Why Go Veg?
People are drawn to vegetarianism by all sorts of motives. Some of us want to live longer, healthier lives or do our part to reduce pollution. Others have made the switch because we want to preserve Earth’s natural resources or because we’ve always loved animals and are ethically opposed to eating them.
Thanks to an abundance of scientific research that demonstrates the health and environmental benefits of a plant-based diet, even the federal government recommends that we consume most of our calories from grain products, vegetables and fruits. And no wonder: An estimated 70 percent of all diseases, including one-third of all cancers, are related to diet. A vegetarian diet reduces the risk for chronic degenerative diseases such as obesity, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and certain types of cancer including colon, breast, prostate, stomach, lung and esophageal cancer.
Why go veg? Chew on these reasons:
You’ll ward off disease. Vegetarian diets are more healthful than the average American diet, particularly in preventing, treating or reversing heart disease and reducing the risk of cancer. A low-fat vegetarian diet is the single most effective way to stop the progression of coronary artery disease or prevent it entirely. Cardiovascular disease kills 1 million Americans annually and is the leading cause of death in the United States. But the mortality rate for cardiovascular disease is lower in vegetarians than in nonvegetarians, says Joel Fuhrman, MD, author of Eat to Live: The Revolutionary Formula for Fast and Sustained Weight Loss. A vegetarian diet is inherently healthful because vegetarians consume no animal fat and less cholesterol and instead consume more fiber and more antioxidant-rich produce—another great reason to listen to Mom and eat your veggies!
You’ll keep your weight down. The standard American diet—high in saturated fats and processed foods and low in plant-based foods and complex carbohydrates—is making us fat and killing us slowly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a division of the CDC, the National Center for Health Statistics, 64 percent of adults and 15 percent of children aged 6 to 19 are overweight and are at risk of weight-related ailments including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. A study conducted from 1986 to 1992 by Dean Ornish, MD, president and director of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute in Sausalito, California, found that overweight people who followed a low-fat, vegetarian diet lost an average of 24 pounds in the first year and kept off that weight 5 years later. They lost the weight without counting calories or carbs and without measuring portions or feeling hungry.
You’ll live longer. If you switch from the standard American diet to a vegetarian diet, you can add about 13 healthy years to your life, says Michael F. Roizen, MD, author of The RealAge Diet: Make Yourself Younger with What You Eat. “People who consume saturated, four-legged fat have a shorter life span and more disability at the end of their lives. Animal products clog your arteries, zap your energy and slow down your immune system. Meat eaters also experience accelerated cognitive and sexual dysfunction at a younger age.”
Want more proof of longevity? Residents of Okinawa, Japan, have the longest life expectancy of any Japanese and likely the longest life expectancy of anyone in the world, according to a 30-year study of more than 600 Okinawan centenarians. Their secret: a low-calorie diet of unrefined complex carbohydrates, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, and soy.
You’ll build strong bones. When there isn’t enough calcium in the bloodstream, our bodies will leach it from existing bone. The metabolic result is that our skeletons will become porous and lose strength over time. Most health care practitioners recommend that we increase our intake of calcium the way nature intended— through foods. Foods also supply other nutrients such as phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin D that are necessary for the body to absorb and use calcium.
People who are mildly lactose-intolerant can often enjoy small amounts of dairy products such as yogurt, cheese and lactose-free milk. But if you avoid dairy altogether, you can still get a healthful dose of calcium from dry beans, tofu, soymilk and dark green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, collards and turnip greens.
You’ll reduce your risk of food-borne illnesses. The CDC reports that food-borne illnesses of all kinds account for 76 million illnesses a year, resulting in 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths in the United States. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), foods rich in protein such as meat, poultry, fish and seafood are frequently involved in food-borne illness outbreaks.
You’ll ease the symptoms of menopause. Many foods contain nutrients beneficial to perimenopausal and menopausal women. Certain foods are rich in phytoestrogens, the plant-based chemical compounds that mimic the behavior of estrogen. Since phytoestrogens can increase and decrease estrogen and progesterone levels, maintaining a balance of them in your diet helps ensure a more comfortable passage through menopause. Soy is by far the most abundant natural source of phytoestrogens, but these compounds also can be found in hundreds
of other foods such as apples, beets, cherries, dates, garlic, olives, plums, raspberries, squash and yams. Because menopause is also associated with weight gain and a slowed metabolism, a low-fat, high-fiber vegetarian diet can help ward off extra pounds.
You’ll have more energy. Good nutrition generates more usable energy—energy to keep pace with the kids, tackle that home improvement project or have better sex more often, Michael F. Roizen, MD, says in The RealAge Diet. Too much fat in your bloodstream means that arteries won’t open properly and that your muscles won’t get enough oxygen. The result? You feel zapped. Balanced vegetarian diets are naturally free of cholesterol-laden, artery-clogging animal products that physically slow us down and keep us hitting the snooze button morning after morning. And because whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables are so high in complex carbohydrates, they supply the body with plenty of energizing fuel.
You’ll be more “regular.” Eating a lot of vegetables necessarily means consuming more fiber, which pushes waste out of the body. Meat contains no fiber. People who eat lower on the food chain tend to have fewer instances of constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulitis.
You’ll help reduce pollution. Some people become vegetarians after realizing the devastation that the meat industry is having on the environment. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), chemical and animal waste runoff from factory farms is responsible for more than 173,000 miles of polluted rivers and streams. Runoff from farmlands is one of the greatest threats to water quality today. Agricultural activities that cause pollution include confined animal facilities, plowing, pesticide spraying, irrigation, fertilizing and harvesting.
You’ll avoid toxic chemicals. The EPA estimates that nearly 95 percent of the pesticide residue in the typical American diet comes from meat, fish and dairy products. Fish, in particular, contain carcinogens (PCBs, DDT) and heavy metals (mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium) that can’t be removed through cooking or freezing. Meat and dairy products can also be laced with steroids and hormones, so be sure to read the labels on the dairy products you purchase.
You’ll help reduce famine. About 70 percent of all grain produced in the United States is fed to animals raised for slaughter. The 7 billion livestock animals in the United States consume five times as much grain as is consumed directly by the American population. “If all the grain currently fed to livestock were consumed directly by people, the number of people who could be fed would be nearly 800 million,” says David Pimentel, professor of ecology at Cornell University. If the grain were exported, it would boost the US trade balance by $80 billion a year.
You’ll spare animals. Many vegetarians give up meat because of their concern for animals. Ten billion animals are slaughtered for human consumption each year. And, unlike the farms of yesteryear where animals roamed freely, today most animals are factory farmed—crammed into cages where they can barely move and fed a diet tainted with pesticides and antibiotics. These animals spend their entire lives in crates or stalls so small that they can’t even turn around. Farmed animals are not protected from cruelty under the law—in fact, the majority of state anticruelty laws specifically exempt farm animals from basic humane protection.
You’ll save money. Meat accounts for 10 percent of Americans’ food spending. Eating vegetables, grains and fruits in place of the 200 pounds of beef, chicken and fish each nonvegetarian eats annually would cut individual food bills by an average of $4,000 a year.
Your dinner plate will be full of color. Disease-fighting phytochemicals give fruits and vegetables their rich, varied hues. They come in two main classes: carotenoids and anthocyanins. All rich yellow and orange fruits and vegetables—carrots, oranges, sweet potatoes, mangoes, pumpkins, corn—owe their color to carotenoids. Leafy green vegetables also are rich in carotenoids but get their green color from chlorophyll. Red, blue and purple fruits and vegetables—plums, cherries, red bell peppers—contain anthocyanins. Cooking by color is a good way to ensure you’re eating a variety of naturally occurring substances that boost immunity and prevent a range of illnesses.
It’s a breeze. It’s almost effortless these days to find great-tasting and good-for-you vegetarian foods, whether you’re strolling the aisles of your local supermarket or walking down the street at lunchtime. If you need inspiration in the kitchen, look no further than the Internet, your favorite bookseller or your local vegetarian society’s newsletter for culinary tips and great recipes. And if you’re eating out, almost any ethnic restaurant will offer vegetarian selections. In a hurry? Most fast food and fast casual restaurants now include healthful and inventive salads, sandwiches and entrées on their menus. So rather than asking yourself why go vegetarian, the real question is: Why haven’t you gone vegetarian?
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2008 Reader Recipe Contest
For our 2008 Reader Recipe Contest, we challenged VT readers to create vegetarian versions of classic nonveg favorites—and do it using at least one sponsored ingredient.
started a vegatarian diet after watching my healthy brother go thru open heart surgery because of blockages including his widow maker artery, then finding out my healthy self , except for a bad lower back ,also had a 80% blockage on my widow maker because of a cta my brother and sister insisted i get.5 months and a stent later i am enjoying learning every day about eating better ,the veggie way.
I recently decided to go vegetarian after years of feeling unhealthy eating meat. It's only been a few weeks, but already I feel healthier, happier and better about doing my part to help my body and the environment!
I became a vegetarian after reading your magazine one day at the library,and have lost weight without even trying! I have alot more energy and my skin glows.
I turned vegetarian after a lingering illness caused by eating meat everyday for lunch and dinner. I saw my husband,who is vegetarian, for a long time now, has more energy and stamina and hardly any health issues. SO I turned vegetarian and am very happy and healthy since then. These facts make me want to spread vegetarianism!
I blog at: http://www.poonamphatak.blogspot.com/
i became a vege and i lost a lot of weight and i feel more healthy and stronger then ever! i hope to meet more people that are also vegetarian add me on my messenger; yosemidee@hotmail.com
Becoming vegetarian was the easiest thing ever. I don't miss meat at all and rather than limiting the variety of foods I eat, vegetarianism has expanded it an gotten my to try and love many new foods I would otherwise have missed out on.
I have been an on/off vegetarian for 15 years, today is my first day of not turning back...I care about animals, the environment and my health....so it is only logical!! I hope I can inspire others to join me and my husband on this ethical decision
I just turned vegetarian several weeks ago. I've never been a real meat eater so now that I am watching my Mom go through yet another cancer battle, I have decided to quit eating meat and dairy 100%. I have also banned all hydrodenated oils from our diet and have been doing so for the past 2 years.
I have been a vegetarian for 28 years. Primarily vegan now. I have more energy than anyone I know, although they would probably call it hyperness
I am looking into becoming a vegetarian, and I just wanted to thank the creators of this website because it has been very helpful to me, and I am seriously considering making this transition in my life!
Thanks!
I have just started on the path, but in the short time doing so I feel better, on both a personal and enviromental level. A big part of the journey is perception and education, and this site offers direction in both ways.
Since Jan 07, I finally committed to being a vegetarian. I've lost 18 lbs. and my I feel like I've dropped ten years off my face.
I chose to become a vegetarian over five years ago because of my love for animals. Since then, I have a newfound love and respect for all living things on our earth. I feel it is our responsibility to ourselves and our children take care of our planet and everything and everyone that occupies it.
I am looking into becoming vegetarian due to the fact that illness can be due to the way you eat and i want to live a healthy life style as well i want to convert my family to live a healthy life style too and i too am a animal lover too no animal should be slaughterd for the consumtion of one's self .
I just decided to try out a vegetarian life style 3 days ago, for health reasons. I give myself 30 days to see if it really does make a difference like a lot of people say. Everyone's different ya know.
I am glad that there are websites/magazines like this one to help a newbie out.
Thanks
I had a stent inserted in my widow-maker heart artery (80% blockage) back in late March. I have some blockage in the sub-branches of this artery as well. Two years ago I met a man in California while on business who had 4 stents and was on a arteriosclerosis reversal program. After four years he now has no blockage -- all gone. I contacted him and learned that it takes vigorous exercise, no-fat diet (vegetarian), and take the prescribed meds. I am now following his program. I do not eat meat -- just veggies. I walk-interval jog for over an hour early each morning. I weighed 265 in March and am now down to 203. My goal is to eventually get to around 180. The new energy level surprised me. My doctor has cut my blood pressure meds in half. I hope to eventually get of BP meds. While exercise is important, the vegetarian diet-style is also important. Frankly, it was amazingly easy to lose the weight with the veggie diet. I feel great! I am 65 years old and I have changed my lifestyle. A friend referred me to this site.
No brainer - I've been a vegetarian for 14 years now. Without doubt one of the simplest and easiest things you can do to benefit yourself in terms of health and wealth as well as disassociating yourself from the unnecessary suffering inherent in factory farming and limiting (massively) your carbon footprint is to go vegetarian.
I would defy anyone who is fully presented with all of the relevant facts and sufficient time to ponder them to NOT choose to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle.
I decided to become a vegetarian a week ago. I did after watching Peta videos . I love animals and could not even think about eating meat after learning about the animals go thru.
I noticed I lost weight too. I think going veggie is easy and the way to go.
I am a "vegetarian in progress". I am changing my lifestle due to health issues. I began buying organic products several years ago and eliminated or controlled many health issues. I know this final step will be the greatest.
...and when you cook, you never have to worry if you used the cuttingboard with meat, or did you wash the meat bacteria off well enough, or is it cooked enough? What I don't understand, is why non-veg have their eyes closed to the health and animal wellfare issues-and these are smart, educated people...i guess i was one of them too! Does anyone know how you can talk to people about this subject without preaching/annoying people?
I have been a vegetarian for about 2 months now, and I am wondering why I waited so long to take this step! I have been concerned with healthy eating for several years now, and have always been an animal lover. I always said that if I thought too much about where the meat came from before it got to the supermarket, I would not be able to eat it. I finally decided I couldn't kid myself any longer. I had intended to gradually wean myself off meat, but found that once I started, it just felt completely right to go all the way. I think what took me so long was worrying about how others would react, but my family and friends have been very accepting, even if they don't agree with me.
I am in the process of going vegetarian for health reasons. I've tried in the past but this is the easiest and most exciting time of it.
I'm a 53 year old mom. I've been a vegetarian for 23 years & have raised 4 healthy vegetarian adult children. None would consider causing unnecessary harm to another living being just for their sense enjoyment. We eat a varied diet from American cuisine (mock fish, Boca burgers, tofu pups), Thai, Mediterranean, Indian, Chinese, etc. It's the only compassionate way to eat.
My family went vegetarian when I was 15, purely for health reasons. So I grew up with Vegetarian Times, and always thought it was one of the best food (veg or non) mags out there for real people. Once I reached adulthood, I stuck with it for a couple more years, but then started eating meat again, because, well - steak tastes good.
However, I could never get comfortable with handling meat, and basically ate almost entirely vegetarian at home, and meat only at restaurants. I'm now in my early 30s, and a month ago had a small epiphany - I've been kidding myself. I respect animals (as living creatures) too much be part of the nightmare of industrial meat processing. I worked in the food industry and saw chicken processing up close and personal, and haven't eaten chicken in years. Why it's taken me so long to face the rest of the obvious connections, I can't explain. Even more importantly, the efficiency of how many people can be fed per acre of land/qty of water/unit of labor raising meat vs. raising grain and produce makes it just far, far, FAR more logical to choose a vegetarian diet, especially since we have so many other protein choices in tofu, tempeh, etc.
So I'm returning to the fold, and am delighted to find VT still here for me, and still offering great information for real people with busy lives.
i just turned vegan 100 % and my body feels so differents and so light. I swear if my body could talk it would say " what took you so long to be a vegan" Im an animal lover and after i got the courage to see what they do to animals for meat i went vegan "cold turkey" . I couldnt belive all the thing they would do just for meat. I wish more people can turn vegan for they can see how much your body will appreciate it and how much the animal will appreciate it aswell. just ask yourself this "would you eat your pet"? It has been a life changing event and the best one ever.
I just recently went veggie a few days ago, and now, I don't have to feel guilty about eating animals.
I have recently decided to go vegetarian and so far it doesn't really seem like that big of a deal--I'm not missing meat as much as I thought I would. Seriously, from all the reading and research I've done I think that being vegeatrian will be a very healthy life style.
:)
I have been a vegetarian since birth. I was raised by a vegetarian mother who ate that way for health reasons.
I have found it a very easy way of life. I was not always understood when I was a child, I would get gravy on potatoes and have to send them back to the kitchen explaining once again that I am a vegetarian and do not eat any meat, fish, poultry etc.
I do believe with all my heart that this is the best way to eat for health. My Mother was a very smart woman! Way ahead of her time.
I have been a vegetarian for 57 years. I know of very few vegetarians who have made it a life goal.
Perhaps in the future that will be more common. Good luck to everyone just starting the journey!!
I have been a vegetarian for almost 20 years. I can not imagine ever ever eating an animal again! I only wish i would have had the knowledge i have now from the begining. It is such a healthy, satisfying, compasionate, educated way of life. I wish the entire world saw this point of view! I am an absolute animal lover! The cruelty and inhumane doings to animals for the pleasure and consumption of humans is absurd. They call us humans because we are supossed to act humane! The facts are plain and simple... we are NOT carnivores! I wish the best of luck to all those out there just begining the journey of this amazing life style! Good luck! And to all the long time Veggies out there..... YOU ROCK! : )
I have adopted a vegetarian diet because I don't want to contribute to the slaughter or to the destruction of the environment. My weakness is extra-sharp cheddar cheese! It's the only thing preventing me from being completely VEGAN. Does anyone have any suggestions as to a really good soy version? The ones I've tried just don't satisfy my craving! Thanks for your help!
I became a vegetarian when I was a teenager, we had a small farm and I could not stand the thought of
eating the animals I had come to know and love.
I remained such till my mid twenties. My new husband thought I was depriving myself when I would cook him non-vegie meals. So to keep the peace I would eat meat now and then. But after having health issues in the last few years I have gone back to vegetarian full time. I have never felt better. My oldest son, 18 yrs., is also now a very committed vegetarian. We have both lost considerable weight and feel terrific. And I'm happy to report that after 23 yrs. of marriage my husband is finally coming around. He's been eating primarily veg meals for 2 weeks now. As far as cooking is concerned, you really do get to be more creative in the kitchen. Your focus changes from planning a meal around one thing, a hunk of meat, to building a meal around several types of vegetables and healthy carbs. The way these things can be prepared is really limitless.
I became a vegetarian about six weeks ago. It was hard at first but so glad I have made it this far. I do not even want meat anymore. I did this for health reasons and truly believe we will live longer on this plan. Good luck to everyone just trying this.
I have been vegetarian off and on for 10 years but for the past 2 months have been 100% vegetarian.
I intend to never go back to eating meat again! I am completely convinced that this is the healthiest diet and way of eating on the planet. I have read article after article that says eating vegetarian prevents many illnesses. I eat more produce than I ever have before and I feel great! Thank you for this website! I will visit it daily for encouragement and recipes!
It's fantastic to see all the people out there who are or are going or are even considering gong veg. Way to go! I've been a vegetarian now going on 11 months, and it's just fantastic. I especially love all the healthy new foods I'm trying all the time. Good luck everyone!
I decided to become vegetarian starting today. I saw a PETA video and I had to do something! I pray my husband will join me soon.
I'm think i'm ready to start the vegatarian life style now. I've read all the comments on this page and found a lot of motivation. I'm not much of a meat eater anyway, my problem is going to be milk, eggs and cheese, and i have high cholestrol. I was thinking about making it a New Years Resolution, but i dont wait that long to get started.
I've been vegetarian my entire life--29 years! I actually have an enzyme deficiency which prevented me from breaking down the proteins in red meats. Now, I cannot imagine even trying to develop the tolerance for it--I love being a vegetarian.
I love your cook book
I am on my way to being 100% vegetarian. I started with a particular meat and worked my way to the other meats. Now, I am down to one (Turkey). Once I set my mind on one meat, it gets easier not to eat that paricular meat. With time, the idea and urge to eat that particular meat is gone. I find that this process is much better than just quitting 100%. If you can go that route, more power to you. This route just makes it easier to get to being 100% free of meat. More of a transition process than quiting cold.
I just have to say that mankind must realize that the Earth/Life does not revolve around humans. Just because we don't feel the pain and suffering, does not mean we can inflict pain on other living things. We will NEVER have piece on earth if we slaughter animals for our consumption.
I've never eaten pork and not much beef. For the last few years I've tried vegetarianism several time. Now, with increase age, weight, and illness I am done with meat. I am looking forward to the new life and dinning experience. I purchased a juicer and have stopped dinning on fast food. I'm already feel the difference and loving it. Im glad I found this site to help with the process.
love the info provided in both the mag and on the site. i decided to go lacto-ovo-vegetarian (and only eat free range eggs/dairy items) since i've made that some what difficult decision, i've never felt better. i used to suffer from migranes and skin allergies...since i've made the switch, i haven't had anymore bad headaches & my skin feels and looks a lot better. the reason i thought the move was going to be so hard was simple: i loved fish and chicken. but i researched a lot prior to becoming a vegetarian & was concidering changing ... but didn't think i could swing it. to my surprise, i have adapted well.
PLUS:: i am a big animal lover and it only makes even more sense to REALLY AND TRULY LOVE THEM, ALL OF THEM. RESPECT AND CHERISH WHAT EXISTED BEFORE MAN. ahhhh.... let me not get started, lol
the bottom line: I'm very happy with what i'm doing..i hope to be 100% vegan one day... one step at a time
love the web site. all i have to say to non vegitariens is wold you eat your dog?
I have been vegetarian for about 4 months now. I recently got re-married to a vegetarian and I decided to give it a try. It makes things so much easier that we eat the same things. My kids are still eat meat, but not a my house. Since they spend most of there time with my x-wife and she is a meat eater its going to be difficult to get them to switch to a vegetarian diet (they are 11 and 9). Amazingly, they like what we eat and don't complain much. We recently had a baby and we decided to use soy formula rather than milk formula. We are going to try to bring up our baby vegetarian. I am an athlete and compete in triathalons and marathons, I feel so much better and have more energy on a vegetarian diet. I encourage everyone to try eating vegetarian foods.
I have been a vegetarain for 30 years and have found that the benefits of being a veggie keep multipling. Im 57 now and I see my friends and family dying of cancer heart disease and many kinds of degenerative diseases.So here i am still healthy as can be. Im very active and do a labour intensive job and out work the younger guys on the job and some of them are in their 20s. They ask me how i cand do this at my age so I tell them to become vegetarians but they say they couldnt live without their meat so they carry on with their cruel way of life. So they will have pay for their meat eating by dying a slow and painful death for killing the innocent animals and causing untold suffering for them. this is a crime against the animal kingdom and its fitting that we should suffer a well. Im very happy as a veggie and recommend it to anyone who wants a healthier and happier lifestyle.
I think i am the only non-vegi to comment on this article. I just want to say that what all of you are doing is really truly admirable. Becoming veggie is such a simple way to actully have a positive impact on other lives and the enviroment. This website has made me take a seccond look at myslef and my diet, and i am confidant that i will elimate meat from my diet. I have never been a big meat eater, and it makes me sick to think about the dead flesh in my hands when i prepare meat. Plus i am heavily involved in the equestrian industry i could never think of eating one of my horsey counterparts.
I am trying to go vegetarian for the past 4 months, I hjave decided to still eat eggs and dairy but I will only buy organic and free range. I only eat meat once a week and it is usually chicken. I tried to eat beef this past weekend and I thought I was going to die. What a disgusting flavor in your mouth. But the reason I decided to give up meat is because of the "Meet your Meat" video by Peta! I cried for hours about the cows! I was so sick to my stomach for days! If you need a reason to go Veg....watch that video....you'll never eat it again. Someday soon I want to go completely Veg...but I am still working on cutting out other dairy products from my diet. All I can say is going Veg has really helped my digestive tract...espceially since I don't have a gallbladder anymore, foods don't bother my stomach like they used to. There is not grease in veg cooking...just yummy goodness! :)
i just stopped eating meat 4 days ago.will i need to supplement vitamins?i do not like to cook and my new all vegetable diet consists of bags of microwavable meals.any feedback would be appreciated as this is new to me and i fly solo in my decision,none of my family has joined me.
You guys have really helped me to become a veggie. Why is that you ask? I was always into meat, I;m not going to lie, I loved the stuff. When I first saw "Meet your Meat" it changed my life forever. I wanted to become a veggie I just didn't know how to. So I did my research and came across you guys. Seeing other alternatives to getting my proteins and such. Thank you so much for being around. I'm 19 years old and I have inspired my peers to be a veggie. So, Thank You
LIfe long vegetarian. stop eating meat, but don't pester people preaching...just be a good example. Look at all the famous vegetarians. bet you will be amazed at who's on the list
I have been a vegetarian for my whole life, and I am 71 years old(I hate to say) ! I absolutely feel great, and everyone says I look great, too! I still jog every day and swim with my grandkids at the beach. I couldn't care less about killing a cow, but I LOVE being so healthy!!!!!
I'm contemplating becoming a vegetarian. I grew up on meat, chicken and (sadly) meatloaf, but in college I took on a vegetarian lifestyle out of survival. Recently I've cut back on red meat and feel healthier. I don't think I could give up chicken, but I'm finding new ways to mix chicken with fresh veggies and even salads. I was looking for a place like this to swap vegetarian recipes, so yay. :-)
I am a vegetarian because i not that meat = a dead animal! I will not eat meat for it against my human and moral ethics! All you veg heads out there way to go! you have saved an animal!!!!!!!!!! = )
Sure a low-fat vegetarian diet can ward off cardiovascular disease, but not without consequence. People need fats in order to live a healthy life, and restricting them can result in lack of energy and depression, which in more extreme cases can lead to brain hemorrhaging and suicidal thoughts.
I'm not trying to bash any kind of diet. And I don't believe that meat or animal products are even safe nowadays, especially with the mass-production and slaughter houses. I just want to find out what is truly the healthiest diet. And when reading up on the topic, I heard about the dangers of low-fat veg. diets. People need certain fats. And the best way to prevent cardiovascular disease is to not cut fat out of your life, but have it in moderation and exercise regularly.
I have always thought that eating healthy means eating more vegetables. I have always wanted to be vegetarian, but it is hard making my family go along with me. Maybe this magazine will help me make such good tasting meals that they will never notice!
I became a vegetarian after researching animal testing laws and slaughter houses for a proposed bill in my state. After seeing everything I became a vegetarian that very day. Factory farming has allowed the main population to become distanced from the process. I think people would eat less meat if they knew where it came from and how it was killed.
It is true that the human body needs certain fats. However what many mainstream doctors do not tell you is that ALL necessary fats, protiens, etc can be found in fruits, veggies, and grains. Check out flax! It provides healthy fats, protiens, and fiber and can be mixed with anything.
I've been an on/off veg for several years but recently my baby sister decided to go total veg and then I watch Meet your Meat. Today is my first day being 100%. I am hoping that this new diet will also take care of some health problems.
I just chose to start becoming a vegetarian because my husband and daughter died of Coronary Artery Disease. my husband 6 months ago and my daughter 5 years ago.
Last year I tried soymilk and tofu for the first time, and really enjoyed them. I've always tried to eat healthy, I don't want to eat meats anymore because they have additives and hermones. This new year 2008 I will go vegetarian.
i'm so proud to see so many people at my school joining vegetarianism. it used to be that i was the only person i knew and i felt alone and now i have so many new friends that are vegetarians and it just puts a smile on my face. every once in a while we will buy stickers from peta and stick them around our school halls. its always great to see the teachers' reactions. just recently my math teacher has became a vegetarian and he thinks it's cool that we post the stickers. i encourage anyone who isn't a vegetarian or who has thought about becoming one to do so. it's simply the best way to live. your skin will glow. you will be healthier. you will also see an huge impact in your weight. etc... please anyone who wants to talk email me at rllr_1350@yahoo.com well it's a pleasure writing to you all.
For the past 2 months I've been drinking soy milk and boy is it good. I like the plain, didn't much care for the vanilla and my sister says the chocolate soy milk is delicious. I recently started eating tofu, 2 weeks ago. I'm not a vegetable or fruit eater but I made a vow to go 'veggie' in 2008. I read the other comments were they have lost weight, in which i need to do, and hopefully I won't have to take diabetes medication (pills and insulin) thats what my doctor said would happen if I lost weight. He's happy that I am eating tofu and not meat products, except I had some chicken tonight, but I am going to start right back to eating tofu, soyrizo and fruits and vegetables. Thank you for this site. I recently too became a member and hopefully a vegetarian. (Oh, did i mention my brother-in-law is asking about it?)
i am 16 yrs old and ive been vegan for about a month and i feel great!!!! i love being vegan its the healthiest diet
I have been "semi" vegetarian for a while now eating only fish and chicken, but have switched over to vegan. I feel healthy and full of energy. My brother is a vegan and he eats a very wide varitey of foods. My husband says he's a carnivore, but I recently made chili with TVP and he loved it! Since Jan 1 of 2008 I have been replacing all "bad" food in our pantry to mostly vegan or vegetarian and just by eating healthy he has lost 12 pounds - and he is not hungry! When I go to my daughters school events I am saddened by so many overweight children. I have the vegetarin food pyramid on our fridge as a reminder that when my daughter comes home from school and is "starving to death" she can have a piece of fruit or some carrot sticks as a healthy alternative to sweets. She now even munches on whole wheat based cereal if she gets a sugar craving!
Thanks for being there for us....
i have been a vegetarian for 7 months and 2 days. I LOVE IT!!! IT ROCKS! I will never ever ever eat an animal ever again.
I have been a vegetarian for a few weeks and I find it hard to get the acceptance from my significant other. He doesn't like the idea of me giving up meat (I was a huge meat-eater) because his ex was also a vegetarian and it was really "inconvenient and difficult" to take her out to eat anywhere. Does anyone else have this issue?
BTW, I love being vegetarian!
When I was in high school, I was a vegetarian...and drifted away from it and put on a LOT of wt. I slowly went to semi-vegetarinism..and recently as of the lent, I decided to stop eating meat again..I am sure this change will stick past the six weeks of my fast. I forgot how good it make you feel and how much more you can actually eat and still not feel lethargic!!! I am loving it!!!!
I just turned 14, but I decided to go vegetarian. For lent I decided I had to give all meat up, even fish. I know it will work for the rest of lent, and hoping that I'll decide to go vegetarian for the rest of my life. Meat is a great thing to give up, but I'm finding that dairy products are a little more difficult to give up. Help, please. :]
My son decided he wanted to become a vegetarian for the new year. I supported him and have been veggie since January 5th. I love it, I don't crave meat at all. I feel better and have lost 6 pounds so far without trying. I am sad to say though that my son did not stick with it. Hopefully he'll come back around.
I've been a vegetarian for about a year now. I love it so much! I feel a lot better and at peace with myself. Before I always felt a sense of guilt whenever I ate meat, but since I made the change the guilt just went away. VT really helped out. :]
I am trying to learn how to cook vegetarian/vegan and do this on a budget. This has proved difficult due to having to shop at coops and Earthfares, etc which are more expensive than most. Any help on books, tips, etc or ways to save money would be appreciated. I also have a wife that is a meat eater and does not want to go vegetarian, so it is a challenge to fix essentially two meals each day. Thanks in advance for the help!
Great website! I've been a vegetarian for 13 yrs now and it feels really good. I can recommend it to anyone who wants to live a healthy life full of energy!
I RECENTLY DECIDED TO BECOME A VEGETARIAN AND THE MORE I READ THE MORE I'M LEANING TOWARD BECOMING A VEGAN. I HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, DIABETES, HIGH CHOLESTEROL. I'M HOPING THIS CHANGE WILL HELP WITH THESE ISSUES. SO FAR IT'S GETTING EASIER AND EASIER. I'VE ALWAYS LOVED VEGETABLES, BUT EQUALLY LOVED MEAT. MOST OF THE TIME I WOULD EAT MUCH MORE MEAT THAN VEGGIES. THAT HAS ALL CHANGED NOW. WISH ME LUCK, I'M COMITTED TO NEVER EAT MEAT AGAIN.
At age 36, I'm obviously not becoming any younger - I see the signs of aging already and I don't plan on going gracefully. After some research, you really are what you eat! 2008 is going to be great! I went back to school and will graduate in June. I will quit smoking and eat healthier - I can't wait to see how the changes paid of this time next year!
I became a vegetarian 3 years ago and it is the best decision that I ever made. I only wish that I had done this sooner. I feel better knowing that I am saving animals lives, not contributing to the pollution of the environment. There are plenty of things to eat without eating meat. It's so wrong to eat our animal friends. I also have lost 20 pounds and look better than ever. Plus thanks to vegetarian times magazine there are so many great recipes.
Vegetarian Times is the best! I love your recipes. The two main reasons I became a vegetarian were to cut back on fresh water usage and because I was afraid of accidentally poisoning my family or guests when preparing meat.
I was a "situational vegetarian" for several years, not wanting to inconvenience people, but now I just load up on veggies and side dishes--which are better anyhow! Spread the good word!
Fake meat products are also great substitutes - I'm a particularly big fan of Nate's meatless meatballs and Quorn products. Yum!
After spending most of my life as a "flexitarian" I made the switch to full vegetarianism almost a year ago. Boy, what a difference it's made! I have lost weight, have more energy, exercise more now and spend less money on my shopping bill. (though I only ate meat about once a week) Having always loved Indian, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, it was so easy to continue cooking these dishes at home more often as these types of cuisines offer many meatless dishes. My family has benefited as well having cut down on their consumption by virtue of living in MY house too!! Living in a small town is not easy for a vegetarian as the menu options always seem to be meat and potatoes, only pasta or salad offered as alternative veggie entrees. YAWN. I find I am eating at home far more often because of this. Weddings, dinners and workplace social events have proven difficult as pointing out that you cannot eat what is served only makes an outcast of you. On the bright side...my eating habits have infected a few people around work and they are slowly (and quietly) changing their eating habits as well. Kudos! Just doing my small bit.....
So...I read "Skinny B!tch" and the first sentence that caused my "ah ha!" moment said that you cannot be an environmentalist and eat meat - and I DO consider myself quite green. Then I went on to read about what they do to these poor, defenseless animals and I can't even walk past a meat counter without my stomach turning. I ordered a veg-starter kit from another website (peta) and watched their "Thirty Reasons to go Vegan" clip and, as an animal lover, it made me depressed for days. I could NOT (and cannont) get the images out of my head. I grew up drinking gallons of milk (my father joked that we should just hook up the cow in the backyard) and never eating a non-meat meal. I quit eating meat "cold-turkey-subsitute" 2 weeks ago. I am SO happy I did. Maisie...the Quorn products are the best! I do need some help with milk alternatives seeing how I'm new to this and I'm allergic to soy products (remember the reaction from the movie "Hitch"? That's me). Any suggestions would be awesome.
I'm sitting here eating a bowl of whole wheat pasta with cuban-spiced black beans and chick'n nugget (fake chicken) bits in a cheese sauce, reading this. Okay, not the best recipe i ever invented, but hey. What i love about being a vegetarian (since last August) is that it's caused me to cook more, experiment more, get creative, and broaden my horizons. Meanwhile, i'm not harming one single animal. I'm a vegetarian for moral reasons, primarily, but OBVIOUSLY it's better for my health and the environment, too. LOVE the magazine, btw, as there are only so many hours in a day that i can stare at a computer screen. Print will never die! My sis is a meat-eater, but i'm getting her Veg Times mag for her birthday--i don't think she realizes all the fantastic recipes that can be made without meat!
I LOVE BEING VEGETARIAN!
After months of weaning myself off meat, I became a veg last December, and I'm happy to say, I don't miss meat at all. My hubby and kids still eat meat, but my 4yr-old says when she grows up she wants to be a vegetarian. I think that's funny b/c most kids want to grow up to be a doctor or teacher or firefighter, etc..., but my kid wants to be a vegetarian :)
I have thouroughly enjoyed reading all of these comments. I just ordered this magazine and I look forward to the vegetarian recipies and lifestyle. I love all animals and our environment. I hope to be a good example to others. I tried to go Vegan but was not yet successful. I love being a veggie and I only support cage free and organic/soy dairy. Great website.
I've been a vegetarian for a little over a month now.. It started with reading a lot of the Skinny Bitch book.. then one day I was cooped up in my apartment because of the weather and I researched it more.. After forcing myself to watch a couple video clips from factory farms, I instantly decided that I was done eating meat. The more that I researched, the more solidified my decision became. I think that the morality and health benefits are pretty equal in my decision to pursue vegetarianism. I will say that although I've had more energy for the past year and a half due to my working out regularly, I feel that I have even more now. My body feels light and I feel incredible. I am trying my best to cut as much dairy as possible out too.. but I'm taking it slow.. baby steps. :) I'm so happy that I made this choice.
i am going to try.... starting today no more meat for me :)
I read Skinny Bitch too! Loved it! Haven't lost weight yet, but I'm hoping! I do feel healthier and I love that I'm doing something good for animals and the environment. I thought it would be more expensive to be vegetarian, but it's really not!
Who has written this Skinny Bitch book then? It seems to have got you all motivated, so, I wouldn't mind a read!
I became a vegetarian the day I saw a deer being butchered. The blood was everywhere, and the carnage was not even close to what I imagine a slaughter house to be like.
I've been eating veg from 2 months, it feels great to have veg food and save animals...I have also lost weight and my skin is glowing.
I have been a Vegetarian off and on since 16...and I am now 25. This time I'm not turning back!!! I have no craving for flesh...yuck! I love Boca products and soy milk. I have a very unsupportive Husband. He say that, why not eat something God gave us to use. First of all my system doesn't like meat! I have irritable bowel symdrome already. My system has been moving along since I've been a Pesca Vegan (someone who eats Fish and seafood). Question? When starting to become a vegan, did anyone experience acne or Facial irritability during the first couple of weeks. Since I been a vegan off and on since 16 I've always experienced that the first couple of weeks. Repsond to me @Borikenivelisse24@yahoo.com
for years i wondered how anyone could ever be a vegetarian. i loved steak! now even just thinking about eating meat makes my stomach turn. ive happily given up meat suddenly 100% and i will never go back. i absoulutely love it. i encourage anyone who is thinking about it to take the first step. you will be much happier when you do.
I went vegetarian almost a year ago, after my hubby brought it to my attention that he might be interested in going vegetarian. So we began to research all the reasons to be a veggie. Well, I'm still meat free...my hubby decided it wasn't for him. I'm still surprised when my family makes comments like "oh your still doing that?" or "Well fish doesn't really count as meat" I think it's funny they think it's a "phase"...if only everyone tool time to THINK and RESEARCH what they are putting into their bodies! YUCK. Not to mention all the additives, refined sugars, and nasty chemicals they all ingest on a daily bases. If mother earth didn't grow it, and you can't pick it of a vine, plant or tree...we weren't meant to eat it!
I became a semi-vegetarian after the USDA recalled all that beef in February and I've recently decided to stop eating all meat. Even in the past month I've felt noticeably healthier. The more I read about the subject the more I realized this was something I had to do for my health. My family also thinks this is a phase but I'm doing my best to convince them that being a veggie is the healthiest choice.
I have become a new found Vegetarian in Training. Although most of my life I preferred veggies and fruit to meat. I still have some adjustments to make in regards to fish and skim milk and natural yogurt. But all in all I found myself having more energy and a glowing skin and hair which is always a great bonus.
I have always thought about becoming a vegetarian... once I watched the movie "EARTHLINGS" It really open up my mind - and I realized what is happing. I have changed this week- I am not scared. I am ready.
im not going veggie despite the apparent health benefits etc. protein is great for growth and repair, healthy nails skin etc, and i dont fancy eating muts and pulses . With a balanced diet of meat fish and veg i feel perfectly fine and fish is good for the brain and high in omega 3.
I eat locally sourced humanely slaughtered meat. Going vegetarian has an impact upon farmers and their incomes so i say eat meat.And what would we all do without meat? release the farm animals because nobody wanted them (they would die anyway in the wild) ? Farmers would lose their livelyhood and we'd end up slaughtering thousands of animals...not exactly what you veggies are about.
so theres my point.
=D feel free to e-slap me :D
Izzy - everyone is entitled to their opinion so no e-slapping here. I, personally, do not want to look at my plate and know that what I'm about to "enjoy" suffered so greatly just for that meal and the almighty dollar. I applaud you for eating local - IF their practices are different from factory farming. Animal suffering is not the only reason I'm a vegetarian. The negative impact of factory farming on the environment is another reason (the statistics are shocking) This is another cause I'm sincerely passionate about. And just to let you know...because people ask me "where do you get your protein?" once I tell them I'm veggie...my diet is full of protein from sources other than meat. It took very little research for me to find it. Once again, it's about what's important to you.
Recently decided to go vegetarian, so haven't begun to really reap the health benefits yet, although my conscience is healthier. I am grateful to read these posts and to have the support of family and friends. Doing my best to stick with it.
i am considering going vegetarian, however, i have 2 concerns. one, i am a ptotein type based on tests in dr. mercola's total health eating program and two, i am hypothyroid and studies (and personal experience) have shown soy products are not acceptable for me. will i be able to find enough protein without eating meat or soy products? thanks for any info.
Ann: Whole grains have good protein. Seitan (wheat gluten) is good. Beans. Actually if you eat a wide range of whole foods, you won't have any problem getting sufficient protein. In fact, Americans probably get way too much. Don't forget that the protein paranoia comes directly from the meat industry lobby! I suggest reading "Diet for a New America."
I've been vegetarian for 20 years and am a strong yogini with no health problems. My mom has been veg for 28 years. When she went through menopause, she said she had no symptoms. She is going on 66 and is a much more advanced yogini than I. Strong as horse, with no health problems. It's really easy once you learn that you aren't missing a thing.
Namaste.
Whole
I began the veggie transition slowly when I became a Yogi seven years ago. I was already healthy physically, with low blood cholesterol, good blood pressure and so on. The biggest turn on for me was the emotional calm a veggie diet brought and the ending of general food cravings that made me eat more than I want to. I must add that not everyon'e body adjust easily to a veggie diet. The fact that most humans are omnivorous is not stricly due to social or cultural mores. And the people in my life who taught me to respect and love animals were meat eaters. They were good, respectful people. I like that your publication takes a similar, non-hostile approach in promoting the vegetarian diet. It is consistent with the Yogic principle of Ahimsa <do no harm>. While going veggie makes one feel good socially, we must be careful not to be "holier-than-thou", as this only creates backlash. Also, we must be mindful that an instant, world-wide transition to vegetarianinsm would create much harm in the short term. Thank you for being mindful and respectful to all.
In my opinion, going vegetarian is a HELL OF A LOT easier than realizing you have Celiacs! I look at vegetarian menus and I think, "I'd love to be able to eat this! ...Oh, but it has wheat... People think being a vegetarian is hard?!" It's so easy. I was for years. It takes a little bit more knowledge and prep work but you really get used to it and you forget that meat even exists. Your eyes skip right over those options on menus without a second thought! (I'm more of a "flexatarian" right now - I listen to my body more than what articles tell me to do and one day, after being a healthy, well-fed vegetarian for years, I was just craving a steak! I still do around my period.)
Please make sure that your readers understand that a diet needs to be rich in the "right" kind of soy, not processed soy that we find so often in all grocery stores in America - even the health foods stores.
.I am all about doing what is best for animals and the environment, but this article is not well-balanced or researched. First, the people of Okinawa, Japan are not vegetarian. They consume fish. Second, I'm not so sure that tauting the use of mass-produced soy products is really an environmentally sound solution. Do you people know that hundreds of thousands of acres of Brazilian rain forest has been cleared to grow soybeans?? Yes, the soybeans that make your Silk soymilk and fake veggie sausage. Imagine how many animals and creatures were killed and lost their habitats in that process. Don't fool yourself into thinking that solutions are this easy. Do your research. Don't think that you are better than other people because you are a vegetarian. You'd better know where your food is coming from and what effect it has whether you are eating meat or a soy burger.
I was a vegetarian for years and felt great. Then, I realized that it was hypocritical of me to still consume dairy products, since dairy cows are kept in the same abusive, depolorable factory farms as they are for meat, and are eventually slaugtered when their milk production slows. So, i went vegan. After six months of a vegan diet, I went from doing a highly vigorous daily ashtanga practice to not being able to walk up or downhill or even pick up my cat due to multiple injuries and ailments. I fought it and fought it, but the truth is my body was telling me that this was not working for me. There are no known, long-term, vegan cultures in the history of the world, and veganism has not been studied long-term or widely enough to claim that it is the healthiest way to live.
There are no easy answers, but looking at nature we see a cycle of life feeding on life. In my opinion we'd be better off trying to change the horrible inhumanity of factory farming by supporting organic and humane local farms. Yes, americans eat way too much meat, and we will all benefit by cutting down on our excessive lifestyles in every way. I just feel this article does not address the whole truth, probably because to do so raises insurmountable issues.
For Ann: YES!! There are many sources of protein out there! Number one on my list is Quinoa, a grain from South America that is chock full of protein. You can also find it in beans, lentils, and nuts.
I also recommend that you get yourself a cookbook. It will make the whole process easier. I like "La Dolce Vegan" by Sarah Kramer. The recipes are easy and the ingredients can be found anywhere. Look through the recipes before buying any book, though, to be sure they suit your tastes and to be sure you can make them - especially after working all day.
Whichever book you get, select some recipes out of it and make a grocery list. Only shop for a few days at a time, because veggies are best when they're fresh. Then make a menu from the recipes you shopped for and put it on the fridge so you don't forget why you bought that cabbage.
Good Luck!
Izzy- alright I will: Your last two arguments are spurious. You ask what would we do with all those farm animals. We (or someone) would eat them, but they would be the last to be eaten. They would not go to waste, as you imagine. And as for the farmers, they will find other occupations. It sounds harsh, but think- do you smoke tobacco because if you don't, the tobacco farmers will be affected? Or do you still use video cassettes so that those who manufacture video cassettes will still have jobs?
This is to Ann...I have been a vegetarian for about 17 years. (and I'm only 31!!) My husband is a meat-eater and so is my < 2 year old. We eat some tofu, but not a ton. At our house...we eat a lot of beans and peas. Plenty of good protein and it doesn't get boring. Mexican dishes with refried beans or black beans (a favorite of my son)...soup with different kinds of beans as texture, but not the main ingredient...of course there's garbanzos...we LOVE making different kinds of hummus. Anyway, that's just an example of how to get some protein without meat or soy. Good Luck!!
to Ann
Yes, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains contain all the amino acids you need. I do not eat soy either. Also, hemp and quinoa are very high in protein (nearly complete).
When I was 15 I literally gagged trying to help Mom make burgers. Red meat was off the menu. When I was 21 in Hong Kong I saw truckloads of very uncomfortable pigs crammed into trucks. Pork went off the menu. In Asia tofu was easy to get and deliciously prepared. I was lucky to have such a long and easy transition to vegetarianism. And now as a parent of 4, our children's awareness of global issues is beyond their peers simply by extension of their understanding of the issues around meat consumption. (Chocolate, beer/wine, & other goodies are still on the menu; there are health risks to a vegetarian diet!!)
Vegetarianism for me is a personal choice, based upon the many different principles. I eat local cheese (they treat the cows really well), and soy products that were grown in the United States (look at the package.) After working in Alaska and catching fish personally, I decided I could eat fish that was wild and caught by someone I know. Is this contradictory? Perhaps, but it works for me. (I prefer to catch the fish myself so I can fully appreciate the process.)
As far as convincing others to stop eating meat, I don't make my food choices a topic of conversation unless someone asks, and I just describe it as a personal choice based upon these facts and principles that I believe in. Because of my non-accusatory and accepting manner, I have actually contributed to the vegging of several close friends and family. Attacking others is never the way to change their mind- instead, understand their reasons for eating meat and fears about not eating it (usually irrational), and accept that everyone has the power to make an informed choice. I would prefer that no one ate meat and all forms of life were treated with love and respect. But all I can do is make choices that support these principles and try to lead by example.
I switched to a 100% vegan diet recently (i've been a non-meat eater for years) after reading The China Study, by Dr. T. Colin Campbell. This book will has opened my eyes to the detriments of animal-based protein and fat. with 40+ years of truly scientific research, this guys knows what he's talking about. Check it out, and then pass it on to those you love.
I would highly recommend everyone read the book, "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan. It's illuminating in regards to the whole food industry. Vegetarianism is definitely one answer, but it isn't the only answer. I tried vegetarianism, but gained considerable weight (my body seems to demand more protein). I also grappled with wanting to eat only natural non-processed foods and soybeans, besides corn, are the most intensively farmed products in the world. And soybean products are often loaded with additives. I try to eat only local seasonal foods that have undergone very little to no processing. I have not excluded meat from this diet, however, I eat a very small portion most days (not all). I research and visit the farms from which my meat comes. They are all local sustainable farms that treat their livestock very well. If I don't know where the meat came from (i.e., in a restaurant), I don't order it.
I commend anyone who thinks long and hard about the food they fuel their body with. I've chosen one approach that I'm comfortable with, while others may not be.
Enjoy! Be healthy!
I've been cutting back on meat slowly for years and now my only meat consumption is organic, free range, ethically raised, etc, or wild game traditionally harvested by the native american community members where I live and work. But, a couple of months ago I had a gallbladder attack that sent me to the hospital and I ended up on a virtually NO FAT diet for 2 months awaiting surgery. Not surprisingly, meat was off the table. Even though I was in pain, people kept commenting how good I looked (until closer to surgery when the exhaustion from the pain took its toll). I'm staying almost vegetarian for now, and looking to ease in to a more fully vegetarian lifestyle. I haven't consumed any dairy to speak of in years and recently quit eating eggs due to gall issues and a possible allergy.
It makes sense to be vegetarian from political, social, ethical, economic, and health perspectives. So what holds me back?
My progression to vegetarianism came about very slowly. In college, and after I lived on coffee, cigaretts and fast food. After college the same behavior continued, bad food on the go and cigarettes, until eventually I was 50 pounds overweight and miserable. So I quick smoking and started working out but I was never able to she the last 25 pounds, so I tried eating better, then I realized I had to take time to read labels and really understand what I was eating. Then I noticed that I did not know what half of the ingredients on packaged labels were, so out went the packaged food. After a while I started to read about hormones given to cattle and chickens, mercury in seafood, and pesticides. One nasty incident of food poisoning is all it took to finally convince me to give up meat all together. It has only been a few weeks but I already feel better, I am eating foods that I would never have tried otherwise and best of all NO MIGRAINES FOR TWO WEEKS!!! Maybe I can even loose the last 25 pounds I have been carrying around all this time. I have even figured out easy ways to cook meals that don't conflict with my husbands non vegetarian diet. We will see how things go, but frankly if I continue to feel this good and have this much energy I will never go back.
Vegetarian diet is most suited to human system.It provides all the necessary nutrients for our growth and helps huminity to co-exist with environment fully.
Selection of food items coupled with good cooking methods is very essential .
I have been a veg for almost 12 years and went vegan this January, I love it! One thing that I have noticed is that every meal and snack I eat requires me to be fully aware of what I put in my body and on my plate, its so fun to cook and learn new ways to make old favorites and make them healthy.
im now 1 monthh away from meat.i just decided not to eat when i read about vegetarians,how do you feel if you are the [meat ]dish of dinner,i just feel sorry to this animals,
Congratulations to all those who have turned vegetarian, returned to vegetarianism, or have become strongly ethical eaters. Eat healthy, eat fresh, eat kind, eat smart. Well done to all of you!
I've been vegetarian for 16 years, and the longer I'm vegetarian, the less I understand the idea of eating animal flesh. It just seems such an odd idea.
I went vegetarian for two years back in my teens, and I was doing it wrong. I did it for a combination of reasons, but it wasn't easy being laughed at by your family, nor having the ability to buy your own groceries.
Now I'm all grown up, and can actually do it right. I'm now on Day 3 of being vegetarian again!
I'm 47 years old and I was raised a vegetarian. My husband eats meat, he is still not convenced that he can live without it, and we have two children 15 and 17 who were also raise vegetarian. When I was pregnat people were sure that my child would be born without a brain or some other horrible defect; but they were both healthy babies. My son minutes after birth, pulled himself to the side of the warming table and tried to "escape" as my husband puts it. Those how were sure that their babies were going to be so much healthier than mine, had sick babies that spent so much time in the hospital for one thing or another, that I never saw them. What a shame. My younger brother started eating meat in his late teens, and today you would sware that he is ten years older than me. My sister who is older is also a meat eater and going blind and has had a heart attack has diabeties and kidney problems. They are so unhealthy, I don't understand why they started eating meat and why they wont go back to eating healthy.
I just recently went 100% Vegan and i love it! I had been vegetarian for about a year and i didn't feel like it was fulfilling enough. As a thin 16 year old, when i went vegan everyone was worried that i would get sick for some odd reason and i think i was asked at least 3 times a day what i ate (as if to say that if you don't eat animal products, you must not eat at all.) I'm sick of people not understanding what veganism is, and thinking that it is unhealthy. I've converted to eating zero animal products and i feel great!
I am pescatarian (eat fish and vegetarian) and know that I will give up fish one day too. I have not had meat or poultry for about 4 years. It is such a relief not to worry about what I put in my mouth. I agree with Lila...what an odd idea to eat animal flesh...
I have recently been cutting way back on meat and switching over to a vegetarian diet. I think in the last month I had meat maybe 3 or 4 times. I used to have a lot of energy problems, I was always tired and I would wake up sick in the middle of the night very often. Since I started cutting out meat, I have noticed a huge increase in energy, it isn't hard to get up in the morning, and I haven't been getting sick as often. I am still trying to do this right, I haven't figured out which soy products to buy yet, but I have been getting most of my veggies from local farmers markets and they taste so much better and fresher than the store ones.
I have been toying with the idea of becoming a vegetarian for awhile. My conscience tells me it is the right thing to do, so I am going to do it. My grown son has been a vegetarian since he was a teenager. He is the picture of health and vitality. Thanks for all the enlightening articles.
Another point not mentioned is that you don't need to go 100% vegetarian. You can get many of the benefits, by simply cutting meat/poultry/fish say by 80% (for example leaving the meat for restaurants), and be vegan at home. You will still help the planet.
June 26th made three months of being a vegetarian. It was the best decision I've ever made. I have more energy now then I've had my whole life. Aside from that I feel lighter and hardly ever feel the need for naps. People ask me if I will ever eat meat again and without hesitation I say "no". I am now starting to give up dairy which I find a bit harder.
I have been a vegetarian for about 4 years now. I did it because of digestive problems.I was also influenced by some of my vegeatrian and vegan friends too. I find meat, including seafood, very hard to digest. I still eat yogurt and other dairy products. I feel much better knowing that I am saving money and the planet at the same time. It is moving me closer to have the ability to grow more of my food in my gardens too.