Needing some help

Tips on going veggie?

Make it your responsibility. Do not expect mom to cook you separate meals, etc. Buy your own food, make your own food. If you don't have the funds [assuming you're a minor] try making some extra money with a job, or something simple like cutting grass. If it is important to you, you can make it work. Once your family sees that you are dedicated to this, and willing to make it your OWN choice, and not part of their responsibility as well, they will be more accepting of it. Research essential vitamins and nutrients so that you are aware of what you are eating and getting. If you do not like certain foods that contain the vitamins you need, take supplements. Veganessentials.com has plenty of good multi-vitamins for vegans, as well as separate vitamins like B12. For newbies, fake meats are a good way to get protein and ween yourself off meat. In time, you may find yourself wanting to find other more natural sources of protein such as beans, legumes, and nuts, but give yourself time before you make such a drastic change. Soymilk is a lifesaver. It contains protein and is chock full of vitamins. You can pour it over your favorite cereal, use it in baking mixes, or drink it plain. They have almost any flavor you ever liked with milk in the past. Starting out on vanilla soymilk helped me, and eventually I switched to plain. Be ready to be experimental. You are going to find new, different foods more of an "option" to you simply because you are making a transition and might need to find other sources of vitamins or to satisfy cravings. For pre-packaged foods and what not, make sure to experiment with different brands. Some taste terrible, some taste good. Do not be scared off after trying something once. Let your tastebuds adapt as well. They will, just keep trying things after time and you may grow to like it. Try mixing in some of your favorite condiments with your new foods to make it more appealing and comforting in your transition. I put ketchup on everything when I first went veggie because it made things more "normal" to me. If you get meat cravings, try eating something high in protein before you think of giving into your craving. Chances are your body just needs more of that particular nutrient. Don't be afraid to be bold and ask questions to other veggies, or to servers at restaurants. Don't be afraid to ask to modify a dish at a restaurant. If you find something that sounds good, but would prefer it without the meat, ask them to leave the meat out...they will usually be more than willing to comply. If you ask a waiter/waitress or a grocery if a certain food has an animal product in it, and they do not know, try to avoid it and find something else, or ask to see a list of ingredients.

I hope this is what you were looking for drumminmama!!

 

lol, sorry about that. I meant to make it brief and summarized, but when I get started on something, I can't stop.

blah.

 

Apples + Oranges hit on a lot of good tips. The one thing that I see a lot of new vegetarians/vegans go through is the crave of meat. I'd say eat immatation meats. They are really good for the most part. I wouldn't go from eating meat to being a vegan. I'd go from meat eating to vegetarianism to veganism.

 

That is such good advice! If people transition from one "stage" of eating to another, it doesn't seem like some kind of overwhelming lifestyle "overhaul".
That way they can stick with it. (like a carrot stick with it?...hehehe)

A veggie lifestyle has it's benefits. You can have your rice cake and eat it too.

I write this as I enjoy sweet corn, a "chickenish" pattie, fried okra (it's like candy to me) and taters'. (I eat my salad last) Oh! Jones Organic White Tea...yes!


Peace ya'll

 

I was thinking the same thing... taking it in steps helps a LOT!!!

Also, don't be afraid to experiment with "meat" condiments. When I thought I was craving meat, often what I really wanted was something with ketchup or BBQ sauce... both of which are good on all sorts of veggie products
love,
mom

 

The Whopper is the Coronary Bypass Special.
If you see the Golden Arches, you know you are on the way to the Pearly Gates.

For anyone who needs a few grill ideas for Labor Day BBQ's
Quick and Easy
Try throwing these naturally flavorful foods on the grill for a no-hassle and no-recipe vegetarian barbeque:

• pineapple rings(sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar)
• portobello mushrooms (brush with oil and serve like a veggie burger with all the condiments)
• sweet potatoes or yams (wrap in foil, or, slice in half, pre-bake, brush with maple syrup for extra sweetness and grill)
• asparagus (soak in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling)
• corn on the cob
• apples (slice in half and sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar or drizzle with maple syrup)

stuffed mushroom dish makes an excellent starter or side dish to any meal.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 large portabello mushrooms
• 10-12 ounces baby spinach, washed
• 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup black olives, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• salt
• black pepper
• olive oil

PREPARATION:

Place spinach in a large saucepan and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Make sure to stir constantly. Remove from heat and drain out excess liquid. Add olive oil and add onion and garlic to pan. Cook until tender.
Add ripe and dried tomatoes, olives, salt, and pepper to mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Preheat grill. Remove mushroom stems and cut off black tips. Brush olive oil on mushroom caps. Season with additional salt and black pepper. Place on grill and cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes. Remove from grill.
Spoon spinach mixture into mushrooms. In small mixing bowl, combine bread crumbs with salt and pepper. Top spinach with bread crumb mixture. Place stuffed mushroom caps on grill for an additional 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and serve.

 

I am living (fortunately) proof (had a heart attack at 38 years old) that that fun lovin' redhead Ronald is really just another killer clown.