Attempting vegetarianism due to Forks over Knives

**bumplett** · 09-07-2011, 10:46 PM

My main reason for not eating meat is due to the animals themselves, but the positive addition to my decision is the health benefits.

I struggled on and off for years *trying* to go vegetarian & failed again & again, mostly due to my lack of cooking ability & knowledge, and outright laziness because I didn't take the time to really learn anything new.

I read the book The Omnivore's Dilema and it changed my life, and my relationship to food -

Do we KNOW where our food really comes from?

After reading that book, I brought home a few chickens - for eggs only - after having these girls as a part of the family, I never even thought of eating chicken again - the idea disgusts me -

Then I watched Fast Food Nation - the slaughterhouse scene did it for me -

I don't know why it took so long to make it *click, but when it did - it stuck.

I haven't looked back - but I don't stop my kids or hubby from eating meat, it's up to them - it has to be a personal choice - but I won't buy it.

Regardless of your reasons, I'm happy for you - Consider it a new skill set - I've finally learned how to really use tofu in a meal - Recently, I made tofu & dumplings (instead of chicken & dumplings) My kids ATE IT ALL! That is the true test afterall

**Dancing Lotus** · 09-08-2011, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by bumplett

Recently, I made tofu & dumplings (instead of chicken & dumplings) My kids ATE IT ALL! That is the true test afterall

If you made a tofu dish that your kids ate I really must ask for that recipe. They will complain they don't' like tofu but as long as they can't see that's what it is they eat it right up! When it comes to my kids and food it's all a mental thing. One of their little friends told them it was nasty and that sealed the deal, they wont' touch it unless it's hidden.

**Hamada** · 09-08-2011, 10:38 AM

Yup, some shows have definately changed my way of thinking. When I watched "What Not to Wear" I realized that the clothing I had needed to go!!!! I was wearing rags and looking like many of the people they help. Now I feel presentable.

The show "Clean House" helped me understand organizing and what is acceptable for myself.

When I went lacto-ovo years ago it was a challenge. I slowly weaned myself off meat. Fish being the last to go. Just getting my mind to think of vegetables first when planning a meal and not meat first was a really eye opener. Growing up meals were centered around the meat being served. So thinking about what type of vegetable to eat and thinking of meat as secondary was a challenge.

I think it is great you want to change your eating habits. Right now I am on a no flour or dairy products diet. Seems to be working with exercise. You will need to see what works best for you. Try to educate yourself on the best way to get protein and vitamins while on a vegetarian diet.

**shortstack** · 09-08-2011, 12:13 PM

I am also a lacto-ovo. My family eats about half the time like that with me without complaining and then the rest I serve them locally raised beef and chicken that I got to meet in person before they were slaughtered (I was tempted to put "got to meat in person" teehee).
My journey started because of the sorts of things they were doing to animals that were raised for meat. Even if you can get over the treatment of the animals ,which is horrendous, it's impossible to ignore the sorts of things we are ingesting because of injections and things fed to the animals once you genuinely know what big business is doing to them.

I second Omnivore's Dilemma and it's Documentary Cliff Notes version "Food Inc". Even if you aren't planning on going Veggie it is beneficial to really genuinely think about where your food comes from and what's in it.

Nobody has mentioned "Animal Vegetable Miracle" yet which is a great read. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

**mango** · 09-08-2011, 02:54 PM

Has anybody read The China Study (I think that's what it's called!). I haven't but my aunt did and became vegan overnight.

Lacto/Ovo does that mean eats dairy and eggs?

**Dancing Lotus** · 09-08-2011, 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by mango

Has anybody read The China Study (I think that's what it's called!). I haven't but my aunt did and became vegan overnight.

Lacto/Ovo does that mean eats dairy and eggs?

Yes i have read it and if the statistics in that book aren't enough for you then I don't know what would be. Seriously eye opening

**bumplett** · 09-08-2011, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by Dancing Lotus

If you made a tofu dish that your kids ate I really must ask for that recipe. They will complain they don't' like tofu but as long as they can't see that's what it is they eat it right up! When it comes to my kids and food it's all a mental thing. One of their little friends told them it was nasty and that sealed the deal, they wont' touch it unless it's hidden.

It was just a regular chicken and dumplings recipe. Tofu wasn't hidden, but I just didn't tell them what it was

My kids also like Miso Soup, and they know that's tofu & seaweed & love it anyway

I used 6 cans of vegi broth, I couldn't find a large can & I didn't have any homemade broth.

1 package of extra firm tofu, cut into small chunks

1 bag of frozen mixed vegis (green beans, peas, carrots, corn)

salt, pepper, oregano, rosemary

after it starts to boil, add dumplings (we use bisquick)

that's it. Easy Peasy.

**daylily** · 09-08-2011, 07:14 PM

Yes I've read The China Study. Awesome!

**sinopa27** · 09-08-2011, 09:39 PM

Have you seen Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead by Joe Cross? This documentary is now on Netflix streaming. It has totally changed my life!!
I am in the middle of watching Forks over Knives and am already convinced!!!
good luck with the food lifestyle change. After awhile, you will feel so much better and won't want to go back to eating the way you have been!!

**Lindsey** · 09-08-2011, 09:47 PM

My Mom read The China Study and became a vegan. I started reading it...Beef is first...well, I put the book down after reading about beef. I don't eat beef anymore now and I already didn't eat pork. I also don't like fish or seafood, so I wanted to keep my chicken and turkey

They (my family) made fun because I wouldn't finish the book, but I'm not ready for that lifestyle yet. I did get a vita mix and started replacing my morning and noon meals with a green smoothie made with kale or spinach. Don't say yuck, because that's what I did. Doesn't taste like either of those because of the fruit. At least I know now I'm getting PLENTY of raw greens and fruits. I also have a cooked green with dinner too. One day I'll go without meat, but not yet

Good luck. It's amazing to see the difference in my Mom.

**mndtrp** · 09-08-2011, 10:11 PM

I would also recommend getting into it slowly. If nothing else, you'll need to figure out where all of your nutrients that primarily came from meat are going to come from now. It is also a large change to your system, as well as what other people have said about your overall desire for the change.

**krbshappy71** · 09-09-2011, 09:58 AM

Heehee, I think my bf is going to cave. Its only been a week and today he was raving about some cafe' place that is super-carnivore.

At first he started telling me about it because he turned down an offer from a friend to bring him up a meal from there. He was proud of himself for turning them down and I get that part, I should be proud of him for that, I did compliment him on that.

But then he went on some tangent about how "I don't think there's anything there BUT meat..." and how he would miss that place. Of course me being the snotty person that I am, I looked up the place online (after he also stated they are a hole-in-the-wall and couldn't be found online) looked up their menu and found Egg Salad sandwich, Grilled Cheese sandwich, and other side items that we could certainly have if he wanted us to go there.

I wanted him to see that its all about choices, not the "woe is me I can never eat there again...I may have to break this lifestyle JUST for that place..." attitude. If he wants to cave, that's totally his choice, but to act like we could never go somewhere just because of our new eating choices was really getting under my skin.

I really think people put way too much emphasis on eating as a SPECIAL TREAT OH WOW BETTER THAN SEX attitude. That is my rant for this morning

**mndtrp** · 09-09-2011, 07:39 PM

This is going to get sticky if your boyfriend has to change with you. He is apparently doing this for you, and doesn't really want to. It also seems that you aren't wanting to accept his feelings about the situation.

If I was looking to go out to eat, and the only things on a menu were two sandwiches and some side items, I would also say there wasn't anything there to eat. While not 100% true, it might as well be, because I'm not going to pay a restaurant to make me a grilled cheese. I also put food into two categories: sustenance and enjoyment. I'll make a turkey sandwich with Miracle Whip if I'm hungry, but if I want to enjoy my dinner, I'll get nice French bread, several kinds of deli meats, several veggies, nice cheeses, Italian seasoning, and bake things in the oven to perfection.

As an aside, when my wife was diagnosed with Celiac disease, the first few weeks were fairly negative. We had to give away over half of the food in our house, and we had great difficulties trying to find a place to eat. It was hard going to parties, family events, or even a church barbecue. We did not have great attitudes about the whole thing. Over time, as we found ways to cook the things we liked with substitutions, found restaurants that would cater to our needs, and learned how to avoid certain situations, things became much better.

If you are wanting to do this, great. If your boyfriend wants to do it, fantastic. If he decides he wants to eat meat, even if it is only occasionally, you'll either have to be comfortable with that choice, or be aware that it could end up leading to the end of your relationship. It's unlikely he wants to hear any negativity from you about his feelings towards not getting any meat, just as you don't want to hear those negative feelings from him in the first place.

**larabelle** · 09-09-2011, 08:33 PM

My grandparents , aunts and uncles all had high blood pressure and died of strokes as well as other heart disease related ailments.
My parents both have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. My dad also has diabetes.
My brother 12 years younger than me is over weight and has high cholesterol.
My sister 4 years younger than me is over weight and has high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
One of my favorite coworkers (a GREAT and very caring nurse) died of heart disease. Another one of my coworkers is having to retire early due to health related issues (high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol).
I watched forks versus knives.
I changed!!! I no longer eat meat or dairy. I eat low fat. My thinking is clearer and I feel better!!

**krbshappy71** · 09-09-2011, 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by mndtrp

This is going to get sticky if your boyfriend has to change with you. He is apparently doing this for you, and doesn't really want to. It also seems that you aren't wanting to accept his feelings about the situation.

If I was looking to go out to eat, and the only things on a menu were two sandwiches and some side items, I would also say there wasn't anything there to eat. While not 100% true, it might as well be, because I'm not going to pay a restaurant to make me a grilled cheese. I also put food into two categories: sustenance and enjoyment. I'll make a turkey sandwich with Miracle Whip if I'm hungry, but if I want to enjoy my dinner, I'll get nice French bread, several kinds of deli meats, several veggies, nice cheeses, Italian seasoning, and bake things in the oven to perfection.

As an aside, when my wife was diagnosed with Celiac disease, the first few weeks were fairly negative. We had to give away over half of the food in our house, and we had great difficulties trying to find a place to eat. It was hard going to parties, family events, or even a church barbecue. We did not have great attitudes about the whole thing. Over time, as we found ways to cook the things we liked with substitutions, found restaurants that would cater to our needs, and learned how to avoid certain situations, things became much better.

If you are wanting to do this, great. If your boyfriend wants to do it, fantastic. If he decides he wants to eat meat, even if it is only occasionally, you'll either have to be comfortable with that choice, or be aware that it could end up leading to the end of your relationship. It's unlikely he wants to hear any negativity from you about his feelings towards not getting any meat, just as you don't want to hear those negative feelings from him in the first place.

I totally agree. It turns out the friend brought him a sandwich even though he told her not to, so then he was telling me how he ate everything but the meat. I kinda felt like I was his mom and he was looking for "good job!" feedback, which I gave, but I don't want it to be something that he is doing for me and it really sounds like it is.

Only time will tell if he makes this choice for himself, I don't want to be the gatekeeper of his eating, you know? That's great if I can be his support system because its something HE wants to achieve for himself and his health but I'm not quite getting those vibes. It might be in the early stages, maybe he needs my support to get through the initial transition, I don't know. I don't mind making suggestions to him but you are right, I'm being pretty negative when I do it.