Vegetarian Newbie

chicken alternative

2008-03-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

While browsing through the frozen food aisle at the grocery store, I came across a huge selection of meat substitutes. One of the products were MorningStar Farms Buffalo Wings Veggie Wings. I had my doubts at first, but let me tell you....they were delicious. And quite spicy too! For me, it tasted better than chicken.

It cooks in minutes too. Just pop the desired amount of "wings" into the microwave, heat for a few minutes and you're set. The "wings" come out crispy and hot. All you need to do is add ranch and bleu cheese. It's a great meal in minutes. And, it's vegetarian friendly.

the whole "you need protein" lecture

2008-03-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

Here's a common conversation I have with others when I tell them I am a vegetarian.

Me: I'm a vegetarian.
Somebody: But why? It's unhealthy. You need protein.
Me: Yeah, I know I need protein. I can eat plant-based forms of protein. Not all protein comes from meat.
Somebody: Really, like what?
Me: (I now respond with any of the following foods)

Beans- Pinto, Black, Navy, Soybeans
Peanut Butter
Tofu (and yes, it is good.)
Broccoli
Almonds
Veggie Burger
Soy milk
Spinach
Whole Wheat Bread
Seeds

Why I am vegetarian

2008-03-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

Why I am a vegetarian:

I have a dog. His name is Reese and he is absolutely amazing. He's an animal and I could never imagine eating him for dinner. So, why should I eat another animal for dinner?

Health reasons. Look at the research and you will learn vegetarians have a reduced risk for heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and other diseases in the long run.

The environment. According to GoVeg.com, raising animals for consumption wastes resources. It wastes water, fuel, soil and crops. By me choosing not to eat meat, I am not partaking in the use of these resources.

I like fruits and vegetables. It's true. I prefer an apple over a bag of potato chips any day.

a meat-free diet

2008-03-13T13:24:00.000-07:00

Think being a vegetarian is simply about not eating meat? It goes much deeper that than. There are many types of vegetarian diets out there.

Here's a basic rundown of types of vegetarian diets:

Semi-vegetarian (aka Flexatarian) - eat meat occasionally.

Pescetarian - no meat. no poultry. eat fish.

Lacto-ovo -vegetarian - no meat. no poultry. no fish. Do eat eggs and dairy products.

Lacto-vegetarian - no meat. no poultry. no fish. no eggs. Do eat dairy products.

Ovo-vegetarian - no meat. no poultry. no fish. no dairy. Do eat eggs.

Vegan -no meat. no poultry. no fish. no dairy. no eggs. (in short, no animal products of any kind, sometimes this can include eliminating honey too!)