Newbie vegetarian here.

[Triceratops]

Yep so after some thought I decided I might as well become vegetarian because I simply don't remember the last time I ate meat, and thinking about it I no longer wish to eat meat for the good of the animals.

Any other vegetarians here? Who could maybe give me some tips on vegetarianism and how to stay healthy whilst being a vegetarian?

[Syvelocin]

Do some searching. Try new foods and find something you like. The most important things to look at are of course your protein intake, but many people disregard Iron and B vitamins. You may want to take a vitamin supplement if you aren't already. A vitamin B deficiency is really horrible. You can truly tell the difference in your mood when you have and haven't got vitamin B.

It's common for us to be anaemic as well. I'm not severely anaemic but I do often see slight iron deficiency when I get my blood work done. My mum's made me take iron supplements since I was young though. I've been a vegetarian for ten years.

And of course I'll talk protein as that's the main concern. It isn't too hard to get your protein, especially since many people actually overdo their meat servings anyway. Like I said, do a bit of searching and find something you can live with and enjoy. Use meat recipes and replace the meat with tofu, incorporate soy products, several cups of greek yoghurt a day alone can meet your protein needs if you like it enough. I can't stand more than two cups, but even two is 20-30 grams of protein! I was introduced to quinoa, it's like a grain but you can also get quinoa pasta, cereal, etc. if you don't want to cook the pure quinoa. Nowadays, I often eat like a vegan, though I'm not a vegan, for more reasons than because I live with one. Vegan products are where it's at really, and really healthy for you if you can live without the real thing. I usually substitute vegan alternatives for things I won't miss, like butter and milk, and still eat things I will miss like eggs. I don't notice it, and sometimes I even prefer it. I find I like soy milk better than real milk. It might be worth it to look for a vegan cookbook as well. It'll give you another set of options than if you looked at vegetarian options alone.

All in all, I find it's experience and trying new things that's the key. Research is great too! But don't overdo it. :P

[Abyssal Echo]

Well uh sorta my moms seventh Day Adventist so we usually dont eat alot of meat.

[Mob Boss]

YES! I used to be vegetarian for a few years. It's important that you get the protein that you'd normally receive from meat, through produce or vitamins. Once you start, it becomes a habit, and you completely forget about meat. I never craved it when I was a vegetarian, and I was one for a few years. As for tips, find certain veggies you really enjoy, and find different ways/recipes you can use to cook them. I honestly loved being a vegetarian, and I would if I could again, but I was put on a diet by my doctor so I would eat more, that and it didn't help my eating disorder. Anyways, I'm sure you'll find it relatively easy, and you'll feel better doing it. It's not for some people, but usually those people would have remembered the last time they ate meat. :P Another thing is labels. Pay attention to labels because you never know the ingredients in some of the simplest items.

(I'm not sure where you're from, or if these products are available; but these might help, and they are easy to cook) You might like these brands.
http://www.quorn.us/
http://www.amys.com/
http://www.bocaburger.com/
Good luck. :)

[xXoblivionXx]

welcome to the club :P I've been vegetarian for more the a year now :D

basically just try to eat a good variety of vegetables, fruits, and carbs. You need to get your protein to so try eating eggs, beans, anything that has protein in it. I also buy from the store Boca and Morning Star products, vegetarian "meat". My mom tries to get me to take vitamins to make sure I have all of my nutrients.

Good luck fellow vegetarian :)

[Triceratops]

Do some searching. Try new foods and find something you like. The most important things to look at are of course your protein intake, but many people disregard Iron and B vitamins. You may want to take a vitamin supplement if you aren't already. A vitamin B deficiency is really horrible. You can truly tell the difference in your mood when you have and haven't got vitamin B.

It's common for us to be anaemic as well. I'm not severely anaemic but I do often see slight iron deficiency when I get my blood work done. My mum's made me take iron supplements since I was young though. I've been a vegetarian for ten years.

And of course I'll talk protein as that's the main concern. It isn't too hard to get your protein, especially since many people actually overdo their meat servings anyway. Like I said, do a bit of searching and find something you can live with and enjoy. Use meat recipes and replace the meat with tofu, incorporate soy products, several cups of greek yoghurt a day alone can meet your protein needs if you like it enough. I can't stand more than two cups, but even two is 20-30 grams of protein! I was introduced to quinoa, it's like a grain but you can also get quinoa pasta, cereal, etc. if you don't want to cook the pure quinoa. Nowadays, I often eat like a vegan, though I'm not a vegan, for more reasons than because I live with one. Vegan products are where it's at really, and really healthy for you if you can live without the real thing. I usually substitute vegan alternatives for things I won't miss, like butter and milk, and still eat things I will miss like eggs. I don't notice it, and sometimes I even prefer it. I find I like soy milk better than real milk. It might be worth it to look for a vegan cookbook as well. It'll give you another set of options than if you looked at vegetarian options alone.

All in all, I find it's experience and trying new things that's the key. Research is great too! But don't overdo it. :P

YES! I used to be vegetarian for a few years. It's important that you get the protein that you'd normally receive from meat, through produce or vitamins. Once you start, it becomes a habit, and you completely forget about meat. I never craved it when I was a vegetarian, and I was one for a few years. As for tips, find certain veggies you really enjoy, and find different ways/recipes you can use to cook them. I honestly loved being a vegetarian, and I would if I could again, but I was put on a diet by my doctor so I would eat more, that and it didn't help my eating disorder. Anyways, I'm sure you'll find it relatively easy, and you'll feel better doing it. It's not for some people, but usually those people would have remembered the last time they ate meat. :P Another thing is labels. Pay attention to labels because you never know the ingredients in some of the simplest items.

(I'm not sure where you're from, or if these products are available; but these might help, and they are easy to cook) You might like these brands.
http://www.quorn.us/
http://www.amys.com/
http://www.bocaburger.com/
Good luck. :)

Thank you both of you for the help, it's really appreciated :)

I am actually eating way healthier as a vegetarian than when I used to eat meat. I'm getting the same amount of protein as I used to, and I find that I eat more fruit and vegetables now for some reason. I feel a lot better as a whole too.

[Fable]

good luck i lasted 3 days lol

[Cicero]

Well, I am not a vegetarian. But I have tips on staying healthy as one :)

Be sure your getting enough protein in your meals, I dont know how 'hardcore' your going, are you eating anything related to animals such as eggs, cheese, fish, etc?

If your allowing yourself to eat cheese, it has tons of protein in it and its healthy. Tofu is a great source of protein too, there are plenty of delicious soy/tofu dishes you can prepare. Tofu can be used in place of many meat dishes, tofu is kinda tastless, so be sure to use tons of flavor :D Tofu is like a chamelion, it blends into whatever you put it in. So if you put chicken stock in it, it will have a taste of chicken stock. You should probably try taking a dailly multivitamin just so you are 100% sure your not missing out on key nutrients. Good luck in the vegetarian world haha :) I know I could never give up meat:rolleyes:

Seeing your other post, its awesome how your feeling better. My cousin became a vegetarian and she says she feels more energized and healthier, the doctor has even said its made her healthier. Some people may experience a lack of energy when first starting out, but you should be feeling energized once your body gets used of your lifestyle change

[LouBerry]

I did it for about two years, and I couldn't anymore because I got pretty sick, just make sure you have all the necessary pills like protein and sometimes Iron, just depending on your immune system. To get better info on it, I'd make an appointment with a doctor, so he can tell you the things you'll need to do to stay strong and healthy.

[Washtie]

Hi there, I'm a vegan and have been for sometime now. I would suggest for you to search on google and especially youtube for excellent recipies. I tend to juice alot and mix in alot of vegetables and fruits, so give that a try!

STAY AWAY FROM PROCESSED FOODS! (Mock Meat)!!!