Tips for the new vegetarian???? Got some?

[prettykinks]

At the moment I am on Day 2 of the Master Cleanse, and I want to become a vegetarian once this is over. I am not a big meat eater anyway but I really don't know how to balance out other foods so that I will still get the vitamins and other things needed daily. So if there are any vegetarians out there or someone who can give me some info on this, please feel free to do so. :)

[prettykinks]

Bumpin for replies.

I know there are some vegetarians out there who can give me some advice on what to do, or point me in the right direction.

[webby]

Your best bet is to probably get a vegetarian cookbook. When I was a vegetarian, I thought that I could live on beans and veggies and became bored, until I invested in a few good cookbooks.

There really is a lot you can do w/o meat, but you have to plan ahead.

[PinkLily]

Yeah, I was a vegetarian for almost a year. I'll agree that you need to plan ahead. I got a vegetarian cookbook and figured out meals I could make before I went to the grocery store. Also, make sure you read the labels. Many things labeled as "vegetable soup" or stuff like that actually have beef stock in it. Good luck!

[prettykinks]

Thank you ladies for the info. I didn't think about buying a cookbook. :)

[blackhair]

Hello there. I am not a vegetarian but love me some boca and garden burgers.. they are tasty and nutritious (loaded with fiber).

[prettykinks]

Hello there. I am not a vegetarian but love me some boca and garden burgers.. they are tasty and nutritious (loaded with fiber).

I heard they are really good. I will have to try them soon. Thanks for the info.

[good2uuuu]

Check out the natural foods section of your supermarket or your local whole foods store. They have lots of good stuff there. When I'm too lazy to cook, I like to get some of Amy's frozen foods. Great stuff.

[natalied]

Some of my favorite meat subsititutes:

Morningstar Foods: Grillers (sub for hamburger), Chik Patties, Crumbles (sub for ground beef), Hot Dogs, Breakfast Patties (sub for sausage patties), Strips (sub for bacon)

Loma Linda Foods (http://www.kelloggs.com/brand/worthington/) (Dinner Roast is outstanding, I have brought this to work and have gotten many compliments on this roast)

Amy's (as mentioned by good2uuu) are really good as well esp. if you need a substitute for Lean Cuisine Meals.

Beans (especially lentils :lick: )
Tofu
Beancurd


This site show you what alternative are available for each type of meat:

http://vegetarianstore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=VS&Category_Code=MA

Best Wishes!

[webby]

Thank you ladies for the info. I didn't think about buying a cookbook. :)
A cookbook will save you when you are frenzied over what to cook/eat.

Also, garden burgers and chick-n-nuggets (made from chick peas) are great, but they will not sustain you if that's all you consume. You need a proper balance, just as you would if you were not a vegetarian.

For instance, if you eat only soy, then you may not get the necessary vitamins that your body requires, ya know?

There are far more vegetarian-friendly foods in most supermarkets now, but since you are cleansing and looking to continue a healthy lifestyle, learn the basics, before taking the short cuts :)

[prettykinks]

A cookbook will save you when you are frenzied over what to cook/eat.

Also, garden burgers and chick-n-nuggets (made from chick peas) are great, but they will not sustain you if that's all you consume. You need a proper balance, just as you would if you were not a vegetarian.

For instance, if you eat only soy, then you may not get the necessary vitamins that your body requires, ya know?

There are far more vegetarian-friendly foods in most supermarkets now, but since you are cleansing and looking to continue a healthy lifestyle, learn the basics, before taking the short cuts :)


Yesterday I went and bought some garden burgers and some chick-n-nuggets. I really like the burgers. I haven't tried the nuggets yet. I also made some spaghetti with organic noodles and broccoli and calliflower and lots of other veggies. It was great!!!!!! I need to go buy a cookbook so I can get more ideas.

[esoterica]

At the moment I am on Day 2 of the Master Cleanse, and I want to become a vegetarian once this is over. I am not a big meat eater anyway but I really don't know how to balance out other foods so that I will still get the vitamins and other things needed daily. So if there are any vegetarians out there or someone who can give me some info on this, please feel free to do so. :)

You can download a free starter kit from PCRM http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/vsk/index.html

And here's some info from the UK Vegetarian Society http://www.vegsoc.org/info/goingveg.html

[rayne]

You can also check out this website: http://vegetariantimes.com/

[Country gal]

The Raw Life is a good book to read which talks about how important it is to eat fruits and vegetables.

[prettykinks]

Thanks for all the great info. It is helping me out alot. At first I was confused about how to do it safely and where to start. Everything has helped out so much. :)

[balisi]

I agree that planning ahead is very important. I don't know if you like tofu, but you'd be amazed at the myriad ways it can be prepared and enjoyed. I found lots of good (free) recipes online at various websites. Sorry I don't have them handy -- it's been a while since I followed a veggie diet. I do remember one recipe in particular that my family and I really enjoyed. Barbecue Tofu Sandwiches. Freeze a block of firm tofu overnight. Let thaw and press out as much moisture as possible between two cutting boards. Tear into bite size pieces and season as desired. Lightly oil and heat a frying pan. Place the tofu into the pan and brown, stirring as needed to keep tofu from sticking. Add your favorite BBQ sauce to coat all pieces. Cooking time is approximately 5-7 minutes. Serve on buns with pickles, onions, whatever you like!