Attempting vegetarianism due to Forks over Knives

**krbshappy71** · 09-07-2011, 01:13 PM

After being raised a carnivore (no really, my family didn't even always have side dishes, but we always had meat) and then sticking to those ways through my adult years thus far, I'm taking the leap of faith into vegetarianism. Well, to throw out another label, the lacto-ovo type with milk and eggs but even that at a minimal amount. Certainly not daily.

I watched Fork over Knives, anyone seen that yet? At the risk of sounding like I'm hopping onto a fad diet, I have to admit it was my big eye-opener. It was the turning point for me. Last year my doctor suggested I eat my veggies first when eating a meal, that has helped slowly over time to build up my taste preference for vegetables. I've weaned out red meat for the most part with occasional cravings, but now I think I'm ready to take the plunge and give up all meat.

What will be difficult for me is seafood and family special holiday meals so I may still allow those, but at a greatly reduced amount. For instance, Thanksgiving which is once a year, Christmas Eve during which my mom makes a very special meal that we only have on that occasion. The sushi, well, that will be difficult but even if I slip up a couple times a year its better than the total carnivore that I used to be.

I have heart disease on both sides of my family, both my mom and dad are currently suffering from heart issues and I can't help but attribute it to this way of eating. The bacon, the burgers, the sausage, the eggs dripping in the juices of it all....ughhh. And yet its all appealing to me! I want it! I have got to change my ways or else end up as they are. I don't want that, I know I can't live forever but I want to feel GOOD/Healthy for as long as I can while here.

Has anyone else been influenced heavily by a show, movie, or book that helped them turn that corner?

Have any have advice to make it easier? So far I'm focusing on making similar meals but meatless. I have a pot of vegetarian chili in the crockpot for dinner when I get home tonight.

**2ndGenGranola** · 09-07-2011, 01:34 PM

It doesn't sound like your heart is 100% into it yet. You will be miserable with anything until your heart is there. Why not start slow? Go veggie Mon-Fri then eat "normal" on the weekend. This will give you time to find your likes and help your body at the same time without being deprived.

**zakity** · 09-07-2011, 01:42 PM

You could start with one veggie meal a week. After a while, add in two. And then, keep upping until you are comfortable.

One thing I did with my husband was to start doing less and less meat. Soups and casseroles have very little meat in them now.

**Josephhgoins** · 09-07-2011, 02:43 PM

I wish you luck!!!

I want to be more healthy, but when it comes down to it I am just too lazy. I think I am going to take 2ndgen's advice and start a 4 out of 7 day veggie diet and see where it goes. Hopefully I will take in less calories which is my issue.

**Russ** · 09-07-2011, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by krbshappy71

Has anyone else been influenced heavily by a show, movie, or book that helped them turn that corner?

No. But it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know if you reduce calories and fat intake, and up your activity, you will lose weight.

And when you lose weight, you will feel better and have more energy, and IMO, I think it can be done while still eating meat in a well balanced diet. Is a vegetarian diet better? No clue, I'm not an expert. But I think more vegetables in your diet (mine too) is needed and sure as heck wont hurt.

Originally Posted by krbshappy71

Have any have advice to make it easier? So far I'm focusing on making similar meals but meatless. I have a pot of vegetarian chili in the crockpot for dinner when I get home tonight.

Someone already said to do it slowly and I agree. You can also reduce the serving size as a way to do it more slowly.

**Dancing Lotus** · 09-07-2011, 03:37 PM

Russ-For myself choosing not to eat animal products is about health in respect to diseases.

Heart disease,diabetes, allergies and even osteoporosis are directly linked to animal product consumption. So yes, a proper vegan diet is healthier.
Unfortunately it is possible to be a junk food vegan and that is not healthier.

I'd also like to agree that unless your heart is in it 100% you will be miserable. If you are choosing this diet for the aforementioned reasons it's not enough to just eliminate meat. You have to let go of dairy also and that's is a very difficult process. Taking baby steps will be less over whelming.

**Russ** · 09-07-2011, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by Dancing Lotus

Heart disease,diabetes, allergies and even osteoporosis are directly linked to animal product consumption. .

And I think, at least 3 of the diseases you mentioned can all be directly linked to obesity. So, animal product consumption is not the ONLY reason, your genes and general lifestyle have a lot to do with it.

**KeithBC** · 09-07-2011, 03:56 PM

When urges and cravings strike, it is helpful to remind yourself why you want to be a vegetarian. Focusing on the reasons will help control the cravings, and will help you get back on track if you fall off the wagon. And, if that happens, be sure to forgive yourself and carry on.

**annymoll** · 09-07-2011, 04:12 PM

If you have a genetic risk for heart disease and obesity you will certainly not want to make lifestyle choices that will/may contribute to the development of the disease.Get a fat gram measuring booket. Look at the total grams of fat recomended for an adult woman, then check your meat selection. Even lean meats have alot of fat and/or cholestrol, and the types of fat are not the healthiest.( And this is based on what I personally feel is the already flawed SAD plan!)You will get plenty of healthy fats with a vegetarian diet.I went veg by reducing portions, I gave up red meat first, then white, then seafood. I have never eaten such an array of colorful and tasty foods.I have more money to spend on cheaper, healthier and less fatty protein choices.( Check the recomended protein levels for ladies as well.) The cravings will lessen.Soon you will desire the veg choices and meat cooking will smell revolting.Good luck on this new lifestyle change!!!!I am excited for you!Wanted to add that there are many vegetarians here and they have the tastiest recipes and meal ideas.

**Dancing Lotus** · 09-07-2011, 04:40 PM

Originally Posted by Russ

And I think, at least 3 of the diseases you mentioned can all be directly linked to obesity. So, animal product consumption is not the ONLY reason, your genes and general lifestyle have a lot to do with it.

Only reason, NO. Some people are going to get things regardless of any number of choices they could make.
Statistically, only about 2% of the people who develop cancer have because of genetics.
I really don't buy into obesity being the leading cause of these health problems. It makes a good scape goat because there is money in fighting obesity.And what percentage of obese people who do have any of the aforementioned diseases are consuming animal products?
Just my two cents and a friendly opinion, No harm or argument intended. Live and let live, we all make decisions based on the information we have.

**daylily** · 09-07-2011, 05:40 PM

Some friendly advice from one who has been vegan for about 17 years and vegetarian for about 35 years.

I grew up on a farm, eating meat, eggs and dairy. I was really not a big meat-eater but could drink gallons of milk and eat tons of cheese, cottage cheese and eggs. I decided to give up meat when I was about 18 but sometimes would eat chicken or fish.

I attended a seminar that presented similar information that you heard in Forks Over Knives and decided to give up dairy. I bought a vegan cookbook and tried some of the "cheese" substitutes. They were nasty and tasted nothing like cheese.

About that time I developed lactose intolerance and was forced to give up dairy foods. Gradually the substitutes tasted better! My dad gave me some excellent advice. He told me not to think of the subs as cheese or milk or whatever. Just think of the cheese as a sandwich spread or a sauce, etc. When I got over the idea that they were supposed to taste like what I was used to eating, they became quite tasty in their own right! He was a carnivore and he liked the substitutes.

Eggs were the last thing I gave up and that wasn't hard as far as taste goes but it sure was a learning curve finding good substitutes. As I said, I've been vegan for about 17 years and I really don't miss any of it.

My advice would be to do it gradually, but if your family has heart issues don't make it too gradually! Eat lots of fruit, veggies and whole grains and the animal products will in effect be displaced.

One thing to remember about meat is that it tends to be stimulating and if you give it up all at once, you might get a let down feeling until your body gets use to being without it. don't let that discourage you. You may feel what some folks interpret as a protein craving. If you could add lots of beans and a moderate amount of whole grains, that will help.

Wishing you success and good health!

**krbshappy71** · 09-07-2011, 06:41 PM

Thank you for all the input! Weight loss isn't one of my goals but I do feel I have got to stop filling this body with junk as well as cut back on the meat consumption. Tonight's dinner was delicious and I didn't "miss" the meat that I usually have in chili, however I wanted a treat immediately afterwards. ICE CREAM. I can see where it would be easy to just substitute one food for another, I had better reconsider the lacto-ova part, ha! I didn't give in this time but ya...usually I cave on that craving.

Ok I will try not to go extreme and will let myself have occasional meat cravings if I absolutely have to. But I really want to go vegetarian eventually and don't know if I could push it into vegan as I do crave so many foods that would be complete "no!" for a vegan diet. Maybe I shouldn't use the word diet, I mean it in a planning way not a lose weight way. I was on a carnivorous diet....plan...way of life. Now want to strive for veggie one.

**NikoSan999** · 09-07-2011, 07:24 PM

I had never heard of Forks Over Knives until another thread and MadHen said it was on Facebook. I liked it and I get a few posts a day. So if you're on FB look for it there. Interesting.

2 different links

Forks Over Knives | Facebook

FORKS OVER KNIVES | Facebook

**Daisygirl** · 09-07-2011, 07:49 PM

My best advice is to come up with a few fast and easy things...this way you won't be tempted to hit the drive-thru for a burger because you are hungry and don't know what to eat.

1.) We make a big pot of soup every week - always different - it's always quick to nuke a bowl of soup.
2.) Bean burritoes made with tortillas, canned lowfat refried beans and hot sauce (cheese optional)
3.) Frozen pizza topped with bbq sauce, mushroom, peppers and onions
4.) Frozen pizza topped with refried beans, salsa and cheese (Mexican pizza)

I always have the ingredients for these items on hand.

Congratulations on your decision!

**RaineyDaye** · 09-07-2011, 08:13 PM

Has anyone else been influenced heavily by a show, movie, or book that helped them turn that corner?

About a year and half ago, I read Dominion by Matthew Scully and watched Food, Inc., then I finally decided to become vegetarian. For me the hardest part was re-learning to cook. As a meat-eater, I had become very lazy and used frozen dinners several times a week so that I didn't have to prepare much food. I spent the first year trying lots of new recipes, and now I have meals I can make fairly quickly that I like, so it is getting easier all the time. I found recipes on the internet. Veggie Boards was recommended by someone here... many recipes and useful info there.