Relatively new vegetarian- all alone and need supplement advice!

[Guest guest]

Hi! I'm Bethany, I'm 21, I became a vegetarian in november because I

believe avoiding the industry is better for my health and better for

the world ). I'm the only vegetarian around however: my husband is

not a vegetarian, and our families both eat meat as well.

I've decided to be a ::deep breath:: lacto-ovo-pesca-vegetarian.

Maybe I'll cut down on those eventually, but I wasn't ready to give up

organic milk, vegetarian cage-free eggs or fish.

 

Here's what I gotta know: What do I absolutely need to supplement? I

know I need iron. I don't want to get into supplement hell, and I want

to get as many nutrients in my diet as possible.

I've been relying on TVP, Tofu, Beans and cheese with salmon and

tilapia a few times a week. I take lots more naps than I used to, but

otherwise I seem to feel lots better minus the meat. Look better too!

 

Any suggestions for a beginner?

[Guest guest]

Depending on how much eggs, milk and fish you eat, you may need Vitimin B12.

There is some in milk, eggs and fish, so if you eat those things daily you are

OK without, but B12 deficients is prevelent among vegetarians. A vegan diet has

no B12 in it an B12 is necessary for cognitive processing and memory and

rational thinking.

Katie

 

lovelark848 <lovelark848 wrote:

Hi! I'm Bethany, I'm 21, I became a vegetarian in november because I

believe avoiding the industry is better for my health and better for

the world ). I'm the only vegetarian around however: my husband is

not a vegetarian, and our families both eat meat as well.

I've decided to be a ::deep breath:: lacto-ovo-pesca-vegetarian.

Maybe I'll cut down on those eventually, but I wasn't ready to give up

organic milk, vegetarian cage-free eggs or fish.

 

Here's what I gotta know: What do I absolutely need to supplement? I

know I need iron. I don't want to get into supplement hell, and I want

to get as many nutrients in my diet as possible.

I've been relying on TVP, Tofu, Beans and cheese with salmon and

tilapia a few times a week. I take lots more naps than I used to, but

otherwise I seem to feel lots better minus the meat. Look better too!

 

Any suggestions for a beginner?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Travel.

 

 

[Guest guest]

Get a good multivitamin and you don't need the fish.

Here's a good link for you,

 

http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/b12.htm#reliable

 

If you eat your veggies, fruits, beans, legumes and balance out your

meals you will be eating better then any meat eater around and doing

your body good. You will have an increase in energy too.

Gene

 

 

 

 

, " lovelark848 "

<lovelark848 wrote:

>

> Hi! I'm Bethany, I'm 21, I became a vegetarian in november because

I

> believe avoiding the industry is better for my health and better

for

> the world ). I'm the only vegetarian around however: my husband

is

> not a vegetarian, and our families both eat meat as well.

> I've decided to be a ::deep breath:: lacto-ovo-pesca-vegetarian.

> Maybe I'll cut down on those eventually, but I wasn't ready to give

up

> organic milk, vegetarian cage-free eggs or fish.

>

> Here's what I gotta know: What do I absolutely need to supplement?

I

> know I need iron. I don't want to get into supplement hell, and I

want

> to get as many nutrients in my diet as possible.

> I've been relying on TVP, Tofu, Beans and cheese with salmon and

> tilapia a few times a week. I take lots more naps than I used to,

but

> otherwise I seem to feel lots better minus the meat. Look better

too!

>

> Any suggestions for a beginner?

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, Bethany,

 

You are most probably just fine on your B12. We don't need much, and the

liver can store enough for 3 years before there is a deficiency!

 

If you eat grains, or fortified breads and cereals, you are just fine.

 

I know we hear of people, particularly the elderly, having to take B12

injections. But that is due to the body's inability to absorb enough, not a

deficiency in the diet.

 

And if you have adequate leafy greens, lentils and legumes, you're probably

just fine on the iron, too!

 

Good luck, and keep up the good work!

 

 

 

 

On 8/2/07, Katie M <cozycate wrote:

>

> Depending on how much eggs, milk and fish you eat, you may need Vitimin

> B12. There is some in milk, eggs and fish, so if you eat those things daily

> you are OK without, but B12 deficients is prevelent among vegetarians. A

> vegan diet has no B12 in it an B12 is necessary for cognitive processing and

> memory and rational thinking.

> Katie

>

> lovelark848 <lovelark848 <lovelark848%40>> wrote:

> Hi! I'm Bethany, I'm 21, I became a vegetarian in november because I

> believe avoiding the industry is better for my health and better for

> the world ). I'm the only vegetarian around however: my husband is

> not a vegetarian, and our families both eat meat as well.

> I've decided to be a ::deep breath:: lacto-ovo-pesca-vegetarian.

> Maybe I'll cut down on those eventually, but I wasn't ready to give up

> organic milk, vegetarian cage-free eggs or fish.

>

> Here's what I gotta know: What do I absolutely need to supplement? I

> know I need iron. I don't want to get into supplement hell, and I want

> to get as many nutrients in my diet as possible.

> I've been relying on TVP, Tofu, Beans and cheese with salmon and

> tilapia a few times a week. I take lots more naps than I used to, but

> otherwise I seem to feel lots better minus the meat. Look better too!

>

> Any suggestions for a beginner?

>

>

> Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Travel.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Bethany, you do not *need* to supplement anything! you would need

B12 if you were vegan, and if you are in doubt, take some B complex

tablets from time to time. You do not need iron if you eat lots of

greens. Try to eat those without the oxalates that bind the calcium

(make it harder for your body to absorb it). Greens with oxalates

include chard and spinach. I am not sure about bok choy, maybe

someone else here knows that. The really good ones (lots of

calcium, iron and no pesky oxalates to bind calcium) are collard

greens, kale, and brocoli. Eat lots of those. Eat fresh fruit,

salads, and beans/grains for protein, carbs and fiber (and all sorts

of other good things too).

 

I have more good news for you. You joined this group so you are not

alone anymore in you new vegetarian diet!

 

, " lovelark848 "

<lovelark848 wrote:

>

> Hi! I'm Bethany, I'm 21, I became a vegetarian in november because

I

> believe avoiding the industry is better for my health and better

for

> the world ). I'm the only vegetarian around however: my husband

is

> not a vegetarian, and our families both eat meat as well.

> I've decided to be a ::deep breath:: lacto-ovo-pesca-vegetarian.

> Maybe I'll cut down on those eventually, but I wasn't ready to

give up

> organic milk, vegetarian cage-free eggs or fish.

>

> Here's what I gotta know: What do I absolutely need to supplement?

I

> know I need iron. I don't want to get into supplement hell, and I

want

> to get as many nutrients in my diet as possible.

> I've been relying on TVP, Tofu, Beans and cheese with salmon and

> tilapia a few times a week. I take lots more naps than I used to,

but

> otherwise I seem to feel lots better minus the meat. Look better

too!

>

> Any suggestions for a beginner?

>

[Guest guest]

Hey Bethany,

Welcome to the Veggie family. Like many others have shared as long as you eat

a well balanced diet you will be fine. When I became a vegetarian I had a

increase of energy so if you need naps it could be a lot of things. Are you

eating whole grains or a lot of processed foods? I used to be a napper unable to

get through the day without one then I switched everything to whole grains and

noticed a huge change. Also are you eating enough protein and drinking water?

You will find the most delicious recipes here and the people are so

knowledgeable.

Steph

 

 

 

Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows.

Answers - Check it out.

 

 

[Guest guest]

Congrats on your lifestyle change. Since you are eating some fish,

eggs, and milk, I'd say a good complete multi vitamin would be fine.

Don't try to load up on Iron unless you are diagnosed anemic. Extra

iron is not good for you!

 

I have been veg for several years now, take a regular multi, and some

herbals, but have never taken iron and have had no deficiency.

 

The B12 is more of a concern if you are vegan, and again, that is

usually covered in a good multi vitamin.

If you are concerned about being really tired you might visit a

doctor to have a general blood work run to see if you are actually low

on a vitamin? Make sure you are eating lots of fruits and veggies,

don't worry so much about protein sources-mist people consume more

protein than they need anyhow. Good luck and enjoy some of the

recipes on this site! My husband still eats meat but loves most of

the veg recipes I make at home.

 

, " lovelark848 "

<lovelark848 wrote:

>

> Hi! I'm Bethany, I'm 21, I became a vegetarian in november because I

> believe avoiding the industry is better for my health and better for

> the world ). I'm the only vegetarian around however: my husband is

> not a vegetarian, and our families both eat meat as well.

> I've decided to be a ::deep breath:: lacto-ovo-pesca-vegetarian.

> Maybe I'll cut down on those eventually, but I wasn't ready to give up

> organic milk, vegetarian cage-free eggs or fish.

>

> Here's what I gotta know: What do I absolutely need to supplement? I

> know I need iron. I don't want to get into supplement hell, and I want

> to get as many nutrients in my diet as possible.

> I've been relying on TVP, Tofu, Beans and cheese with salmon and

> tilapia a few times a week. I take lots more naps than I used to, but

> otherwise I seem to feel lots better minus the meat. Look better too!

>

> Any suggestions for a beginner?

>

[Guest guest]

, " Melissa " <mapalicka

wrote:

>

> Congrats on your lifestyle change. Since you are eating some fish,

> eggs, and milk, I'd say a good complete multi vitamin would be

fine.

> Don't try to load up on Iron unless you are diagnosed anemic. Extra

> iron is not good for you!

>

> I have been veg for several years now, take a regular multi, and

some

> herbals, but have never taken iron and have had no deficiency.

 

If you *do* end up taking iron, perhaps the gentlest out there

(in terms of no constipation and allowing the body to use what

it needs without forcing things) is Floradix:

 

http://snipurl.com/1p58v

 

> The B12 is more of a concern if you are vegan, and again, that is

> usually covered in a good multi vitamin.

 

And if B12 deficiency is an issue, you will want to get a

sublingual (under the tongue) variety for better absorption.

Two vegetarian options:

 

http://snipurl.com/1p590 (500 mcg)

http://snipurl.com/1p594 (5000 mcg!)

 

> If you are concerned about being really tired you might visit a

> doctor to have a general blood work run to see if you are actually

low

> on a vitamin?

 

Good advice. For the iron, make sure they check ferritin

levels too. That's the storage form in your body. And

have them throw in a thyroid test while they're at it.

 

> Make sure you are eating lots of fruits and veggies,

> don't worry so much about protein sources-mist people consume more

> protein than they need anyhow. Good luck and enjoy some of the

> recipes on this site! My husband still eats meat but loves most of

> the veg recipes I make at home.

 

" Most " of them?!

 

 

-Erin

http://www.vegandonelight.com

[Guest guest]

We love you with us.

Don't ignore being tired all the time. There are others reasons you could have

this. Could be stress, mild deprrssion, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia.

Keep searcing, the docs are quick to pinpoint the vegetarian diet and that is

false. If anything you are eating way better now.

Smiles, Donna

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

 

 

" lovelark848 " <lovelark848

 

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 20:07:44

 

Re: Relatively new vegetarian- all alone and need

supplement advice!

 

 

Thanks, so much. I'd rather not supplement if possible. I think I may

just cut out the fish (less expensive that way anyhow) and eat more

legumes.

I don't know what the tired is from! After reading all your advice,

i'm fairly certain my diet is sufficient to give me all the protein,

iron, b12, and water I need, so I think it may be time to call the

doctor for a basic blood panel to double check the levels. It's been

enough time after the switch.

 

These recipes have been genius. I love this group!

 

@ <%40>

, " cabrita_trl "

<roseta_lleo wrote:

>

> Bethany, you do not *need* to supplement anything! you would need

> B12 if you were vegan, and if you are in doubt, take some B complex

> tablets from time to time. You do not need iron if you eat lots of

> greens. Try to eat those without the oxalates that bind the

calcium

> (make it harder for your body to absorb it). Greens with oxalates

> include chard and spinach. I am not sure about bok choy, maybe

> someone else here knows that. The really good ones (lots of

> calcium, iron and no pesky oxalates to bind calcium) are collard

> greens, kale, and brocoli. Eat lots of those. Eat fresh fruit,

> salads, and beans/grains for protein, carbs and fiber (and all

sorts

> of other good things too).

>

> I have more good news for you. You joined this group so you are

not

> alone anymore in you new vegetarian diet!

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, so much. I'd rather not supplement if possible. I think I may

just cut out the fish (less expensive that way anyhow) and eat more

legumes.

I don't know what the tired is from! After reading all your advice,

i'm fairly certain my diet is sufficient to give me all the protein,

iron, b12, and water I need, so I think it may be time to call the

doctor for a basic blood panel to double check the levels. It's been

enough time after the switch.

 

These recipes have been genius. I love this group!

 

, " cabrita_trl "

<roseta_lleo wrote:

>

> Bethany, you do not *need* to supplement anything! you would need

> B12 if you were vegan, and if you are in doubt, take some B complex

> tablets from time to time. You do not need iron if you eat lots of

> greens. Try to eat those without the oxalates that bind the

calcium

> (make it harder for your body to absorb it). Greens with oxalates

> include chard and spinach. I am not sure about bok choy, maybe

> someone else here knows that. The really good ones (lots of

> calcium, iron and no pesky oxalates to bind calcium) are collard

> greens, kale, and brocoli. Eat lots of those. Eat fresh fruit,

> salads, and beans/grains for protein, carbs and fiber (and all

sorts

> of other good things too).

>

> I have more good news for you. You joined this group so you are

not

> alone anymore in you new vegetarian diet!

>

[Guest guest]

Bethany,

 

Have them check your thyroid as well. That's not included on the basic

panel and is a common reason for tiredness. The other common reason is

diabetes, but that is part of the general set of tests.

 

Sharon

[Guest guest]

You may e mail me off the group if you are in need of more answers. Take care,

Orus Moon

 

thelilacflower wrote:

We love you with us.

Don't ignore being tired all the time. There are others reasons you could have

this. Could be stress, mild deprrssion, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia.

Keep searcing, the docs are quick to pinpoint the vegetarian diet and that is

false. If anything you are eating way better now.

Smiles, Donna

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

 

 

" lovelark848 "

 

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 20:07:44

 

Re: Relatively new vegetarian- all alone and need

supplement advice!

 

 

Thanks, so much. I'd rather not supplement if possible. I think I may

just cut out the fish (less expensive that way anyhow) and eat more

legumes.

I don't know what the tired is from! After reading all your advice,

i'm fairly certain my diet is sufficient to give me all the protein,

iron, b12, and water I need, so I think it may be time to call the

doctor for a basic blood panel to double check the levels. It's been

enough time after the switch.

 

These recipes have been genius. I love this group!

 

@ , " cabrita_trl "

wrote:

>

> Bethany, you do not *need* to supplement anything! you would need

> B12 if you were vegan, and if you are in doubt, take some B complex

> tablets from time to time. You do not need iron if you eat lots of

> greens. Try to eat those without the oxalates that bind the

calcium

> (make it harder for your body to absorb it). Greens with oxalates

> include chard and spinach. I am not sure about bok choy, maybe

> someone else here knows that. The really good ones (lots of

> calcium, iron and no pesky oxalates to bind calcium) are collard

> greens, kale, and brocoli. Eat lots of those. Eat fresh fruit,

> salads, and beans/grains for protein, carbs and fiber (and all

sorts

> of other good things too).

>

> I have more good news for you. You joined this group so you are

not

> alone anymore in you new vegetarian diet!

>