Vegetarian

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Vegetarian Diet

Vegetarian Diet questions and answers

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Q: Vegetarian diet?
I want to go Vegetarian but is it healthier then a diet with meat in it? would i also lose weight by going Vego and can some one please give me a sample diet.Oh yer one more thing will i be lacked in nutrients?

A: A meat-fre diet can be just as unhealthy or fattening as a meaty diet. Its all down to balance, make sure you get a good range of fruit, veggies, cereals, dairy and you will be very healthy and have no need for suppliments. I've been veggie for 27 years and had no need for any suppliments, i'm never ill and am healthy and fit ( I own a farm so am used to a bit of hard work as well as my office stuff )

Q: vegetarian = diet?
I've heard that being a vegetarian doesn't mean having a diet, because in vegetables, there are a lot protein and carbohydrate. Having to much proteins and carbohydrate will not make someone loss his/her weight. But may make them fatter. So, what's your opinion about it?

A: Vegetables contain some protein and some carbohydrate but not as much as carbohydrates as bread, potato sugar or flour and not as much protein as meat, eggs fish etc. Also veg are low in fat unless you add it when you cook them. If you want to lose weight a vegetarian diet should be calorie controlled just as any other diet shoud be and should also be balanced to ensure you get enough of all the food groups, vitamins and minerals.

Q: What is a good vegetarian diet for my cross training and running?
I'm six foot three inch, 235 pounds and I've gained about ten pounds of muscle mass from January but I've recently began an exclusive vegetarian diet. I need to replace the chicken and fish that were in the diet, looking for about three thousand calories a day. Any suggestions would be very helpful, many thanks in advance.

A: You'll need iron for running that beets.. eat some raw ones regular also spinach and beet tops too. Eat more fruit than veggies. Fruit is what really replaces meat. don't forget nuts, seeds, grains, cereals, beans. Fake meat recipe from Burker King: 14oz Canned pumpkin, add in Soya sauce, oatmeal, wheatgerm and mix together.. you can form into balls or make patties and even sausages with the mixture. For fake Sausages there is an additional step roll in cornmeal or gelatin unless U want skinless sausages then U don't need to do the additional step. Cook the fake meat item in oil. If you use the balls in spagetti better taste if U dip them in oil they don't need to be precooked as the water will cook them with the spagetti! Oh U won't see me here much due to too many violations so to contact me go to Goody2shoes2@freespeech.com I'd rather put up with other crap than violations! I might just do my Own Yahoo like service there on freespeech.com!

Q: How do you maintain a vegetarian diet when your husband and kids are die hard meat eaters?
My husband and my son both think the world is going to come to an end if we don't have meat daily. I just eliminated poultry out my diet, and I have been pork and red meat free for a few months now. I do plan on eating fish occassionally (I love fish anyway) but certainly not every day. Are there any vegetarian meals you can suggest? Or, does anyone know of a good vegetarian/pescatarian cookbook you can recommend?

A: make dishes that cater to both... Spaghetti /w meat balls, cook the meat balls seperate and add them to the meat eaters meals but omit them from your own... Chicken primavera again meat cooked seperate and added to theirs.. things like that... If you try to cook two seperate meals it will end up breaking you down...

Q: What is a good vegetarian diet for muscle building?
I am an Indian and a vegetarian (no eggs). I am starting to see some muscle mass develop, notable on my biceps but perhaps, my diet isnt good enough for all the workout I do. I take a bowl of lentils (dal) after workout. Is this good enough?

A: You should take protein rich diet to develop your muscles along with proper excercise. For vegetarian people all sorts of dal, sprouts are the only source of proteins beside milk and milk products. Proteins are heavy to digest so be careful also not to make your stomach upset.

Q: Is there a simple vegetarian weight loss diet that would be easy to follow in a college environment?
I'll be going to college soon and I am overweight. While most people gain weight when they go to college, I'm nearly ashamed of eating in public so I'm hoping it will be a great opportunity to lose weight. I will probably make breakfast in the morning but my other 2 meals will be from dining halls. I was wondering if anyone knew a good vegetarian diet that would help me lose weight quickly without requiring I go to the grocery store often and buy ridiculous and expensive natural products.

A: to save giving a long winded answer this site might help ;-) http://www.diet-and-resources.com/weight-loss-pills-review.html

Q: Vegetarians and Vegans: would you raise your child on a vegetarian diet?
Im vegetarian and when I have a child I dont know what would be the best way to raise it. I became vegetarian at age 14 and it was my choice, so I dont know if would be ok to impose my diet on a child that cant think for itself yet.

A: It is not "imposing your diet" its called parenting. Do you think every meat eater sees it as "imposing thier diet" when they give thier kids meat ? You raise your kids in your own moral standards until they can make thier own decisions, its called parenting. You do the same with language, manners, friends, drink/drugs, school, morals, theft, bullying, religion etc....

Q: How do I start a vegetarian diet?
I have recently become interested in eating a vegetarian diet but I don't quite know how to start. Can someone please give me some tips on how to ease into vegetarian diet?

A: First, Do a little research on vegetarian diets. You just don't want to jump into being a vegetarian. First you want to know suitable substitutes for meats, because you will no longer be getting nutrients from meat, and you want to make sure you are getting all the things you need from a vegetarian diet. Things like protien and iron, you won't have to worry about, you can get those things from a vegetarian diet, and you will have less of the unwanted things like saturated fat, and cholesterol. But you will have to take vitamin B12 supplements, since it is really only found in meat. You may want to ease into a vegetarian diet... but I jumped right in and it worked for me. So you will have to do whatever works for you. Good Luck.

Q: Does anyone have any links to a vegetarian diet good for a dancer?
I am a vegetarian and a long-time dancer. I don't always eat the way I should. I need a diet that's all vegetarian and created for dancers.

A: As a vegetarian and someone who works out constantly, you will need at least 50 grams of protein a day (more is better!). I am also a dancer and have been a vegetarian since I was 14 years old (now 20), and I make sure to always start my day off with either yogurt or fiber-based cereal with fat-free milk (1% is good, too, if you can't stand skim). My snacks are also usually protein-based. (Try things with peanut butter, nuts, or dairy). On of my favorite, healthy, high-protein snacks is celery slices with Laughing Cow cheese and almonds. The traditional celery and peanut butter is good, too! But try mixing it up - try protein bars, healthy trail mixes, string cheese, or other easy grab-and-go things like that. Of course, protein isn't all you need as a vegetarian dancer. You're going to need just as much of the otehr food groups as everyone else. Check out this vegetarian food pyramid for optimal health: http://www.vegsource.com/nutrition/pyram... There's a lot you can learn about eating healthy as a non-meat eater, but you don't necessarily have to do anything different from vegetarians who don't work out as much as you do. The most important thing I would stress, though, is EAT YOUR PROTEIN. The most common mistake of a vegetarian or vegan is to not get enough of it, and it can cause great damage to your body if you don't eat enough of it. Also, make sure to check out the 'Vegetarian Starter Kit' at GoVeg.com: http://www.goveg.com/order.asp And check out GoVeg.com for everything you need to know about being a vegetarian :) Here's some more articles you might want to look at: http://www.iadms.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=2 http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1083/is_/ai_n24319489 (This one is about being a dancer/vegan, but it still has some really good information!) http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/athletes.htm http://www.organicathlete.org/guide/protein Good luck!

Q: Can you have a balanced vegetarian diet without nuts?
I have two daughters, one hates meat and the other has said for some while that she would like to be a vegetarian because she can't bear the thought of eating animals. I really like vegetarian food so it would be no problem for me. But the daughter who hates meat (and also most vegetables) is very allergic to nuts, both peanuts and some tree nuts. Does anyone know if it would still be possible for her to have a balanced diet, and how?

A: Yes, easily. Nuts are a fairly good source of protein but they mostly get their calories from fat. They're a good snack but shouldn't be the staple source of protein in anyone's diet - too high in fat and calories. Try switching all the white and refined grains (white bread, white rice) to whole grains and brown rice. Try new types of whole grains like barley or quinoa. Whole grains are made from the entire grain - most white pasta is made from wheat that has been stripped of the most nutritious, high fiber and high protein layers. In fact, it's so unhealthy that there are mandates for companies that use white flour to refortify it after the processing takes place. Whole grains are naturally high in protein and fiber and are the natural state of the grain and are head and shoulders above refined grains and "white" bread and pasta products. Beans and legumes are VERY high in protein, fiber and nutrients. Try different kinds - kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, split peas. Make soups, stews, chili. You can make burger-like patties out of black beans. They are so versatile and wonderful. Try soy products - soy is a complete protein that the USDA and FDA both admit to being as substantial and nutritious as animal protein. Buy a few trays of tofu, or go to Whole Foods or another natural foods store and try tempeh (which is a brick of fermented soybeans). Look up recipes - this is vital to learn how to work with these foods. Just like someone that has never cooked with chicken breast before or has no idea what to do with it would probably cook something that's a total, hideous mess, the same would happen with never finding out how to use tofu or tempeh. If used properly you can have a huge range of delicious meals - I make tempeh stroganoff, tofu and veggie stir fry, tofu nuggets, etc.

Q: What is the best Balanced Vegetarian Diet and what can and can't Vegetarians eat?
I'm a sophmore (going to be) in high school, I weigh 76.5 pounds and my height is 59 inches. I have limb girdle muscular dystrophy and wanted to know what the best diet is. I just started being a vegetarian for about 10 days and need some help.

A: A huge body of scientific evidence now shows us that a well-balanced, 100% plant-based (veggie) diet will keep you fighting fit and healthy - and chances are if you stop eating meat, you'll live longer too. You probably think that veggies and vegans have to take mineral and vitamin supplements, but it's not true. As long as you eat a varied diet of fresh fruit and vegetables, along with grains, beans and nuts, you will obtain all the nutrients that you need for a healthy body. You will also be healthier just because you think more carefully about what you eat. Things to avoid are all forms of meat and fish, Gelatine - made from boiled animal bones and hooves Anchovies - small fish E120 also known as cochineal - red food colouring made from squashed insects Suet, dripping and lard - beef fat Rennet - found in some cheeses, from the stomach of calves Vegetarian food should have the vege stamp on it.

Q: How do you switch from a "conventional" diet to vegetarian?
The obvious answer is to stop eating meat. I want to know what others have bought to adjust themselves and their families to a vegetarian diet. Is there an easy way to make that transition?

A: It was very difficult for me to switch to a vegetarian diet. Although I was repulsed by the smell and looks of meat, I craved it for two years, but once I bought it I couldn't eat it. I ate the tofu, which I still don't like, and the fake meat, which is still bad, but nothing stopped the cravings. Over time the cravings stopped and I no longer think of meat as food. There really is no good answer, just keep a good variety of pasta, squash, fresh veggies, and lots of fruit on hand. Cook like you always do, just don't add the hamburger or chicken to the pasta or stew. Making soups is easy, and making a large salad that you can keep in the refrigerator so that all you have to do is dish out a serving at a time helps. When making a salad, cut down on the lettuce and add more of the veggies to keep it interesting, and don't use the ice-burg lettuce. It has almost no nutrition compared to the red leaf or butter lettuce. Buy an electric steamer so that steaming veggies is easy to do. I buy the 20 lbs. bags of rice, and keep several kinds of pasta and beans so that I always have a variety of foods to choose from. If it's on hand and easy to make, your going to be more willing to cook it. Good luck and remember, beef stays in your colon for 2 weeks. Sorry, had to say that.

Q: Any good articles about a vegetarian diet?
I have an assignment due for health class to find a health-related article and sumarize it's main points. I want to do something on how healthy a vegetarian diet is and health problems it can help avoid. Any suggestion or article pertaining to something like that would be appreciated.

A: Suggest that you go to "Google" - put the keywords in the search engine - and find the articles yourself.

Q: Is a vegetarian diet healthy enough to stick to for life?
I am seriously thinking about becoming vegetarian for life because although I feel strongly about animal cruelty issue, my reasons for considering this are more to do with the fact that I don't particularly like meat anyway and I much prefer the taste of Quorn and soya substitute products. In a restaurant, I nearly always go for the vegetarian option and my mum even calls me a closet vegetarian! The only thing that worries me though, is whether I am still going to get all the nutrients and health benefits that meat supposedly gives as such a staple of a normal diet. Is it safe to cut it out completely forever?

A: Absolutely. Just make sure it a balanced diet, but sounds like you do that by eating meat substitutes. My 4 kids were raised from birth as vegetarians, and are all fit and healthy. All above average height, and intelligence. Go for it.

Q: I am strongly considering switching to a Vegetarian diet. Can anyone recommend some good resources?
I love animals, am aware of the environmental impact of raising cattle, and am interested in eating a healthier diet. There are so many things that come up when you do an internet search regarding vegetarianism. Can someone point me to a source that..... 1) Provides steps to becoming a vegetarian. 2) Offers nutrious alternatives to a omniverous diet. This is important as I run 40 miles per week, and demand a lot from my body. Thanks!

A: Don't listen ot that can't stop thinking guy. He had no idea what he's talking about. Most vegetarians and vegans take no pills or supplements and are perfectly healthy. Some--like me--even successfully practice sports. What you really need is to keep your protein intake sharp and your vitamin/[phyto]nutrient intake high and drinks lots of water. More here: http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/athletes.htm Then as for alternatives... wow, there's so many i dunno where to start. Boca, Gardenburger, MorningStar Farms, Worthington... I could keep going with the list of replacements that are great enjoyed in moderation. Here's something I found: http://ezinearticles.com/?Meat,-Dairy-and-Egg-Substitutes-Reviewed&id=243619 Protein info: http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/protein.htm And as an added bonus, here's this: http://www.vegsoc.org/info/vitmineral.html Remember, water and exercise and eating right is what it's all about!