I just started to eat a vegetarian diet a couple of weeks ago.

[Tobin S.]

I'm seeing improvements almost right away. The biggest difference I've noticed so far is that it's much more gentle on the digestive system. I also spent about 25 dollars less on groceries this week than when I was eating meat. This is my third week buying groceries in that manner, and it took a couple of weeks to adjust to that, but now that I have I see that it's going to save me a lot of money.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Good for you, my dear Tobin!

I'm glad this is working for you.

How is your wife taking to this? It would be good for her.

[Tobin S.]

4. Jen still eats meat, but she naturally tends to eat more vegetables.

I'm not asking her to do this with me, but she eats a lot less meat than I did. She's cool with it.

[hlthe2b]

2. Good on ya, Tobin S... Are you avoiding processed food and sugar too? Dairy?

[Tobin S.]

5. No, haven't gone the vegan route yet.

Still eating eggs a cheese, but not a whole lot of it. Mostly vegetables, rice, fruit, and nuts.

[hlthe2b]

7. Dairy is my downfall. I rarely eat red meat and already eat all varieties of beans frequently, but

milk (yogurt) and cheese. I don't see me giving those up.

[Tobin S.]

8. Cheese is like a drug. I think it's addictive. :)

Giving up meat is a big step. I don't think I could go strictly vegan right now, but it's something to keep in mind for the future. I'm still adjusting to just no meat. I find myself accidentally almost eating it sometimes, but I've remained conscious enough about it to catch myself and abstain.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

3. Excellent....I wish I could....

Eat Vegetarian, but I am unable to process Legumes, Soy, Wheat, Yeasts, White Potatoes, most Dairy without extreme pain and bloating.

My lean Protein sources are fresh fish, Chicken, Turkey, and on occasion, Beef, Lamb, and Pork. Fresh veggies, berries, nuts, healthy fats. I feel much better without all the added carbs.

Good luck to you. Keep us posted on your progress.

[Tobin S.]

6. Thank you.

[matt819]

9. Some thoughts

As I mentioned in another of your posts, I have reduced meat, chicken, and fish intake.

I now make my own yogurt and kefir. And I eat a fair amount of nuts. Quinoa instead of rice. All whole wheat breads from local baker.

Last week I started having some abdominal cramping. Went to the doctor and am trying some medication. And then I did what any patient would do - I went on the internet. I have concluded a) that it's a form of inflammatory bowel syndrome, b) that I am probably lactose intolerant, and c) that cashews are the culprit. Not sure about lettuce. Or coffee.

So, changing diet can be good, but the introduction or increase of certain foods can have unexpected effects. I've changed to what one might call a bland diet, or at least one that is known not to create issues. Then I'm going to start reintroducing stuff. Should be interesting.

[Tobin S.]

10. Yeah, some foods will agree with you and some won't.

My wife can't eat nuts. She's allergic to them. I can't drink milk- it causes gastrointestinal problems.

[Tech]

11. I went vegetarian for a year.

I guess I am just one of those people it didn't work for. One day meat just didn't sound good, so I figured why not stop.

There are a few vegetarians in both of our families, and we have many friends who don't eat meat or red meat for different reasons. Not a big deal. I was hoping it would help some of my immunity issues. It made them worse.

Glad it is working for you. And if talking about it encourages someone else to try it, it may help them.

[MFM008]

12. Ive lost

Almost 20 on my veggie diet.
I still eat some shrimp and shredded crab
And dont panic if i grab buttermilk ranch dressing
But generally have given up meat
Fish. Dairy. And eggs. Sugar.
I will drink a slurpee in 93 degree heat...

[MLAA]

13. Wonderful!!!!!!!

I also found I just felt better knowing no animals died so I could eat 🙂👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻