so basically I was wondering if anyone here is a vegetarian? and if so, do you have to take supplements? I would like to become a vegetarian but I cannot afford supplements and I also cannot afford any exotic items like Tofu…

Tofu’s not really as expensive as it was. There are also many other sources of protein for a vegetarian or vegan diet. If you’re just going vegetarian, eggs are a good source. For plant based sources I really like Lentils & Quinoa. They’re awesome and cheap. Beans, nuts & legumes are good. There’s free info on the web these days too and my library carries a lot of books w/ tips on vegan diets and lifestyles.

Good luck!

Germantown, MD

i havent eaten meat since i posted this. its been hard though… most dinners that are made here at home include meat…. :/

That can be a big source of stress for a vegetarian, whether or not you’re just starting out…. people have a hard time figuring out what to replace the meat with when they’ve organized meals around it for their whole lives. I would suggest starting by replacing meats with veggie “meats.” First make sure you’re not allergic/sensitive to soy (because a LOT of people are- headaches, eczema, etc.) and then start incorporating soy-based products into those meals. And Jessica isn’t kidding- tofu isn’t expensive. It is, as a matter of fact, WAY cheaper than animal meat. And you do not need supplements to become a vegetarian, you just have to make sure you continue to get enough protein, iron and fiber, in particular (through the foods Jess mentioned).

My personal favorite products are made by the company “Quorn.” Whole Foods carries them for sure, but you can try a local health food store or Trader Joes. Also, once you know what you like, you can request that your local grocer (locally owned = better!) begin to carry it regularly. I’ve done that with a lot of things that I originally saw at Whole Foods, but didn’t want to continue to pay the “Whole Paycheck” price for. Now veggie meats can be tricky at first, because your memory of what things taste like is fresh in your mind…or mouth, as it were. So expect things to taste a bit different and keep trying new products until you find your favorites.

And I would highly recommend getting yourself a few vegetarian cookbooks. THIS is where you will find your answer to the question that others will constantly pose- What can you eat, then? Here’s a great resource as well, a vegetarian starter kit>

http://www.goveg.com/ORDER.ASP

Stay strong, missy. It isn’t all about salads. There is TONS of delicious foods that doesn’t involve animal meat. And your body will feel incredible.

SANTA MONICA, CA

I’ve been vegetarian since last year and I have to say it hasn’t been hard at all. Though before I made the switch I was eating meat only once a week if that. If you think about it, in terms of cost, meat is pretty expensive. It was the most costly item on my grocery bill. (now its my woodchuck hard cider ;-) Tofu pretty much costs the same as a package of deli meat. What can be expensive are the meat alternatives I sometimes buy (Quorn, Morningstar) and fruit when its not in season. :) I take vegetarian multivitamins and so far have not had any health issues. Not turning to meat for protein has really broadened my diet! I was surprised at the variety of veg foods. We try to cook most of our meals and most recipes can be converted by just switching chicken stock for vegetable stock. :)

San Antonio, Texas

oh, and in times of cravings…Quorn chikin nuggets taste just like the chicken nuggets from Wendy’s! Don’t forget to dip in BBQ sauce! Seriously! :-D

San Antonio, Texas

I’m a vegetarian and it was hard cooking with my family because they all ate meat. I ended up just cooking meals myself, which at least taught me how to cook. I have bought vegetarian omega 3 tablets which weren’t too expensive and some multivitamin tablets, but I take them rarely. Nuts are really good.