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Vegetarian questions and answers

Giving up meat is a big decision and you need to know what to replace it with in order to maintain a healthy eating plan. Also, going back to eating meat after a stint as a vegetarian poses its own problems as the body learns to adjust to proteins and fats again. Here iVillagers swap advice on vegetarianism.

Q: Veggie virgin, what can I eat?
I want to go vegetarian soon, but I like meat. I am starting to eat more lentils and nuts, but I think just having no meat might be difficult. When I go to restaurants I do try to go for the (V) options, but what other alternatives can I eat instead?
usana_man

A: I have been a veggie for the past 15 years, and I'm happy to say it's not all nut roasts and lettuce leaves. Although I do eat a lot of vegetables, I also eat a lot of pulses, which are a great source of protein. I couldn't live without cheese, and you can buy organic and vegetarian cheeses now, also dairy products made from Soya, if you're looking to give up dairy too. Apart from the smell and the taste, the thing most people miss about meat when they first give it up, is the texture. However, there is now an abundance of different foodstuffs, such as burgers, sausages, fillets, nuggets, that all taste and feel similar to meat but contain no animal products. Quorn have a great range, which are also low in fat. You may be particularly interested in their Peppered Steaks, which I think taste pretty meaty!
linedico

Q: Vegans and omega fats?
Does anyone have some information on the benefits of Omega fatty acids? My boyfriend is vegan and suffers from eczema, would a boost in these help?
stefiscool

A: There are two families of essential fatty acids - the Omega 3 series and the Omega 6 series. Both are known to be vitally important for health and it is essential that both are present in our diets since our bodies are unable to produce them from other nutrients (hence the term 'essential'). Researchers have found in recent studies that increasing the amount of oily fish (which contains these omega fatty acids) in the diet, helps prevent prostate cancer and heart disease. Your boyfriend follows an unbalanced diet and will be deficient in some minerals and vitamins, which may well have contributed to his eczema.
cl-ikhan

Q: Going back to meat, but bowels not coping!
I've just started eating meat after being a vegetarian for seven years. I have to admit that I've gone berserk and pigged out on chicken burgers and fried fatty pork. The side effects are that I'm getting fat. Although I've actually lost weight on the scales, my waistline is expanding. I'm also spending a lot of time sitting on the toilet - in fact I've never been so flatulent in all my life! What's going on?
scattymaddy

A: This is extreme behaviour: After being a vegetarian for years, and then diving headlong into fast foods, with all the additives and fats they contain, it is no wonder that you 'suffer' as you do. It is apparent from the news and current research that these fats are killers. Be sensible! use olive oil most of the time, and eat meat twice a week with fish in between. Avoid red meats and eat plenty of vegetables and fruit. Your bowels are more likely to enjoy this healthy diet rather than the one you are following at present!
cl-ikhan

I started eating meat about two months ago after 17 years and I went a bit mad too. So, after two weeks of eating meat and more meat, I wasn't surprised to wake one Monday morning with stomachache. But the next day I was in agony - even walking hurt and that night I was feverish and in pain. The following day I managed to get an appointment with my doctor and he sent me straight to hospital. After four days I was diagnosed with gall bladder problems. I'm now forced to eat a fat free diet until my corrective operation, and low fat after that. If I had stayed on a sensible diet, this problem would probably never have happened. So, be sensible with the new meat-eating fixation!
t1equila

You must stop at once and flush your system with loads and loads of warm boiled water, and slowly reintroduce your new eating patterns. When re-establishing a wholesome diet again, don't over tax the body with work. Also, drink plenty of apple juice, it helps too!
lynne_1.stayathome

Why not join in the discussions on vegetarianism and other food-related issues on the Eating for Health message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions taking place right now on the board: