I want to become A vegetarian?!
I want to become A vegetarian?
I don't care about animals, im not doing it to save them. I just want to stop eating meat and live a little more healther. could you help me finds some answers to:
-What is needed in a daily meal plan ( so im not straving myself)
-Books or websites that will help in meal and health answers
Thank you reading
Answers:
Hi.
So, without knowing your particular situation (e.g. age, gender, weight, overall health, etc.), it's nearly impossible for anyone here to give you any good advice about what is needed in a daily meal plan for you. So, definitely consult a nutritionist.
But, here are a few general guidelines:
- You need complete proteins in your diets which are best achieved through food combinations. Example, pair brown rice and beans together.
- Most people mistakenly think it's impossible to get enough protein with a vegetarian diet but that's really not true. Rice, sweet potatoes, beans, nuts, dairy, and other whole grains offer a good amount of protein.
- Supplement your diet with a lot of whole foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, unprocessed grains, etc.
- Your daily meal plan will involve a lot of complex carbohydrates and vegetables to help you feel full ... think roughage like broccoli, rice, and sauteed or grilled vegetables. There are lots of tasty options!
Here are a couple books I like on Amazon.com. Both are intended for adult vegetarians in average health. If you have unique health needs, are menstruating/lactating/pregnan... etc., you definitely want some medical advice.
http://www.amazon.com/new-becoming-veget...
http://www.amazon.com/vegetarian-meals-p...
Your best bet may be to look at an Asian or Indian-style diet for ideas of ratios of carbohydrates/proteins. That doesn't mean you need to eat Asian or Indian prepared food, but it should give you an idea of the types of ingredients that would comprise most of your new eating plan.
By the way, people in cultures all over the world are happily and healthily vegetarian or vegan. Many Americans aren't especially knowledgeable about the viability of such a diet and mistakenly believe it's only possible to be healthy eating meat. In fact, I'd go so far to say that meat/animal flesh of any kind probably isn't bad for you if it's good/healthy cuts from untreated animals and enjoyed in moderation (not a hamburger today, prime rib tonight, and sausage for breakfast). That being said, I've been a voluntary vegetarian by my own choice since I was 8-9 and there's still a ton I don't know about healthy vegetarianism, particularly with regards to raising children with a balanced diet that meets their needs so do take the time to get informed.
Good luck!
You should probably eat meat if you want to eat healthy.
if you want to live healthy then you should eat meat!
if your just doing it for the heath issue you might be a little disappointed. Vegetarians are not all healthy. You should start with your local college. They have nutritionist on campus and always a ton of books on healthy eating. Your body needs Cretan which comes from meat there are other ways to get it. Make sure to keep the protein up in your diet. Vegan.com has some info and so does Nutrition.gov
IT IS JUST LIKE THIS- ONE WHO HAS ENTERED INTO A WAR ZONE, QUESTION OF BATTLE ARISES. SIMILARLY, INDULGING IN NON-VEG FOOD, SMOKING, CONSUMING ALCOHOL INVOLVES EXTRA PROBLEMS FOR BODY. VEGETARIAN FOOD INVOLVES LESS PROBLEM OR EVEN MAY NO PROBLEM.
veggies arent all healthy cause they dont eat meat. not eating meat doesnt make you healthier. not eating meat and replacing it with other sources of iron, calcium, and protien make you "heathier". depends on your size and weight in order for a "meal plan". see a nutritionist.
WATCH THIS...PLEASE!! -> http://youtube.com/watch?v=vijanhkqvc4...
I am completely with you, and all those other people responding are totally ignorant! Vegetarians live an average of 15 years longer than typical omnivores.
However, it is totally true that just being vegetarian doesn't make you healthier. You can't live off of just salads, you need to find new ways to get the nutrients your body needs. Vegetarians do tend to be healthier, though, because they are more conscious of what they are eating and tend to get all of the right nutrients and such because they are paying attention to how to get them.
I could sit here and repeat my entire nutrition unit from anatomy class this year, but instead I'm going to refer you to a book called "The Vegetarian Manifesto." It has tips on how to handle parents, friends, and people on yahoo answers invalidating and questioning you, recipe ideas, and important nutrition information. Also, go to goveg.com, and check out peta.org. You can get a free vegetarian starter kit with recipes and stickers!
Some quick info, though. You need to be careful about getting enough protein, but if you still drink milk and eat eggs, you should be fine (consider cutting those out too, though!). Some other sources of this are soy and textured soy protein, which you can use to make other meals and can also find in fake "meats." Something that is important is the vitamin B12, which can only be found in animal products and by-products. If you aren't eating eggs, milk, or anything, or even if you are, B12 supplements are a good idea. Also, Total cereal contains this, so try starting your day out with that.
If all else fails, you can always live on rice and beans. If you eat them together, they make a reaction that forms the essential amino acid you need.
Good luck, and don't give up even if it gets hard!