Meatless

[Crown Royal]

Today, I have gone 1 week and 1 day without eating beef, pork, poultry, or any land walking creature.

I DO NOT consider myself a vegetarian. That implies a moral stance on the process of eating meat, one that, being a Texan, I simply do not have (though I have considered it at length).

No - I have chosen to abstain from meat for one reason - health. And yes, I know that it is a myth that not eating meat is better for you - but for me, I did it for portion purposes. See, I am an overeater - and I overeat meat. I can't stand to leave that 12 oz ribeye for the garbage, or that chicken with any meat leaft on the bones. I was eating meat all the time, and because of my upbringing, couldn't bring myself to waste.

Anyway - this week has been one of the hardest in my life - whereas I lived carnivorously for 22 years, I have learned to get by without that which I love. And, cravings aside, I do find that I am now eating much healthier.

I was wondering if anyone else follows this lifestyle, and their thoughts on it. I don't know if I will do it for life - I do love steak and chicken and what not. Also, I am still eating fish - because I usually portion is smaller anyway and it is automatically healthy (unless fried, which I am no longer eating).

 

[trickblue]

No worries... I will take up the slack for you...

I am the same way when it comes to beef CR...

 

[Yeagermeister]

Wuss



I used to laugh when I worked at a local fast food mexican place (not Toxic Hell) and the teenagers that claimed to be vegatarians would order refried beans....ummm hello they are made with lard

 

[Rack]

Today, I have gone 1 week and 1 day without eating beef, pork, poultry, or any land walking creature.

I DO NOT consider myself a vegetarian. That implies a moral stance on the process of eating meat, one that, being a Texan, I simply do not have (though I have considered it at length).

No - I have chosen to abstain from meat for one reason - health. And yes, I know that it is a myth that not eating meat is better for you - but for me, I did it for portion purposes. See, I am an overeater - and I overeat meat. I can't stand to leave that 12 oz ribeye for the garbage, or that chicken with any meat leaft on the bones. I was eating meat all the time, and because of my upbringing, couldn't bring myself to waste.

Anyway - this week has been one of the hardest in my life - whereas I lived carnivorously for 22 years, I have learned to get by without that which I love. And, cravings aside, I do find that I am now eating much healthier.

I was wondering if anyone else follows this lifestyle, and their thoughts on it. I don't know if I will do it for life - I do love steak and chicken and what not. Also, I am still eating fish - because I usually portion is smaller anyway and it is automatically healthy (unless fried, which I am no longer eating).

I feel ya! I'm the same way. Put a steak on my plate and it's gonna get eaten.


What did you eat during that week to make up for the lack of meat intake? And please don't tell me you at fish every day. I could substitue fish every now and then, but I'd get bored having to eat it daily.

I wanna give this a try, but let me know what you ate during that week so I'll know what to get when I go to H.E.B.

 

[Hostile]

I didn't climb to the top of the food chain so I can eat rabbit food.

 

[TruBlueCowboy]

Today, I have gone 1 week and 1 day without eating beef, pork, poultry, or any land walking creature.

I DO NOT consider myself a vegetarian. That implies a moral stance on the process of eating meat, one that, being a Texan, I simply do not have (though I have considered it at length).

No - I have chosen to abstain from meat for one reason - health. And yes, I know that it is a myth that not eating meat is better for you - but for me, I did it for portion purposes. See, I am an overeater - and I overeat meat. I can't stand to leave that 12 oz ribeye for the garbage, or that chicken with any meat leaft on the bones. I was eating meat all the time, and because of my upbringing, couldn't bring myself to waste.

Anyway - this week has been one of the hardest in my life - whereas I lived carnivorously for 22 years, I have learned to get by without that which I love. And, cravings aside, I do find that I am now eating much healthier.

I was wondering if anyone else follows this lifestyle, and their thoughts on it. I don't know if I will do it for life - I do love steak and chicken and what not. Also, I am still eating fish - because I usually portion is smaller anyway and it is automatically healthy (unless fried, which I am no longer eating).

Congratulations. You'll die of a heart attack or stroke ten years later than us.

But you still get the arthritis, memory loss, liver spots, and hair loss! :tongue:

I have a buddy who had a heart attack a few years ago. He's not young, but he's not an old man yet. He only eats rabbit food now. He can't coach football anymore. Can't down a cold one anymore, not even for the Super Bowl. It really made me ponder my lifestyle and wonder if I too would have to live in rabbit food hell if I didn't change my diet soon.

But I'm realistic, not gonna happen. I love meat.

The only solution I can come up with is to eat as much fried food and dark meat as possible so that the first heart attack is a dandy and ends it all immediately.

 

[TruBlueCowboy]

I didn't climb to the top of the food chain so I can eat rabbit food.

 

[Crown Royal]

Wuss



I used to laugh when I worked at a local fast food mexican place (not Toxic Hell) and the teenagers that claimed to be vegatarians would order refried beans....ummm hello they are made with lard

I'd still eat that - like I said - i am not claiming to be a vegetarian by any means. I still like fish, and I am sure I will eventually start eating poultry again when I can learn to ration myself and stop when I am full.

But man, I'm going to miss steak. And burgers!

 

[Crown Royal]

I feel ya! I'm the same way. Put a steak on my plate and it's gonna get eaten.


What did you eat during that week to make up for the lack of meat intake? And please don't tell me you at fish every day. I could substitue fish every now and then, but I'd get bored having to eat it daily.

I wanna give this a try, but let me know what you ate during that week so I'll know what to get when I go to H.E.B.

No - I've actually eaten fish only twice.

Right now it is relatively easy, because I am not at home. I only shop for groceries enough to last about 5 days, because I might come home a lot.

To counteract my deficit in protein, I generally eat eggs for breakfast with toast, or an egg and cheese sandwich.

I keep almonds around (raw, unsalted) and use those for snack food. I love cashews, but I can't find them unsalted, so I stay away from them for the time being.

Right now, I get by with eating these Boca products (Boca Burgers, Boca Chicken, boca breakfast sausage, etc). This is made with a textured soy protein. As I say - I AM GETTING BY with this - they aren't bad, but they aren't great either. Kind of an empty substitute.

I do eat a lot of beans, broccoli is good. I have some tofu recipes I like OK - but I know Tofu isn't for everyone.

When I get home, I plan on trying to find a bean burger recipe I can live with. I am trying to figure out a way to get the texture right - I am sure I will think of something.

It's funny - because I am so focused on my protein, I have found that I can get a good dose of it if I think creatively - the problem is, I haven't been getting enough carbs!

I guess if you are like me, you crave protein so much that you'll find something.

The real benefit, other than I don't gorge myself on food anymore, is that I am forced to analyze my diet more closely. Meat is still good for you if you eat it right (which I can't right now - it's all or nothing), but if you cut it out, you have to find other ways to get the nutrients. I therefore closely watch every item I eat, I am actually roughly keeping track of my caloric intake everyday, and for the first time I can remember, actually paying some attention to the actual vitamin contents I receive.

Some part of me actually likes the challenge of all this.

 

[Crown Royal]

The only solution I can come up with is to eat as much fried food and dark meat as possible so that the first heart attack is a dandy and ends it all immediately.

WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT. I like that idea much, much more than mine!

Seriously - I don't think I'm going to go the rest of my life without eating meat again - I do love steak too much.

I will probably do this for a while (maybe a year or more) until I know I have self control, and then get back to eating a little chicken. Maybe I can eventually get back to where I can enjoy a steak, but not feel that I have to eat the whole thing. That was really the problem - I just can't waste meat.

 

[DallasCowpoke111]

I have a question. If by simply not eating meat, you somehow refrain from "gorging", have you considered that your prob is not meat, it's willpower?

Face it boy, YOU'RE WEEK!! ie
1. Lacking physical strength, energy, or vigor; feeble.
2. Likely to fail under pressure, stress, or strain; lacking resistance: a weak link in a chain.
3. Lacking firmness of character or strength of will.

 

[dal0789]

Today, I have gone 1 week and 1 day without eating beef, pork, poultry, or any land walking creature.

I DO NOT consider myself a vegetarian. That implies a moral stance on the process of eating meat, one that, being a Texan, I simply do not have (though I have considered it at length).

No - I have chosen to abstain from meat for one reason - health. And yes, I know that it is a myth that not eating meat is better for you - but for me, I did it for portion purposes. See, I am an overeater - and I overeat meat. I can't stand to leave that 12 oz ribeye for the garbage, or that chicken with any meat leaft on the bones. I was eating meat all the time, and because of my upbringing, couldn't bring myself to waste.

Anyway - this week has been one of the hardest in my life - whereas I lived carnivorously for 22 years, I have learned to get by without that which I love. And, cravings aside, I do find that I am now eating much healthier.

I was wondering if anyone else follows this lifestyle, and their thoughts on it. I don't know if I will do it for life - I do love steak and chicken and what not. Also, I am still eating fish - because I usually portion is smaller anyway and it is automatically healthy (unless fried, which I am no longer eating).

Keep goin at it man i my self have been a vegitarian since i was born so it comes natural to avoid meat but you will get used to it in a few weeks

 

[Crown Royal]

I have a question. If by simply not eating meat, you somehow refrain from "gorging", have you considered that your prob is not meat, it's willpower?

Face it boy, YOU'RE WEEK!! ie
1. Lacking physical strength, energy, or vigor; feeble.
2. Likely to fail under pressure, stress, or strain; lacking resistance: a weak link in a chain.
3. Lacking firmness of character or strength of will.

Dang - I KNEW the chef was going to come in here and get me.

And I'll be honest - one of the things I miss most now - cooking. Did I tell you I almost went to cul. art school? I wanted to cook.

I digress - yes - of course it is a problem of willpower. And knowing that, I know that should I continue to eat meat, I don't have the willpower to stop when I am full.

So I am going all the way - if I cut out that which I enjoy most in cuisine - I have no reason to love eating any longer.

I need to eat to live, not keep living to eat.

Speaking of - I am going to go eat sushi. later!

 

[Rack]

No - I've actually eaten fish only twice.

Right now it is relatively easy, because I am not at home. I only shop for groceries enough to last about 5 days, because I might come home a lot.

To counteract my deficit in protein, I generally eat eggs for breakfast with toast, or an egg and cheese sandwich.

I keep almonds around (raw, unsalted) and use those for snack food. I love cashews, but I can't find them unsalted, so I stay away from them for the time being.

Right now, I get by with eating these Boca products (Boca Burgers, Boca Chicken, boca breakfast sausage, etc). This is made with a textured soy protein. As I say - I AM GETTING BY with this - they aren't bad, but they aren't great either. Kind of an empty substitute.

I do eat a lot of beans, broccoli is good. I have some tofu recipes I like OK - but I know Tofu isn't for everyone.

When I get home, I plan on trying to find a bean burger recipe I can live with. I am trying to figure out a way to get the texture right - I am sure I will think of something.

It's funny - because I am so focused on my protein, I have found that I can get a good dose of it if I think creatively - the problem is, I haven't been getting enough carbs!

I guess if you are like me, you crave protein so much that you'll find something.

The real benefit, other than I don't gorge myself on food anymore, is that I am forced to analyze my diet more closely. Meat is still good for you if you eat it right (which I can't right now - it's all or nothing), but if you cut it out, you have to find other ways to get the nutrients. I therefore closely watch every item I eat, I am actually roughly keeping track of my caloric intake everyday, and for the first time I can remember, actually paying some attention to the actual vitamin contents I receive.

Some part of me actually likes the challenge of all this.

Great info, CR. Thanks. I'm gonna try eating more eggs (or egg beaters) in the morning. Gonna try some of those boca deals too.

 

[DallasCowpoke111]

When I get home, I plan on trying to find a bean burger recipe I can live with. I am trying to figure out a way to get the texture right - I am sure I will think of something.

wanna bet!!??

 

[Crown Royal]

wanna bet!!??

Hahaha - you are right - short of learning to manipulate textured soy protein, I'll probably never get it the way I want it.

But that's OK - I don't truly expect to. I just want to find something that I enjoy and can live with.

 

[Hoov]

Years ago i tried eating a vegetarian diet. Did it for about 2 months but also did the whole eating only organic foods.

I would eat 4-5 pcs of fruit throughout the morning. something starchy like oatmeal or whole grain bread around lunch, with a salad. Vegetables and beans all afternoon and then whole grain pasta or soemthing like that for dinner with more vegetables. ate a lot of organic PB too and ate nuts seeds and yogurt but no other dairy, no eggs, no fish/meat, and NO TOFU, hate that stuff.

I felt great and had so much energy, but what a pain in the arse. i didnt actually miss the other foods so much but mostly everything had to be cooked or prepared, i was eating 6-7 times a day just to maintain my weight and eventually had to add a lot of olive oil to things to keep from losing weight.

When i started training for a triathalon it got to be too much and too hard to get adequate protein because i was working out 3 hours a day between running and cycling and burning through everything i ate, was drinking protein powder like crazy and had to start using some CHO replacement supplements during or at the end of workout.

But i never felt so alert and energized at any other time in my life, like how some people say they feel more spiritual when they fast. It must have something to do with cleaning out your system, your physical and your mental/spiritual energy peaks.

 

[WoodysGirl]

I'm a semi-vegetarian. Is there such a thing?

I don't eat beef or pork, and I heavily limit my dairy intake. I do eat turkey, chicken, fish, and the boca products. I haven't had ice cream in years. I go to Whole Foods to get my ice cream substitutes... I still eat cheese, but not alot. Some days I just have all veggie days. Not even soy substitutes.

If I tried to eat any of the stuff now, I'd get sick. I mistakenly ate some of a chicken fried steak sandwich from Sonic instead of the chicken sandwich I ordered and it turned my stomach. Just can't do it anymore.

So that's my sad dietary tale...

 

[royhitshard]

I didn't climb to the top of the food chain so I can eat rabbit food.

AMEN TO THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:laugh2:

 

[Yeagermeister]

I'm a semi-vegetarian. Is there such a thing?

I don't eat beef or pork, and I heavily limit my dairy intake. I do eat turkey, chicken, fish, and the boca products. I haven't had ice cream in years. I go to Whole Foods to get my ice cream substitutes... I still eat cheese, but not alot. Some days I just have all veggie days. Not even soy substitutes.

If I tried to eat any of the stuff now, I'd get sick. I mistakenly ate some of a chicken fried steak sandwich from Sonic instead of the chicken sandwich I ordered and it turned my stomach. Just can't do it anymore.

So that's my sad dietary tale...

You sound like the guy in the Outback commercial