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have decided to become veggie |
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#1 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: livingston, scotland
Posts: 2,500
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have decided to become veggie
one of my new years resolutions to overhaul my lifestyle is to cut meat from my diet. probably a bir silly of me, as i only decided last night and haven't reall done any research
![]() now im quite happy to not eat meat, and i like quorn products and all manners of beans and nuts, but i was wondering what other peoples experiences were with tofu? i've never tried it before and would'nt have a clue how to use it, and weather you get it in asda! also if anyone has any other great substitutions for meat or ideas for meals to suit the whole family without upsetting the omnivores lol
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#2 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: South Coast
Posts: 16,045
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Quote:
one of my new years resolutions to overhaul my lifestyle is to cut meat from my diet. probably a bir silly of me, as i only decided last night and haven't reall done any research
![]() now im quite happy to not eat meat, and i like quorn products and all manners of beans and nuts, but i was wondering what other peoples experiences were with tofu? i've never tried it before and would'nt have a clue how to use it, and weather you get it in asda! also if anyone has any other great substitutions for meat or ideas for meals to suit the whole family without upsetting the omnivores lolBods- veggie for 19 years! |
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#3 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Liverpool
Posts: 5,718
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Hi
Even though you haven't researched it, a vegetarian diet should be easy enough for you to follow, as for the most part it's obvious which foods aren't suitable - meat, fish etc - and there is a wide range of meat-free foods now available. However do be careful as non-vegetarian items can find their way into some food stuffs you may not instinctively consider as being unsuitable. Not all cheese is suitable for vegetarians for example. Celebrations chocolates and Guinness are other pitfalls. That said, most of the supermarkets now routinely mark their products, as do third-party manufacturers, if they are suitable for vegetarians, so whilst you should be careful, you should be OK for the most part. With regard to tofu, it's definitely one of those ingredients that you need to add flavour to, as it's pretty bland on it's own. Obviously there are plenty of sauces, herbs, spices and other ways of adding flavour, however if you aren't too confident in the kitchen, you can buy marinated tofu instead. The most common brand you'll come across is Cauldron, and sells for around £2.05 a pack. Alpro (the people who do the soya milk) also manufacture their own version of marinated tofu, which I find is a little spicier than the Cauldron version. Both versions can be found in Asda on the chiller shelf (as can Cauldron's plain tofu if you want to give flavouring your own a go), however the Alpro version's availability does seem to vary by store. With regard to items that meat-eaters might like too, most common meat items now have vegetarian equivalents - sausages, sausage rolls, steaks, roasts, meatballs, burgers, and others. There are also other products such as nut cutlets which they might like. The best course of action is to check out the meat-free freezers and chillers in the supermarkets. Each store usually has it's own range of products, and there are other manufacturers such as the afore-mentioned Cauldron, Linda McCartney, Redwood Foods, and Good Life among others. Just pick up a few different items each week and give them a try. Inevitably there will be some you and your family won't like, but there's enough choice that that isn't a problem. Good luck, and if you need any more help, just ask.
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#4 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 30,072
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just make sure its balance in all nutriention levels and you'll be fine. Otherwise you'll end up like the stereotypical ill looking veggie that doesn't know how to eat properly, and you will become very unhealthy!
goodluck. |
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#5 |
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: By the Skeleton Tree.
Posts: 56,626
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I've been veggie for about seventeen years, and it's a LOT easier now finding healthy (and nice!) veggie food than it was back then.
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#6 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,772
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I've been a veggie for 22 years and its much easier now with finding suitable foods to cook at home.
Its not always easy eating out to get varied dishes, and when I find a place which has something more to offer than veggie lasagna then its a godsend...and before all the non- veggies shout that its my fault for giving up meat!, I'm just commenting). I went to a chinese restaurant the other day and they had veggie spring rolls on the menu. They also sold fish and chip suppers so I asked if they cooked the veggie spring rolls in the same fryer as the fish and sausages and was told yes! So I said they aren't really veggie then. Maybe I'm just over fussy but its always worth checking So I opted for something else. Supermarket food has better labels than previously so its much easier to check things. Quorn have some nice things and good recipes on their website. http://www.quorn.co.uk/CMSPage.aspx?ssbid=7 Asda have a good mince substitue for quorn - I think it might be cheaper too. Good luck with it, there is plenty of info online, good recipes etc....this forum is very helpful too. |
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#7 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 289
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Oh I have been to a chinese restaurant and ordered vegetable spring rolls and asked if they had any meat in and they said no - when they came they had pork in. I also had a cheese omelette in Italy years ago that for some reason had bacon in it even though it wasnt described on the menu as having it.
With regards to tofu - I dont really use it although when I have Ive tended to go for the marinated one as it has a bit more flavour. It can be really nice - I used to go to one Chinese restaurant where they had several tofu dishes and they tasted lovely. I would have thought Asda do have it - my local Tesco do but they tend to take it away when its times like Christmas to make room for other things. Is it Quorn who do those chicken-like escalope things? They were ok but to "meaty" for me - but if you are changing from meat they could be a good way to wean yourself off of it |
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#8 |
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: By the Sea
Posts: 24,199
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I ate more cheese/dairy items, pulses, starchy vegetables and nuts when I went veggie. In the winter I had hearty soups and in the summer had salads with nutty brown bread.
I do eat meat now but can easily have veggie days and not feel deprived. I have never fancied tofu or quorn and have gone off fish now. |
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#9 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,562
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Tofu is great but its not a straight-for-meat substitute, personally I think that it tastes better when I use it in Japanese/Chinese cookery.
When I turned veggie (i am not anymore but the OH is so I still cook veggie at home but order meat when I am eating out) I steered clear of "pretend meat" as I found them a second best; instead I tried to cook veg more creatively. You will find that there are far more veg than there are types of meat so you won't be bored at all. I also think that looking abroad for inspiriation is a good move - Italian and Indian food are far more veggie friendly than traditional british food! Good luck! |
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#10 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Nottinghamshire England
Posts: 1,958
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I too have deicded to turn vege this year. Partly for moral reasons and partly dietry.
Quorn have loads of different things to eat and there is always plenty of fruit and veg (surprise suprise lol). I was surprised by the different things that i can't eat anymore. Jelly for example and certain ice-creams. But this is my life now and i plan to stick to it. Good luck OP xxxx |
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#11 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: livingston, scotland
Posts: 2,500
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thanks everyone who respopnded, my internet wasnt working for ages so thats why i didnt return
![]() i've discovered i really like bean stew, and its easy peasy to make! was at the doctor the other day, for other reasons, and mentioned my new years resolution. i must admit its more for health reasons than moral reasons, so i didnt object to his suggestion that i try to include oily fish in my diet at least once a week. i have been taking a multivitamin since late last year, but now take one to include iron, as i do have a tendancy towards iron defficiancy. even just becoming veggie has made me think about what im putting in my mouth before scoffing it, so im seeing the difference and feeling much healthier! im still enjoying food, and love to cook, so the challenge of finding nutricious meals that are, most importantly, tasty and satisfying, is enjoyable! once again, thanks for all the advice |
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#12 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 116,685
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Quote:
thanks everyone who respopnded, my internet wasnt working for ages so thats why i didnt return
![]() i've discovered i really like bean stew, and its easy peasy to make! was at the doctor the other day, for other reasons, and mentioned my new years resolution. i must admit its more for health reasons than moral reasons, so i didnt object to his suggestion that i try to include oily fish in my diet at least once a week. i have been taking a multivitamin since late last year, but now take one to include iron, as i do have a tendancy towards iron defficiancy. even just becoming veggie has made me think about what im putting in my mouth before scoffing it, so im seeing the difference and feeling much healthier! im still enjoying food, and love to cook, so the challenge of finding nutricious meals that are, most importantly, tasty and satisfying, is enjoyable! once again, thanks for all the advice ![]() Well done girl keep up the good work . also i hope your staying of the white wine aswell . ![]() Good luck in you Quest |
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#13 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Here
Posts: 2,854
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Quote:
one of my new years resolutions to overhaul my lifestyle is to cut meat from my diet. probably a bir silly of me, as i only decided last night and haven't reall done any research
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#14 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Cornwall (ex-London)
Posts: 65,312
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I like Cauldron marinated tofu which has already been mentioned and we buy Chinese tofu (deep-fried) from the Chinese supermarket which we use in stir fries and curries (fry in a little garlic, soy and chilli or whatever). Some people will tell you that tofu is like rubber (I'm surprised they haven't already appeared on here!) but it's obviously a matter of taste and how you cook it. I don't like the soft stuff but do like paneer.
Also, the 'what's for dinner' thread has quite a few non-meat-eaters on it which might provide ideas, if you ever need any. |
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#15 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,710
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Not hankering after a steak yet are you, been 10 days now!!
I don't think I could become a veggie, I like my meat too much! |
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#16 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: livingston, scotland
Posts: 2,500
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Quote:
Could I just ask, why do you want, apart from cutting meat from your diet, become a veggie?
Quote:
Not hankering after a steak yet are you, been 10 days now!!
I don't think I could become a veggie, I like my meat too much! |
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#17 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 49
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Vegan for 20 years now, so Tofu is my friend (but Tempeh is better!).
Check out lovely flavoured tofus here (rosso is my fave): http://www.veggiestuff.com/acatalog/...ozen_food.html. Good luck and enjoy the liberation! |
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#18 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: livingston, scotland
Posts: 2,500
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Quote:
Vegan for 20 years now, so Tofu is my friend (but Tempeh is better!).
Check out lovely flavoured tofus here (rosso is my fave): http://www.veggiestuff.com/acatalog/...ozen_food.html. Good luck and enjoy the liberation! |
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#19 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Here
Posts: 2,854
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Quote:
mainly to encourage me to eat more healthily - i've been less inclined to nip to the local chinese/mcdonalds/burger king, and i've been choosing more healthy options when we're out to dinner. but to be honest, i didnt eat alot of meat any way, only from fast food for the most part, hence why i've cut it out
im not much of a meat fan, anyways. i really do love veg, to the point that when we're at a family free-for-all i just have a plate of veg and tatties! I wish you the best of luck. Maybe it would be good if some of the vegetarians that post here start a thread of great veggies meals. |
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#20 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Meetjesland
Posts: 2,548
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Hi
This seemed like an ideal thread to ask advice from vegetarians. I came across The Vegetarian Society website recently and was shocked at how many daily products are non-vegetarian. I never imagined that there could be animal derived products in the cheese or beer I buy. It seemed so simple when I gave up eating meat at the beginning of this year but now I'm not so sure. I never thought ordering a beer in a pub would get me wondering about what was involved in the brewing process. How do others here manage to avoid non-vegetarian products when it isn't clear that the product is not suitable for vegetarians? Thanks.
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#21 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Belfast, Ireland
Posts: 2,716
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The one thing I have learned from being vegetarian is to never add more lentils. I use them in bolognese and lasagne and always end up with too much because they swell up loads! I eat an awful lot of peppers and stir fries with soy sauce and chinese 5 spice are delicious. For a few weeks I couldn't bring myself not to eat Haribo and Fruit Pastilles but then I realised that if I'm going to eat them I might as well go ahead and have steak or whatever, so I cut them out. It's still extremely tough though when someone offers me a sweet!
Good luck with the vegetarianism!
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#22 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Turnford, ENGLAND
Posts: 2,732
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Well it looks as though the opening poster's new year's resolution didn't last long. A quick search of her posts reveals that on the 25th August she was talking about a sausage and cider casserole (as opposed to a vegetarian sausage and cider casserole)
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#23 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Turnford, ENGLAND
Posts: 2,732
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Quote:
Hi
This seemed like an ideal thread to ask advice from vegetarians. I came across The Vegetarian Society website recently and was shocked at how many daily products are non-vegetarian. I never imagined that there could be animal derived products in the cheese or beer I buy. It seemed so simple when I gave up eating meat at the beginning of this year but now I'm not so sure. I never thought ordering a beer in a pub would get me wondering about what was involved in the brewing process. How do others here manage to avoid non-vegetarian products when it isn't clear that the product is not suitable for vegetarians? Thanks. ![]() |
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#24 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: North West
Posts: 23,325
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I thought all rabbits were vegetarians
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#25 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Londinium
Posts: 1,850
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sorry for your loss
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