To be or not to be...

[MagdaSiena]

Since coming overseas, I've found myself eating less and less meat. I've always loved a good steak but I'm considering becoming vegetarian. HOWEVER, I've put on 4kg since being more vegetarian. Do you think the weight gain has to do with the diet? Are there dangers to eating a vegetarian diet?

[sourpuss]

Are you eating a balanced diet? A lot of times people aren't educated about what they need and just end up eating a lot of bread and cheese. Lots of beans, rice, whole grains, fruits and veggies and you should be healthy.

[Jerzeebabie04]

Well what type of vegetarian do you want to be? There are all types of vegetarians... they have different names for each, but some eat eggs & drink milk. Some eat seafood. Some (vegans) dont eat any animal product. I've been a vegetarian since the 6th grade & am overweight only because of bad eatting habits. CARBS are my problem... that & my love for french fries & all the bad stuff. But my aunt has been a vegetarian since she was even younger then I am & she's the healthy vegetarian. She doesnt eat eggs, but she will have milk once in awhile. And she loves seafood like I do.
As long as you get your iron, lots of protein, healthy carbs, and lots of fruit & veggies you will be fine. It just depends on your eattings habits.
They make some really good vegetarian soy based products though. I usually get the chicken patties or nuggets in Morning Star Brand, I also get their sausage & bacon. Sometimes I get their beef crumbles to make vegetarian chili or use with tacos. There is a lot of stuff out there you just have to find what you like.

[ghanie]

A lot of people who give up meat end up overcompensating on dairy. So be careful about that. And if you are giving up dairy also, get your B12 through a fortified cereal or nutritional yeast flakes.

[Jerzeebabie04]

you could also get a B12 shot throught a weight loss dr or nutritionist... I get B12/myoden shots for energy & to lose weight

[symps]

There is no danger in vegetarian diet but it's better to adhere a balanced diet. Every type of food and elements they give your body are nessesary for good health.