Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Going Vegetarian: Yes or No?

As I mentioned in last week’s post about the Laotian feast we recently enjoyed at DC’s Toki Underground, I’m once again considering becoming a vegetarian. Why? Both for health-related reasons, including reducing my cancer risk, and ethical ones. After all, if I wouldn't eat a dog, cat or horse, I ask myself, why would I decide to eat another type of animal? We tell ourselves it’s different to eat animals we Americans don’t view as pets, but is it really? Honestly, the more I hear and learn about the meat industry, the more it completely disgusts me. 

One of my favorite vegetarian stir fry dishes. 
I actually already eat very little meat, and last year, I even cut it out completely for two months. Where I ran into problems was that during this time, I also gained weight, possibly because I allowed myself to eat more cheese and junk food. (Even if I do become a vegetarian, I will still continue eating dairy and fish.)

Have you made the switch to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, or do you know anyone who has? Are there any tips you can share to help me make the best possible decision? 

8 comments:

  1. i give you props girly, i did for 30 days and i missed chicken and meat way to much lol. Its not for everyone, wishing you good luck in what ever your choice is.

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  2. I am a vegetarian. I have been for most of my life. I cook meat for my husband/ daughter though. I eat eggs and milk but no actual meat. It is a bit tough for a lot of people (myself included) to lose weight after a while because you get so used to eating SO many carbs (crackers, pastas, breads, etc) with every meal. I have been a vegetarian so long though that I don't even think about eating meat any longer.

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  3. We made the switch to a vegan diet at home and vegetarian in public during the Fall of 2011 and have never looked back. I think the key is making over your favorite recipes so that you don't end up missing anything. Of course, some meals are going to be impossible to replicate (roasted chicken, for example), but it seems that you enjoy Asian food, most of which is very vegetarian/vegan friendly already. Think pad thai without the chicken (sub in tofu), for example. Definitely be conscious of your carb and cheese intake, and plant-strong is the way to go with plenty of vegetables. I do eat fruit, but sparingly as well since it can be a source of calories. Good luck!

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  4. I have also considered becoming vegetarian and I can totally relate to your reasoning about animals and cruelty... Good luck with your choice!

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  5. The Gardeners Cottage is a blog by a woman who has been vegan for a long time, she has some great recipes and tips for lifestyle (I want to say that she started as a vegetarian too). Good luck!

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  6. i'm not sure if i can completely cut out all meat, but i have been adding a lot of veggie and fruit dishes to my diet. it's just so much healthier!

    good luck with your meals :)

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  7. i tried it for a year, but i hate eggs and had horrible blood sugar issues. i felt so tired. i only meat if i know the farm where it came from and the cows are grass-fed.

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  8. From experience, healthy eating is not necessarily vegetarian/vegan eating. It's all about where you get your food-- be they meats or non-meats, and how you prepare them. :)
    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights
    the shop of worldly delights

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