Tips about being a vegetarian??

Question

Hi. (: I've been trying to become a vegetarian but I've encountered son problems and I have a few questions:

1.Will being a veggie make me lose weight? That really isn't good for me because I'm already pretty thin. I'm also an actress so if I am too skinny, I won't get work.

2.How can I make my parents understand why being a veggie is important to me? They just don't understand.

3.I'm never really full or satisfied when I eat meals without meat. Does anyone have any suggestions for filling, non-meat meals?

Thank you in advance to everyone who answers!

xoxo,

Krissy.

Answer 1

1) You won't loss weight if your still eating enough

2) It's your choice, they can't force you to eat meat

3) Try Quorn, its a meat substitute and its really nice.  

Answer 2

No it does not make you skinny. You can still eat the same things particularly the fatty junk foods such as doughnuts, crisps, choc and cheese. You can still have dairy which is quite fattening.

Most people when dieting opt for veggie foods that have less calories and fat such as Quorn and soya. They are better for you but may not have the amount of protein and iron that you would get from eating meat. You shouldn't have to explain to your parents why...you are doing it for yourself remember! If you were really determined you would have begun already and not use this parent thing to stop you from doing so. It's a different story if, maybe, your parents are butchers, farmers etc and have been brought up loving meat. Just go for it, don't worry about your parents. I think you are worrying that they just won't agree with your reasons to not meat because you don't want to have animals killed just for food. You may have to deal with people giving you trivial questions like 'What would you do if you were on a desert island starving and had to kill an animal to eat, would you?' etc. There is actually enough plants and fruit and more food available thanks to human technology to eat rather than to resort to killing animals. Sometimes people find it hard to give up meat just cos they are used to it and like the taste. But I'm sure if you took them to a slaughter house they would think differently.

Your parents are not the problem, it's you and your worrying about how they will react. IT's not hard being a vegetarian and I think you may be trying to find reasons to stop you being one cos you are worried about your body and career. If you knew much about actors then you would know that most actors are vegetarians and vegans; it seems like most celebrities are these days. Maybe you should browse the web to find out which actors do not eat meat - it may inspire you... you might find out your idol does not eat it.

And to answer your last question... it's odd that you say that because I always feel full when I eat a non-meat meal, maybe you aren't eating enough things to be considered a vegetarian meal. Try quorn mince pasta. The quorn mince expands when heating up and you just have to heat it in a pan till it turns brown, add some passata, add a sprinkle of oregano, a pinch of salt and pepper and stir. Put some pasta in a pan with boiling water, heat, stir now and again and then it will all be done in about ten minutes. Loads of supermarkets do vegetarian readymeals especially Tesco with their yummy vegetarian lasagne (chilled not in frozen section) as well as veggie curry, Quorn pasties, veggie nuggets, they even have bacon style quorn rashers now! They smell and look like the real thing and I'm a bit put off by that. A cooked dinner is always very filling and eating your greens will definitely boost your iron intake (I have to take iron pills everyday to stop me being aenemic... lately I have been feeling worn down and tired due to lack of iron in the blood). Get some vegetable gravy, quorn/veggie sausages, lots of vegetables (frozen mixed veg is nice) and there you have it. Most things are suitable for vegetarians but check on the back when you're shopping. It's really easy. Remember, if there's nothing about it being suitable and if there's no 'V' symbol in a green circle then it means it's not suitable. Things like marshmallows, jelly sweets, jelly etc are not suitable. If you want any other suggestions please give me an email!

Answer 3

1) When I became a veggie I was seven so I don’t know about the weight.

2) I know how you feel about tiring to convince some people at school, I especially hate the "animal lovers" who love to kill and eat animals???

It might help to convince them with how much healthier a vegetarian diet is.

3) Try anything in the range of vegetarian meat alternatives they taste just like the real thing but without the "murder".

This website might help clear your head

http://www.vegetarian-diet.info/vegetari...

Answer 4

well, vegetarians do lose a lot of weight, so, if i were you, i would just stop being a vegetarian, and all of your problems will be gone.  

Answer 5

1) Some veggie's I've known have actually gained weight; it all depends on what you eat and how much you eat.

2) You can explain why it is important, but some people don't really understand. If you can get them to accept you as you are though, this is what is important,  whether they understand or not

3) again, this is partly diet; if all you are eating are leafy vegetables, then you are not going to be satisfied. I would suggest investing in a good vegetarian or vegan cookbook which should have many recipes that should be satisfying

Answer 6

I had the same problems

1. No, being vegetarian doesn't affect your weight, as long as you eat a balance diet, you should be fine

2. Explain to your parents why you have chosen to become vegetarian gently, but firmly. Don't get stressed or angry. At first, they will think you are going through a phase, but after a while, they gradually accept that you are a vegetarian

3. When you are having a barbecue, and you really fancy a burger or sausage, try Morrison's own brand of meat free burgers and sausages, they look and taste like meat, but they have no meat in them whatsoever. i think they taste great!

Answer 7

1-being a vegetarian didnt effect my weight at all although im sure if i start eating meat after 5 years it would mess me up

2-its your choice you parents cant force you to eat meat

3-tofu

Answer 8

1.  It could make you lose weight.  Make sure you eat more seeds, nuts, peanut butter, that sort of thing.  They will keep your weight up, but are also healthy.

2.  What's your reason for being vegetarian.  Because it's more healthy than eating meat?  Because it's cheaper?  Because it's helps conserve the earth's resources?  Because it is kinder for animals?  Find your reason, do a little research, and simply explain yourself, calm and straightforward.

3.  Peanut butter sandwich ( any kind of vegetarian sandwich really), pancakes, macaroni and cheese, veggie chicken patties, veggie burgers (try morningstar veggie selections, they're great).

Answer 9

hello :)

I've been vegie for 1 1/2 years now, and at first I didn't think i could do it. But I did, and here's how.

First of all, going vego didn't make me loose any weight, so i don't think that's something to worry about, just so long as you're eating the same amount as you usually would.

What are your reasons for going vego exactly? If it's a moral thing, then just explain how you feel and hopefully they will understand.

If not, see if you can locate a video or movie about the pre-preparation of meat (from the farm to the fridge type preparation) and see what they think after watching it ;) Not for the fainthearted.

There are plenty of meat alternatives out there. Tofu, sushi, falafel (my personal favorite), lentils, veggie patties (great on burgers) etc.

But instead of going cold turkey (no pun intended) straight away, you could start by just cutting off red meats so you adjust slowly to giving up meat, and then when you're ready stop eating white meats as well.

The most important thing is balance. Eat a large range of vegetables and non-meaty foods to keep your protein and iron etc. levels right. This is a health thing.

Good luck :)

Answer 10

Hi, Krissy:-)

I know how you feel about members of your family not understanding your vegetarianism. My parents were very understanding but my grandparents thought I was mad.

I didn't lose weight when I became a veggie, nor did I gain it so you don't really need to worry about that.

In terms of getting your parents to understand why being a veggie is so important to you, get them to sit down with you and listen to you tell them your reasons and how you've not come to your decision lightly and that it's not a fad. Let them know that you've researched into the replacements for meat and fish (i.e. quorn, soya, nuts, pulses, tofu) and that you can be just as healthy without eating meat and fish.

Before you explain to them, do a bit of research on the Vegetarian Society's website. There's a children and young people's section with tips about how to tell your parents, what to replace meat and fish with and loads more about being a healthy veggie. The website is http://www.youngveggie.org/  Your parents may think they'll have to spend more time cooking for you if you have something different to them at mealtimes so offer to cook your meat and fish alternatives while the rest of the meal is being prepared.

You don't say whether you're replacing the meat with anything. It's very important for you body that you do. Make sure you're eating enough food in the first place. Eating bread and other carbohydrates like pasta will make you feel fuller. You could try eating more carbohydrates and see if there's any improvement.

Hope this helps:-)

Answer 11

I have one tip about being a veg-head (its ok for me to say that i am one) and it is: IF IT HAS A FACE, LEAVE IT IN IT'S PLACE.

Answer 12

1. No, eat pasta and healthy fats like olive oil and flax seeds.

2.If possible, watch this with them.

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

3.Eat pasta.

Bread, pasta, cereal, rice, beans, peas, lentil, 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...