Transitioning

I stopped eating beef August 22nd, then August 23rd I ate my last bit of chicken, after about a month of not eating much of it but still eating seafood I stopped eating that too... So I officially stopped eating all meat the last day of September, but to make it easier on the brain let's just say October 1st. I was considering going vegan, but I think to make it an easier transition for my family and myself, especially over the holidays, that will be my new years resolution. So starting January 1, 2007 I plan to try to become a full out vegan. I'm practically there as it is, with the exception that I don't always check for dairy and eggs on the lables. We'll see how it goes.

 

Congratulations! I've been a vegetarian for five years and it's the best decision I've ever made, other than going to gatherings, of course. I'm sure you're already starting to feel a lot healthier.

 

Watch all labels. I've discovered so many things I didn't know before. Like Jiffy Corn Muffin mix has meat in it. Who would have thought that.

I stopped eating all meat on July 8 of this year. Since then I have not intentionally eaten anything with meat in it. I have however, had things that I didn't find out until after I ate it that it had meat in it. I still eat cheese and eggs and use milk in cooking only. I might go vegan one day, but for now I'm happy with where I'm at.

Kathi

 

hostess cupcakes have beef shortening in them, more so than chocalate.

Check EVERYTHING that doesn't come from a health food store (they won't hide anything in the ingredients) or is organic (same thing).

 

Ick, I didn't know or expect that! I love how many companies hide these things with the "Natural Flavors" label. I didn't know killing an animal for it's juices or whatever was considered "natural".

 

Over the last few months I have become more aware of label reading. Honestly I don't eat much junk so the added mystery ingredients are few and far between, although I have found some. My solution is to just shop in the organic section as much as possible, I run into less that has ingredients that I don't want. My downfall has always been pasta and breads more than sweets and treats, and I know once I start being vegan I have to watch out for egg in the noodles.

Another thing about lables and health food stores.... I went to the local health food store and they have a whole section devoted to suppliments and vitamins. Figuring it is a health food store and has many vegetarians as customers I assumed that the vitamin capsules from the store wouldn't be made from geletin.... WRONG! Other brands there weren't made with geletin but that just goes to show that you shouldn't assume and that just because it's a health food store doesn't mean you can let your label guard down. Also I don't even trust that everything organic is safe. There's organic milk and cheese and even organic meat. Plus there are different degrees and levels of organic... that's why they label things 100% organic, certified organic, etc... I just don't remember what warrents which label. Sotlution: I just read all the labels.

On board as in "supportive" or at least somewhat understanding? Yes. On board as in want to be vegetarian? Heck no! But I'd never try to force anyone to do anything they didn't want to do. I meant making it easier for my family to transition as in I'll take it one step at a time for me as to not totally weird them out with the idea of me becoming a vegetarian. Like I'll eat any food that my family makes as long as it isn't made with meat. I don't want to be a total PITA all of a sudden, I'll take it one step at a time which I think will be easier for them and myself since I'm still new to this stuff.

 

Thanks, I looked at it a little before but wanted to get back in there and really look at everything.

 

Thanks, yeah I am feeling a lot healthier, more and more each day as I find new and healthier foods to eat. The first few weeks was all pizza and well, not so healthy stuff that didn't contain meat but was easy to come by. Now that I have more of a handle on it I'm getting into more healthy options like tofu scrambles and stirfry veggies. Mmmmm..... I love making stir fried veggies with brown basmati rice!