Vegatarianism...(if that is a word)?

Question

So i am becoming a vegetarian. I want to loose weight, and i think that cutting meat out of my diet will do that(jsut so you know im cuttign out chips and sodas too). Mainly because when i eat meat i as tons of spices and unhealthy dressing to it. What are some good vegetarian recipies that are healthy? What are some things that i need to add to my ciet to replace the lack of protien?

thanks a ton.

Answer 1

Congrats!

Don't forget iron too.

Get some good vegetarian cook books

And yes, vegetarianism is a word

Answer 2

If you want to become a vegetarian, please don't do it for the sake of losing weight, because that is such an awfully misunderstood myth. The fact is that individuals who do not consume the necessary protein, iron and certain vitamins and nutrients from red meat become deficient and can have a poorer immune system, which is one unhealthy reason for the weight loss. In order to attempt to keep your body even close to normally balanced you would have to take a number of supplements daily to replace the normal intake you will no longer be getting, not to mention that you would have to be very strict on eating legumes and beans and soy and a number of other things to get the amount of protein and nutrients you need. You can try to substitute some of your usual meats with fish on some days of the week so you're not eating red meat and chicken 7 days a week. The idea of cutting soda out of your diet is a great idea because of the high amounts of sugar and high fructose corn syrup. In fact, if you just start to check labels and try to avoid food items that contain high fructose corn syrup you can begin to lose weight just by doing that. High fructose corn syrup is in almost anything and helps to sweeten, preserve and thicken food. Although not necessary, most companies believe it to be. The body does not know how to break down this ingredient so it stores it as a thick sugary syrup, which affects metabolism, glucose, insulin and therefore can cause weight issues. Being a label checker can  be slow and irritating at first, but after you get your usual staple items at the grocery the first couple times it won't take anymore time than usual. I started just watching what I consumed and avoiding high fructose corn syrup last year and I believe I have dropped about 30 pounds or so without even trying hard. I've just been more cautious and eat a well balanced meal- one that includes a meat at every meal, usually fish twice a week. This may not be the angle of advice you were looking for, I just hope you aren't sacrificing a well balanced diet for the myth you will lose weight just by doing so.

Answer 3

Well first off, I worry cutting out meat (the soda and chips are good to get rid of too though) wont give you immidiate results or even necassarily long term. I havean obese vegetarian friend who seems to keep a lot of her weight with a steady diet of candy. :-/ Weight loss that is generally the most healthy and effective comes from a good excersizing routine and the will power to cut out most sugars, trans-fats, etc. Of course though this might just do it for you, and even if it didn't completely I like the move! :)

Vegetarian yum-yums for me are things like:

Fake Meats-Smart Dogs, Bocca Burgers, Morning Star Bacon and Sausages (You should be aware however that in all Morning Star products there are chemicals that react in the same way as MSG when put together.)

All sorts of fruits and vegetables that one REALLY grows to appriciate when it's a main part of one's meal-Tangerines, melon, potatoes, tomatoes, edamame, nectarines, sweet peas, fresh carrots, etc.

And just good old regular block, firm tofu with a nice, light, asian dressing.

There are also great vegan desserts that are much healthier than most sweets and taste delicious! There is a wonderful brand of vegan icecream Mochi, they also have the traditional bean paste Mochi but most prefer the ice cream, the brand however slips my mind. Then there are Tofutti Cuties which are adorable and I love, and so many more!

My suggestion would be going to a local health food or primarily vegetarian centered market, a place like Trader Joes or Lazy Acres, I dont know what they have where you live but I'm sure there's something! I bet once you walk down the aisles you'll find yourself some fantastic stuff. Also, local farmer's markets are wonderful.

As for protein, if you end up loving tofu as much as I do (when I ate meat I despised it btw) that'll be enough, I eat tofu in all my meals practically and still can't get enough of it, that or some other soy product. Also foods like beans have a fair amount of protein, if you choose to still eat eggs and dairy, both those have good sources. Also I have friends who swear by protein (whey generally) shakes that I personally don't like but hey drink every morning for breakfast and even other meals. The great thing also about protein shakes is they seriously curb your hunger as they are incredibly filling and they giv eyou good lasting energy.

Hope any of that helps! Also, yes, vegetarianism is a word. :)

Answer 4

well...

You can eat peanuts...peanut butter...eggs...beans...protien drink (I drink the slim fast protien shake: It tastes like chocolate milk)...you can buy suppliments...protien cereals (special K protien cereal with any fresh fruit is yummy)

Hope I Helped <3.

Good Luck loosing weight!

Answer 5

wow!

congrats!

when i became a vegetarian i lost about 40lbs :)

i eat alot of different types of salads and wraps.

but what i do in order to get most of my protein is,buying this simulated meat stuff.

it looks exactly like ground beef but its tofu and it comes in different flavours and you can cook it into things or eat it by itself.

i would also recomend having some kind of protein pill or protein shakes[they taste really good :) ]so you get all the needed protein.[i made that mistake]

hope this helps abit :)

Answer 6

protein: nuts, seeds, tofu, soy protein powder

good for you

Answer 7

Vegetarianism isnt a diet. Its a lifestyle.

To loose weight you need to burn more calories than you consume.