[Jay_Bunny]

Hello, I'm very new to vegetarianism. I tried it a year ago but only for a month, while in college. It was only a month because I came home for break and my family eats meat all the time and I didn't want to offend, so I broke my vegetarian streak.

So now, my fiance and I are trying it as our New Years resolution. She is doing it mostly because its healthier, and I'm doing it mostly for animal rights. Here's the problem. There are so many things I refuse to eat.

I hate peppers, mushrooms, and things of that nature. I do, however, love fruit. If I could, I'd live off of fruit. Kiwi, strawberries, raspberries, lemon, melon, bananas, its all good. I like veggies too, like carrots, broccoli, turnips, and such. Only problem is, I tend to like them raw rather than cooked.

Also, my fiance and I are not giving up seafood. Don't know why, but we aren't. I am quitting milk and eggs, but how to do this when she is not? So many things are made with milk and eggs.

So, how best to start off? What are some tips to help us along?

 

[isowish]

Hi. Welcome to VB and congratulations on making these lifestyle changes!

One thing though, and please don't take this as a criticism because most of us here are supportive of anyone who is decreasing the amounts of animal foods in their diet: if you are still eating seafood (well, other than sea vegetables and stuff

) you are not a vegetarian. You are a pescatarian. I hope you stick around on veggieboards for the support anyway

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay_Bunny

I hate peppers, mushrooms, and things of that nature. I do, however, love fruit. If I could, I'd live off of fruit. Kiwi, strawberries, raspberries, lemon, melon, bananas, its all good. I like veggies too, like carrots, broccoli, turnips, and such. Only problem is, I tend to like them raw rather than cooked.

I don't quite know how much 'things of that nature' includes, but if you are cutting out a lot of vegetables it will be disadvantageous to your health and the variety of your meals. I would say to not try and make yourself eat anything you don't like at first, but that in a few months your tastes may have changed. Try these vegetables you don't like again, but cook them in new ways, and with other stuff you do like. Kepp trying. You might be surprised. I used to hate mushrooms, and although I'm no great fan of them now, I can eat them and even enjoy them if they are served to me. When you have specific dietry requirements it is much better to not have to deal with dislikes as well, especially when it comes to anxious relatives wanting to cook for you, or limited choice in a restaurant.

Oh and raw vegetables are delicious and good for you. I don't see the problem here! Eat them with dips and stuff, especially hummus. Yummy!

Quote:

I am quitting milk and eggs, but how to do this when she is not? So many things are made with milk and eggs.

I would just advise you to use milk/egg free versions of things in the house like margarine, bread - anything that is pretty much the same either way. Let her have milk for her coffee or eggs at her breakfast or whatever if she likes, but when cooking a meal for both of you make it suitable for you. Just because she is keeping dairy and eggs in her diet doesn't mean she has to have them at every meal or even most meals.

Quote:

So, how best to start off? What are some tips to help us along

you sound like you've got it quite sorted. And you have support from your partner. It's up to you to decide whether you are going to cut animal products out one by one or all at once, and after that, well, the only thing to do is to go for it. Label read on everything, you'd be amazed at what they sneak in. If your motivation dies, watch AR videos or read literature. Come to VB for support whenever you need it.

Good luck!

 

[karenlovessnow]

What she said! And welcome to VB!

 

[MmmmVeggies]

Yup! Good advice given... consider giving up seafood yourself perhaps, if she's unwilling. There are many substitutes for dairy and eggs. I actually prefer most of them!! Some times, such as with baked goods, you might have to skip out on a slice of cake, but always remember WHY you made your choice.

I hate mushrooms, peppers, and a few other veggies and I have thrived just fine for years- even before going Vegan I virtually never ate meat or dairy (except pizza cheese lol) or eggs (only in tiny amounts on rare occasions by chance). I agree don't force yourself to eat something you don't like.

Raw veggies are actually better for you anyway, and there's nothing wrong with eating lots of fruits.

My typical day is:

Onion Bagel with Vegan slice of cheese OR organic oatmeal with apples OR Vegan whole grain cereal with soy milk

Some type of pasta meal for lunch- I make my own Vegan mac n "cheese" with nutritonal yeast, soy milk, garlic, and Vegan buttery spread a lot, or I make my own Vegan alfredo or use red sauce. No matter what kind of pasta I make, I usually add veggies. I LOVE pasta so eating it daily is a pleasure for me, and it's so easy to work with.

For dinner I go for variety- falafel, cous cous, beans and rice, usually with a side of veggies... I eat tofurky and other forms of tofu. I snack on fruits and nuts, and I drink high quality juice like it's going out of style

I am no nutrition expert, but I'm happy, healthy, and feeling great.

 

[fairouz]

Welcome to VB! It's great that you and your fiancee can support each other while you become pescetarians and hopefully, eventually, vegetarians. You've received a lot of great advice already in this thread. Raw vegetables are good for you, that's no problem, and so is fruit -- I'd advise you to try things you haven't had before and see how you like them. There's tons of different produce and other foods available to you! Find out what you like and plan your meals around that.

Good luck!

 

[Morrigann]

My husband (fiance' at the time) and I went veg at the same time, too. It was great to have the mutual support and a lot more fun cooking together. Good luck!

Welcome to VB!

 

[Jay_Bunny]

I went shopping today. I've decided to go completly vegan. No animal products at all. Not even my beloved rice krispie treat. Here is what I got from the store.

2 containers of Soy yogurt (to try, never had it)

1 package of Rice cheese (never tried it)

1 package of silken tofu (never tried it)

1 package of cubbed tofu (never tried it)

2 packages of pita bread (love this stuff)

Veggie Burgers (never tried this brand)

Veggie Hotdogs (never tried it, but my mom says they are good)

Veggie turkey slices (never had it)

Non-dairy spread (like butter)

Sound like a good start? I'm going to find some recipies on here and go shopping again this coming week to get make some good meals.

 

[karenlovessnow]

Double check your rice cheese...when I first went vegan I bought it but found out it had casein in it which is a dairy product.

Although there is a thread somewhere here that says some rice cheese is now vegan.

 

[isowish]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay_Bunny

I went shopping today. I've decided to go completly vegan. No animal products at all. Not even my beloved rice krispie treat.

congratulations!

 

[Jay_Bunny]

The package says 100% non-dairy. Vegan.

Rice Slices

Ingredients: Rice Base (Filtered Water, Rice Flour) Maltodextrin, Rice Bran Oil, Pea Protein, Tricalcium Phosphate, Contains 2 Percent or less of Charrageenan, Salt, Mono and Diglycerides, Sodium Polyphosphate, Natural Flavor, Jalapeno Peppers, Lactic Acid, Sodium Phosphate, Food Color (Carotenal) Calcium Chloride.

Question, why are there Jalapeno Peppers in cheese?

 

[Jay_Bunny]

Update on the Rice Slices...

I don't like them. I don't like the texture and I can taste the peppers in them. (I HATE peppers.) So I need to find a new cheese.