[Faustina]

Hello everyone!

My username is "Faustina" (not real name) and I'm from the UK. I decided to become a vegetarian, and have just done my first vegetarian shop! (but with tuna, eggs and milk).

I started looking for a new diet when I was told by my doctor I needed to loose weight, but didn't really try. I found it hard to buy veg and fruit, let alone plan meals and being a student most of the meat I ate were poor quality and high in fat, as I'm "economically challenged". But what really gave me a good kick in the right direction was realising I was struggled to fit in most high street clothes (I'm female and a size 16-18). It made me really upset so I have decided it's all or nothing and the only thing for it was to drastically change my diet. I did look at the "fad diets" but they're only for the short term, and then I saw a vegetarian cook book. Thought I'd give it a go!

Tonight I'm going to cook an all-veg thai green curry. I've also got baked potato with rataouille for another night, as well as quiche (ready-made) and a veg and pasta bake. All of these meals I'm making more than enough for just me so I save some for another meal.

The only reason I've decided to continue to eat fish is I really couldn't think of any low-fat vegetarian sandwiches I can make for work other than tuna or cheese salad. Not only that but I thought it might be too much to make the transition that quickly, so I've kept the tuna and bought some tofu too. I have to admit I never really think about where my meat comes from so I am open to thinking about excluding all meat including fish and educating myself about it to encourage me to continue exploring vegetarianism!

Really, the things I need help with is some general advice for food shopping, sandwiches/take-away lunch ideas, cooking/storage tips, the best fruit and veg for weight-loss and of course, how to explain this all to my family and friends!

 

[.Goth-Alice.]

If you eat fish you are not a vegetarian.
A quick sandwich idea could be Quorn meats (low in fat and in practically every supermarket) or try Holland and Barrett if you have one near by for 'Cheatin' fake meats which are also pretty tasty.
Cheese is also quite high in fat so not really a healthy option. If you want a 'healthy' cheese. I suggest Cottage Cheese

Welcome to the forums

 

[Faustina]

Quote:

Originally Posted by .Goth-Alice.

If you eat fish you are not a vegetarian.
A quick sandwich idea could be Quorn meats (low in fat and in practically every supermarket) or try Holland and Barrett if you have one near by for 'Cheatin' fake meats which are also pretty tasty.
Cheese is also quite high in fat so not really a healthy option. If you want a 'healthy' cheese. I suggest Cottage Cheese

Welcome to the forums

Failed already

I didn't really think it through when I bought tuna, it was only really as I was writing this post that I thought "ah, that was a bit silly." I suppose instead I could have tomato salad or egg sandwich, or perhaps even cold cous cous or pasta.

 

[.Goth-Alice.]

Yes...cous cous and pasta salads are very good ideas. As long as the pasta is wholewheat if youre being healthy

It also shows that as a vegetarian you can still eat food that is yummy and not just sit munching on tofu and carrots lol.
There are tons of great ideas for meals on here in the recipe section, and google is always your friend...as for telling your friends and family..it depends why you really want to be veggie...is it purely for health or are your reasons also ethical?

 

[Faustina]

Do many people who describe themselves as vegetarian eat fish?

It's mainly for health reasons but I'm also concerned about climate change and animal welfare. I don't normally think about where meat comes from but since I've started to buy food for myself I've become more aware of the issues and have tried to buy "good" meat instead of the cheap stuff, but then ended up poor and wondering whether it makes much of a difference anyway. I've always bought free-range eggs.

 

[dormouse]

Welcome to Veggieboards, Faustina!

As you may have already noticed, the issue of whether vegetarians eat fish is a sore spot here on Veggieboards. We pretty much all agree here that vegetarians don't eat any meat or flesh, including sea creatures. The correct term for someone like that is a pescatarian. We hope that you consider going fully vegetarian, and please do not discuss eating fish on Veggieboards. It is against our rules!

I'm glad you've taken some steps in the right direction. Some of my favorite sandwiches include some combination of cheese, hummus, tomato slices, and sprouts or just plain old peanut butter and jelly. Fruit and vegetables in general are pretty good for weightloss. Bananas and avocadoes I know have more calories than other fruits, but they're still good for you. It will take a little while to get used to your new shopping list and what food satisfies you. Just be patient and keep trying!

 

[Faustina]

I'm gonna get rid of the tuna! If I'm gonna do this, I'm gonna do it properly, 100% meat-free.

I'll take it back to the shop tomorrow with my recipt and say I changed my mind, or give it to my boyfriend who's a massive meat eater... or save it in my cupboard for a weak moment.

Oh and sorry for mentioning fish if it's generally not allowed or a bit of a sore spot, I didn't know. Like many people I thought that many "vegetarians" ate fish, I plead innocent ignorance.

 

[Josh James xVx]

Exactly what compelled you to try vegetarianism, and what gave you the impression we eat animals of any sort?

 

[Shiftiness]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faustina

I'll take it back to the shop tomorrow with my recipt and say I changed my mind,

Money back is always a good thing

 

[Faustina]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh James xVx

Exactly what compelled you to try vegetarianism, and what gave you the impression we eat animals of any sort?

I've explained in my OP. I had to change my diet as I needed to lose weight and I wanted to be healthier. I am was always concerned about where my meat came from and climate change but I did brush it under the carpet a bit. And my impression about fish was because my best friend who I grew up with since young childhood described herself as "vegetarian" but ate fish.

If I had known people would be this unfriendly just because I made an innocent mistake I'm not sure I would have joined.

 

[Joe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faustina

Do many people who describe themselves as vegetarian eat fish?

Well, yes. But that is another complicated problem--the misuse of the word "vegetarian." People who would otherwise be considered vegetarians except for their eating fish are properly called pescetarians.

See: http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dict...sh/pescetarian

There is another issue I would like to raise with you and it is this. While I do not by any means want to discourage you from coming to VB to seek help, have you tried contacting any local vegetarian organizations in the UK? After all, the Vegetarian Society and the Vegan Society were both founded in the UK, and I would imagine that local veg*n societies would be in a much better position to help you with specifics of where to shop, available products, etc.

If I were you, I would start by contacting the International Vegetarian Union,

http://www.ivu.org/

They have a search feature where you can locate veg*n organizations in the UK.

This link also might be helpful.

http://www.vegsoc.org/network
Quote:

Local network

Waiting to welcome you

The Vegetarian Society has Affiliated Local Groups in many different parts of the country and they all welcome new members.
If you are new to vegetarianism, or just thinking about changing your diet, your Local Group can give you a lot of encouragement and moral support. They also have first-hand knowledge about where to eat out or shop for vegetarian products in your area.
The groups support our campaigns and projects, so if you are interested in promoting vegetarianism, you can make contact with like-minded people to share ideas and give vegetarians a louder voice.
Most groups also organise social events throughout the year; they particularly seem to enjoy good food and good company.
Find out where our local groups are located and what they are doing.

Let me restate so I will not be misunderstood. I am advocating a both/and not an either/or approach. Belt and braces, as you might say in the UK. Continue to participate here, but also contact the veg*n organizations near you.

I'd be interested in hearing about the kind of response you get from the local veg*n organizations in the UK.

 

[Faustina]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe

Well, yes. But that is another complicated problem--the misuse of the word "vegetarian." People who would otherwise be considered vegetarians except for their eating fish are properly called pescetarians.

See: http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dict...sh/pescetarian

Thank you for explaining that to me.

Quote:

There is another issue I would like to raise with you and it is this. While I do not by any means want to discourage you from coming to VB to seek help, have you tried contacting any local vegetarian organizations in the UK? After all, the Vegetarian Society and the Vegan Society were both founded in the UK, and I would imagine that local veg*n societies would be in a much better position to help you with specifics of where to shop, available products, etc.

If I were you, I would start by contacting the International Vegetarian Union,

http://www.ivu.org/

They have a search feature where you can locate veg*n organizations in the UK.

This link also might be helpful.

http://www.vegsoc.org/network

Let me restate so I will not be misunderstood. I am advocating a both/and not an either/or approach. Belt and braces, as you might say in the UK. Continue to participate here, but also contact the veg*n organizations near you.

I'd be interested in hearing about the kind of response you get from the local veg*n organizations in the UK.

I've had a look using the links you gave me but also I looked before I came to this site, but I can't find any in my local area. The closest is about an hour's drive away and I don't own a car. I'm a student but there isn't a vegetarian society at my university either.

 

[dormouse]

Geez, folks, Faustina has been informed that how vegetarians eat fish is a misconception. No need to be rude to her for it!

You are right there are lots of people who still call themselves vegetarians, yet eat fish, sometimes even chicken or turkey! I can see why you might have thought eating fish was vegetarian. Not a problem at all.

 

[Faustina]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dormouse

Geez, folks, Faustina has been informed that how vegetarians eat fish is a misconception. No need to be rude to her for it!

You are right there are lots of people who still call themselves vegetarians, yet eat fish, sometimes even chicken or turkey! I can see why you might have thought eating fish was vegetarian. Not a problem at all.

Thank you

I always thought it was wierd and my childhood friend could never explain how she could be a vegetarian and eat fish, but I just assumed it was a legitimate "form" of it I suppose, as I've met many others like her.

I'm really excited about trying this, I'm really keen to educate myself about where meat actually comes from (something as I've mentioned I try not to think about too much) and hey, if I lose weight and increase my general health then it's all positives! Just a bit sad I got such a lukewarm reception, but ah well it's my fault.

Tonight for tea is a thai green curry, never cooked it before, and for dessert I've got some dairy-free ice cream.

Got some quiche to take to work with me for my meal tomorrow, not tuna sandwiches! Tuna is definately going back to the shop or being given away.

 

[reneeannem]

Good luck on your journey, Faustina!

I think my best advice to you would be to take things one day at a time, don't worry too much about doing things 'right' while you are adjusting. If someone is grumpy with you, do your best to ignore them. Educate yourself as much as you can! Think about where your food comes from, and that can serve as another motivator on your way to a kinder and cleaner lifestyle! Ask as many questions as you feel you need to.

Another thing is to be patient while your taste buds are adjusting. Try new things. Pick up a new (and economical) veggie ingredient every time you go the grocery store and cook something inventive with it. If you don't like them at first, try them again, but in a different way! You'll be amazed at how your palate changes when you give veg*nism your best try!

 

[Joe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faustina

Thank you for explaining that to me.

You are welcome. The misuse of the term "vegetarian" is a significant problem in the US and is a "sore point" for many.
There is even a VB thread on this subject:

Quote:

About half of all people who claim to be vegetarian actually eat animals. The Humane Research Council states, "A small proportion of U.S. adults (1-3% of the population, or 2-6 million adults) are 'actual' veg*ns, though about twice that number (4-6%) consider themselves vegetarian when asked by researchers."

http://www.veggieboards.com/newvb/sh...*n-Terminology

I wonder whether the same problem (or anything similar) exists in the U.K.

At any rate, I do not approve of people on VB being unfriendly toward you (or toward any "beginner.") I think these people are in the minority here on VB, which is overall a friendly and constructive place. I've been a member--and a contributing member--for about ten years. I would not contribute to the Board unless I believed it was a good thing overall.

I was involved in a vegetarian organization here in Nashville from 1996 to 2004, when it unfortunately collapsed. During that time, I met vegetarians from the UK--in particular, two sisters who visit Nashville periodically, and have helped steer them toward vegetarian food in a city (Nashville) where such food is a bit difficult to come by.

 

[zirpkatze]

welcome. i'm glad you've decided to become a vegetarian and give up the fish

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faustina

Oh and sorry for mentioning fish if it's generally not allowed or a bit of a sore spot, I didn't know. Like many people I thought that many "vegetarians" ate fish, I plead innocent ignorance.

since everyone's picked the fish thing out already i wanted to comment on this bit. it's a sore spot for vegetarians for that exact reason. there's some people who call themselves vegetarian while eating fish and then those who are actually vegetarian end up getting served fish because "other vegetarians eat fish, why can't you?"
becoming a vegetarian is always a learning experience and mistakes will happen

 

[Vancityveggie]

Congratulations on getting rid of the meat! I went veg 5 years ago and never looked back. I had difficulty coming up with sandwich ideas at first as well becuase my sandwiches had always revolved around meat. Some things I like are hummous, cucumber and spinach on whole wheat. Also, roasted peppers on a baguette. I recently discovered this mock tuna recipe....soo good. I add more kelp than it says to in the recipe coz I love that "fishy" taste. I love it in a wrap with romaine lettuce and cucumber. Here is a link to the recipe. http://yeahthatvegan****.blogspot.co...una-salad.html

 

[Josh James xVx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe

At any rate, I do not approve of people on VB being unfriendly toward you (or toward any "beginner.") I think these people are in the minority here on VB, which is overall a friendly and constructive place. I've been a member--and a contributing member--for about ten years. I would not contribute to the Board unless I believed it was a good thing overall.

If you're referring to me in any way, shape or form I'd challenge you to explain to me how simple questions are unfriendly. I'm legitimately curious about this person's motivations and their perception of what a vegetarian is. I'd like to understand where they're coming from and what their goals are so I can engage them in a conversation. If that's something you don't approve of then I couldn't care less what you approve of, to be honest.

 

[Spoonerism]

The idea of vegetarians eating fish is definitely a sore spot around here. I don't blame you though. There are so many pseudo vegetarians out there confusing people. You said you were willing to cut out the fish as well, so no big deal anyway. Veg*nism (this word means vegetarian or vegan) is a learning process. Making mistakes is expected in the beginning. I feel like I should also mention that you should be on the look out for gelatin, a non vegetarian ingredient that's in a lot of foods.

Welcome to the boards, and good luck on your vegetarian journey!