Should I become a vegetarian?
Depending on what else you eat, from that description, I'd say you're already a veggie by default! I went veggie nearly 13 years ago, and it was down to putting myself on a trial run for two weeks to see if I could do it. Half way through I ate one marshmallow. 'Not a big deal, it's just a tiny amount of gelatine' I thought. I ended up having the worst nightmare of my life, that I still remember vividly. In it a butcher told me that if I was going to eat meat, then I would have to kill the animal myself, which I replied 'fair enough' as he handed me a meat cleaver. I was chasing a piglet whilst trying to hit it with my knife, the squeals were deafening and the white walls were turning red. I managed to whack the cleaver into the back of the piglet, who turned around but was actually my dog. Hasten to add, I woke up in a cold sweat, ran downstairs to hug my dog at 2am (which he was not pleased at all), and vowed that I would never eat meat again because I cannot kill an animal and it would be hypocritical of me to do otherwise.Turns out, going veggie was a life changing moment that has allowed me to see all animals and wildlife in a different life which led to a career and lifestyle change. I saw a film from inside a slaughterhouse, and the slaughterman laughed and said 'I'm being paid to murder', to which he laughed again, realised what he said and asked for it to be cut. You've already been an unexpected veggie for a while, sit down and ask if you feel healthier? Do you feel less 'guilty'? And if there are any meats that you think you'll miss? I felt healthier within a couple of weeks; I felt as though a weight has been lifted off my shoulders; and I wrote down what meats I thought I'd miss (I was a big meat eater, so black pudding was on the list), and if I could live without them. Turns out I could, and I am. If it disturbed you that much, I don't know why you would go back to eating meat.
I want to be a vegetarian for moral reasons, but I don't think I can give up meat. What can I do?
There was no greater carnivore in the world than yours truly. I grew up in Uruguay eating steak (delicious steak from completely organic grass fed cattle), every single day basically. But like you, it always bothered me to be such a meat lover when I'm an animal lover and I believe that eating meat is not ethically right. Eventually, it bothered me enough I made the leap. Now I have no desire to eat meat and I don't feel deprived.My advice to you is don't feel trapped by labels. Who cares if you don't instantly become vegetarian or vegan? Start by reducing your consumption. For example, allow yourself meat when you go out with friends, but not at home. Or on the weekend, but not during the week. You get my point.Meanwhile, research websites with vegetarian recipes. There are many. There are many delicious dishes that are healthy and that you can have fun cooking! You'll discover that plant-based foods are actually richer in flavors and textures than meat. Find a buddy who wants to go veggie with you. Exchange recipes and anecdotes, and create your own mini-support group.Good luck! Your heart is in the right place, and you will become healthier and help the environment too!
I want to become a vegetarian, but I love chicken?
I think when and if you are ready, it will not be as difficult and you most likely won't WANT to eat chicken. To answer your questions, I honetsly don't remember if it was hard or not seeing that I cut meat out about 16 years ago. I will say that it gets easier with time and after a while you certainly won't even want to see dead animals served on your plate. As for the "fake meat"- it's everywhere so you should be able to find it at your local grocery store and even at target or walmart. Keep in mind that soy products shouldn't become your sole means of protein- too much processed food isn't good for anyone so make sure to do your research on how to eat a balanced vegetarian diet before attempting to become one. For the person who said meat is the ONLY complete protein, they are sadly mistaken. Not only are there certain grains that are complete, like quinoa and amaranth, but things like soy, hemp, eggs, milk, rice & beans etc. are also complete proteins, providing your body with all the amino acids it needs. Good luck!
Can a vegetarian make it through Navy Boot camp?
I was a vegetarian when I went in the Navy. I was strong and fit BEFORE I went in. I was running about 2 miles a day and working out. I was a mother of a 6 year old with a civilian husband. I was 31. I had to GAIN 10 lbs to qualify. When I went in, I ate what I wanted, and pretty soon, I was eating meat and cake and all sorts of junk, but working hard so I gained pounds was actually smaller. When I graduated boot camp, I was wearing size 5 pants, and weighed 118. It is very difficult to maintain a vegetarian regime, but it is doable. There are vegetables at every meal, and rice, beans, milk, etc. They start the food line with pie and cake and cookies. If you have been doing it a long time, you can figure it out. I was fairly new to vegeatrianism at the time, so I chose not to, because I found food was the only PLEASURE I had. ONCE OUT OF BOOT CAMP- i RETURNED TO A VEGETARIAN diet. Now, I eat a moderate amount of meat and fish. What I found most unpalatable was the attitude of lots of people against liberals, gays, people of color and "uncooperative" (read- slutty women. It is systemic, but hopefully more enlightened since 1999 when I retired. I enjoyed the Navy, despite its "John Wayne" politcs. Some of the posters here have no clue that vegeatrian is actually safer and builds better bodies than a meat-centered diet. You will be a "freak" but who cares? Never forget for one second that you are in the killing businees, at the DISPOSAL of the Navy and not YOURS anymore. They will not allow you little protein shakes or protein bars, etc. The NAVY WILL NOT MAKE dietary accommodations for you-anymore than for Jews or Buddhists.Your bunk is tiny and your locker is tiny and inspected daily. If the Navy wants you to have a personal life or preferences, they will issue them to you. This is not a job for any weenie- male or female.
What are the pros and cons about becoming a vegetarian?
I've been a vegetarian for my whole life. I don't think you should quit meat cold turkey (ha); look at becoming a meat-reducing vegetarian and steadily stop eating meat, it's much healthier. Pros: ▪ You're not eating dead stuff; it's ethical and you're not supporting animal cruelty. ▫ You're less prone to several diseases. ▪ You'll probably live longer (I think it's 6-10 years?) ▫ Stronger immune system ▪ It's not as hard as people say to find food, most places have decent vegetarian options ▫ You'll often feel healthier, it can be easier to breathe ▪ Feeling better about yourself Cons: ▪ Lack of protein; as long as you eat Quorn you'll be fine (I hate tofu, but that too if you want). Nuts, beans and eggs are also high in protein, or you could take protein tablets (I used to have them, they taste like wood and cardboard D:) ▫ People asking if you miss meat every five minutes ▪ People generally being annoying about it I think you should do it, but one step at a time. Good luck :)