Any ex-meat eaters?

I'm just curious but is there a specific reason that the diet eliminate all red meat? I know that it's often thought of as having more fat, but there are plenty of very lean read meats and there's also many high fat white meats. I'm just wondering if it was because of the fat content.

I'm sorry about the MS diagnosis and I know that even when faced with life changing medical conditions it's still really difficult to make changes. I eat red meat now and then but I think that I could find enough creative ways to substitute white meat for it that I'd be okay. Try not to think of it as having to give something up and more of trying new things.

cakana

I'm just curious but is there a specific reason that the diet eliminate all red meat? I know that it's often thought of as having more fat, but there are plenty of very lean read meats and there's also many high fat white meats. I'm just wondering if it was because of the fat content.

Red meat, no matter how "lean", has saturated fat and cholesterol.  There is plenty of research out there linking it to a variety of health problems.  I gave up all red and "white" meat a few months ago and I was a big time meat eater. It really wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be.  Read some books about the meat industry and you'll be turned off in no time.

Not really related but DH declared that he would become a Vegan as long as he could have a steak every now and then 

mrstjohnson

Not really related but DH declared that he would become a Vegan as long as he could have a steak every now and then 

 LOL, sounds like something my DH would say!  One thing I find humorous are the people who cut out red meat, but still eat poultry and fish, and call themselves vegetarian.

jenns

Red meat, no matter how "lean", has saturated fat and cholesterol.  There is plenty of research out there linking it to a variety of health problems.  I gave up all red and "white" meat

I realize that, but white meat has saturated fat and cholesterol too, so my question why just red meat? Is it worse in some way?

cakana

jenns

Red meat, no matter how "lean", has saturated fat and cholesterol.  There is plenty of research out there linking it to a variety of health problems.  I gave up all red and "white" meat

 

I realize that, but white meat has saturated fat and cholesterol too, so my question why just red meat? Is it worse in some way?

No, it really isn't worse.  All animal products contain saturated fat and cholesterol - red meat, white meat and dairy.  It's best to cut back on all of it.  Americans consume WAY more animal protein then are bodies were ever intended to handle.

Honestly, I would rather cut out poultry vs. red meat.  I could eat red meat everyday (we don't)!  Chicken I could definitely live without.

Being on a huge crock pot kick, my advice would be to buy a crock pot. It's the right time of year, and you can do things you wouldn't imagine, in there. Just google "vegan slow cooker recipes" or "vegetarian" or "chicken" or "dessert" or whatever you want. My next recipe to try is stuffed peppers, done in the crock pot. You can bake potatoes in it, you can make bread or cake in it.... It's just way too much easy.

I'm also trying, just for general feel goods, to eat less junk food. Crock pots help:) 

jenns

cakana

I'm just curious but is there a specific reason that the diet eliminate all red meat? I know that it's often thought of as having more fat, but there are plenty of very lean read meats and there's also many high fat white meats. I'm just wondering if it was because of the fat content.

 

Red meat, no matter how "lean", has saturated fat and cholesterol.  There is plenty of research out there linking it to a variety of health problems.  I gave up all red and "white" meat a few months ago and I was a big time meat eater. It really wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be.  Read some books about the meat industry and you'll be turned off in no time.

How did you do it, being a big time meat eater?  I'm so much a meat and potato girl (with salads and cereal quite often) that I almost don't know HOW to eat anything else.

Cakana, I'm not real sure why the omission of red meat but it seems, after further research, that we can have red meat after the first year of the diet.  I'm still trying to track down the book so I can read more details about the entire program.  I'm hoping it'll give me more hope of being successful.

Hi Amy, I'm really sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

Have you tried Morningstar Farms or Boca products? They have all different kinds of veggie burgers, steak strips, and "crumbles" that can be used just like ground beef.

Good luck.

janobonano

Have you tried Morningstar Farms or Boca products? They have all different kinds of veggie burgers, steak strips, and "crumbles" that can be used just like ground beef.

I love Boca burgers.  Literally, by the time you add the mustard, pickles, lettuce, etc. you don't even know the difference.  Their chicken patties and brats are really good too!

janobonano

Hi Amy, I'm really sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

Have you tried Morningstar Farms or Boca products? They have all different kinds of veggie burgers, steak strips, and "crumbles" that can be used just like ground beef.

Good luck.

I bought some Morningstar Farms crumbles and Chik'n nuggets at the store last night.  Going to try incorporating some healthier options into my diet, regardless of whether I decide to SWANK or not.  A while ago I tried the Boca Burgers and wasn't impressed but maybe, in light of recent circumstances, I'll buck up and give veggie-based things the ole college try.

Different question - what on earth do you put on a baked potato if you can't have dairy (no sour cream or cheese) or any butter/margarine products?  A dry baked pototo does not sound very appealing.

scrubsfiend

Different question - what on earth do you put on a baked potato if you can't have dairy (no sour cream or cheese) or any butter/margarine products?  A dry baked pototo does not sound very appealing.

Salsa is pretty good on baked potatoes ... and you can make salsa with any kind of fruit, not just tomatoes. Crushed pineapple or diced mangoes are great mixed with red onion, minced cilantro and a bit of cayenne pepper.  Pesto sauce is also pretty good - that's just olive oil, pine nuts and basil and so is a scoop of vegetarian chili.

Joyce

 I too am a lazy cook :)  I'm not a vegetarian, but I am slowly modifying my diet to cut back on the amount of animal proteins I eat, with particularly emphasis on red meat.  A crock pot is your friend.  Seriously.  I love my crock pot.  I whisper sweet nothings to its round stoneware base and white chrome lid...(yes I realize I'm beyond weird).  Soups, stews, vegetarian chilis are all easy to make in it (little prep work, then let it cook all day in the crock pot!) and very healthy and yummy. 

Another easy satisfying dish is simply roasted veggies.  This time of the year I chop up (in fairly big pieces) onion, whole garlic cloves (take off the peel), sweet potatoes, butternut squash, green peppers, and carrots.  Preheat oven to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.   Put veggies in a cassarole dish, extra virgin olive oil on top, seasonings (anything from black pepper, rosemary, oregano, thyme, sage etc works well!) and bake for about an hour. 

If sugar is a no no on this diet - you might want to try whole grain pastas, breads, and rice - otherwise it's just basically sugar.  I don't know if you have or not already but clear any and all diets with your doctor.  Have them involved in your symptom management.  That said this diet does sound healthy from what you briefly mentioned.  

If your truly a sugar addict - try cutting back slowly, don't go cold turkey and maybe find some "healthier sweets" you can substitute (for instance give me any berry and that curbs my sugar cravings since they are so naturally sweet.