Vegatarianism

[Laurajean]

One thought on meat substitutes: There's always the person who says to me "Oh, I tried a veggie dog once and it was awful!" And I say, "Yeah, I've tried some that are awful too!" It's like anything, there are good brands and lousy brands, tasty products and lousy products. For example, I like Morningstar Farms brand veggie dogs, but I hate all other brands of veggie dogs, and that applies to a lot of vegetarian products. I've had a soy based cheese that's lousy, then I've had a rice based cheese that's yummy and melts well.

As far as protein, I get that question a lot, but it's really easy to get enough protein. Aside from the vegetarian substitute products like veggie burgers, fake chicken patties, fake sausage, hamburg crumbles, tofu, etc etc, all of which are high in protein, there's also eggs, peanut butter, legumes like lentils, black beans, split peas, cottage cheese, many other cheeses, yogurt (especially greek yogurt, very high protein!), most nuts and seeds, oatmeal, and many regular ol' vegetables are a great source of protein. Protein is really quite easy to get.

 

[purr]

Quote:
I was vegetarian or some form of it for years off and on. Lately, the Morningstar Farms products were some of my favorite go-to proteins, great taste except for the fake chicken, but a bit costly. (You can make a wonderful "beef" stir-fry with their steak strips.) Vegan cheeses have gotten more available lately, too. Nuts and seeds are an excellent source.

Are you sure you weren't getting enough protein? I never had a problem with that, but I took B vitamins and watched to be sure I got enough iron; these were the challenges for me.

Many years ago I loved a good steak. I've returned to meat eating but can't stand the taste of beef now.

Thanks everyone for all the protein ideas!
I assumed I was lacking protein, I was tired all the time and lightheaded.But maybe it was Iron
I really don't attempt to buy the "fake" meats because I have never really been a meat eater. As a child it was forced on me because I was anemic. I don't care for the texture. As an adult I have basically hidden meats in things that I cook and now realize that I would eat around the meat in those things . spaghetti, I will eat all the veggies and pasta and leave the hamburg or meatballs , chinese chow mein I do the same and pick out the chicken and set it aside.
I went back to eating this way when I started feeling beat and I felt guilty about cooking for hubby, although he is so good and does not mind vegetarian meals. And it would be better for him as well.

I have made the chick pea salad that taste just like tuna and loved it.I have to learn how to do that thing with the tofu.
We go to whole foods sometimes and I love to get all the pre-made stuff in the salad bar.

featherz, what is Quorn?

 

[Laurajean]

Quote:
I know your question was for featherz, but Quorn is a brand of various products. Based on what you said, you probably wouldn't like it because it mimics very well the texture of meat. I especially like their chicken-like cutlets, which I marinate and bake. But if you aren't into the texture of meat, it may not be for you.

http://www.quorn.us/Home/

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Laurajean, on the topic of good and bad veggie dogs... While I abhor the Tofurky roast, their Italian style "sausages" are really great! Sometimes I cut them up and add them to collards sauteed with olive oil, balsamic, sweet onions and garlic. More expensive than ones that just mimic hot dogs, but larger and more substantial too. As far as the plainer soy dog, I think Yves does well.

Purr, if you are anemic, being vegetarian and keeping your iron levels up without supplements can be very difficult. I was very anemic for awhile (prior to menopause) and did a good deal of research. Unfortunately, our bodies tend to utilize best the iron in dark leafy greens when combined with an animal protein. Because I eat fish, that is what I did, but still ended up taking a supplement. Hope you can get on top of that.

 

[purr]

Yay Chicks! :

Laurajean, on the topic of good and bad veggie dogs... While I abhor the Tofurky roast, their Italian style "sausages" are really great! Sometimes I cut them up and add them to collards sauteed with olive oil, balsamic, sweet onions and garlic. More expensive than ones that just mimic hot dogs, but larger and more substantial too. As far as the plainer soy dog, I think Yves does well.

Purr, if you are anemic, being vegetarian and keeping your iron levels up without supplements can be very difficult. I was very anemic for awhile (prior to menopause) and did a good deal of research. Unfortunately, our bodies tend to utilize best the iron in dark leafy greens when combined with an animal protein. Because I eat fish, that is what I did, but still ended up taking a supplement. Hope you can get on top of that.

thank you , I do eat fish so I'll have to pair my spinach and kale with that. I am going to start taking supplements . I have made the decision to have gastric bypass surgery to eliminate the diabetes. I am about 70 lbs overweight and my surgeon said normally that's not enough to warrant surgery but with the cholesterol , high blood pressure and the diabetes he said I qualify.
So they just gave me a paper with all kinds of supplements I have to pick up this week and one of them is a 1 a day with iron.​

 

[desertdarlene]

I take B and Iron because I already have a deficiency due to health problems and can't seem to get enough from my food, even when I eat a lot of the right kinds.

I have a problem with fatigue and tiredness and when I went to the doctor I found out that my adenoids were so swollen that I was probably not getting enough sleep at night and might have sleep apnea. You can have this an not even know it. I also have reactive hypoglycemia, which is hard to diagnose and most doctors don't always look for this unless it's severe. It can also make you tired, especially after eating too many carbohydrates all at once. So, if anyone's having problems with tiredness, it might not be due to a vegetarian diet.

 

[kla37]

Quote:
Hey, I don't want to crash the thread but those are things you should be talking about with people. PM me if you'd like to know why.

Cool thread zaybird, though you 100% know where I stand, friend

I don't mind talking about it, but CRASHING (insulting) on people about it just isn't right.

 

[matthewschickens]

Quote:
Hey, I don't want to crash the thread but those are things you should be talking about with people. PM me if you'd like to know why.

Cool thread zaybird, though you 100% know where I stand, friend

I don't mind talking about it, but CRASHING (insulting) on people about it just isn't right.

Did I do that

 

[vmdanielsen]

Yay Chicks! :

Apparently I am a "pescatarian" as well, for over 30 years (I wasn't even aware of that word until reading this thread!). I usually just say that I'm vegetarian but I eat some fish. Eggs are my main source of animal protein. At least half to two thirds of my meals are vegan. Beans and peas with grains provide good protein and there is always tofu. I don't miss meat, but, for some reason, still like the smell of bacon so will buy soy based fake bacon some times

Stripples are my favorite!​

 

[zaybird77]

haha thanks for the support!