Vegetarian Diet Review

Prodoc answers:

Cats are “obligate carnivores” which means they must have meat to survive and thrive. Dogs have long been re-classified as “omnivores.” Dogs don’t require meat as part of their diets. There are some very good vegetarian diets made for dogs.

Prodoc answers:

I know that a dog can thrive on a vegetarian diet as my dog was fed strictly vegetarian for over five years … During that time she would exercise strenuously for at least two hours a day, she excelled in flyball, agility and obedience … She was trained to be an “extra” dog on movie sets … She was healthy, active, and very athletic … I tried her on a vegetarian diet due to animal protein allergies that were tested and confirmed by a doggie allergist (she also received immunotherapy for almost a year with ZERO effect) … And my dog too enjoyed very good health her entire life … The reality is protein is protein and a dog is an omnivore and therefore can thrive on a vegetarian diet … Ten years ago when i started my dog on a veggie diet, there were exactly two options for vegetarian kibble for dogs, now there are so many i can’t even count including mainstream companies such as natural balance whose vegetarian kibble has won an award … So if it was such a poor diet i doubt so many companies now would be making vegetarian formulas …

Prodoc answers:

Yes i did know that … In fact i had my dog on a vegetarian diet for a good portion of her adult life and she thrived … Dogs are omnivores and protein is protein … Don’t try to convince anyone here though …

Prodoc answers:

Anyways, when processed into kibble, would that not break the bonds within the plant matter and therefore make it useable nutrients? -> Pretty much. Its the same reason people who do the BARF version of raw feeding have to process/blend the fruits and veggies they feed

Its usable but how much compared to a meat based kibble I don’t know. You know I am wondering if any comparison studies have been done, obviously on dogs who aren’t allergic to meat based protein.

Give me a sec reading articles an apparently HSUS has put out their own vegan pet food

ETA: First off ANYONE who would feed the overpriced imported crap in a bag HSUS is hawking is a fool. Compared to other vegan/vegetarian kibbles Humane Choice is lacking in bout Taurine and L-carnitine both of which are essentianl to dogs. While dogs can produce their own taurine low levels can lead to DCM. Will try and find the 2003 studied referenced in this article http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/13_4/features/Vegetarian-Dog-Food_16213-1.html stating “dogs fed diets containing rice, rice bran, or barley had lower levels of taurine in their blood.”

SO if the ingredients are right and the proper supplements have been added I suppose a proper vegan diet under the right circumstances would be a good alternative.

Prodoc answers:

I breed GSDs. I only feed raw. It will take her a bit to figure out what you have given her but once she does she will not want kibble again. Chicken wings are good so are legs, the chunks should be fine but if your worried blend them down into mush. Also very important don’t forget to give her organ meat 2x per week (heart is muscle, so you want to be giving her liver, kidney that kind of thing.) I don’t let my dogs lick my face period so it doesn’t bother me.
When you give her her organ meat blend up some veggies as well not alot just a small bit.
Because my dogs are much bigger than yours they get bigger pieces, but along with chicken they also get rabbit, pork, deer,moose,beef,duck, and game birds. Don’t give smoked meat it has too much salt.

Prodoc answers:

No worries, it is just that you have not taste the real good and yummy veg*n dishes YET… I have been a veg*n since 1993 and I cook simple veg*n dishes at home.

Another thing, you might want to up your zinc intake, it helps your body to taste food better (not that bland) …

There are many good websites out there that can give good answer to your question.

If you don’t mind Asian Vegetarian Cuisine, please pop by to my Recipes Blog with over 600 recipes with photo.

There are many easy to whip and no-cooking required recipes there, maybe, by looking at them, you can churn up some other new recipe ideas that you would like …

Have fun — http://www.crystalbyblog.blogspot.com/

I would like to introduce the Singapore Health Promotion Board (Government website) on A Vegetarian’s Guide to Eating Right,

http://www.hpb.gov.sg/foodforhealth/article.aspx?id=424

It has a very good and short info. Hope you will be able to find yummy veg*n food, we have a lots in Singapore – difficult type of cuisine – veg*n version of course : ).

Cheers

Prodoc answers:

I hope you like beans. Seriously though dried legumes and whole grains off many different varieties comprise a complete protein when eaten together/in the same day. For example some quinoa porridge for breakfast with fruit. A lentil, brown rice and veggies stir fry or pilaf for lunch, more fruit/veggies or maybe hummus with whole-grain pita dippers for snack. Mexican pintos and spanish (brown) rice for supper. I don’t have a ton of specific recipes but for general budget-friendly and healthful shopping buy whole, unproccessed foods where ever possible. Your big sacks of dried beans and whole grains are generally pretty cheap on a per-serving basis, as are whole fresh veggies/fruits, not the precut yucky ones, and don’t be afraid of frozen veg and fruit, in winter they usually have more nutrition than the similar “fresh” stuff being transported from another hemisphere.
Also don’t be too shy in your use of oils, and try to avoid stuff like canola which is actually chemically processed in like 16 different steps. You want real olive oil, flax seed oil, good omega fats to help your body absorb vitamins and minerals as well as nourishing the nervous system. In fact certain vitamins and some minerals are not well-absorbed by the intestines if there isn’t any fat ingested at the same time as them. Hope this helps some!

Prodoc answers:

Lentils

Prodoc answers:

Here are some interesting sites for vegetarian recipes. I do not think you can get bored with these sites. If you see any with meat just skip those. Especially on the site from India.

Remember healthy is always in the quantity you eat. Quality before quantity.

Http://www.syvum.com/recipes/ivrindex.html

http://www.vegetarianrecipesandcooking.com

/http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Salad/Dressings-and-Vinaigrettes/Main.aspx

http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Everyday-Cooking/Vegetarian/Main.aspx

http://chinesefood.about.com/od/vegetarian/p/vegetarian.htm

Prodoc answers:

Http://info-piece.blogspot.com/2009/04/low-carb-snacks.html

Prodoc answers:

C.

I tried and couldn’t, but people who do are amazing and lucky.

Prodoc answers:

Yes, because the conventional American diet is completely unsustainable to the environment- it would take the energy of four Earths to provide for every individual if they ate like most Americans do. A vegan diet uses CONSIDERABLY less water (thousands and thousands gallons less per day) and is overall the ideal diet, if you’re looking for the human race as well as the planet to survive.

Prodoc answers:

Hi Jade – I’ve been vegan since 1994 and I coach people how to use the vegan diet to lose weight. To answer your question, no it doesn’t usually work quickly. But the weight you lose is usually gone for good, as long as you continue to eat the right foods, drink lots of water, and exercise.

You’re looking for a vegan diet guide or something like that? My entire site is packed with free information about vegan cooking and the vegan diet. It might be just what you’re looking for.

Enjoy!
Sassy
VeganCoach.com

Prodoc answers:

LMFAO!!! Bunch of rich spoiled little girlie men. LSU would kick those pansies a$$! Hippychicks! “You Eth Thee”…I’m fin rolling over here!!

Prodoc answers:

Is this Ashley with another account?

Prodoc answers:

Yes,I agree with the person above me. Go vegan! But then again it all boils down to one thing. How much you eat. Even a vegan person can be overweight. You need to reduce your intake at each of the three meals. Please stop eating mock meat as it contains sodium and cannot form part of a staple diet. It is also costlier than consuming vegetables directly.
You need to make sure you eat pulses at least three times a week and fruits and vegetables everyday.
Have a fruit for breakfast and a vegetable/pulses for lunch and dinner.
Make sure you include all vegetables,pulses,lentils and beans(kidney beans,chickpeas,black eyed peas,green peas)

Here are some recipes to help you out:

http://www.vegiehead.com/index.html

http://www.manjulaskitchen.com/category/subji-vegetables/

http://www.indianfoodforever.com/indian-breakfast/

http://www.easy-indian-food.com/indian-breakfast-recipes.html

http://www.indianfoodrecipes.net/vegetarian-indian-recipes/index.html

http://www.manjulaskitchen.com/category/snacks/

Prodoc answers:

It is easy to adapt the South Beach Diet for vegetarians. Instead of lean meats there are other sources of protein such as beans, legumes and soy products. Fruit and whole grain foods are allowed in moderation in the second and third phases of the diet. Low fat dairy products and eggs are allowed with more permissive vegetarian versions

Prodoc answers:

It’s either (d) unhealthy reliance on animal products for nutrition, or (e) all of the above.

Prodoc answers:

Hey, I’m afraid this won’t be much help but I wouldn’t actually say they’re bad for you at all!

They do not lack anything. We can get all the nutrition we need without animal products.

They’re also lower in saturated fat.

Sorry!
X

Prodoc answers:

Vegan: absolutely no meat, fish or animal by-products
This is the strictest, and hardest to follow. Many specialized foods, because products like bread contain animal by-products (milk, eggs, etc.)

Ovovegetarian: no meat, poultry or fish – but they do eat eggs

Lactovegetarian: no meat, poultry or fish – but they do eat dairy

Ovo-Lactovegetarian: no meat, poultry or fish – but they do eat eggs and dairy

Pescavegetarian: no meat or poultry – but they do eat fish

Pollovegetarian: no meat or fish – but they do eat poultry

So in answer to your question, yes – you are still a vegetarian – an Pollo-Pesca-Ovo Vegetarian!

Many people who call themselves vegetarians have only eliminated red meat from their diets. It sounds to me like you are one of these people.

Prodoc answers:

Lacto-ovo vegetarian (eats dairy and eggs, but no meat)
Lacto-vegetarian (eats dairy, but no eggs or meat)
Ovo-vegetarian (eats eggs, but no dairy or meat)
Vegan (no eggs, dairy, or meat)

Vegetarian diets have a variety of benefits.

-Helps to reduce animal suffering
-Better for the environment; plant-based diets are more efficient
-Protects your health. Meat consumption is linked to health problems like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, colon cancer, etc.
-Some people find it easier to lose weight
-Have more energy
-Live your values at every meal

Prodoc answers:

Got no list but, less fattening, no growth hormones, you will automatically lose weight, food will flo through your body easier, less rot and bad germs in your intestines, lower cases of colon cancer, your entire body will have less poisons in it, better meditation experiences, less chance of getting appendicitis, calcium absorption is higher, kidneys get good rest and it’s harder to become dehydrated,.. If anyone goes against these benefits they’re just a negative failure.

Prodoc answers:

Veggies plus supplements=good; lean meats plus veggies=good. Do what’s healthy for you and eat balanced. However, supplements are no match to the real thing so do some research

Prodoc answers:

It is not neccessary to eat meat. You can get everything you need from a healthy vegetarian or vegan diet. You just have to be careful to eat enough protein and enough of each nutrient, just as you do with any diet in order to be healthy.

By not eating meat (and doing it right) you are at less risk of obesity, certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, food poisoning……
Lots of other things I can’t remember. I just do it cos this is what feels right.

Prodoc answers:

A wonderful book for the lacto-ovo Vegetarian, Is ” Diet For a Small Planet”, the book explains how to get complete essential amino acids in every dish. A combination of grains, legumes, etc.
It is interesting that certain cultures have been doing it for centuries. The Mexican eating, rice, beans, and corn. The follow-up book “Recipes for a Small Planet” has many recipes, to inspire the appetite.

Prodoc answers:

Losing weight is all about calories in versus calories out. Doesn’t matter if you eat only meat, only dairy, only plants, or any combination of the three.

I lost weight by changing my eating habits, not what I ate. I’d eat huge breakfasts (around 700 calories), big lunches (~500), small dinners (~300), and a large snack (~200) in the evening. I was told to eat four to six meals a day with breakfast being the largest and dinner the smallest, and that is the advice I pass along to you. Also, avoid sodas and junk foods.

Prodoc answers:

Congratulations on your choice of being vegan. I lost 80 pounds just by eating a whole plant based diet and avoiding processed food additives such as excess salt, oil, refined carbohydrates, sugar, and food additives. MSG and aspartame (diet soda) will prevent you from losing weight. Stop drinking diet soda and stop drinking any form of commercial fruit juices and drinks. If you want something sweet, just eat some whole fruit. Stick with water as your primary drink of choice.

Over the long term, any human will break a 400 calorie per day diet and make up for lost calories. (Gina Kolata) I suggest that you eat the following foods:

- Leafy Greens
- Whole Grains (not processed, not gluten)
- Legumes (peas, flax seed ground, beans)
- Colorful vegetables
- Fruits
- B12, D3, and Omega-3(flax seed)

This contains a lot of plant protein, calcium, and other nutrients. The fiber in this diet prevents hunger and allows the calories to be absorbed over a period of time.

Prodoc answers:

There’s a wonderful site for folks with eating disorders (or recovering). You will find all sorts of supportive people as well as great info in your quest to regain control of your body.

It’s not easy, but it IS worth it.

Keep fighting!

~Dr. B.~

Prodoc answers:

I need about 2000-2200 calories a day to stay at the same weight…
You not only get the calories from what you eat, but also from what you drink.
For an example, here’s what I ate yesterday:
breakfast-
vegetable salad:
1 cucumber (45 calories)
1 celery stalk (6 calories)
1 whole carrot (30 calories)
Banana/spinach breakfast milkshake:
2 bananas (242 calories)
1 cup of spinach (7 calories)
2 cups of Rice milk (440 calories)
total breakfast calories: 770

Lunch-
Fruit salad:
2 oranges (124 calories)
2 cut up apples (154 calories)
1 mango (135 calories)
2 clementines (70 calories)
1 pear (51 calories)
Ginseng herbal tea (150 calories)
total lunch calories: 648 calories

dinner-
1 cup oatmeal mixed with walnuts/almonds(489 calories)
16oz. Water (0 calories)
total dinner calories: 489

snack: 2 kiwis (112 calories)

total calories for the day:
2019 calories

Prodoc answers:

As you plan a vegan diet for weight loss, keep in mind that you do need to eat minimum amounts of certain foods for good health. Plan your diet to include at least 6 servings of whole grains, 8 servings of fruits and vegetables, and 4 servings of some combination of legumes, nuts, or soy products. (Remember that a serving of nuts is just 2 tablespoons and a serving of legumes or soy is just _ cup–or 1 cup of soymilk). Then make sure you are getting 1000 milligrams of calcium every day (see the November 20, 2000 article for information on how to do this). If you don’t eat foods that provide this much calcium, use supplements. Make sure you are including a source of vitamin B12 in your diet as well. And make sure you get adequate sun exposure or use foods fortified with vitamin D. This is sort of the bare minimum of what you need. But, based on your body size and your own needs, it may not be enough food even for someone who wants to lose weight. So, add in other foods–like more grains, small amounts of oil for sautéing veggies, some treats, etc–until you get to an intake that is satisfying to you but still allows some slow weight loss. There is a little bit of trial and error involved here. It’s really all about what works for you. Don’t be so stingy with food that you are feeling hungry and losing weight rapidly. This can lead to unhealthy attitudes about food or can be very difficult to maintain over the long term if you are always feeling hungry or unsatisfied. If you can’t create an eating plan for yourself that allows you to lose weight, then it’s a good idea to meet with a dietitian to work out a good approach.