veggie for a month+, I feel fine

[Caligirl2191]

I noticed a lot of people on these boards who are new to vegetarianism complaining of lack of energy, stomach problems, fatigue, etc. since becoming vegetarian. I've been vegetarian for almost two months, and I really don't feel any different. I try to eat healthy but I don't pay super close attention to my diet, and I'm not perfect, but I really feel fine. My energy level seems normal and I haven't been sick or anything.

Maybe its because I never ate a lot of meat to begin with and my body is used to it, idk. And, not to insult anyone who has these problems, but I wonder if some of these health issues people have with vegetarianism are partly psychological. I mean, I think it would make sense. Our whole lives (with a few exceptions) we are instilled with the idea that meat is an integral and necessary part of our lives, and a lot of people believe and tell us that we can't be healthy without it. So maybe some people's minds convince them that they really cannot be healthy or feel good without meat. I mean, this is assuming that they're not just eating total crap all the time.

just theorizing out loud...

[Anj]

Same here. I'm a new vegetarian, and I didn't feel weak upon giving up meat. I would usually contract colds or cough about twice a year or more; but I haven't been sick ever since I became a vegetarian.

Maybe it has to do with psychological factors, I don't know for sure either. But I'm thinking that we each have unique bodies, and hence react differently upon switching to a veg*n lifestyle.

[Mr. Sun]

My switch to vegetarianism was overnight and I had no idea about nutrition or anything -- and I didn't feel any weakness or any other effects. Same when I became vegan, although by then I knew more about nutrition.

[cinders7]

I had IBS as a meat eater and veggie diet at first made it worst, to much fibre.It now seems to be improving my IBS,No tireness or weakness,Never was a big meat eater either

I do thing i worry i will be gases at work, which low and behold makes every thing worst lol

[Kiran]

Congrats to all on having such a great start! When you feel great and have lots of energy, its much harder to fall off the wagon.

[Dreamer_Mom]

Same here.

[Gita]

I think a few people don't eat enough. Vegetarian food for the most part has less calories, and also is "burned off" quicker, so many people who are more active run out of energy sooner. Also remember that a lot of first time vegetarians are kids in high school who have not reached the end of their growth, and actually need more energy than a full grown adult who only needs to eat a "maintenance" diet. A 16 year old school kid needs more food than a 30 year old office worker.

[Kandi Stepper]

This was one of my many concerns with my decision to go vegetarian, i decided that maybe taking a multi vitamin would help offset any issues etc.

[New England Vegan]

My transition was also "painless." I take a multivitamin and a flax oil supplement (to get my omegas) and I keep a loose eye on how much protein etc. I'm getting. I'm by no means regimented about it. I take my supplements and eat a lot of variety and I feel fine and I've been a "veggie" for about two years.

[janelle]

I switched to vegetarianism 5 months ago today (well, 20 weeks)... and after eating meat daily for the first 20 years of my life, I still didn't find myself weak or lacking nutrients! In fact, I feel much better! :D

[Raspberry06]

I know what you mean! lol when i first went veggie i actual got MORE energy and just felt overal healthier, its wsa amazing. So, kudos to you for feeling great so far, hope you keep it up and dont forget to eat fruits and veggies, if you cant get them, then atleast a muiltivitamin:bobo::nana:

[Guinevere]

I felt I had more energy going veggie :) I also felt a lot better both physically and mentally.

[ChronicVeggies]

I was tired when I first when vegetarian, but I have tons more energy now, the thing is that I was not eating enough food.

[PandaBear]

I'm 16 and has been a vegetarian for 5 months now. I never was too fond of meat to begin with so I never had any problems. I don't think feeling weak is a mental thing, but more like not getting enough to eat. I've been told that I actually eat way too much for one person, but then again I exercise alot. This week I was so caught up in school and everything else that I didn't have enough time to stop and eat a good meal, and now for the past couple days I feel anemic.

[Koehnae]

I never quite understood how new vegetarians were feeling so lethargic. I was in the group that actually felt more energetic. Of course, eating enough has never been a problem of mine, so that could be it. :p My only complaint was a little bloated-ness the first few weeks.

[WendySmiling]

I think that was my problem....


I think a few people don't eat enough. Vegetarian food for the most part has less calories, and also is "burned off" quicker, so many people who are more active run out of energy sooner.

[sb729 }i{]

I've been a veggie for almost 3 months...and I haven't felt better! I switched overnight (after eating meat daily my whole life) and I felt more energetic, healthy, less tired, and all around great. It's crazy how I used to feel so tired and full "I can't move" feeling after eating...now I never feel that way!
I'd have to agree it's either psychological, or else their just not eating enough.