Where to get started?

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-22-2004
Where to get started?
4
Sun, 09-11-2005 - 2:17pm
Hi Everyone!
My name is Kristen. I'm 27, and mom to 3 kids. I'm not currently a vegetarian, but I'm seriously considering it. Lately I've been feeling really crappy (for lack of a better word! LOL!). My diet is absolutely horrible. I eat nothing but quick, processed food from a box. I'm so tired all of the time, and I've also been dealing with stomach aches and nausea. I need to make an appointment with my doctor, and I plan on asking for some help with my diet, but I guess I just need some advice on some easy foods that I could make. My life is pretty hectic right now because we own a business, I'm a student, and I'm a mom to 3 kids, so I don't have a lot of time to cook big, fancy dinners. Anyways, any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks :)













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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-11-2005
Sun, 09-11-2005 - 3:21pm

Hi, welcome to the board!!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2003
Sun, 09-11-2005 - 8:07pm

There are a lot of people who think that there isn't much vegetarians can eat, that the diet is limited. Just because they haven't seen a lot of vegetarian meals- meat as the centerpiece of a meal is ingrained in American culture. But a lot of real Mexican, Indian, and Oriental meals are vegetarian or are made either way- and with less meat if it is added. Most of the world uses meat as the side dish. In other words, there are a lot of options there. My mother (I'm 26 but due to my mother's disability and my combo of mild disability and chronic illnesses I live at home) says that I made a greater variety of foods than she did when she was using meat- and wheat, which I cannot eat at all due to a medical condition.


But you need recipes. Have you heard of Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals program on Food Network? She has a book, Veggie Meals. I haven't had it long but the recipes I've tried are great.


If you want food even faster, I also like a book called Meatless Dishes in Twenty Minutes, by Karen A. Levin. Dad once scoffed saying that the only thing that could be made in that time is a sandwich. I walked into the kitchen and called him to the table 17 minutes later.


Those are just two of the cookbooks I have. Some do have complex recipes, but while I love to cook I can't count on having the energy. My advice (when it comes to buying cookbooks) is to go to one or the other of those bookstores that don't mind if you browse. Pick up books that look interesting- you'll find a lot of different styles- and look at the recipes. If I find

Jaseann

co-cl-Celiac Disease

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-22-2004
Sun, 09-11-2005 - 10:44pm
Thank you both so much for your advice! I will definitely check out the info you gave me. I am very anxious to get started with a healthier diet. I have been wanting to get rid of meat for some time now, but I've been lazy. Lately with the way I've been feeling, just the smell of meat cooking makes me sick to my stomach (no, I'm not pregnant either...lol). I'm really curious to see how I'm going to be feeling after a month of not eating meat and cutting out my junk food. I'm on day 1 of not eating any meat now, so I'll stick around and keep you all updated on how I'm doing. Thanks again :)













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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-01-2003
Mon, 09-12-2005 - 9:34pm

well, the beauty of being a veghead is that you don't have to worry about undercooking anything, and can even eat the food raw if you're out of time ;)

but for really quick cooked foods that are veggie or vegan friendly you can get boca burgers, or boca chi'kn patties and just pan fry, nuke, or grill them and eat them like you would a normal burger...only it takes less time to cook ;) frsh veggies on a pita bread with your favorite spread are quick and easy (you can buy pre cut veggies if you really want to).

and tofu stir fries are also quick and easy to make (its all one pan cookin'!) againl, you can buy the precut veggies (i think they make some specifically for stir fry) cut up some tofu for protien, spice and cook. it takes about 10 minutes.

its JMHO that you'll feel better when you get some of taht over processed food out of your system, and you'll lose weight, get lots more energy, and rid your body of all the fat and added hormones...making you feel better ;)

good for you for making the change!! yuor body and the animals will thank you!!!