Vegan/vegetarian/pescatarian/etc diet questions?

[Ann.without.an.e]

My appetite for meat has been waning for a long time and suddenly I just can't stomach it.  

I already don't eat most dairy, I am gluten free, I just don't eat too many carbs other than fruit.  I do love veggies and fruits though so I know I can stock up on those.  The protein shakes I like are already vegan as well (to avoid the dairy).

 

Which diet do you follow and what made you choose it?  Do you have a difficult time limiting carbs/starchy foods or maintaining a healthy weight without the protein?  

 

Thanks ya'll :)

Edited January 30, 2017 by Attolia

[foxbridgeacademy]

Following

 

DD13 is GF, DF. vegetarian (she will eat eggs if they're in breads and such but not on their own). She gets a lot of her protein from soy (which I don't like) Quron Chi'ken and Peanut Butter.  Can't really answer your questions but I'm interested in others responses.

 

[MEmama]

What do you mean "without the protein"?

 

A vegetarian diet is easily high in protein. We eat eggs, cheese, dairy of all sorts, fish and other seafood, tofu, tempeh, beans, nuts, etc etc etc. Not consuming animal meat does not equate to a diet low in protein.

 

As for vegans, no idea. I've never been drawn to that.

[Violet Crown]

My family (but not me) are vegetarian. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the staples of our diet are mostly carbs: pasta, rice, potatoes, tortillas, bread, and beans, lentils, and eggs, with lots of dairy, fruits and vegetables. We use whatever butter or olive oil a given food calls for. We consume very little sugar. This has been our family diet for thirty years and none of us are overweight. We don't make a conscious effort to avoid or decrease carbs (nor did we make such an effort with fats back when fat was Evil): we just serve and eat reasonable amounts, and get reasonable amounts of exercise.

 

You can be assured that a vegetarian diet isn't short of protein (though we make sure everyone gets enough iron). If you don't eat dairy and few carbs, though, I'm not sure I'd recommend it. Maybe you need a change of meat? How do you feel about eggs?

[Bluegoat]

I wonder if restricting your diet further is really going to help.  Do you know why you are having so much trouble with so many food groups?  You are really creating a very limited diet for yourself.  It seems like there could be an underlying cause for your diet issues, or sometimes controlling diet can be its own problem.

 

I would have very clear reasons why something needs to be removed before I went on, and when talking about so many foods I would seriously consider getting the advice of a diet expert, preferably someone certified in some way.

 

[Ann.without.an.e]

What do you mean "without the protein"?

 

A vegetarian diet is easily high in protein. We eat eggs, cheese, dairy of all sorts, fish and other seafood, tofu, tempeh, beans, nuts, etc etc etc. Not consuming animal meat does not equate to a diet low in protein.

 

As for vegans, no idea. I've never been drawn to that.

 

 

My fault, I meant to say without animal protein but I didn't say that so it is confusing.  I know that other foods have protein.  

[Ann.without.an.e]

I wonder if restricting your diet further is really going to help.  Do you know why you are having so much trouble with so many food groups?  You are really creating a very limited diet for yourself.  It seems like there could be an underlying cause for your diet issues, or sometimes controlling diet can be its own problem.

 

I would have very clear reasons why something needs to be removed before I went on, and when talking about so many foods I would seriously consider getting the advice of a diet expert, preferably someone certified in some way.

 

 

Yes, I do know why I am having trouble with dairy and gluten.  No, I do not know why I am struggling with meat.  I think it is a mental thing, yes, but I can't seem to get over it.  

[Ann.without.an.e]

Following

 

DD13 is GF, DF. vegetarian (she will eat eggs if they're in breads and such but not on their own). She gets a lot of her protein from soy (which I don't like) Quron Chi'ken and Peanut Butter.  Can't really answer your questions but I'm interested in others responses.

 

 

My DD14 is a vegetarian but she eats dairy and gluten.  She has been a vegetarian since she was 6.  I don't let her do the soy stuff.  I don't think she gets enough protein, personally.  She won't drink vegan shakes or eat most fish, etc.

[Violet Crown]

My fault, I meant to say without animal protein but I didn't say that so it is confusing. I know that other foods have protein.

Eggs have all the animal protein you need. And they're non-evil now.

 

So why not soy? Just curious.

Edited January 30, 2017 by Violet Crown

[Ann.without.an.e]

Eggs have all the animal protein you need. And they're non-evil now.

 

So why not soy? Just curious.

 

 

I've just read so many negative things about soy over the years.  I don't really have a good reason though  :lol:

[MEmama]

My fault, I meant to say without animal protein but I didn't say that so it is confusing. I know that other foods have protein.

If you don't want ANY animal protein, you are essentially looking at going vegan.

 

I agree with a pp to talk with a medical professional(s) and nutritionist(s) before deciding to go that route. Your diet would be extremely limited and would take a lot of necessary management to get all your necessary nutrients. Protein is but one small component of a healthy diet. I'm sure it can be done, but I would definitely seek professional assistance.

 

I'm more of a most-all-things-in-moderation eater.

[citymom]

My family has been vegan for almost 20 years and I was vegetarian prior to that. We chose the diet for ethical reasons, but have had many health benefits as well. I don't follow a particular diet within it, but my adult daughter is gluten free and eats lower carb. She eats lots of veggies, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, legumes, mock meats (both soy and pea protein based). She also eats pasta that is made out of beans and lentils. She is very fit and athletic and has a healthy body weight. 

 

Many of the soy myths originated from biased studies that were funded by the dairy industry. In my experience, unless someone is eating a large amount of soy products or has a legitimate allergy there is no problem. We don't eat more than 4 servings daily.

 

Edited January 30, 2017 by citymom

[MEmama]

My DD14 is a vegetarian but she eats dairy and gluten. She has been a vegetarian since she was 6. I don't let her do the soy stuff. I don't think she gets enough protein, personally. She won't drink vegan shakes or eat most fish, etc.

Soybeans are just legumes. Nothing bad about them. If it's the faux meats you don't like (because high in fillers, high sodium, whatever), you don't have to go that route. But tofu is a simple food that's reasonably high in protein and calcium.

 

My DS has been a vegetarian his entire life (by choice). Now and again I'll pay extra attention to how much protein he gets in his average daily diet and it's always enough. However, he devours everything--no food other than meat is off the table to him--and eats tons, which might different from your daughter. Do you track her actual consumption, if you are concerned?

 

If she likes things like Boca burgers but you object to the soy, it's super easy to make your own and keep them in the freezer.

 

Fwiw, soy is found in almost everything, it's quite hard to avoid completely. I'm not sure how objectionable it is to you, though.

[Bluegoat]

Yes, I do know why I am having trouble with dairy and gluten.  No, I do not know why I am struggling with meat.  I think it is a mental thing, yes, but I can't seem to get over it.  

 

Well, removing whole food groups is kind of serious - it just cuts down the number of options you have for health, and also for buying in a careful or ethical way. 

 

Have you looked into orthorexia?  It's very theoretical, but I think, and this is based on my own observations, that it can affect people often who have a perfectly good reason for restricting some foods.

[mathnerd]

I am vegetarian (I eat dairy, but no fish or eggs). I have been so all my life for ethical reasons. I get all my protein from dairy, soy, legumes, beans, quinoa and other assorted grains/seeds/nuts.

I eat soy once a week. I cook well, eat well. Many people associate vegetarian diets with eating a lot of bread, pasta and rice. If you don't fall into that trap, eat starch with moderation (incorporate whole grains), add an element of protein to every meal, add vegetables in salad form as well as in cooked form (baked, sauteed etc) there is enough variety. I cook multiple cuisines and always have a different main dish every day.

Edited January 30, 2017 by mathnerd

[Anne]

What you're describing sounds like gluten-free vegan.

 

As long as you eat beans, I can't imagine that you could lack protein even if you keep your soy intake low. Although I think you should probably research that - I think that not all soy is created equal - after all, the Japanese have been eating tofu for years with no ill effects that I am aware of.

 

Anne

[mathnerd]

As long as you eat beans, I can't imagine that you could lack protein even if you keep your soy intake low. 

My doctor told me that beans and legumes consumed all the time also takes care of the iron intake for vegetarians.

[Violet Crown]

My doctor told me that beans and legumes consumed all the time also takes care of the iron intake for vegetarians.

In theory, cast iron cookware also provides the necessary iron. We still supplement, though.

[Ann.without.an.e]

 

 

Have you looked into orthorexia?  It's very theoretical, but I think, and this is based on my own observations, that it can affect people often who have a perfectly good reason for restricting some foods.

 

 

No, I haven't but I did look it up.  I have no idea!  I know that dairy and gluten are very bad for me.  I have an autoimmune condition that is greatly aggravated by those food groups.  3 out of 4 of  my kids are dealing with diagnosed autoimmune conditions (involving pediatric specialists and routine care) as well.  I know that people without these struggles wonder why in the world we would restrict ourselves like we do, but it honestly makes a huge difference for us and I guess unless someone is in our shoes they just won't understand.  

[Desert Strawberry]

I eat mostly vegan. I love vegan food, and feel amazing when I stick to it. 

 

Ime vegan foods are incredibly diverse and nutritional dense. You have to completely break away from the meat and potatoes type of meals, though. That's just not how these foods are structured. 

 

Some common vegan meals are spaghetti marinara, pasta putanesca, polenta ragu, mushroom bourguignon over mashed potatoes, falafel, burritos, tacos, pad Thai (with oyster mushroom based fish sauce and no shrimp paste), Thai peanut or sesame noodles, vegetable soup, minestrone, salads of a great variety, corn or potato chowder(made with plant milk), lentil soup, bean porridge, endless variations of beans and rice, veggie stews, curries, stir fries, casseroles, most Indian food, much Mediterranean food, many Asian dishes, soups, quinoa with veggies, burgers made of basically any edible plant matter, not to mention commercial and home prepared meat substitutes. Yesterday, I had a blt made from Morningstar bacon. I make breakfast sausage and Italian sausage and ground beef and chicken from tvp (soy protein). Tofu and seitan (gluten) can be marinated in any fashion and grilled, baked or fried to simulate pretty much anything.  Meat subs can be easily made from eggplant, walnuts, quinoa, sweet potatoes, beans, chickpeas, zucchini, or mushrooms, or purchased premade from soy, eggplant, mycoprotein, sunflower seeds, peas, or a growing variety of other plant foods. 

 

People are saying that a vegan diet will be super restrictive and lacking, but I believe it's quite the opposite. Ime, meat eaters are limited in variety. Meat, starch, limited number of veg. Not much variation. Vegan meals are usually full of los are variety, tons of veg of different types, legumes, nuts, seeds, pseudo legumes, pulses, grains. Tons of variety.

 

 

Edited February 1, 2017 by Desert Strawberry

[Desert Strawberry]

In theory, cast iron cookware also provides the necessary iron. We still supplement, though.

 

Dark, leafy greens are an excellent source of iron. We don't supplement, but we do cook in cat iron.

[Bluegoat]

I eat mostly vegan. I love vegan food, and feel amazing when I stick to it. 

 

Ime vegan foods are incredibly diverse and nutritional dense. You have to completely break away from the meat and potatoes type of meals, though. That's just not how these foods are structured. 

 

Some common vegan meals are spaghetti marinara, pasta putanesca, polenta ragu, mushroom bourguignon over mashed potatoes, falafel, burritos, tacos, pad Thai (with oyster mushroom based fish sauce and no shrimp paste), Thai peanut or sesame noodles, vegetable soup, minestrone, salads of a great variety, corn or potato chowder(made with plant milk), lentil soup, bean porridge, endless variations of beans and rice, veggie stews, curries, stir fries, casseroles, most Indian food, much Mediterranean food, many Asian dishes, soups, quinoa with veggies, burgers made of basically any edible plant matter, not to mention commercial and home prepared meat substitutes. Yesterday, I had a blt made from Morningstar bacon. I make breakfast sausage and Italian sausage and ground beef and chicken from tvp (soy protein). Tofu and seitan (gluten) can be marinated in any fashion and grilled, baked or fried to simulate pretty much anything.  Meat subs can be easily made from eggplant, walnuts, quinoa, sweet potatoes, beans, chickpeas, zucchini, or mushrooms, or purchased premade from soy, eggplant, mycoprotein, sunflower seeds, peas, or a growing variety of other plant foods. 

 

People are saying that a vegan diet will be super restrictive and lacking, but I believe it's quite the opposite. Ime, meat eaters are limited in variety. Meat, starch, limited number of veg. Not much variation. Vegan meals are usually full of los are variety, tons of veg of different types, legumes, nuts, seeds, pseudo legumes, pulses, grains. Tons of variety.

 

I don't think people are quite saying that.  But the OP isn't just talking about vegan, but then also restricting grains.  Depending on the family and how much they can rely on non-wheat grains, that could start to be very restricting.  I think most people can cut out two food groups pretty easily, though it will depend a little which ones.  Once it starts to get to three or more, it becomes much harder.

 

Since two food groups for the OP have serious health reasons for avoiding, adding another for a really very ill-defined reason, 

just doesn't leave a lot of room for flexibility, especially if there are picky eaters, or money issues, or the desire to eat sustainably, or a family that eats away from home regularly.

 

I don't think meat eaters are more likely to have restricted diets than others.  A lot of people in general seem to eat the same stuff most of the time, because its available, or what they like, or can afford. 

[Desert Strawberry]

I don't think gluten free vegan is horribly restrictive. Honestly, eliminating gluten is not even a big deal. Gluten is only in a handful of grains. Switching to rice or oats, or millet or corn or whatever is not a huge challenge.

 

I think I take issue with the whole idea of food groups. There are so many sources of iron and protein that are not meat. So many sources of calcium that are not dairy  , (which is not a super bioavailable source, really, anyway). Plenty of carbs that are not wheat, or even grains. Of course we can eliminate all of those "food groups" without sacrificing nutrition in any way. These groups aren't based on nutrition. They are based on sourcing. It would be far more broadly accurate to group foods by color. All yellow fruits and veg have beta carotene, green veggies have iron and vitamin c, Brown foods should be limited and white foods avoided completely. If you are cutting out all purple foods, you will probably be fine, but if you cut out all green foods, you might be in trouble.