Also ... re: your aversion to tofu. I understand, I really do. But just once, you really ought try smoked tofu and the various marinated baked tofu products out there. They're like a completely different species altogether, and even my meat-eating, tofu-hater husband grudgingly agrees with this.

Baked tofu is great hot or cold, and has a far more pleasing texture and works great diced and thrown into a salad or stir-fry, sliced with your favorite sandwich toppings, or just straight out of the package (my method of choice). Even my SUPER picky 4-year-old adores Italian baked tofu.

Assuming you like smoke flavor, smoked tofu may really surprise you as well. I usually slice it for sandwiches or just snack on it here and there. I've never been able to keep it in the house long enough to get creative with it, but I imagine it would be excellent in a spinach salad and a wide range of other things.

One last note on tofu. I have not done this myself, but I've read in various places that people who don't care for the texture of tofu should try freezing it first. Freeze it overnight, then thaw it and drain it. Apparently the texture becomes far more meat-like and solid, better able to stand up to cooking methods such as grilling. I keep meaning to try because I love to grill, I just haven't gotten around to it.

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I know a lot of vegetarians turn their noses up at meat substitutes. But "Fake" beef, pork and chicken products are far more mentally accessible to a new veg than say, tempeh cutlets. And they're quick and easy. And they actually taste good. Morningstar Farms and Boca products can be found nearly anywhere now, so you can enjoy standard fare like chicken strips, chicken sandwiches, burgers, hotdogs and tacos -- without compromising your commitment. If you want to branch out or incorporate more whole foods into your repertoire later, bravo. But I think that commercial meat substitutes are an excellent (and really tasty) entry point for people just starting out. My top recommendations on fakin' it: Boca breakfast links, Morningstar maple-flavored sausage patties, Morningstar buffalo wings, practically any variety of veggie burger from Boca or Morningstar, LightLife Smart Dogs, Tofurky Hickory Smoked deli slices, Quorn turkey roast (A MUST-TRY!)

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Are you still having trouble and/or trying to be a vegetarian? If so, I'd love to offer some ideas.

I've been a vegan for 18 years and had a little trouble initially (both with going vegetarian and vegan), but ended up LOVING it! But the first 2 months were the hardest. From there, it's been really enjoyable and satisfying.

You can also peruse my website or blog for ideas if it helps.
www.radianthealth-innerwealth.com
blog: www.rhiw.blogspot.com

Good luck!!

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thanks...
Kabin
Konteyner

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I have tried to deffenitely cut out only what I supposed might be called "the noble meat products": the ones for which the animals were raised and killed for. When eating byproducts I feel I'm not contribuiting for the system to go on.


But, main thing that made me comment something: why to favor HUNT fish instead of farmed? I feel right the opposite way, since it's mostly predatory hunt that is practiced, and it IS leading to extinction of commercially atractive species of fishes.

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I went vegetarian a little less than five months ago, and so far it's going well. As many people have said, eggs are an easy way to get protein when you need it. Also, if you eat beans and grains together, I believe it covers the protein requirements. Also, don't snack on nuts too much, they're kind of fatty ;) As for tofu, try cooking it different ways to change the texture a bit, and always eat it WITH something else. And don't force it on yourself too often if you really don't like it. Generally, what I do for a quick-ish meal is fry mushrooms, an onion, corn, and tofu, then add scrambled eggs and couscous. This easily covers the protein requirements. Since you don't like tofu though, you could replace it with any type of bean You can make enough to last for a few meals. Also buy canned soups, checking to make sure they don't use chicken broth. Lots of creamy soups don't have meat in them and are a very quick meal. Also, you can bake stuff. It doesn't take long to prepare, but it does take some oven time, so if you don't eat right when you get home, it could be a good option (or you could, of course make it, then eat it the next day...) But about feeling hungry, you need to be sure you're gtting enough protein. Eat eggs. :)

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It took me 3 years to go completely veg. The more I read about the health benefits, the easier it is for me. What helps me with protein is frozen Quorn Products. They are high in protein, fast and really good. I make all my favorite beefy and chicken dishes with it. Sloppy joes, chicken tacos, stir fry, anything that is fast. Yes, you should eat whole fresh food too, but these products make the transition easier. Keep trying new things and know that you are not contributing to animal cruelty while you are enjoying your veggie cheeseburger with veggie bacon.

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PS For the deprivation thing: eat eggs. Every now and again, even after twenty years, I suddenly think a friend's meat meal looks good...and this means I'm a bit low on protein. Eating eggs sorts it right out.

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Hi Veronica,
I have been a veghead for 20 years but when I started it took me three tries to finally make it stick. I lapsed for all the reasons you cite in your article, plus I was on a college meal plan that was seriously not veg-aware.
So, be patient with yourself! Going veg is a major readjustment of your eating patterns. You already have the most important element - a real desire to live meat-free, based on compassion for other animals and the planet. That's huge and will sustain you through some bad times.
I have a couple of recommendations to you to help you with the logistics of your switch:

1) find one or two modest restaurants where they really GET vegetarian cooking and you aren't stuck with sides. One possibility is the buffet section of a whole foods market. They are veg-oriented and usually affordable. Once you've found those restaurants, eat there whenever you feel you need to nourish yourself well.

2) Learn one or two really basic things to cook that are healthy and that you can make at the drop of a hat. In order to do this you will have to re-think your idea of what makes a "meal" - pare it down to one or two things. It's actually really peaceful and harmonious once you're used to it. For example: microwave a big sweet potato and some frozen broccoli and have it all with some nice butter or veg margarine and sea salt - great for hypoglycemia and cheap and tasty and takes less than 10 minutes.

I will be glad to give you more ideas if you want

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This goes with the two former posts below:

Apple Cranberry Stuffing

1 stick unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups celery, diced
1 1/2 cups yellow onion, diced
3 large green apples
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. sage
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup fresh chopped cranberries
8 cups dried french bread in one inch cubes
20 oz. vegetable broth
1 cup orange juice
1Tbsp orange rind grated


1. Melt butter in a very large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and celery. Sauté until onions just begin to turn translucent, about 7 to 8 minutes. Peel, core and dice apples.
2. In a large bowl, combine onion mixture, apples, nutmeg, salt, pepper, sage, cloves, thyme and cinnamon. Stir in nuts and cranberries. Mix in bread cubes. Add vegetable broth, orange juice and orange rind and stir until bread cubes are evenly moistened.
3. Reserve 4 cups for the roast beast. Transfer remaining stuffing mixture to a large baking dish and bake at 350° for 35 minutes. Serve immediately.


This all sounds difficult but is worth the effort. It is totally vegan and satisfies the meat eater guest as well as the vegans among us!

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