Veggie transition help?

Question

I was recently (like two days ago) inspired to become a vegetarian. Partly for health reasons (who knew meat and dairy was so bad for you?!), and partly because after watching a slaughterhouse video, I will never be able to feel okay about eating meat again. My plan is to become vegan over the next year (I've decided to cut cheese and other dairy), but I have to take baby-steps. Anyways, I have a few questions for the veterens out there (or anyone who can answer them):

How do you know what foods contain animal product and which ones don't (aside from the foods marked "vegan")?

I don't like veggies. Any veggie recipes that taste great to make the transition a little easier?

I have a two year old son. Is taking meat and dairy out of his diet healthy? I've read that soy-milk can cause an increase in estrogen - is there a healthy, non-dairy alternative?

Thank you! Any input to help me successfully make the transition would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi there,

There are no natural foods that were grown via plants or animals are bad for you in moderation.  The key is to avoid processed foods and eat as close to nature as possible, not only to avoid Big Business food and slaughterhouses, but to avoid additives and chemicals in your diet.  

Read ingredients carefully.

It sounds to me like the video really got to you, and that seems to be the reason you're going vegan.  It's fine to eat meat if you like meat, but if you're offended by animal abuse, go to small farms, buy local,  and don't ever buy meat from big companies.  It's also fine to get rid of meat entirely, and choose to go vegan. Educate yourself as much as possible to either method, especially for your little one.  Your doctor might have ideas or refer you to a nutritionist.  

I don't know much beyond that, because I'm not vegan or even vegetarian, but all methods of food choices have been around long enough for you to make an educated decision based on thorough research.

Good veg recipe: different types of squash, asparagus, onion,  and tomato sauteed or grilled in olive oil with some salt and pepper or mixed spices on it.  Add some tofu to the mix and you have a healthy dinner with protein and lots of vitamins.  Yum!

Answer 2

I'm not a vegan so I can't help you with that part of the question.

A really good recipe is black bean vegetable soup (Allrecipes.com). You can't even tell there's vegetable in it, it's mostly carrots, corn, onions, and beans. Usually, cutting things up and slipping it into things tastes great and you won't even tell it's vegetables. Vegetarian pizza was also really yummy (try it, you might like it.)

Answer 3

Read the Book Skinny *****.

I read it while at Books A Million and did not even have to pay for it. It made me a vegetarian too.

It has a website on how to follow the diet.

I think it was govegan.com but If I am wrong you can find the web adress in the book Skinny Bitche.