Vegetarian Cysters?

[Junia]

I'm a vegetarian, looking to lose weight. Any other vegetarians out there?

[jlbrown122]

I am a vegetarian. I was just diagnosed with PCOS this week. I'm glad to find another vegetarian here

Janet

[Junia]

I am a vegetarian. I was just diagnosed with PCOS this week. I'm glad to find another vegetarian here

Janet

I was just diagnosed this week too... finally.

I'm trying to lose weight, but I get frustrated that my diet doesn't accomodate the low-carb thing as easily as it might.

[jlbrown122]

I agree with that! It seems most of what I eat is complex carbs. I know beans follow the low fat/high protein foods that my fertility doctor recommended. I am having a hard time thinking of other meal ideas that fit into this category.

[Junia]

Yeah... here's where I get myself into big trouble... I don't like beans. Seriously, I've tried, but I just don't like them. So I rely waaaay too much on cheese.

I have some quinoa and want to learn more ways to cook it. I also use a lot of eggs -- well, actually, I use the substitute made out of egg whites (like Egg Beaters).

[astrophe]

Yep, vegan here.

A.

[jlbrown122]

I try to stay as close to vegan as possilbe. Sometimes I do revert back to lacto/ovo. We have 2 pet hens that we rescued. I will sometimes use their eggs for baking, but eating plain eggs seems gross to me now. I will sometimes use the fake meat substitutes, but don't like them enough to eat them every day.

I used to not like beans much either, but figured out that it depends on how they are cooked. I have a recipe for Mexican Lentils that my friend e-mailed me that I love. Another quick meal that I use is Amy's Organic Black Bean Chili. I don't like it plain, so I add a can of spicy tomatoes. I will usually eat it with a few baked chips. I like Guiltess Gourmet chips. I will also make a frito pie using this and these chips I get at the health food store that aren't Frito's brand, but similar, and Tofutti sliced cheese on top with jalopeno peppers. Probably not the best meal for losing weight, but I only eat this occasionally.

Janet

[janMN]

Hey! I am the same as you, usually vegan, but i have fish one a week, and a glass of real milk once a week! Did you know fritos are vegan? I was suprised! Do you low carb? I am having a hard time trying, being vegetarian AND low carbing is so limiting. Any solutions?

[OmShantiOm]

I'm vegan and what works best for me is the Soy Zone. I went on it before I was diagnosed and lost all kinds of weight and felt the best I have ever felt. No 3 o'clock slump, no insomnia, etc. I went off of it because I got tired of cooking at home. I am going back on it the middle of next month when I get back from vacation and have time to grocery shop and cook.

JanMN - If you eat fish, you are not vegetarian. (I'm not being mean) It's just that when people find out I'm vegan, the usual response is - "You eat fish (or chicken) right?" When I ask why they would think that a vegetarian would eat an animal they always respond that they know someone who is vegetarian who eats fish or chicken. I then explain that vegetarians do not eat animals ever.

[astrophe]

Do you low carb? I am having a hard time trying, being vegetarian AND low carbing is so limiting. Any solutions?

No, sorry. I prefer high fiber vegan so I'm afraid I don't have a lot of advice for low carb veg.

A.

[jlbrown122]

No, I don't low carb. I just try to stick to complex carbs.

I just recently bought "The Soy Zone" at a garage sale, and am looking forward to reading it. I'm glad to hear that positive things about it.

I agree that it is much easier to stick to a plan when you cook at home. I am able to stay completely vegan as long as I am cooking. The only times I go lacto/ovo are when we are out somewhere and there is absolutely nothing else I can eat, which fortunately is not too often. I just recently decided to go ahead and sometimes bake with our hens eggs. I'm not sure why any of you became vegetarian/vegan, but I did it strictly because of how the animals are treated. The health benefits are just a bonus for me. Since our hens are happy, healthy, and treated very well, when my husband suggested using their eggs, it does make sense. I just haven't had eggs in so long, I don't think I could ever eat them scrambled like I did pre-veg.

[janMN]

JanMN - If you eat fish, you are not vegetarian. (I'm not being mean) It's just that when people find out I'm vegan, the usual response is - "You eat fish (or chicken) right?" When I ask why they would think that a vegetarian would eat an animal they always respond that they know someone who is vegetarian who eats fish or chicken. I then explain that vegetarians do not eat animals ever.[/QUOTE]

Wow! Sorry to offend! I have been vegan for quite some time, for the same reason- It is my own little stance against industrialized farming and the treatment of the animals. I decided to add one portion of fish per week for the omega-3s, but some weeks I can't bring myself to anyways, They came out with a study that fish can feel pain and are fearful when caught! I get my milk at "Cedar Summit Farms". I really shouldn't have to defend myself, we are all doing something wonderful for the animals, TOGETHER!!!

http://www.cedarsummit.com/

Does anyone have any good recipies for Tofu? I like puting fresh crushed garlic with water and a little olive oil and cooking it in a frying pan (extra firm, water removed). Then I add it to a marinara sauce or veggie stir fry. That is one of my favorites! I'm looking for more ideas!

[OmShantiOm]

JanMN,

I'm not screaming or yelling, just having an online discussion. But, I admit I do get offended when people say they are vegetarian/vegan when they are not.

I think it's wonderful that you don't eat many animals or their products but you aren't vegan or vegetarian if you drink milk or eat fish. It's as simple as that. I always find it interesting when people identify themselves as one when they aren't. It's just something I don't understand and it makes it more difficult for those of us who really are what we say.

[jlbrown122]

I must agree that it makes it confusing when someone calls themselves a vegetarian or vegan and eats animal flesh. Since I occasionally have something with dairy or eggs, I no longer call myself vegan. Vegans consume absolutely nothing that comes from animals. I have heard that some people that eat only fish will call themselves semi-vegetarian, which would be much more accurate than calling yourself vegan or vegetarian.

I think that every little bit contributes to helping animals, but it makes it very difficult on those of us that eat no flesh when others call themselves vegetarians and eat flesh. Because of others confusion over what a true vegetarian or vegan is, I have often been stuck having nothing to eat at parties except olives even though I was assured there would be vegetarian food.

[astrophe]

My parents are still trying to understand that seafood creatures ARE animals. I had to break out the dictionary because pointing out that they had eyes to see with, bones, guys, blood, and could poo wasn't enough.

There's no such thing as 100% vegan, but I can understand and have experienced the frustration with people calling themselves veg*n when they are more like non-vegetarians who greatly minimize animal foods. It makes it harder for the ones who are further along on the eating continuum to explain to other people what is or isn't consumed.

I know at home where I can be SURE of what I'm eating... I am vegan in my eating choices. When I dine out, even at vegan friendly places, I'm trusting that the bread I eat doesn't have secret honey or egg or something. And sometimes you get stuck -- others who THINK they are helping, but serve very obvious egg/cheese/milk type foods.

I first went veg for health reasons (managing PCOS!) but over time I've become more aware of animal cruelty, world hunger, environmental issues and other topics veganism can cover. I'm trying to see if I can push my vegan line a little further -- branch out from food into personal cosmetics/products and clothing, for example.

A.