Any tips and advice on being a vegetarian?

I'm thinking of becoming a vegetarian, but am a bit concerned about getting the protein that I need. Any advice on what to eat, any support or maybe even your opinion, do you think it is a good idea? And are there any health risks? Any major health related differences between vegetarians and non-vegetarians?Any tips and advice on being a vegetarian?
Don't eat meat.Any tips and advice on being a vegetarian?
1. Don't eat meat





2. Consider going vegan (For the environment, health, and animals)





3. Find a local animal rights group or start one





4. good luck!
Eat loads and loads of black pudding!!
Don't eat anything with a face.
Meat dont eat
You might want to consider the kind of vegetarian you want to be. Google ';Flexitarian Diets'; or simply ';flexitarian';. This is especially important if you are concerned (and you ought to be) about getting the nutrients you need.





If you have any kind of life, you probably would find ';strict'; vegetarianism a real cramp in your lifestyle . .. both socially and with regard to diet. If you have the time to forage for food and restrict yourself socially ... then strict vegetarianism is the way to go ... not to mention the scrupulous watch you have to keep on your nutrient intake. It simply isnt' worth the bother.





Most of the world's vegetarian cultures . .. cultures that have been vegetarian for centuries also eat small amounts of fish, poultry, seafood or combination of all three.





Excess meat can be problematical and the source of physical problems. So the issue is moderation and balance.
Just Look Into What You're Eating.


Know EXACTLY what is going into your food.





I didn't know all about E numbers and Gellitine until I looked some stuff up on websites.





Like Coca Cola and most fizzy drinks have animal parts in.


As do chewy sweets, chewing gum.... ect.


the list goes on...





just google it and see if you're gonna be able to cope with missing out on some foods.





if not then just eat orgainic meat.





:)
I've been veggie for around 6 years and I must say that any healthy balanced diet whether you choose to eat meat or not requires sufficient knowledge in nutrition.





Some of the benefits of living on a well balanced vegetarian diet are that you are at less risk in developing heart disease, colon cancer etc and it's cheaper!





You can get protein from eggs, tofu (soy beancurd), dairy products, beans and pulses etc. However eggs and soybeans are the only non animal foods that are classed as complete proteins. With regards to getting protein from beans and pulses etc you need to combine them with complex carbs (wholewheat pasta, brown rice, wholewheat breads, sweet potatoes etc) to allow the body to absorb the protein. You need to also consider how you are going to get a sufficient intake of EFA's (Essential Fatty Acids) which are normally found in oily fish. Your alternatives are flaxseed which you can sprinkle on your cereal and other nuts and seeds like walnuts etc contain EFA's.





Iron deficiency is often a problem with people who are on poor vegetarian diets but if you consume a healthy level of green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, chickpeas, dried apricots your iron levels should be fine.





Another thing to consider is your intake of B vitamins particularly B12. Nowadays many things like breakfast cereals etc are fortified with these vitamins but it's always good to know additional sources. For example Marmite, veggie burgers, dairy produce and free range eggs.





It frustrates me when meat eaters assume that just because we don't have a slab of meat on our plates we live on an unhealthy diet. So don't assume that just because you may have a lump of chicken on your plate that you're getting all the nutrients the body needs. There are plenty of meat eaters on terrible diets and likewise there are some veggies living on poor diets too. The key to healthy eating as a vegetarian is to eat a balanced and varied diet. The foods you eat will need to be considered more and sometimes more effort is required in preparing meals otherwise your dishes can become quite dull. Vegetarian food is exciting and tasty, it just requires knowledge and experience on what to cook and how to cook it.





Since becoming veggie, I've noticed my energy levels have increased, my constitution is regular and healthy and I generally feel very well. I'm also quite an active person training in judo, aikido and going to the gym between 1-3 times a week and my diet has had no negative impact whatsoever.





If you want to become veggie for the right reasons go for it but if you do don't give us a bad name and become preachy. I hate that just as much as being asked why I'm vegetarian by a meat-eater as though I have to explain my actions. If I asked them why they choose to eat meat, I'd be labelled a preachy vegetarian!





I hope this has been useful for you!
Its a great shame that so many people are unable to give a helpful answer.





As long as you watch your diet- there are no health risks in being Vegetarian, you can get everything you need easily. Vegan, is still doable, but ts abit harder.





Protein--- Nuts , lentils, chickpeas, tofu, bread , pasta, cheese, soya... and many more, no problem there :)





Iron--- Chickpeas, lentils, spinach, Molasses...





Calcium---broccoli, milk,cheese - easy to get on a vegetarian diet





Vitamins ( in general)- Eat lots of fruit , maybe look into it more to know exactly whats in what








Heatlh- some people say being vegetarian is healthier, I do not know enough about that to comment other than to say : I feel healthier, I do alot of sport and have not seen any negative effects , only positive ( so far) .





And as a side note, going Veg*n is very good for the environment ( if you are in to that type of thing, some are in it for the anti-cruelty factor)





Go for it! its easier than you think!
take B-12, eat lots of broccoli, and take a good multi vitamin...that should do it. And you might try a recording by independent achievement productions, they make one for people wanting the continued desire to eat vegetarian, it's really good .
Hi I've been a veggie since I was 13 (7 years) and have noticed no negative effects and it has not stopped me being a healthy active person at all. As long as you look into alternative sources of minerals:-)
Heres a good tip.....Dont eat meat!
avoid to much starch as a filler- bread cakes crisps etc


make sure you eat protein- nuts cheese milk lentil and seeds


eggs and Chick peas- soya and tofu are good substitutes for meat


avoid too many processed ready veggie meals


check out a good cook book


veggie diets are very good for you so long as they are well balanced.


bon appetite
Hi, Dan,


I've been veggie for 40 years, feel fine so far - I was vegan for the middle 20 years, and still only use the occasional dairy products.


Protein reqirements depend on your age %26amp; lifestyle, an active teenager needs lots more than a middle-aged office worker.


Try the Vegetarian Society website for more detailed advice, I could go on all night about it.


And - yes, please go for free-range and organic whenever you possibly can.


All the very best!
If you are going to be a vegetarian don't make out that us meat eaters are bad people like veggies that I know do.


My auntie is a veggie and so automatically is my cousin too, she is constantly pale and always tired.


I think if you are going to be a vegetarian properly you need to investigate the vitamins and minerals you will be missing out on and where to get them in other foods you can eat.
If God did not intend for us to eat animals, then why did he make them out of meat?





John Cleese