Any vegetarians or vegans on here?

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Permalink Reply by magicalmirror on June 20, 2008 at 8:29pm

hiya,

yes, I have been vegetarian for 30 years.

and could never eat any more meat, but i do admit at times i eat dairy products.

magicalmirror

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer on June 20, 2008 at 8:31pm

Well great!

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer on June 21, 2008 at 6:01pm

It's weird, but you could be right. For me, I feel I might've helped it though. And other activists in the 60s got things done in a positive way for other issues, even though they were focusing on negative things, so how did that work?

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Permalink Reply by Secret Sk8r on June 21, 2008 at 7:08pm

Hey Jennifer-

Good for you for being vegetarian!

I felt the same way you did actually- I picked up a brochure in a health food store about how the commercial meat industry animals are treated, and felt upset about it. I vowed not to eat meat and didn't for a long time.

I used to be vegetarian for 5 years, with no dairy products (although I did have eggs and fish occasionally for protein). I am also gluten free, which means I don't eat wheat bread or other products containing wheat gluten.

Although I enjoyed being vegetarian and didn't want to start eating meat again, I had to out of neccesity. I went to a health specialist in Chicago and he said that I had to start having more protein, as my protein count was way down, and that my blood/metabolic type wasn't conducive to vegetarianism. Plus I am an athlete, so I need all the protein I can get!

Still, I don't eat that much meat- if I do, it is organic, free range, and local. I know the farmers personally, and they all use humane practices when farming meat. I eat completely organic, and try to be as environmentally friendly as possible. I feel like I am a vegetarian at heart!

Nice meeting you!

Secret Sk8r

check out my blog at www.lakeplacidskater.blogspot.com!

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer on November 16, 2008 at 10:43pm

I just want to say that you have not done your research. Vegan diets are generally very high in protein actually.

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Permalink Reply by Lizzers on November 17, 2008 at 6:23pm

But I think for celiacs and for those that are intolerant to a large portion of carbohydrates, this means that the basic eating stuff of their meals is probably beans - which again is fine, but it is also heavy with carbs. For me, I have to watch my carb intake because my insulin is wonky - the protein that I can get from meat, unfortunately, is much better for me than the protein/ carb combo that I get from beans.

And I think calling someone out for 'not doing their research' is a bit inappropriate - someone who has to eat a gluten-free diet does nothing but food-related research.

Just like you have decided that veganism is for you, the other poster has decided, upon much reflection and processing, that their diet is the best for them. No need to insult anyone's intelligence...!

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer on November 17, 2008 at 8:41pm

You are right that I shouldn't have been rude about it and I apologize. But I still think that not enough research was done if the person only looked at a few sources for research. Many doctors and scientists now know that there are lots of sources for protein, not just from grains,

Here are some examples of vegetarian foods (Non-grain) with high sources of plant protein:

PROTEIN IN LEGUMES: Garbanzo beans, Kidney beans, Lentils, Lima beans, Navy beans, Soybeans, Split peas

VEGETABLE PROTEIN: Artichokes, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Green peas, Green pepper, Kale, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard green, Onions, Potatoes, Spinach, Tomatoes, Turnip greens, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini

PROTEIN IN FRUITS: Apple, Banana, Cantaloupe, Grape, Grapefruit, Honeydew melon, Orange, Papaya, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Strawberry, Tangerine, Watermelon

Also,everyone needs at least some GOOD carbs. But for people with carb issues you certainly need to keep it in check which is certainly possible given this wide range of food options. And who ever told you that meat was a healthier protein source? Please show me evidence of this because the evidence I have found (And this is from non-biased sources) is that in many university and scientific studies alike, meat consumption is often high in fat and cholesterol, thus being linked to cancer and heart disease, just two of the illnesses I can think of.

And for info on how the body is designed more like an herbivore, check out these links below. I tried to find unbiased sources for these links: (as in not on vegetarian sites)
http://www.aptb82.dsl.pipex.com/stopcancer/Humans_are_herbivores.htm
http://microbiology.suite101.com/article.cfm/are_humans_omnivores

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Permalink Reply by Lizzers on November 17, 2008 at 9:09pm

I wasn't presenting my dietary choices, and my history of food issues, up for discussion. Your commentary goes no further to show that you weren't trying to insult either my, or the other poster's intelligence. That you had to apologize and put a "BUT" after it makes me think that you actually didn't mean the apology at all!

I don't want you to mistake "my experience" for anyone elses, but do consider that not everyone's body chemistries are made up the same way. At least afford me that, along with the amount of work I have had to put into my experience in order to make me feel even somewhat healthy and to be able to function.

I can see you are passionate about your cause, but maybe have a look at noelle's posting - part of LOA is working with those who are working with you, rather than calling people out or assuming that they have made their decisions based on incorrect thinking. This is my path. I have discovered it through much trial, tribulation, health problems and have found generally that I feel better eating the way I do. That is my truth. It may not be yours, but I don't have to prove anything to you - nor you to me. I have simply told you that my experiences have lead me to believe that I cannot enjoy a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Allow that maybe I have done my own research, have fought my own battles, and have come to this decision based on my own intelligence. And if you then think that I'm not as intelligent as you, maybe let that sleeping dog lie, no?

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer on November 17, 2008 at 9:35pm

I never said you weren't as intelligent as me. I am sorry for the "but" part, however I was being sincere when I apologized for being rude. I suppose after I apologized, that I was then just trying to open a couple people's minds to the possibility that what they have "experienced" and learned may not be entirely factual. For yes, everyone's chemistries are different, but we are all homo sapiens and generally have similar dietary needs, however in this day and age with certain technologies and chemicals in our foods, we have developed allergies to certain natural foods. Therefore some of us must be extra careful, but it still means that there are many options. That is all I am saying. If you choose not to read the information I have just provided you then that is fine. All I will say is that the reason I found the LOA was through my open mindedness, and willingness to always look at every option.

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Permalink Reply by Lizzers on November 17, 2008 at 10:53pm

//I was then just trying to open a couple people's minds to the possibility that what they have "experienced" and learned may not be entirely factual.//

I really don't know what to say. You are saying that what I've learned based on my 32 years of living in my body is not 'factual'. I can't argue with that. I haven't had a medical team study me to validate my experiences. All I can go on is that 20 years ago I was in a great amount of pain and it has taken me this long to figure out what my body needs. No, it isn't "factual". And that's fine. I don't have to use a 'baggy'' to hold my bowel movements because of this diet and to me, that is a good thing. With my crohn's and celiac disease, I've found the best diet for me is to eat one of meat, veggies and fruit. You can find evidence on this or not. But saying that what I've learned isn't factual?

I've never said I was openminded. I'm not. I'm also selfish. I'm so selfish that I only want to live a life that I've designed, and of what I envisioned. Oh - is that LOA!? I do believe it is.

I would say that you aren't openminded either. You have made up your mind to be what you are. You have evidence that helps you buy into that process. That's fine - own your convictions. Own the fact that others eating meat bothers you a lot. And then LET THAT GO! You won't be able to move forward in LOA unless you release your expectations on others - that includes anyone who doesn't hold your world views.

Permalink Reply by Jennifer on November 17, 2008 at 10:47pm

If you're still listening and are curious for some information, then here's some more. The other thing that made me think that the person hasn't done all of their research was the fact that if they ate fish occasionally for five years, they are not vegetarian by definition. You would think if they were truly interested and devoted that they would at least know the definition of a vegetarian. Vegetarians don't eat fish, however pescetarians do.

Also, you seem to be implying that because he/she has celiacs disease, that they wouldn't be getting carbs, but then you say that beans are too carby. If getting carbs from non-gluten sources is so difficult, then wouldn't the carbiness of the beans be actually beneficial?

And yes, protein is so so so SO easy to get. Most people who eat a Western diet get more than they need (which can cause many problems). And even if you need ENORMOUS amounts of protein and are working out etc, it's still VERY easy to get enough on a vegan diet. And given the person was eating eggs (which have a buttload of protein) and fish (ditto), it would be extraordinarily easy to get enough protein. If the health specialist said the person wasn't getting enough protein, then that person was wrong and the patient above should've seen a doctor and gotten more than one second opinion. It actually implies that this person hasn't done much research if they think they weren't getting enough protein on their previous diet, after all of this evidence that I have just provided.

Also, just thought I'd mention that people with celiac disease generally need to take a B12 supplement as they can't absorb it as well as most people (at least so I have been told).

And as far as the whole "Eat Right For Your Blood Type" craze, many many doctors and nutritionists have debunked that book and its teachings and know that it is nonsense. I know of MANY vegans with blood type O that have been absolutely thriving on a vegan diet for years and years.

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer on November 17, 2008 at 11:08pm

I will respond to this one since your last comment wouldn't give me a "reply to" option. I would say that certainly your diet is healthy if you feel healthy and doctors say you are healthy. I never said it wasn't, or that the other persons' wasn't healthy as well. I was only trying to say that through my experience and research a vegan diet can be healthy for everyone too, and is usually actually more healthy than an omnivore's diet, that is all. Also, I do believe that even if I have my opinions and research that I feel is based on yes, factual resources, I still do maintain that I have an open mind and I am curious about everything that everyone has to say. Also, the LOA is working quite well for me. I am happy and just because I chose to share my side of something doesn't mean that I am bringing down my own fulfillment and happiness with the LOA. In fact to me I am enriching it more by bringing knowledge to as many as I can. I attract positive change every day.

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