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Struggling

1651 Views 12 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  LucidAnne, 
S
Ok. I've been an on again off agin vegetarian since I was about 18. I'm on again, but I'm really struggling. I know all the reasons, I've seen the videos, I know that logically meat is bad in dozens of different ways... but (isn't there always one?)

Sometimes I crave it! A cheeseburger, or chicken wings or something. I don't want to want it, but I get fixated on it! Does anyone else ever struggle with this? Can anyone give me tips? Please help! I ultimately want to become a vegan, but I gotta get this down first!

Jessica
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Z
I am not a vegetarian. But when I get weak for foods that I want to eat but I don't want to eat. I either start drinking ice cold water, run, or lift weights. This is a very good way (for me any ways) to keep focused. Plus you are rewarded because it kills your craving for food and it makes you exercise, which is obviously good for you.

Good Luck!!
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Calhoun07
Have you ever tried the meat alternative products? Morningstar's Grillers taste incredibly like a regular burger. And there are decent chicken alternative products out there. No, they won't taste exactly like the real thing, but the best of them come darn close.

And how long have you been vegetarian? Sometimes it just takes a little time. For me, it was over a number of years as I gradually gave up certain meats. I first gave up pork, then beef, then I eased everything else out slowly. Now I don't eat meat at all and even the things I thought I'd miss I really don't miss.

And I have some recipes on hand in the event I get a craving or two (like a couple veggie burger recipes I can make in the event I get a craving for White Castle burgers again.)
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S
This latest on again has been for a couple of months but with some cheating.

I appreciate the answers. I'm gonna try to make do with the substitutes and redirect myself to something more healthy.

I've been reading so many posts where people were 100% perfect and adamant about it I doubted myself. I'll just have to keep trying!
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juno
Like Calhoun07 said, sometimes it's not a good idea to go cold turkey. I also gave up one thing at a time. First beef, then pork, then chicken. Those were easy for me to let go of... But seafood... I'm still slowly working on giving it up completely. And it's been a while! It's just different for different people.

Also, have you looked at the recipes board on VB? Try them out so you won't turn to meat dishes. Vegweb.com also has a ton of recipes.

Good luck!
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Laura Ng
yeah, sugarfemme, this going to take time as your body also needs to accustom to the diet change. It took me 5 long years to turn to 100% vegetarian, now I'm trying to turn vegan..then again it's going to take time..

Dont' give up, pal!


________________________________

Animals are my friends...and I don't eat my friends...

http://www.ionehealth.com
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Nishani
Quote:
Originally Posted by SugarFemme23 View Post

I've been reading so many posts where people were 100% perfect and adamant about it I doubted myself. I'll just have to keep trying!
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Hey, don't put so much pressure on yourself, no one is 100% perfect with their veg*nism
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cftwo
When I craved meat in my early vegetarian days, I found that I didn't actually crave the meat itself, but rather the sauces or toppings or extras that came with it. A hamburger was easily replaced with a veggie burger with the works. Sometimes I was craving the salty taste and could channel that craving elsewhere. Chicken wings - I bet you crave the sauce more than anything. You can always marinate some tofu in the sauce and either bake or pan-fry it and still have that taste. I used to love tuna and chicken salad - subbing chickpeas for the tuna/chicken has been a great substitution.
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L
nobody is 100% perfect, you do your best.
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W
Do your best, but don't excuse yourself too often otherwise you'll fall into that habit and find the step up to vegetarianism even harder. Don't let your tummy rule your heart. Have the substitutes to satisfy your appetite.
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S
I really appreciate it guys! I've been doing much better. It seems talking it out and getting some feedback worked wonders! I haven't really had a hard time at all this weekend.
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nogardsram
Yeah, don't beat yourself up over it. Old habits die hard and cravings can drive people crazy.

I went vegan (cold-tofurkey
) from a fairly heavy meat and dairy diet. I had horrible cravings for fish, they died off over the course of the first year. I also had cravings for cheese, and tried it a few times over probably the first 6 months, but got ill or upset tummy every time so that helped me move away from that.

I also had a few candy bars (like Snickers) since I used to use them as a snack between meals or when I needed a quick pick me up (in terms of food).

I found what helped me was start trying a variety of foods and see if anything else helps with the cravings and to change my habits of 'comfort foods.' I realized I had a variety of foods I would eat when I felt a certain way or when I was in a hurry (like fast food). So maybe it was changing habits and associations with food and feelings too.

Good luck!
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LucidAnne
Quote:
Originally Posted by cftwo View Post

When I craved meat in my early vegetarian days, I found that I didn't actually crave the meat itself, but rather the sauces or toppings or extras that came with it. A hamburger was easily replaced with a veggie burger with the works. Sometimes I was craving the salty taste and could channel that craving elsewhere. Chicken wings - I bet you crave the sauce more than anything. You can always marinate some tofu in the sauce and either bake or pan-fry it and still have that taste. I used to love tuna and chicken salad - subbing chickpeas for the tuna/chicken has been a great substitution.
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i agree.

often it was spices that i missed, or the super saltiness of things. and then i found herb mixes, and my life has been easier since! i used to love my moms chicken nuggets.... and i realized that it was the poultry seasoning that i loved...so, i just put it on MSF chik strips or tofu!

people are definately not perfect.... veg'nism im sure, will get easier, as you find new products, flavor combinations, etc... and just take it day by day. its a learning process.
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