New to Vegetarianism...Can you guys help me?

Question

Hello! I want to say that I was searching for a diet to go on because I am overweight...I was going to go back to Atkins, etc. I went to goveg.com and read over everything, and I am amazed at the health issues meat can cause...even MORE so...i was crying watching the "Meet your Meat" video on the cruelty to animals!! i had no IDEA on what they did to them!!! All in all, I decided, starting today, to go veg, for health reasons, and for the poor animals. I just got back from grocery shopping, and I got a few things...Vegan blueberry waffles, fruit cups, vegan butter, wheat bread, some veggies, brown rice, soy crisps, etc. But, I do need some more help. I was wondering if you guys could tell me some of your favorite vegan foods, and also things you have tried but honestly dont like. For example, I am honestly scared to try the Boca "chicken" nuggets...I guess Im just scared because I never had it. But the only thing is this- I LOVE cheese...I dont like eggs or milk, so i dont have them anyway...and I changed my butter to vegan butter, but what can I do about the cheese? Anyways, sorry if this was dreadfully long, but I am new to this and need all the help I can get. Thanks so much for everyones help!! =0)

Answer 1

Tofu is awesome, versatile and the best thing you can eat!

You can use silken tofu in smoothies, cheescakes, milkshackes, etc.

Though soya is nicer in milkshakes than tofu.

Answer 2

My fav veggie burger are the tomato and basil pizza ones by morning star!  THEY ARE AMAZING!!!!  I just put them in some pitas, They were the first ones i tried and i was soo shocked.  also i like to fry tofu and a TINY amt of olive oil, till golden brown, in cubes for slices.  and then add some peppers, onions, and garlic, cook, then add some brocoi, cook for a couple of minutes and add some brown rice with a little bit of water and stirfry or what ever sause you like.  It was the first thing i made with tofu, and was very good.  they have soy cheese...but im vegetarian, not vegan, for now :)

Answer 3

Some vegan products that I love:

Earth Balance, Vegenaise, Morningstar grillers crumbles, anything Tofurky, Boca chi'ken patties and nuggets, Gardenburger black bean burgers, Amy's products, Tings (vegan cheetos), etc.

Vegan products that I dislike:

Tofutti "cream cheese" and Toffuti better than sour cream, nayonnaise, Smart Dogs, Yves brand fake deli meats, vegan cheeses

I was a w***e for cheese before I was vegan, but I changed my priorities and decided that my morals are more important than a fleeting craving for cheese.  In a way I still miss cheese, but I don't mind because there are plenty of other things that I substitute instead.  You could always get your cheese from a local source (go here http://sustainabletable.com/ http://www.localharvest.org/ ) that way it may come from cows or goats that are kept in more "humane" conditions.

After I went vegan I lost 40 pounds and I've kept it off for the past 2 years without even watching what I eat....except for animal products of course.

Good Luck to you

Answer 4

Nuts, grains, beans, whole grains, tofu, fresh fruits and veggies, seeds, and a few good recipes are all you need to start. Tempeh and Seytan are also great. Try to minimize your reliance on processed or ready-to-eat type foods, which may be vegetarian but are normally higher in salt, sugar, additives etc. The best is always the meals you prepare from the freshest ingredients at home.