meat to produce?

By the way, I feel the need to include meat and other products in my diet, because I crave them and feel that I need them for a heathier me. Going vegetarian deprives me of what I need, plus no matter what tips and solutions I recieve, can't carry them out to be a healthy vegetarian.

Answer 1

Being a vegetarian is a decision based on many factors, the least of which is about health.  However, the commitment to vegetarianism  means that you also take pretty good care of yourself and learn new ways of eating in the world.  While your diet doesn't require that you include meat in it, you do require good sources of protein that come in alternative ways.  Your point about feeling like you are pursuing this lifestyle for show is well taken.  Its become "fashionable" to be vegetarian and "green", but its not for everyone and you might consider what needs you have that aren't getting met by simply being yourself.  Here are some ideas you might also want to consider:

1.  Designate one day a week as a non-meat day.  Take a look at soy proteins and vegetable proteins that you can build into your diet.  I'm particularly fond of Morningstar vegetarian meat substitutes, such as the chicken nuggets and vege burgers.  But you can also do wonders with lentils and cheese and even mac and cheese, paired with a good salad, can be a great source of fiber and protein.

2.  Incorporate fish into your weekly eating plan.  Due to the higher mercury levels, don't indulge more than 3 times a week.  Experiment with different preparations, marinades, and salsas to add flavor and zing to your dish.

3.  Incorporate more blended or whole grains into your life.  Barilla, for example, and Ronzoni, now make great whole grain pastas that taste great and are easy to make.  Consider looking at alternatives such as quinoa, couscou, and bulger for different flavors and textures.

4.  Nothing is perfect!  Make a couple of changes you can live with instead of trying to radically change things overnight.

Choosing better health and healthy alternatives seems more like an attitude you might adopt, as opposed to wanting to do it for "show".  Good luck!

Answer 2

its ok if u try it & it doesn't work. just doing it for show is insulting to ppl who find that this is their lifestyle. nobody will hang u if u start eating a thick juicy hamburger and u like it. u can eat meat and veggies and still b healthy, the trick is to not eat as much as every1 else. good luck!!

Answer 3

if its not working for u then dont do it!

Answer 4

I was a vegetarian for three years and yes, I did go back. It doesnt really mean I gave up. It does mean I [hopefully] saved a few animals here or there. Its a difficult lifestyle because it takes a lot of drive. Its hard to find a working diet, and I think I understand the feeling you are describing. Dont worry, if you want to start eating meat, go ahead. There really is nothing wrong with it. Of course its good to not eat meat, but theres no pressure. So if you really were serious, you could always try a nutritionist, who should help you come up with an easy to maintain diet plan, but I doubt it will fulfill your craving. Best of luck.

Answer 5

from experience i know i would never be a vegetarian but in whatever you do you have to set your mind to do it. Even when it seems to be very hard to do that's when you push yourself to do it. If you keep feeding your body as a vegetarian your body will eventually get used to it and it will become second nature.