[patfla06]

I just finished my 1st week eating vegetarian.
I feel so much better!
Any tips for those of you more experienced then me?

[tippyclubb]

Are you eliminating all meat or just red meat? If your not eating chicken and fish you'll need to make sure you get enough protein. Legumes, almonds, soy, tofu, eggs, and quinoa are good sources of protein.

When you say you feel better does that mean you have more energy?

[jpharmat]

Congrats on your new healthy lifestyle! Have no fear, you will be able to get all the necessary nutrients such as protein and vitamins from a whole food plant based diet. Try to eat as healthy as possible, remember that both Oreos and chips are vegetarian/vegan. Down the road you may want to try a vegan diet!

[B767drvr]

Originally Posted by jpharmat

Have no fear, you will be able to get all the necessary nutrients such as protein and vitamins from a whole food plant based diet. Down the road you may want to try a vegan diet!

Yep x 2! (Wife and I are vegan)

jpharmat is giving great advice. Insufficient protein is largely a myth. Current recommendation is 10% of calories from protein. A white potato, with one of the least protein content of any plant, is approximately 8-9% protein. If you're not calorically deficient, it's practically impossible to be protein deficient. Eat a varied plant diet and enjoy your health!

[patfla06]

I am not vegan. Do not eat meat, poultry or fish.
I do have a little dairy like Greek yogurt and an egg once in
a while. I drink almond milk.

Went to a whole foods diet with lots of veggies and fruit,
beans, nuts (almonds, walnuts) and lots of water (filtered).

Much more energy and a much better mood!!!

My Husband is being very supportive.

Thanks!

[B767drvr]

Best wishes Pat!

You don't have to be perfect in your diet to enjoy excellent health. Keep the big picture!

[Blessed2BNTV]

Yea for you! I'm starting to see retirement is time to really take care of ourselves and we have the time to do so.

4 weeks and counting until the sale of my company! Frogville here we come!

[BarryRX]

Congratulations! I am a vegan and have had amazing health results in the 6 months I have been doing this. People ask "how can you do this"? But it really just suits me and doesn't feel like a sacrifice at all. As some other vegans have stated here, as long as you're getting enough calories, you don't have to worry about protein deficiency. You're getting enough. I do take a supplement to make sure I'm getting enough B12 and omega 3's. For some good restaurant options that are vegetarian friendly, I tend to like subway (they have a veggie patty sandwich besides their veggie delight), Asian Bistro, Moe's Southwest Grill, the Mexican restaurant in Colony Plaza, Chipotles in Ocala, Amrit Palace (a nice Indian restaurant on 200 in Ocala, square One burgers has a good veggie burger, as does Burger King. Cane gardens has a good Greek pizza. I have an app on my phone called Happy Cow that will tell me where vegan or vegetarian friendly restaurants are near me. For cooking at home, I really like the web site "Yummly". For great and easy to follow recipes. Best of luck on your personal journey. Perhaps other vegans/vegetarians can add to the list of vegan/veggie friendly restaurants and resources in the area.

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by patfla06

I just finished my 1st week eating vegetarian.
I feel so much better!
Any tips for those of you more experienced then me?

Hi pat,

I'm mostly vegan. Sometimes I'll have a small 1.2oz. portion of wild salmon. I became vegan in 2006. I didn't make the change to feel better as my health was already very good. I did it to help prevent future health issues, namely cancer.

I figured: Why wait to get cancer first and then fight it with operations, harsh chemicals and radiation. This is my way of being proactive. Certain vegetables contain chemicals that fight against cancer before it gets a foothold. Also, a vegan lifestyle helps to prevent, and even reverse, many other degenerative diseases.

As far as tips, I would recommend taking a small amount of B12. If you take a large dose you could put other B vitamins out of balance. This was told to me by a pharmacist.

Also, to make a long story short, watch out for processed foods like baked goods made with flour. And, since you have not eliminated dairy, watch out for things like ice cream. Not to mention vegan items that are high in sodium or sugar.

[rubicon]

Some people cannot (intestinal issue) tolerate a diet dependent on legumes, nuts vegetables grains. Congratulations on making a commitment to want to better your lives

[patfla06]

Thanks everyone for the great responses!

I will eventually get off any dairy. Each week I try
to make improvements little by little.

I don't eat "processed foods" except for whole grain
cereal and whole grain bread.

Good advice about the B12!

Feeling great and not CRAVING sweets! (My worst
addiction).

[patfla06]

A great book called The China Study was an eye opener!

It helped motivate me to do this, that plus I wasn't feeling
Good or had no energy.

[cbg150]

I really want to go vegetarian, but I gained a little weight last time I tried it. My doctor said I was over relying on carbs and that I should go back to adding lean meats and fish to my diet since I need to loose weight. Has anyone figured out how to be vegetarian and to lose weight?

[new peeps]

Originally Posted by patfla06

I just finished my 1st week eating vegetarian.
I feel so much better!
Any tips for those of you more experienced then me?

Good for You. I am a vegan and my wife is a vegetarian. It is not easy to eat out in the villages as a vegetarian. We normally prep and cook our own meals at home and yes you will feel and be healthier due to this new choice you have made. We took cooking lessons at a vegan restaurant. It is cheap and you learn about what ingredients you can use to substitute for prepping and cooking meals. One restaurant chain you could go and learn this lifestyle choice is called "The Loving Hut" in Tampa. It is a vegan restaurant that has a buffet on Saturdays and cooking lessons once a month. We went to the one in Tampa and the outside and inside appearance was a little misleading as the food was just incredible. We also frequent the Loving Hut in Norcross Georgia also as we are snowflakes. Enjoy!

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by patfla06

A great book called The China Study was an eye opener!

It helped motivate me to do this, that plus I wasn't feeling
Good or had no energy.

Yes, it was an eye opener for me too. I bought "The China Study" and started reading it in May of 2006. By the time I got to the 3rd or 4th chapter, I started changing my diet and I have been a vegan ever since.