Converting over, but need help. TONS.

[Care4MyHeart]

My name is Raheem. I am 16-year old African-American, residing in California and I have recently discovered this forum because of my friend, who cares about me. He pitched the idea of me becoming a vegetarian and I want to do this with him. I'm just a little lost as to where to actually start.

I have so many temptations to eat meat, it's crazy. I also have just recently watched a video on PETA where they show us the reason why you should become a vegetarian - very informative and extremely worthy of converting to the healthier side.

Again, I just don't know where to start. I just finished eating a bowl of Spaghetti (with meat). Sigh, I just want to have a healthier life. I don't want to die from Heart Disease. I don't want to have a Heart Attack. And if I DO have a Heart Attack or suffer from Heart Disease, I want to leave this earth knowing that I didn't promote animal cruelty.

So, if any of you are willing to help me, I will be more than open to your suggestions. I'm really lost right now, so, if you could take the time out and help me, I would deeply appreciate it. This is a breakthrough in my life; the two roads have appeared and I must either pick the road to Heart Disease, Guilt and shame - or the road to success and healthy living.

Thank you.

P.S.- I will be posting on this forum as much as I can because I really want to become a vegetarian.

[iheartguacamole]

Hey raheem! I actually recruited Raheem he is one of my bestfriends and I refered him to VeggieBoards and I also showed him 30 reasons to go veg video and what really got him was the health reasons! I am glad he wants to make this change and I helped but I know it will be difficult for him because of his family. He is afraid his family will not take him seriously and will think vegetarian shopping istoo expensive. I will try to help him myself but then again I am a teen as well.

[penny79]

What do you need help with exactly?

[Care4MyHeart]

What do you need help with exactly?

Well, first and fore most, I want to learn how to hold myself back from temptations.

Also, I want to be able to pitch this idea to my grandmother so that she can cook the meals for me. And where exactly can I buy the stuff needed for the average vegetarian diet.

[Jessss2008]

Congrats on your choice and welcome!

Do your parents know and support you with your decision and have you talked to them about buying appropriate foods and what you will no longer be eating? I suggest talking to the cook about special meals and whatnot.

I want to start by saying there are really 2 ways of being vegetarian. There is the cold turkey way where you cut it out RIGHT NOW, altogether, or you take it slowly and cut things out slowly while transitioning to things you aren't otherwise used to.

Example would be:

First week: Cut out chicken and bring in faux chicken or tofu
Second Week: Cut out beef and bring in eggplant steaks (cooked in some butter with spices......but veg!) and/or tofu or something else.

and so on......

Do it at your pace, however you feel comfortable, just as long as it is done

We have an EXCELLENT recipe section on this forum filled with mouth watering goodness, I suggest you check it out.

As for cravings, I had to fight them and still continue to do so. Every once in a while I think......you know....I could go for a burger.......but always remember, most places have veggie burgers (some are off menu and you have to ask) so there is never an excuse. Plus, by fighting cravings, I can still gladly consider and call myself a vegetarian. It makes me feel awesome. By eating meat, I know it will make me feel horrible, so why do it?

Just picture an animal screaming bloody murder and YOU could save it by saying NO to meat.

Good luck!

EDIT:

You can by any vegetarian thing at most local grocery stores.

[penny79]

I would use fruits and vegetables as the predominant source of calories in your diet regardless if omnivore or vegetarian, as they have the most nutrition.

Some vegetarians also choose to eat grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, etc.

As far as temptation, I don't know....I haven't wanted animal-based food for a long time. Someone else will come along.

You can try www.vegweb.com for some cool recipes!

[RichardB]

Welcome to the VeggieBoards!

[MrFalafel]

Well, first and fore most, I want to learn how to hold myself back from temptations.

Also, I want to be able to pitch this idea to my grandmother so that she can cook the meals for me. And where exactly can I buy the stuff needed for the average vegetarian diet.

The first thing you need to do is go to this webpage http://www.goveg.com/order.asp and order your free vegetarian starter kit. It will be sent to you and has all sorts of tips and information on how to start eating a vegetarian diet.

Why not cook have a go at cooking meals for yourself? That way you can be sure what you eat is healthy and learn a new skill. Many vegetarian recipes are very, very easy.

Go to a website like the one suggested above and look at some recipes there and find a couple that look tasty to you and don't have many ingredients or steps to make them. Then go to the grocery store and buy the ingredients and cook them at home. You may want to ask your grandmother to watch you cook the first few dishes the first time so you can learn how the stove works and stuff like that.

You don't need to go to any special stores to eat vegetarian. You can buy beans, rice, vegetables and everything else you need for a healthy diet at your local supermarket. If you want to eventually try more exotic foods then you can seek out the health food stores but you don't need to do that yet.

[frame69]

Get a piece of cold meat from your deli,leave it out for an hour then check it out under a micro-scope.
Frame, wishing you luck.

[Tom]

Hi, Raheem- and welcome!

Although most vegetarians soon lose any temptation to eat meat, not everyone does. I find that there are lots of vegetarian and vegan foods that are just as satisfying as meat and fish. They're not the same, necessarily- but they are nutritionally adequate and satisfying. You probably won't feel tempted by meat if you're well-fed, and just not hungry.

I can't really tell you more than this because your tastes might be different from mine. I like almost everything! But as far as heart disease goes, you're probably on the right track. Cardiovascular disease runs on my Mom's side of the family, but I appear to be avoiding it.