Guest guest Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 I want to introduce myself to the group. I am 44 years old and decided to become a vegetarian 7 days ago. Actually, I decided to become a vegetarian about 6 months ago but didn't actually start until 7 days ago. A friend of mine loaned me a book " Transition to Vegetarianism: An Evolutionary Step " written by a Dr. Rudolph Ballentine. It was first published in 1987 I think. The book gives you a gradual way of weaning yourself from different types of meat. It really helped me a lot. One thing that I have already noticed is a great deal of prejudice and stereotyping regarding vegetarians and vegans. People who, for whatever reasons, have decided to eliminate meat from their diets are treated as many minority groups are by those filled with ignorance and fear. I would be interested in learning some strategies for dealing with the close-minded people out there who think they know everything about you once they learn of your vegetarian or vegan choice. I feel as though I am at the beginning of a wonderful journey. I am looking forward to a new world opening up before me. This group looks like a fantastic resource. Cheers, John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 John I just joined about a week ago and have gotten some tremendous responses. I gave up meat all at once. Probably not a good idea. I then gave up all dairy about a week later. I have dropped 7 pounds in as many days. I have not had to deal with the issues of dealing with eating at a party or anything but my friends and family know that I am always trying out some new fad diet. My husband even joked about how long this one will last. He is doing Atkins'. LOLL Makes me think of the poem Jack Sprat could eat no fat his wife could eat no lean so between them both they licked the platter clean. Kirsten John [johnservis] Thursday, January 20, 2005 3:38 PM New member/New Vegetarian I want to introduce myself to the group. I am 44 years old and decided to become a vegetarian 7 days ago. Actually, I decided to become a vegetarian about 6 months ago but didn't actually start until 7 days ago. A friend of mine loaned me a book " Transition to Vegetarianism: An Evolutionary Step " written by a Dr. Rudolph Ballentine. It was first published in 1987 I think. The book gives you a gradual way of weaning yourself from different types of meat. It really helped me a lot. One thing that I have already noticed is a great deal of prejudice and stereotyping regarding vegetarians and vegans. People who, for whatever reasons, have decided to eliminate meat from their diets are treated as many minority groups are by those filled with ignorance and fear. I would be interested in learning some strategies for dealing with the close-minded people out there who think they know everything about you once they learn of your vegetarian or vegan choice. I feel as though I am at the beginning of a wonderful journey. I am looking forward to a new world opening up before me. This group looks like a fantastic resource. Cheers, John _____ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 >>>Makes me think of the poem Jack Sprat could eat no fat his wife could eat no lean so between them both they licked the platter clean. ROFL! Search presents - Jib Jab's 'Second Term' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 >>I would be interested in learning some strategies for dealing with the close-minded people out there who think they know everything about you once they learn of your vegetarian or vegan choice. Hmmm. Maybe tell them WHY you're vegetarian/vegan? The short version - don't get into all the causes specifically. Tell them your doctor said so. Tell them because you WANT to. Get nasty & ask them what business is it of theirs what you eat? Tell them you don't ask them what they will/won't eat. I get odd looks sometimes when I say what I've made for dinner espcially to my neighbor who has chicken night, meatloaf night, pizza night, makes gravy all day Sunday - every week the same thing. And she wonders why her kids don't eat anything. Woops...a tangent. Sorry....oh...I just say I like to try lots of different recipes. Good luck. Beth Search presents - Jib Jab's 'Second Term' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 , Beth Renzetti <elmothree2000> wrote: > >>I would be interested in learning some strategies for dealing with the close-minded people out there who think they know everything about you once they learn of your vegetarian or vegan choice. > > Hmmm. Maybe tell them WHY you're vegetarian/vegan? The short version - don't get into all the causes specifically. Tell them your doctor said so. Tell them because you WANT to. Get nasty & ask them what business is it of theirs what you eat? Tell them you don't ask them what they will/won't eat. I get odd looks sometimes when I say what I've made for dinner espcially to my neighbor who has chicken night, meatloaf night, pizza night, makes gravy all day Sunday - every week the same thing. And she wonders why her kids don't eat anything. Woops...a tangent. Sorry....oh...I just say I like to try lots of different recipes. Good luck. Beth > THANKS, Beth. I like your suggestions and your spirit. -John > > > > > > > > Search presents - Jib Jab's 'Second Term' > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 , " Carousel Cheesecakes " <cc1@m...> wrote: > John I just joined about a week ago and have gotten some tremendous > responses. I gave up meat all at once. Probably not a good idea. I then > gave up all dairy about a week later. I have dropped 7 pounds in as many > days. I have not had to deal with the issues of dealing with eating at a > party or anything but my friends and family know that I am always trying out > some new fad diet. My husband even joked about how long this one will last. > He is doing Atkins'. LOLL Makes me think of the poem Jack Sprat could eat > no fat his wife could eat no lean so between them both they licked the > platter clean. > >> Kirsten > If there weren't a " no bashing rule " here, I would share some of my thoughts about the Atkins Diet. It sounds as though we are both " newbies " . I wish you a lot of success. Of course, on Atkins Jack Sprat gets to eat as much fat as he wants. One of my big downfalls in maintaining a healthy weight is high-fat foods. Some people have a sweet tooth. I have a fat tooth. I am intersted in fueling my body with good stuff as opposed to the high fat bad stuff. Thank you for replying to my post, Kristen. I know that we both made the right decision. > > > > John [johnservis@l...] > Thursday, January 20, 2005 3:38 PM > > New member/New Vegetarian > > > > > > I want to introduce myself to the group. I am 44 years old and > decided to become a vegetarian 7 days ago. Actually, I decided to > become a vegetarian about 6 months ago but didn't actually start until > 7 days ago. A friend of mine loaned me a book " Transition to > Vegetarianism: An Evolutionary Step " written by a Dr. Rudolph > Ballentine. It was first published in 1987 I think. The book gives you > a gradual way of weaning yourself from different types of meat. It > really helped me a lot. > One thing that I have already noticed is a great deal > of prejudice and stereotyping regarding vegetarians and vegans. People > who, for whatever reasons, have decided to eliminate meat from their > diets are treated as many minority groups are by those filled with > ignorance and fear. I would be interested in learning some strategies > for dealing with the close-minded people out there who think they > know everything about you once they learn of your vegetarian or vegan > choice. > I feel as though I am at the beginning of a wonderful journey. I > am looking forward to a new world opening up before me. This group > looks like a fantastic resource. > Cheers, > John > > > _____ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 THANKS, Beth. I like your suggestions and your spirit. -John LOL, thanks. John <johnservis wrote: , Beth Renzetti <elmothree2000> wrote: > >>I would be interested in learning some strategies for dealing with the close-minded people out there who think they know everything about you once they learn of your vegetarian or vegan choice. > > Hmmm. Maybe tell them WHY you're vegetarian/vegan? The short version - don't get into all the causes specifically. Tell them your doctor said so. Tell them because you WANT to. Get nasty & ask them what business is it of theirs what you eat? Tell them you don't ask them what they will/won't eat. I get odd looks sometimes when I say what I've made for dinner espcially to my neighbor who has chicken night, meatloaf night, pizza night, makes gravy all day Sunday - every week the same thing. And she wonders why her kids don't eat anything. Woops...a tangent. Sorry....oh...I just say I like to try lots of different recipes. Good luck. Beth > THANKS, Beth. I like your suggestions and your spirit. -John > > > > > > > > Search presents - Jib Jab's 'Second Term' > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 Some people have a sweet tooth. I have a fat tooth. And I have both. *sigh* Search presents - Jib Jab's 'Second Term' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 I can't describe how ill the Atkins' diet made me. My doctor warned me before I tried it but it was all the rage at the time. Yes at first I did loose some weight but it all came back plus 10 pounds. My kidneys shut down and I got very ill. Kirsten John [johnservis] Thursday, January 20, 2005 5:26 PM Re: New member/New Vegetarian , " Carousel Cheesecakes " <cc1@m...> wrote: > John I just joined about a week ago and have gotten some tremendous > responses. I gave up meat all at once. Probably not a good idea. I then > gave up all dairy about a week later. I have dropped 7 pounds in as many > days. I have not had to deal with the issues of dealing with eating at a > party or anything but my friends and family know that I am always trying out > some new fad diet. My husband even joked about how long this one will last. > He is doing Atkins'. LOLL Makes me think of the poem Jack Sprat could eat > no fat his wife could eat no lean so between them both they licked the > platter clean. > >> Kirsten > If there weren't a " no bashing rule " here, I would share some of my thoughts about the Atkins Diet. It sounds as though we are both " newbies " . I wish you a lot of success. Of course, on Atkins Jack Sprat gets to eat as much fat as he wants. One of my big downfalls in maintaining a healthy weight is high-fat foods. Some people have a sweet tooth. I have a fat tooth. I am intersted in fueling my body with good stuff as opposed to the high fat bad stuff. Thank you for replying to my post, Kristen. I know that we both made the right decision. > > > > John [johnservis@l...] > Thursday, January 20, 2005 3:38 PM > > New member/New Vegetarian > > > > > > I want to introduce myself to the group. I am 44 years old and > decided to become a vegetarian 7 days ago. Actually, I decided to > become a vegetarian about 6 months ago but didn't actually start until > 7 days ago. A friend of mine loaned me a book " Transition to > Vegetarianism: An Evolutionary Step " written by a Dr. Rudolph > Ballentine. It was first published in 1987 I think. The book gives you > a gradual way of weaning yourself from different types of meat. It > really helped me a lot. > One thing that I have already noticed is a great deal > of prejudice and stereotyping regarding vegetarians and vegans. People > who, for whatever reasons, have decided to eliminate meat from their > diets are treated as many minority groups are by those filled with > ignorance and fear. I would be interested in learning some strategies > for dealing with the close-minded people out there who think they > know everything about you once they learn of your vegetarian or vegan > choice. > I feel as though I am at the beginning of a wonderful journey. I > am looking forward to a new world opening up before me. This group > looks like a fantastic resource. > Cheers, > John > > > _____ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 Hi John, and welcome to vegetarianslimming! > I am 44 years old and > decided to become a vegetarian 7 days ago. Oh wow! That's really great - good for you, John! ;=) A huge step - no matter how long you have been thinking of it! I haven't read Ballentine's book, I don't think - but I was already a veggie by then so I would have overlooked it. Too bad. > One thing that I have already noticed is a great deal > of prejudice and stereotyping regarding vegetarians and vegans. . . . Tell me about it! :=( >I would be interested in learning some strategies > for dealing with the close-minded people out there who think they > know everything about you once they learn of your vegetarian or vegan > choice. You've had some great suggestions made - I myself prefer not to explain, but I usually end up saying something. These days it's more 'I just *am*'. You know, treat it as if you had joined a new club or group or got a new job or haircut. They can accept it or not, but you shouldn't have to explain. (And a fat lot of use *that* advice is! :=( How are you at making rude gestures? LOL) Anyway, enjoy the group. we have some great recipes in the Files on the webpage, some good Links that might help you with all this, and even some Photos up there. Have a look around! Best, Pat (List Co-owner with Piers) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 ew, that umm..stinks bigtime. (hugs) My kidneys shut down and I got very ill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2005 Report Share Posted January 21, 2005 John, I think people get threatened by people who have a different life style. Think of it as their problem, not yours. Let them see or even try what you are eating. Find vegetarians in your area to build a support network. Check online for vegetarian groups in your area. If you don't find any that way, go to http://www.meetup.com and search for groups in your area. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ from Maida Please sign my petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/738171316 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2005 Report Share Posted January 21, 2005 Hi John and Welcome My name's Laura, I'm 32 and live in Scotland with Sammy-cat (currently bouncing around 'cause he wants out and it's still dark). I'm also new on this path and am currently semi-veggie while I use up things like meat stock cubes which I have in the house. This is a great group Laura Currently Reading: Being Vegetarian for Dummies by Suzanne Havala http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2409717 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2005 Report Share Posted January 21, 2005 , Laura Thomson <laura.thomson@g...> wrote: > Hi John and Welcome > > My name's Laura, I'm 32 and live in Scotland with Sammy-cat (currently > bouncing around 'cause he wants out and it's still dark). I'm also new > on this path and am currently semi-veggie while I use up things like > meat stock cubes which I have in the house. > > This is a great group > > Laura > > Currently Reading: Being Vegetarian for Dummies by Suzanne Havala > http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2409717 > > > > Laura, Thanks for your message. I am very impressed with the resources here in this group. I feel a bit like a " dummy " when it comes to being a vegetarian so I may pick up a copy of that book as well. I wish you a lot of success. -John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2005 Report Share Posted January 21, 2005 The 'dummies' book is fairly good - I'm about 3/4 of the way through it and have gotten onto meal planning. I'm hoping she'll actually say how to plan a meal but, at the moment, it's menus. There was a bit about the number of portions to eat throughout the day so I could probably adapt that though. I'm also thinking that it might be helpful to track my calories for a couple of days. The slimming group I go to doesn't require that but works on a principle of foods having points values (a bit like WeightWatchers but far more foods have a zero value depending on which Day you're following - Red or Green). But the Dummies book is, at present, talking about not eating enough calories and a couple of people have mentioned that to me with regard to my disappointment at weigh in this week so I think it might be worth taking a look. Sorry I'm wordy tonight - it's *cold* in Scotland and it's not just my teeth that are rattling! Laura Currently Reading: Being Vegetarian for Dummies by Suzanne Havala http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2409717 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 Laura, Just FYI, Suzanne Havala has some great articles on the Vegetarian Resource Group website also (www.vrg.org). There's also quite a bit of information for new as well as seasoned vegetarians and vegans on that site. God's Peace, Gayle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 Thanks for the info Gayle - I'll check it out Laura Currently Reading: Number Ten by Sue Townsend http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1998333 quintmom wrote: > Laura, > Just FYI, Suzanne Havala has some great articles on the Vegetarian > Resource Group website also (www.vrg.org). There's also quite a bit > of information for new as well as seasoned vegetarians and vegans on > that site. > > God's Peace, > Gayle > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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