Hi, I'm an Omnivore. I want to be a Vegetarian.
HI, I'm EnsaladaLuver418 and I'm a noob to Vegweb.com. I've lurked for awhile and decided to join. Also..yes, I'm an a meat-eater. :-[
I'm am 19-years-old and looking to go Lacto-ovo Vegetarian.The idea to drop meat from my diet had always been in the back of my mind...and plus the vegetarian recipes look really good nad there TONS of health benefits that come with this choice. ;D I live in Jacksonville, North Carolina. I watched the documentary Food Inc, and let me tell you it was scary. :err: I've been doing research on how to get protein, zinc, iron, vitamin C, B6 and B12, Vitamin A, Omega 3 fatty acids, and Calcium. I've made this decision because of my family history of diabetes (my aunt has it), obesity, high blood pressure, arthritis, osteoporosis and also because how animals are being mistreated in factory farms and killed, and the out-break of diseases such as e-coli I really don't want that on my shoulders!
I'm cutting down on my intake of meat (stopped eating pork *woot!*)...and hopefully the transition when I get out on my own will be easier. My future goal is to become a vegetarian and to get into shape.
Any advice, information on where to by products, stories, words of fortune cookie wisdom, or tips?
Much appreciated,
EnsaladaLuver418
welcome!! My advice is to go at a pace that works for you. Remember that you are working towards lasting changes, and that sometimes it means leaps, other times it means falling or taking small steps. Just remember your goals and remember why it is you are doing what you are doing.
Thanks! I'm looking forward to trying seitan nuggets. ;D I saw a youtube video of what REAL chicken nuggtes are made out of...let's just say it wasn't pretty.
welcome!! My advice is to go at a pace that works for you. Remember that you are working towards lasting changes, and that sometimes it means leaps, other times it means falling or taking small steps. Just remember your goals and remember why it is you are doing what you are doing.
Very well said.
Welcome and good luck!!!
Hey, I lived in NC for a year so I know how good and greasy it is there. Like it has already been said, take your time and change your lifestyle at your own pace. Try the recipes that appeal to you. If you wanted you could start by haveing meatless monday, my husband still eats meat and has agreed to this. Have fun with trying new foods. Good luck and keep us posted on how your doing :)
Sounds like you've done your research! Like Fufu said, go at your own pace, monitor how you feel with each change and have fun! I cooked so much more after going vegetarian. Invest in a cookbook and see what you enjoy.
Any health food stores like whole foods are great for finding veggie products. generally more expensive, but its easier to find organic and local foods as well.
there is a product called "gardien" Its a meat replacement made from grains and soy. You can cook with it just like meat I use the chicken replacement on a regular basis and it works great.
"earth balance" is a great butter replacement I think it taste pretty much the same and is more healthy for you.
If you have never tried Indian food i would recommend you give a restaurant a try. They have a ton of veggie options that are freaking awesome.
Veggie sushi is also very good and is rich in iodine witch can be hard for veggies to get.
Another option if you still want to eat meat try organic farm raised meat. They don't put chemicals in the animals and they don't mistreat them. (depending on your definition of mistreat) They kill them humanly, give them a grass field as oppose to a cage. Also organic food taste better so thats a plus as well.
best of luck
If you're a student and therefore broke, don't forget your public library (or college library) probably has a slew of cookbooks, even veg*n ones! Some of the old classics are still good, along with the newer ones.
Hi! hooray for people willing to explore new things, and woot for mindful eating! ;)b
The cheapest and yummiest veg food resource, for me, is the farmer's market... and the easiest way to go veg is to read, read, read! the more you know about where the animal junk comes from, the less it will look like anything you wanna eat (or support with your food dollars). 'Skinny Bitch,' 'Eating Animals,' & 'Diet For a New America' are all awesome motivators. There's a video at http://www.amazon.com/Eating-3rd-Mike-Anderson/dp/B001CRQ8K6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1283987555&sr=8-1 that's really good for new or aspiring planteaters. There's also some ideas for new veg cooks here: http://www.shelfari.com/groups/59543/discussions/227068/Article-Brave-New-Food...
Hope that's helpful... have fun exploring a new way of eating! and let us know if you have any questions we can help with or anything. Welcome to vegweb!
Welcome EnsaladaLuver418! Such great advice in this thread! Hopefully VegWeb has enough recipes to keep you busy experimenting until the end of time... or at least until you get your first vegan cook book!