Thinking about going Vegetarian... - Healthy Lifestyle Message Board

Nixona · 05-05-2005, 12:55 PM

Hey all,
I made over my diet several months ago, and dropped almost all meat. I eat TONS of fruits, veggies, nuts, lowfat cheeses and whole grains. I feel GREAT and I'm quite simply lovin' it.

So I'm sitting here asking myself, why not go all the way? The only meat I am eating is tuna on whole wheat bread during two of my meals a day. I read it's a very beneficial food, is good for you, and it's very convenient for me. Now I'm seeing these reports about high mercury levels, health risks, etc etc.

I've read about "tuno" and some tricks to use at home with firm tofu. But, I can't really afford to sacrifice protein at this stage in the game. I have one pouch of Starkist Chunk Light in Water per day, which contains 90 calories, 1g fat, 380mg of Sodium, and 19g of protein. Any thoughts or ideas? The whole sandwhich concept works because I can make it the night before and throw it in a little baggie, eat it on the go if need be.

missmanda05 · 05-05-2005, 04:25 PM

hello, I know what your talking about I have been a vegetarian and a vegan both. I had no probs with it execpt when I was a vegetarian I was hungry alot more. With being a vegan it was hard to find food unless I went to whole foods or a health store... I lost weight being a vegan but its hard work. My younger sister was a vegetarian for 5 years and now she eats fish only...She was a vegan for 9 months our of the 5 years and she also had a hard time finding food...She is a big animal lover and along with me she just has alot more choices now and is alot healtheir...I think everyone has their own right to eat what they like to. If you pick to give up tuna I hope you do great or if you stick with it I hope you do great as well... Good luck and always take care. Sonya

Sonflower1116 · 05-15-2005, 12:37 PM

You can safely eat canned tuna, preferably packed in water, twice a week. Of all the talk about mercury levels in fish, it's mainly the larger fish that are causing concerns. I eat farm-raised salmon at least 3-4 times a week as I can't get fresh-water salmon locally (and who can afford $18 per lb?) and tuna once in awhile. I just had a lab test done for mercury levels and mine are normal.

On a personal note, I would be more concerned with the aluminum package that your tuna is in as there are reports about the dangers of cooking, wrapping, storing, freezing with aluminum, drinking colas from aluminum cans, etc. The aluminum leeches into the foods and it has been possibly linked with Alzheimers. Oh great, you're thinking, another thing to be worried about.

Nixona · 05-15-2005, 07:39 PM

I guess since Sonflower bumped the thread to the top, I'll share what I've been up to.

This weekend I bought extra firm tofu, sweet and sour marinade, fresh brocolli, carrots, snap peas, water chesnuts and baby corn. I stir-fryed it all up and made some wild rice to go with it. It was really darn good. The leftovers were even better today, just threw everything, rice and all, into a pan on the stove and heated it up. Makes me hungry just thinking about it again.

Still trying to give tuna the boot, if anybody has any good ideas.

Magpiezoe · 05-18-2005, 11:49 AM

I make my own type of humus as a substitute for tuna salad or egg salad in sandwiches. All I do is cook the garbonzo beans/chick peas until they are very tender. Drain and mash them. Let them cool a little. Then add chopped onions, mayo, and black pepper to taste. Put in a container and chill until you're ready to use it.

This is really bad, but I like to dry off the firm tofu, deep fry it, and add a little salt. It gets this light crispy coating on it and tastes like fried egg whites.

Cucumber sandwiches are good too. I spead a little light cream cheese on the bread and put cucumbers on it. Can't wait for harvest season!