Whirlwind
Gold Member
It isn't pathetic, you are changing a habit that has been ingrained several times a day for however old you are :)
I grew up in a heavy meat eating world and I haven't eaten meat in well over 20 yrs. I dabbled prior so fair to say little meat for the last 30 yrs. Time flies, ha. I did vegan strict for a few years, frankly it was just too difficult to stick to (for me) but I eat a lot of vegan still. I just made a cashew based dip for some folks, no one knows what is in it but they like it :)
The "complete protein" was promoted by a book in the 70's ..title: diet for planet? Just google it.
Please read for yourself, the complete protein is a myth and has long since been debunked. Good sources for reputable info is PCRM.org, Nutritionfacts.org etc. Lots out there these days.
Simply put body is smart and eating complimentary within days does the trick. If you eat a varied diet you will hit the mark assuming you can cook some etc.
Early transitioning I remember feeling less "full" after meals. It was hard to figure out the main dish but again a major habit to change it takes time an practice. I was just asked yesterday by someone who wanted to know what I ate and I rattled off the weeks menu.
Meat cravings...use some faux products, eat "heavier" foods like seasoned lentils. I very rarely eat faux meat anymore, its expensive, yeesh.
I remember having cravings but while I still think it smells good at times I don't have any urge. Early on I was turned off by really stringent activists and oddly I found they were diligent only to throw in the towel after 6 months citing they were physically ill. Unlikely but maybe they ate badly, I have known a few terrible diet vegetarians. It can be done, LOL
So my deal was if I ever REALLY wanted to eat a steak I would....that was about 23 yrs ago.
Protein needs are easy with varied diet....due to my former work I had extensive physical exams 2x per year for over 15 yrs during the change from meat to non. Labs were always normal but my cholesterol and related dropped like a stone, blood pressure reduced some.
I'm older now, hair is still very good, I have always enjoyed endurance activities and post meat I did more than before...I continue to climb, cycle, long distance run etc even today. My best performance was well into my 30's and after veg. I'm lean, not skinny and well muscled especially for my age. I am told I look younger than I am....could be genetics but I think my diet/lifestyle was a big factor.
Most important to me is I feel great and forget my age until I look in the mirror. I am physically far younger than my counterparts and while my knees talk away at times I am pain free and hiking 3700ft/15 miles, cycled 60 miles w. elevation and a 12 mile run doesn't phase me and I can do much more. Those were just last week.
So my point is a decent veg diet can supply everything you need. Don't believe the scare stories, if it were true I would have fallen apart a long time ago.
Take care,
Whirlwind
