Hi guys, I recently stopped eating meat after eating it my entire life, and I was just wondering if there are going to be any physical as well as mental changes I might go through and how long they are going to last??
I feel a bit tired, but thats about it as for now.

Thanks.

Possibly. The most important thing is to just eat a well-balanced diet. Also keep in mind that you may need to eat more if you're eating a lot of fruits and veggies. A multi-vitamin would probably be a good idea.

Possibly. The most important thing is to just eat a well-balanced diet. Also keep in mind that you may need to eat more if you're eating a lot of fruits and veggies. A multi-vitamin would probably be a good idea.


Right now I am taking Viactiv Multi Vitamin (chews) is this good enough?? As for eating veggies, I'm not so good about it...but fruit I love.
I will eat alot of lettuce, dry cereals and toast.
I am not so happy with the idea of eating MORE since weight loss is an issue...with cutting out meat, do you know how much fat/calories I am saving myself?
Or a site that might fill me in on these sorts of things???
Thanks.

I'm not the best person to ask about nutrition but I'm sure you'll have more replies later today. You can also try doing a search, I know this question comes up quite a bit.

Just seems like a lot of people get sluggish and get headaches because they cut out meat and then eat junk or more fruits and veggies. So they're either eating unhealthy or eat things that don't fill them up or give them enough calories.

When I stopped eating meat I didn't notice a big change...that is until I got low on protien! I felt extremely tired and sluggish for a couple months until I realized what the problem was. I can't remember what protein source I chose, but I got it somehow and felt better very quickly! So just be aware that you are getting the protein and the B12 all that good stuff. You most likely won't feel a big change unless something is lacking in your diet.

Weight loss might be an issue but with the veg*n diet, you must eat. And you must eat often (every 2-3 hours is about the norm). Lettuce, dry cereals and toast is not going to cut it unless you're eating whole grains, beans, deep green leafies, fruits and veggies as well. If you don't eat balanced, you're going to put yourself into nutritional deficits that will make you miserable (to say the least).

If you're feeling a bit tired, I would recommend you taking a look to see if you're eating enough iron-rich foods. Protein is another one I would check as well as magnesium and zinc. Your B12, you will want to supplement anyway since B12 is primarily found in meat/dairy and you're no longer eating meat.

Physical/mental changes... well, that differs with each person, but mostly I've found that if they eat a balanced diet, they feel better, have more energy, less digestion problems, less sinus/allergy trouble and they develop a sharper sense of taste and smell. Some have different changes and some don't notice changes at all. I don't know what changes you'll have cause like I said before, it's different with each person.

hope that helps a bit. :)

Any time you change your diet drastically you might feel a bit sick. Your body might take some time getting used to your new diet. Don't give up. Take it slow and make sure you are eating enough food. Instead of just cutting out meat, replace it with fruit/grains/veggies/nuts/seeds. Don't just eat what you normally would minus the meet. Try new foods! Try leafy greens, new veggies, eggplant, hummus. Just go to the produce dept and grab a veggie you've never seen before, you might be surprised. Try some fake meats if that is what floats your boat, or you find yourself missing your old favorites. Try some recipes on this site or other sites. Or get a vegetarian cookbook.

Congrats on making it this far.

You will die if you only eat lettuce, grains, and toast. You must eat healthy. Believe it or not, as long as you avoid calorie-dense junky convenience foods, you will be eating a low-calorie diet, and will lose weight, but will still be getting all your important nutrients if you eat a variety of healthy whole grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Some of the advice above was great. Don't just pull out one part of your menu and expect to be okay. You have to learn a new way of eating, one where meat is no longer the centerpiece to your plate!

Weight loss might be an issue but with the veg*n diet, you must eat. And you must eat often (every 2-3 hours is about the norm). Lettuce, dry cereals and toast is not going to cut it unless you're eating whole grains, beans, deep green leafies, fruits and veggies as well. If you don't eat balanced, you're going to put yourself into nutritional deficits that will make you miserable (to say the least).

If you're feeling a bit tired, I would recommend you taking a look to see if you're eating enough iron-rich foods. Protein is another one I would check as well as magnesium and zinc. Your B12, you will want to supplement anyway since B12 is primarily found in meat/dairy and you're no longer eating meat.

Physical/mental changes... well, that differs with each person, but mostly I've found that if they eat a balanced diet, they feel better, have more energy, less digestion problems, less sinus/allergy trouble and they develop a sharper sense of taste and smell. Some have different changes and some don't notice changes at all. I don't know what changes you'll have cause like I said before, it's different with each person.

hope that helps a bit. :)

^^^This is good advice. When I became vegan, it took a few days to get used to the change but after that I felt great!

You mentioned sickness too. You definitely shouldn't get sick or anything after transitioning (unless it's a coincidence). If you eat a balanced diet, you'll probably get sick less.

I am unfortunately getting sick right now, but it's hard not to when every person around you is coughing all day at school! Bleh, hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow...

You mentioned sickness too. You definitely shouldn't get sick or anything after transitioning (unless it's a coincidence). If you eat a balanced diet, you'll probably get sick less.

I am unfortunately getting sick right now, but it's hard not to when every person around you is coughing all day at school! Bleh, hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow...

I've discovered that I bounce back from illness faster than I used to. I managed to shake a cold in about 2 days, whereas my boyfriend (who is an omni still) is still sick with the same cold a week later.

You may find that over time your tastes change - and you may find yourself liking more vegetables! If you have some good ethnic restaurants nearby, check out some new taste sensations - Thai, Indian, Vietnamese. They have lots of veggie options and use spices and favorings that will be new to you. Don't limit yourself - now 's the time to explore!!! (If you are watching your weight - don't substitute a lot of rich dairy for meat - it's loaded with fat and calories....)

There are some that do get sick when they go from the SOD (standard omni diet) to a veg*n diet. Especially if they eat a lot of toxic things like processed foods, fast food, etc. For a bit of time they'll be feeling like pure crap (while they're detoxing), but once that detox is over, people report feeling brilliant again.

About the sickness thing.... I hardly get colds at all but when I do, I'm usually done with it in about 2-3 days (usually 2). Everyone else is still suffering misery for a good week or two. Not bad for someone who used to be dead-out sick when someone so much as said "flu" in my presence. :D

Sounds like detox. If so, it gets better and you'll be healthier for it when your through it.

used to it. After maybe a week, I have had no other problems.

I didnt even notice when I stopped eating meat. It took me two months to realize I hadnt cooked any meat in my apartment since I moved in. A few days after that, maybe a week even, I 'officially' went to strict vegetarian.

mentally you're going to probably want to eat meat for the first couple of weeks after you take it out of your diet. I found that once I got through the first few weeks i barely ever wanted it again. Also try not to eat too much dairy or eggs as *filler* for these cravings. Eat lots of fruits and veggies.

Viactiv Multi's are really crap multivitamins. They don't include all that many vitamins or minerals. You may want to try a more comprehensive multivitamin, or specifically look for one thats geared towards people on a veg*n diet.

Please add some protein to that list, and some fats. Taking out good fats will not help you lose weight, because you'll OD on low fat empty calories like simple carbohydrates. Please be sure to add some beans, legumes, and nuts to your diet, some beneficial fats like avocado and some good sources of calcium like leafy greens and nutrient rich vegetables like broccoli.

The best way to lose weight is to consume fewer calories than you burn, and the best way to do that is with healthy eating and moderate exercise.

I just started this and I feel liek I have more energy and can concentrate better. WOOT!