Are There Any Vegetarians/vegans Here

[nailit]

vegetarianism and veganism is something that ive knocked in the past here on AB but ive been doing some intensive research in the past few weeks and am slowly losing my taste for animal products. My only previous experience of vegetarianism was a girlfriend that was in to animal rights in a fanatical sought of way and I loved my beef burger more than her in the end. Beginning to think she was right and I was wrong.

Any experience, stories, views etc.
Thank you.

[nailit]

Thanks Pasta and NoM, appreciate ur posts. Just researching at the mo.

[Tilly2]

Thank you, Baldric.

[Maydup]

30 years a vegetarian and in good health, doctor says I have blood pressure of a 21 year old, no vitamin deficiencies etc. I am overweight mind you, but I struggled with my weight back in the meat eating days, although I can barely remember them now. (Chips, cheese, chocolate and cake are no good in anyones language!)

If you feel like cutting out the meat, just give it a try Nailit and see how you get on. Find a few meal ideas that suit you both in terms of taste and preparation. No point in setting targets to cook from scratch for example, if you don't already do that. Or simple try a few new dishes each week and cut it out gradually.

Perfectly up for offering help and suggestions but if I don't reply today its becaipuse I'm off to work now and until 10pm. So no one accuse me of being asleep this evening!

[Jackdaw33]

If meat was good enough for Jesus it's good enough for me.

[Islay]

No difference what so ever but then I was 17 healthy and active

[alavahalf]

If you are serious about going veggie .. why not ask the staff at McDonalds to slip an extra lettuce leaf in with your burger .. no point in going cold turkey initially !

[1ozzy]

The only "vegan" I know would snap in a strong breeze.

Mankind evolved eating meat and veg.

Why change now?

[mccfluff]

i'm actively trying to eat less meat, its not that hard as i love veggies - and veggie stir fry/curries are a favourite. Not sure i would give up meat totally but i'm happy not eating meat regularly i don't subscribe to the sterotype that veggies or vegans are unhealthy sickly types, its all about eating the right foods in the right amounts. i see far more unhealthy meat eaters

[nailit]

Thanks for all additional replies.
//The only "vegan" I know would snap in a strong breeze//
Have a look at these guys then

[Islay]

Nailit, do you think those body builders got that way eating normal vegan food? I bet they are pumping themselves full of a soya protein powder - you cannot use them as an example of a normal vegan!

[ummmm]

My mate is a veggie and is quite over weight. She eats lots of things like jacket spud and cheese, cheese and onion pasty and stuff like that.

If you go veggie I think you have to be willing to prepare more things from scratch.

[Dazzleflash]

He was not using them as an example of a normal vegan. He was making an observation that not all vegans 'would snap in the wind'.

[pastafreak]

I've worked with 2 ladies who are vegan...and both have-dare I say it-ocd characteristics. Thinking if this earlier this morning caused me to do a bit of research.
I came across several forums where vegans/vegetarians discussed their obsessions with using different utensils,pot,pans,even cookers. Obviously these are extreme cases.
But one thing that *is* apparent...if there is not the right balance of nutrients, there can be an increased risk of certain physical and mental health issues. In one case,someone described 'panic attacks' that were actually symptoms of an iron deficiency.
It was also suggested that any change is gradual,so the body's response can be monitored. So I'd say proceed with caution. Do your research to give the best chance of success whatever you choose to do.

[Dazzleflash]

You can be a healthy meat eater and an unhealthy meat eater and likewise vegetarian/vegan.

[hereIam]

I'm not vegetarian or vegan, but I would never knock those that are - good luck to them I say. I would happily visit a vegetarian restaurant if there was one local to me.